It’s a conundrum that many women over 40 will be all too familiar with: just how do you dress fashionably in middle age without looking as if you’re trying to compete with your daughter?
Ageless style isn’t about jumping blindly from one trend to another; it’s about staying modern by making a subtle nod to the season – and with a few clever styling tricks, mature women can give ladies half their age a run for their money.
Indeed, according to research from Always Discreet for sensitive bladder, there are a silent but growing group of women who feel so much older than their years, with over a third of these women not feeling confident enough to wear the clothes they want to wear.
So, if you’re a stylish lady who has outgrown bodycon dresses but wants to embrace the season’s hottest trends, we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to pulling off the runway looks with ageless style and confidence.
GO BOHO
The most accessible trend to come out of fashion week was the Seventies revival – and it will no doubt be an easy look to pull off for ladies who lived through the era.
Bohemian vibes were most prominent at Burberry, with a show called Patchwork, Pattern & Prints, where almost every item – from the coats to the booties – was given a fringed makeover.
Similarly, Matthew Williamson stuck to his signature boho style by unveiling a mystical and bright hued collection inspired by the signs of the Zodiac.
So how can you take the look from the runway to real life? Opt for beautiful paisley print dresses or blouses teamed with suede jackets or a fringed waistcoat for an elegant take.
If you prefer to keep your figure concealed but still retain an air of femininity, maxi dresses are a perfect way to channel the season’s trend; team them with a pair of over-the-knee suede boots in your favourite colour or wear with a cosy poncho for extra comfort and confidence.
Not solely reserved for the summer months, maxi dresses in on-trend hues of teal and olive teamed with tights and a shearling jacket will win you fashion kudos.
Ladies who prefer a more laidback look can channel the trend via flared jeans teamed with a cosy knit, and those feeling more daring can opt for a paisley print skirt worn with a simple black roll-neck.
FEMININE AND TAILORED
Designers often look to the past for inspiration but it seems that for AW15, many delved deep into their archives by taking the Victorian age as their point of reference.
Design duo Amy Molyneaux and Percy Parker exhibited an affinity for the dark side at the PPQ show, where a relentlessly alluring theme of Gothic romanticism seeped throughout the collection.
There were similar scenes at Giles, with models sent down the runway with black lips, pale complexions and ruffled collars with silk bows galore.
Remember, however, that catwalk looks can often be extreme and you only need to take one small element of the trend to make it work in real life.
Indeed, delicate fabrics and feminine details nostalgic of the Victorian age teamed with expertly tailored separates are all you need to take your look to the next level.
For a sophisticated take on the trend, opt for a simple silk blouse in white, cream or black teamed with cigarette trousers or a midi skirt, or update your favourite LBD by adding voluminous sleeves
Complete the look by adding a luxurious wool coat to embrace winter’s charm and highlight your silhouette.
As Style Expert and That’s Not My Age founder, Alyson Walsh, explains: ‘Well-fitted clothes are a quick and easy route to feeling confident; no need to faff, hoick, or worry that seams are going to grin. Tailoring is a great way to flatter the figure in all the right areas; bust, waist and hips.
‘For casual glamour, wear a tuxedo jacket over a t-shirt, try a denim jacket over a shift dress or roll-up a blazer sleeve to artfully show a flash of silk blouse.’
KHAKI IS THE NEW BLACK
A sure fire way to look on trend is by adopting the season’s relaxed military style – one the designers reinvent season after season.
Phillip Lim and Jason Wu sent models down the runway donning oversized parkas in two-tone green hues and taupe skirts teamed with moss green blouses – and we will all be following their lead.
Ways to incorporate the trend into your wardrobe in the most elegant way include relaxed cropped trousers, a lightweight khaki jacket or a silky shirt worn with sparkles. Greens and taupes are still on-trend but for a fresher take, opt for stone-hued separates.
As Alyson Walsh suggests: ‘Go khaki crazy! The many shades of military are a good way to manoeuvre into autumn. This is the new neutral, the colour of the season that is far more flattering than black.’
STEP TO IT
As any mature women will know, wearing comfortable shoes will help you stride down the street with confidence. The good news? Comfy is no longer a byword for ugly.
‘Brilliant colours, metallic leather and mannish styles look and feel fantastic. Try brogues, penny loafers or pointed flats,’ suggests Alyson.
There may well have long been a taboo about how flats can’t be flattering, but with the right trouser leg length or skirt length, this can actually be an incredibly versatile shoe and make anybody’s legs look longer.
Even forty-plus fashion icon Victoria Beckham, who once said she ‘beyond hated’ ballet pumps, has included them in her recent collection.
And with stylish stars like Twiggy opting for comfort over an extra five inches, it’s time we embraced the revolution, too.
That said, the other good fashion news is that kitten heel is back in the form of super on-trend Mary Jones. Finally, a low heel that you can actually walk in that will add an elegant touch to any outfit!
