Giving a nod to current trends without being a slave to fashion is the holy grail of midlife style.
Choose your pieces carefully and you can shave years off your appearance, but not all trends are golden, and TikTok’s fashion stars don’t always get it right.
There are a lot of echoes of the look of the early 2000s trailers right now.
Think Britney’s meltdown, Jessica Simpson’s handkerchief hems and a parade of Ed Hardy T-shirts and Von Dutch baseball caps.
Just say no to everything that worked the first time and say yes to these suggestions for a fashion makeover that will have everyone guessing your real age.
Let’s go cowgirl!
Forget your trusty Isabel Marant ankle boots: if you want your outfit to have a youthful tone rather than a fashion victim, cowboy boots or knee-high boots are your best bet.
They can be worn with all your summer outfits, including midi dresses and long, straight skirts. Penelope Chilvers is an investment from £300; on the High Street, try Aspiga or Urban Outfitters.
Denim becomes looser and longer
When you can pick up a pair of barrel-cut jeans at M&S, you know the looser-leg trend is here to stay.
Don’t overthink it: Pretty much anything goes in the jean department, from wide-leg breeches to straight-leg trousers, as long as they’re not too tight and you save the low-rise for twentysomethings with toned midriffs.
Also consider a long, straight denim skirt with a high slit. Mango and Arket have great versions.
For fashion points, go for double denim and pair your skirt with a loose denim shirt over a white T-shirt. (GAP’s oversized long-sleeved Chambray denim shirt, £45, is ideal.)
This is a great combination: the white near the face reflects luminosity on the skin, and the loose shirt not only covers a multitude of sins, but conveys youthful nonchalance.
Doubling down: Zimmermann Fall/Winter 2024 catwalk
Shrug in a jacket
Don’t resurrect that fitted, utility denim jacket that looked so good with your floral dresses. That’s because they’re worn loose and baggy now.
The same goes for suit jackets, which are also worn in plus sizes over everything from a summer dress to a pair of shorts.
By updating these key pieces, you’ll instantly look years younger thanks to the fashion-forward vibe. Try the Nora Casual Denim Jacket from Hush (£51).
But… your gorgeous green jacket from last season will still be a standout in your wardrobe. Olive and army green shades flatter most complexions and aren’t as draining or ageing as black.
Buy a bucket bag
The ubiquitous canvas crossbody bag with a wide strap is long gone, and outdated accessories make you and your style look dated.
If you’re looking for a replacement, buy a bucket bag (bonus points for a pop of color). You can adjust the strap to wear it crossbody and keep your hands free.
The go-to model is Sezane’s iconic and affordable Farrow (£205), and J&M Davidson’s Carnival fringed mini bag (from £375) is a stylish purchase that will last a lifetime. Invest in a leather envelope from Anya Hindmarch (£150) to keep cards safely inside.
Yes, you can make a fisherman’s shoe.
Your white sneakers should already be dead and buried – try fisherman sandals for this season’s go-with-everything style update.
If you’re looking for comfortable sneakers, Marks & Spencer’s summer shoes are always comfortable. They have the aforementioned sandals, as well as some pretty cool black ankle-strap “platforms” and tan leather Greek sandals, which immediately give your outfit extra fashion points.
Similarly, avoid plain leather ballet flats and consider sustainable versions instead. I love Flabelus’ Mary Janes (from £59), whose rubber soles are made from recycled bicycle tyres. They look great in blue, a pop of colour that enhances almost any outfit. Remember, head-to-toe neutral is as boring as it sounds.
Invest big in small things
Gen Z doesn’t like wearing bras, but it’s a trend that’s best avoided if you’re over 40. A large bust in middle age not only makes clothes fit poorly, but it can be quite painful.
There’s no point in updating your summer wardrobe if your underwear is grey and the elastic is ruined (who has time to hand wash their bras?)
I cannot stress enough the importance of a well-fitting bra so that clothes fit and hang better. Rolls on either side of the bra strap or a monoboob bra from Mrs. Brown are not doing you any favors.
John Lewis, Marks & Spencer and Bravissimo all offer fitting services. For petite sizes, we love Stripe & Stare, and Lemonade Dolls offers lace bras for larger cup sizes.
Forget about aging flowers and prints
Consider puffed or gathered sleeves to add structure to airy summer dresses. Instead of pretty, dated floral prints, look for bold florals, graphic prints or stripes, as well as solid colors – navy, red and black look chic this summer. A-line cuts and midi lengths are a good choice.
I like Uniqlo’s Rust Cotton Volume Sleeve Dress (£39.90), Ganni’s Black Cotton Poplin V-Neck Midi Dress (£225) and Whistles’ Green and White Striped Alex Dress (£65).