We get asked a lot about how to keep your fashion cool when you reach your late 30s and move into your 40s. It's possible that motherhood (a process that can be known to throw your wardrobe into a spin) has gotten the best of you, or maybe you simply lost your way in terms of style. Many of women have been there, but the good thing is that you can come out on the other side feeling like yourself again. Even if you develop a habit of holding onto fashion items that speak to our youth, it's important to try out new "grown-up" trends.
Dressing in a "cool" way is hard to define, and it varies from person to person. Think of how innate it appears to women like Christine Centenara, Emmanuelle Alt, Zanna Rassi Roberts and Veronica Heilbrunner—they have very different styles, yet they share the fact that they've developed distinguished, polished looks of their own. The main factor? Having confidence in what works for you and generating a style uniform out of that information. Plus, you can continue to update your uniform without doing a complete 180 each season. Want to see some of our favourite tips? Keep reading to see how we master casual, cool everyday style.
We love a printed midi skirt or dress. Style them up with trainers, chunky boots, over-the-knee boots, loafers and sandals for maximum cost-per-wear. These types of dresses feel on trend yet work perfectly with a busy lifestyle.
Shop Our Midi-Dress Picks:
Related: How to Wear Graphic Tees When You're a Grown-Up
Buy an easy, everyday stylish pair of trainers. Converse, Nike and Veja (our latest trainer obsession) are all practical, chic options. Wrap the laces around your ankle for added style.
Shop Our Sneaker Picks:
Emmanuelle Alt mastered the art of the half T-shirt tuck. But what is it? Merely tucking the front of your tee into your jeans and leaving the rest out. Doing this is a simple trick that adds some nonchalance to your look.
Shop Our "Tuckable" T-Shirt Picks:
Black will forever be a stylish, classic colour. It's good to have a stable of black basics in your wardrobe that will work for you whatever your lifestyle.
Shop Our Black Picks:
The black roll-neck is essential in winter and lets you get maximum wear out of summery pieces. It also looks just as stylish worn alone, or under a blazer or leather jacket, silk camisole or dress.
Shop Our Layering Picks:
Related: Summer 2018 Fashion Trends: The Only Looks You Need to Know
Accessories can make all the difference when finishing off your look. A crossbody (there's always something effortless about those), great ankle boots, simple jewellery and statement sunglasses are all essential pieces we turn to. With jewellery, invest in some delicate pieces that you can wear every day—think simple studs, a delicate necklace or colourful stackable bracelets. We also love adding brooches to our denim jackets and plain blazers. When it comes to sunglasses, stick to classic shapes to get maximum usage.
Shop Our Accessory Picks:
Make sure you get any pieces in your wardrobe that don't fit you properly altered. Fashionable Parisians swear by it. Blazers, black trousers, pieces that aren't doing anything for your shape… You could even chop the bottoms of your jeans off if they're too long. It's all about the crop—showing a little ankle is super chic.
Shop Our Tailored Picks:
