13 Ways to Dress Your Age Without Looking Frumpy

13 Ways to Dress Your Age Without Looking Frumpy

13 Ways to Dress Your Age Without Looking Frumpy

After a certain age, women receive some pretty awful advice, whether it pushes them toward frumpy outfits, overly covered looks, or styles that simply make them look invisible.

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Dressing for your age is not synonymous with “boring.” You can look sophisticated while showing your personality. Check out these curated picks for a flattering, effortless, yet stylish energy.

Tailored Blazer Over Jeans

Tailored Blazer Over Jeans

A fitted blazer worn with casual denim is an easy way to look polished while running day-to-day errands. It’s even a perfect option for your office’s casual Friday. The fit of the blazer is really what makes or breaks this look. A well-fitted blazer, your favorite jeans, and flats, or even high heels if you’re going for polished. Layer it over a simple white tee to help anchor the entire look. Or go for a slightly oversized blazer, that works perfectly if you’re going for a more relaxed feel.

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High-Waisted Wide-Leg Pants

High-waisted wide-leg pants have been making a comeback, and for good reason. They flatter most body types, are comfortable, and, depending on how you style and accessorize, are a great fit for multiple occasions. The leg offers a comfortable fit you can wear for the entire day, and creates a longer leg line. The high waist can very well smooth your silhouette. It works well with either a fitted top or a half-tucked blouse, which helps define your waist while keeping the proportions balanced.

You can opt for these whether you’re going to work or to a dinner party at your neighbor’s house. It’s an incredibly versatile wardrobe item that pairs with high heels as well as platform sneakers. Bear in mind that the length of the pants matters quite a lot.

You want them running just to the top of your shoe, because if they’re too long, they can touch the ground, which means they’ll dirty up and look frumpy as you wear them throughout the day, and that’s something you really don’t want. You should also avoid clingy materials, as those look quite sloppy. Ideal fabrics like crepe or twill will help hold the shape.

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Fitted Midi Dress

There’s a reason the fitted midi dress never goes out of style. It’s a very flattering outfit and can work for most occasions, if you’re careful to choose structured fabrics. As a rule of thumb, you should go for fabrics that offer some structure, things like cotton blends, ponte knits, and even lightweight wool. When you’re in the dressing room, make sure that the dress skims your body without clinging to it as you walk.

This style works well as a solid color, though prints are also a great option. What makes a well-fitted midi such a quintessential part of any wardrobe is that it’s universally flattering and requires little styling effort. You can wear it as-is, just paired with simple flats, or stiletto heels if you’re going to a more elegant or formal event. You can add a denim jacket or even a well-fitted blazer on top, depending on the type of outing you’re going for.

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Chunky Loafers with Slim Trousers

Chunky Loafers with Slim Trousers

Chunky loafers are making a comeback. They’re comfortable, elegant, and work well in an office setting. Paired with slim trousers, they offer a balance between comfort and contemporary style. It’s the perfect blend if you need to be comfortable but still don’t want to look sloppy, especially if you’re going to be on your feet all day.

The shoe-to-trouser ratio creates an optical illusion that’s especially flattering, making your legs look longer. You can also try these with cropped or tapered trousers for a different vibe. The loafers are that versatile.

I tend to opt for this specific style when I need to be on my feet all day at a networking event. I need the freedom to move around and mingle without worrying about being in pain because of my high heels.

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Structured Button-Down Shirt

Structured Button-Down Shirt

A quality button-down shirt that’s properly fitted to your body is a must-have in any style-conscious woman’s wardrobe who values versatile pieces. You can style the button-down multiple ways, including traditional work trousers and a fitted blazer for a professional look, or pair it with jeans and trainers for casual wear.

Try on multiple brands before you commit to buying, as ideally, you want to find one that flatters your shape. Alternatively, opt for getting one specifically tailored to you, which is a game-changer. Going for a slightly oversized version works really well if you intentionally style it, think tied at the waist or half tucked.

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Leather Belted Trench Coat

Leather Belted Trench Coat

A trench coat with its matching belt adds an era of elegance and sophistication to any outfit. Investing in a high-quality leather trench means having a staple you can layer across multiple weather situations. In early spring, you can match it with fitted midday looks and simple flats, and it works just as well on a rainy day. It also works great in the fall with a pair of jeans and an unfitted tee, instantly making you look elegant yet effortless.

A length that hits your mid-thigh or just above the knee is especially flattering on most body types. The beauty of a high-quality trench is that you can literally wear it over anything, whether that’s sneakers or a minimalist nude dress you’re wearing on date night. I reach for mine on days I have to run errands, but only feel like throwing on a black T-shirt, a pair of blue jeggings, and sneakers. Not the outfit I’d wear out on its own, but when you add a leather-belted trench, it somehow looks intentional and even elegant.

