Fashion Purchases For Women In Their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s
I’ve been fortunate to work with lots of different age groups over the years - ranging from women in their early 20’s all the way through to women in their mid to late 60’s, which just goes to show that fashion and the way we look matters to so many of us, regardless of our age.
Having said this, I thought it might be fun to put together a roadmap of similar themes that I’ve learnt from all of my clients, including the most common style goals for each decade and the clothes & accessories that I believe each decade should aim to have in their wardrobe.
For Women In Their 20s
When you're in your 20s, as you evolve as a person, so too does your style. This is the perfect opportunity to discover who you are and what style/s you naturally gravitate towards without the influence of your “school friends”. Think of yours 20s as a time to spread your wings and make up your own mind about what looks good on you and what works with your constantly changing lifestyle.
Clothes & Accessories For Women In Their 20s
A PAIR OF FUSS-FREE JEANS
Fuss-free being the key word here. It’s time to purchase a pair of jeans with no frills & thrills that can take you from casual Friday to after-works drinks. Aim for a classic, dark blue wash and try to avoid any embellishments, rips and fading.
A VERSATILE DRESS
This dress needs to work hard for you so much so that the cost per wear is basically in the negatives. Find a dress that works for multiple occasions simply by changing up your accessories - a night out with friends, a work lunch, a family wedding or a brunch with grandparents.
A CROSSBODY BAG
Probably the most functional bag of them all. Keep your hands free whilst juggling your never-ending to-do list with a crossbody bag.
A PAIR OF ANKLE BOOTS
If I had to choose one style of shoe that works for almost every occasion, it would be a dark pair of ankle boots. Your budget in your 20’s likely doesn’t allow for too many pairs of shoes, so invest in one pair of boots that will give you more bang for buck.
For Women In Their 30s
By the time you’ve reached your 30s, you’re starting to figure it all out. You might not be 100% confident just yet and may still be lured from time to time by what’s currently on-trend but with a more stable job under your belt, you can begin to introduce a few more classic and timeless pieces that work with your preferred style/s.
The best apart about your 30s is discovering your “uniform”. It takes a certain level of maturity and confidence to define your style and create a uniform or signature look that you can rely on and this is your chance to do that.
Clothes & Accessories For Women In Their 30s
A BASIC T-SHIRT
As you approach 30, you may have realised that the humble t-shirt is one of your most worn items and when you choose to skimp on quality, they really don’t last that long. Invest in a t-shirt made from 100% cotton in a colour that works with most of your wardrobe and in a style that suits your body shape. If you don’t know what that is, consider a personalised ONLINE STYLING REPORT.
A TWO-PIECE SUIT
Now this suit needs to be appropriate for both work & play so it needs to be classic, without being too structured. You want to be able to mix & match with the rest of your wardrobe by wearing both the blazer and trousers as separates. You should feel comfortable wearing the blazer with a pair of jeans & heels as well and the trousers with perhaps a basic tee & a pair of sneakers.
EVERYDAY EARRINGS
There’s nothing like a great pair of earrings to make an outfit look polished & complete. The trick here is to buy a pair that works with most of your wardrobe but still shows a little personality. You don’t want anything too basic & plain like a simple stud - remember, you’re still trendy & young! If you want to know which earrings suit your face shape? I’ve written a blog post - THE BEST EARRINGS FOR YOUR FACE SHAPE.
A CLASSIC HEEL
You’ve probably got a bit more cash now to be able to splash out on a pair of killer heels. Keep the style classic and preferably dark in colour but look for interesting details that reflect your defined personal style like a pointed toe, a slingback, cut-outs or thin elegant straps etc.
For Women In Their 40s
Use confidence to your advantage here because in your 40’s, you may feel comfortable enough in your own skin to have some fun, but in a less spontaneous and more considered way. A lot of my clients in their 40’s go through this really interesting transition where they don’t want to dress to look younger then they are, but they do want to dress slightly edgier and more fashion-forward. Basically, they still love & adore the classic pieces they purchased in their 30’s but they find them a little ageing if worn on their own.