After all, no one ever looked glamorous when their feet hurt.
STAND OUT IN COLOUR
Never before has a single colour been quite as ubiquitous as red was on the AW15 catwalks.
Spotted on pretty much every catwalk – from Emilia Wickstead to Christopher Kane – the look will make a statement when worn head-to-toe.
If it’s too bold for you, trial the trend by wearing your favourite item – a pair of Capri pants, a tunic dress or carry a tote – in pillar box red for a subtle take on the trend.
If you buy one garment in red this autumn, make it a statement red dress and combine it with this season’s other hot shade – camel – by adding a camel coat or suede camel mules to complete the look.
As Alyson says: ‘It will brighten up a winter complexion, look amazing with grey hair and boost your confidence.’
MORE IS MORE FUR
Fur is officially in fashion come autumn, if Matthew Williams’ catwalk is anything to go by – his shaggy Mongolian lamb and shearling in topaz, teal, and pink sent Instagram into a furry frenzy.
Meanwhile, hats and coats at the Ashley Williams show came in the softest sheepskin and shearling textures and acid-coloured chubby furs and bags provided some eye-catching additions to Roksanda Ilincic’s catwalk.
If over-the-top fur, like that seen at Louis Vuitton – where coats were yeti-like in white, black and leopard – is too much for you, opt for coats and knits with subtle fur panels.
To beat the elements and simultaneously look good, add a chubby faux fur stole to your outfit – the brighter the hue, the better.
‘Confidence comes from finding the right clothes, the styles and shapes that work for you,’ says Alyson.
‘So once you’ve spent time finding fail-safe basics in good fabrics that fit and flatter – the perfect pair of jeans, a great white shirt, a figure-flattering jacket – then pep them up with accessories.
‘Whether it’s a pair of chandelier earrings or a faux fur collar and a bold lipstick – adding the finishing touches to your wardrobe favourites is the easiest way to stay stylish forever.’
LIVE THE AGE YOU FEEL INSIDE: EXPERT TIPS
New research from Always Discreet for sensitive bladder reveals that of the women who suffer from bladder leaks, nearly half (42 per cent) say they feel older than they really are as a direct result of their condition.
Here are some top tips from the Always Discreet for sensitive bladder ambassadors to help women feel empowered to live life to the full, every day.
Top tips for taking care of your sensitive bladder from Campaign Ambassador and GP Dr Sarah Jarvis:
IT’S GOOD TO TALK
Share how you are feeling with someone. If you feel too embarrassed to speak to a loved one then set up an appointment with your GP. Millions of women in the UK suffer from sensitive bladder, you are not alone and there is help available.
SET A SCHEDULE
Your bladder is trainable: if you’re troubled by needing to pass water very often and needing to rush to the toilet, talk with your doctor about a daily schedule to build up your bladder’s holding capacity. Remember; allow your bladder to empty completely each time you go to the toilet.
DRINK JUST ENOUGH
There’s no need to avoid drinking in order to reduce the urge to visit the bathroom. Limiting your water intake makes your urine more concentrated, which boost your chances of bladder irritation.
Keep hydrated.
BYE, BYE BARISTA
Caffeine, alcohol and fizzy drinks could be your new worst enemies– they can irritate a sensitive bladder. Everyone with sensitive bladder could benefit from cutting down on alcohol. If your symptoms include needing to rush to the loo, try limiting those coffees, teas and carbonated beverages for a week or two to see if it helps.
REGULAR RELAXATION
If you experience anxiety, worry and concern because of your sensitive bladder, mental relaxation can be a very valuable aid. Avoid worrying about problems excessively. Deliberately include activities in your daily life that bring you pleasure for example meeting friends, going to the cinema or taking a walk.
Top tips for taking care of your sensitive bladder whilst exercising from Body Control Pilates founder, Lynne Robinson:
KEEP MOVING!
Pilates, yoga, cycling, tai chi, brisk and Nordic walking are all great low impact activities that will keep you fit.
AVOID THE CRUNCHES
Strong abdominal exercises can put too much pressure on your pelvic floor. Opt for gentler core exercises instead, to keep your abdominals in shape.
DO YOUR PELVIC FLOOR EXERCISES DAILY
By practising at least three times a day, these exercises can help you strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and give you more control when you need it. If you’re not sure how to do them, speak to your doctor or visit www.alwaysdiscreet.co.uk.
WALK, STAND, SIT TALL
Be aware of your posture whilst you exercise and go about your daily activities. Slouching inhibits your deep core muscles from working properly.
BREATHE BETTER
Learn to breathe more efficiently with Pilates or yoga. Never hold your breath while exercising as this puts pressure on your pelvic floor.
LIFT CAREFULLY
We perform many of our daily activities without consciously thinking about our movements. Stand square and close, bend from your knees and hips, keeping your back straight.
Source: dailymail.co.uk