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Ankle Boots and Straight-Leg Jeans

Ankle Boots and Straight-Leg Jeans

As a mom, I don’t have the time or the energy to constantly chase trends. That’s where the evergreen ankle-boot-and-straight-leg-jeans combination comes into play. This versatile combo works for any casual outing, whether I’m taking the little ones out to the nearest park or meeting my best friend for a coffee catch-up.

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Ankle boots with a small black heel or wedge work perfectly for everyday wear because you can move around in them comfortably, while straight-cut jeans skim from hip to ankle. The combination works well for daytime and even some evening occasions. Ideally, choose neutral colors for the boots so you can pair them with multiple outfits.

Make sure your jeans and your boots fit without any gapping, pulling, or excessive bunching, as that makes the combination look a bit more awkward. If you want to dress up your vibe, a pointed-toe boot works really, really well. And how you cuff your jeans can change the whole look.

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Crisp White Blouse

Crisp White Blouse

A classic crisp white blouse is a staple that can work for casual or office-appropriate style. When you shop for your next crisp white blouse, make sure it’s a good fit and opt for a quality fabric paired with interesting details, such as sleeve details, pin tucks, or even some subtle texture. In the changing room, make sure the fabric is substantial enough and avoid anything that’s too see-through.

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Wrap Top with Cigarette Pants

The wrap top is great because it’s flattering on everyone. It has a gentle draping and an adjustable fit that highlights the waist. When you add a pair of slim cigarette pants, you get a stylish look that works just as well in the office or even on evening outings paired with nice stilettos. The combination works really well because the wrap top enhances your hourglass shape while the tailored pants keep things modern.

Opt for solid colors because the combination itself makes the outfit stand out without looking overly loud or busy. The other thing about this combination is that it works just as beautifully with heels or flats, so you can just add whatever shoes you’re most comfortable in.

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Knit Cardigan Layered Look

Knit Cardigan Layered Look

As long as you’re careful when layering, a good knit cardigan can upgrade any outfit. Aim for cardigans that fit close to your body but don’t look too bulky. The most flattering fit is usually when it ends between your hip and your mid thigh. If you want to highlight your shape, button one or two buttons at the waist. You can simply leave it open and just add a belt, and you’ll get great looks either way.

When it comes to materials, look at cotton blends or merino wool. These are great because your cardigan won’t lose its shape after a few washes, which is often the case with acrylic fabrics.

A cardigan is very versatile. You can wear it over a simple tank top with jeans and your most comfortable sneakers for running errands, or layer it on top of a fitted shirt, tailored pants, and pointy flats for a polished office look.

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Pointy Flats and Tailored Shorts

As long as you nail the fit and fabric, tailored shorts work beautifully with a pair of pointy-toe flats. The combination can bring your shorts above the casual category, making them a styling solution you can wear for Sunday brunch mimosas or office networking events. Thanks to how comfortable your pointy toe flats are, you can even look elegant as you hop on a plane for your next vacation.

Ideally, you should opt for shorts with a slightly longer inseam that goes down to the mid-thigh. Avoid anything too short if you plan on attending any formal events. The fabric should also follow your shape, so avoid anything that’s too tight.

Avoid loud colors and instead keep the flats neutral, such as black, which goes with anything really, or even complements the color of the shorts and the shoes for a more cohesive look. This combination works well during the summer months when you want to maintain an air of elegance without sacrificing style.

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Silk Scarf Tied Blouse

Silk Scarf Tied Blouse

A simple scarf and your basic blouse give you that effortless French chic aesthetic without ever needing to set foot in Paris, or the shopping mall, for that matter. This trick works amazingly because it lets you refresh pieces you already own and love without constantly purchasing a new wardrobe.

Make sure you pick scarves in colors that complement your favorite blouse and your complexion. As for the tying technique, don’t overthink it. You don’t need to be an expert in origami. Even the simplest knot looks elegant. Feel free to pair your scarf with simple crewnecks, V-neck blouses, or even your old button-downs.

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Block Heel Pumps Midi Skirt

Block Heel Pumps Midi Skirt

Block heel pumps are an alternative to stiletto heels for anyone who wants to look professionally put together while being able to walk around for hours on end comfortably. The midi skirt should sit at your natural waist for the most flattering proportions. This is the combo that actually solves the problem: I want to look professional, but I can’t spend all day wearing heels. Pair it with a structured blazer before you head into work.

If you want a dressier, evening-appropriate option, swap the midi skirt for a midi slip skirt. Midi skirts are flattering on most body types, but they can be especially well-fitted if you have a petite frame. When styled right, it can make you look slightly taller without the need for uncomfortable stilettos.

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