This is the perfect time to inject some personality into your outfits by continuing to purchase classic pieces, yet pieces that also include a modern twist - details that are going to set you apart from the woman across the street.
Clothes & Accessories For Women In Their 40s
A BLACK-TIE DRESS
Once upon a time you could get away with wearing a cocktail dress to a black-tie event but now is your chance to honour and appreciate the level of sophistication that comes with age by investing in a show-stopping dress for your next event - one that you can wear to any formal function.
A SET OF MATCHING LINGERIE
Feel just as confident underneath your clothes with a beautiful set of matching lingerie. The more beautiful & feminine, the better in my opinion. The goal is to upgrade from the mismatched underwear you wore so often in your 20’s & 30’s.
A BAG THAT MEANS BUSINESS
This will look different for everyone and doesn’t necessarily have to be business or corporate appropriate but you’ll want a bag that is practical, yet stylish. A handbag that shows everyone how hard you’ve worked over the years but fits all of your daily essentials and no, this is not a nappy bag …
A PAIR OF SNEAKERS
There is nothing more stylish than a woman who is confident enough to rock an unexpected pair of sneakers with a more elegant outfit. Trust your years of fashion experience and buy a pair that is sleek, cool and can be worn with lots of different outfits in your wardrobe.
For Women In Their 50s
Your 50’s are the best time to experiment with prints & patterns. By 50 years of age, I hope that you are able to do what you want, when you want and you live by your own rules.
Begin to introduce pieces that make you happy and work with the lifestyle you want to create. Want to book a 3 week holiday to the Amalfi Coast but don’t have anything to throw over your swimsuit? Its time to invest in the clothes & accessories that will help you live your best life!
Clothes & Accessories For Women In Their 50s
A CASUAL SHIRT
This one has to tick a few boxes - you need to be able to wear it with jeans or a tailored pair of trousers. You need to be able to wear it tucked into a beautiful skirt but you also need to be able to wear it casually and thrown over a one-piece swimsuit. I’d suggest a relaxed shirt made from linen or 100% cotton.
A TRENCH/ WINTER COAT
No doubt you already own a jacket that you love - possibly a denim jacket or perhaps a leather jacket. The time has come to splurge on a coat that will keep you warm, cosy & stylish in the event that a trip to New York pops up. Plus, there is just something incredibly inspiring about a woman who knows how to layer like a pro.
A PAIR OF OVERSIZED SUNGLASSES
You’ve had a busy life and probably still have a very full & exciting life ahead. There are going to be days though when you just want to hide behind a nice, big pair of sunglasses. Choose an oversized style that suits your face shape.
A LONG-TERM WALLET
Think long & hard about this one because with a bit of luck, you’ll use this for the rest of your life. Choose a good-quality wallet that can double as a clutch for special occasions.
For Women In Their 60s
By now, you should have a collection of classic wardrobe staples. Your 60’s are all about being comfortable in style. It’s time to add in some luxury pieces which you could literally live in for the rest of your life.
Clothes & Accessories For Women In Their 60s
A PAIR OF CASUAL, TAILORED PANTS
You deserve to sit back and relax so choose a pair of non-skinny trousers that are soft, tailored and super comfortable. You want to be able to wear these whilst doing the groceries, going to the movies or having lunch with friends.
A TIMELESS SWEATER
As we age our ability to regulate temperature starts to decline so invest in a simple, elegant knit sweater that you can take with you anywhere/ everywhere.
A FAB NECKLACE
Ideally, you want this to be a conversation starter. It doesn’t need to be bright or large in size, it doesn’t even need to make a statement but it should “wow” you and everyone else you interact with when you wear it. It should take an outfit from drab to fab!
A PAIR OF STATEMENT FLATS
You may still love a good heel at night but these days you tend to prefer a more practical flat. Just because they’re flat though doesn’t mean they’re not pretty. Look for beautiful details and prints - think leopard print or a metallic heel.