I have recently been doing work experience at the Australian Style Institute where they mentor people on how to be personal stylists. I have written for ASI's weekly newsletter several times now, so here is what I wrote for next week's issue.
7 Tips for Eternal Youth (Or At Least Eternal Style). By Sarah Johnson.
The trick to fabulous style at any age is accepting your age, and workin’ it. Having a few key pieces and knowing a couple of secrets helps too. Here are 7 tips, for men and women, to achieve fantastic style, no matter what their age.
MEN
1. Take some inspiration.
There are heaps of men with fantastic style, and they’re not all twenty-something pop stars, in fact most of them aren’t. They are men who know how to put a look together so that they wear the clothes instead of the clothes wearing them. Immediately Google search Lapo Elkann, Toni Tanfani and Nick Wooster.
2. Make it you.
Develop a small style statement which is uniquely you. Whether it’s a tailor made scarf knot, quirky cuff links or a particular outrageous colour sock worn with every outfit, a signature touch can make a look personal.
3. Go for old-school elegance.
Keep in mind all those fashion trends and ideas of past decades, tie clips, tailored suits, bow ties, slicked back hair and cufflinks are all back. The 90’s are over so not caring is too, making an effort is back.
4. Use skin care.
Great skin is not only the domain of women and homosexuals. There are heaps of fantastic skin care products designed for men and it’s as easy as using an exfoliant and a moisturiser once a day to capture eternal youth. 2 steps. That easy.
5. Own a great suit.
A suit is like an investment. A great, designer suit actually is. Unlike most clothes, a beautifully made suit will retain its value over the years and with the right maintenance will be wearable for decades. Get it tailored for you to make it really work.
6. Consider your hair.
That’s all the stuff on your head, face included. Consider styling it further than a shampoo and a rub with a towel. Try a fantastic 50’s style like a side part or a subtle quiff. And whether your sporting a moustache, a full beard, 5 o’clock shadow or are clean shaved, make sure it’s clear which one you are and keep it neat and well groomed.
7. Care for your clothes.
Keep your shoes polished, your suits dry cleaned and in protective bags and get small holes or loose buttons fixed. Looking after you clothes properly will ensure they last longer and you always looked as well polished as your shoes.
WOMEN
1. Invest in quality.
When you’re in your teens, cheap fad clothes are fine. After then you need clothes to work a little harder and last a little longer. Spend money on well made pieces made in quality fabrics, look for shapes and styles that suit you instead of what the latest stars are wearing. All these things will ensure your wardrobe is flattering and timeless.
2. Wear sunscreen.
If you only do one thing to look after your skin make it to wear sunscreen. Sunscreen is the only proven anti aging cream and whilst a tan in your youth may be fashionable, leather skin by the time your 40 is definitely not.
3. Adopt a signature scent.
Scent is one of the most powerful senses for our subconscious and plays a huge part in making a first impression. Perfumes smell different on different people so always test a perfume on your own skin and leave it for a full day to see how it reacts on you before purchasing. Designing your own custom scent is now an easy and affordable luxury with many companies producing blendable smells. Try The Body Shop for affordable mixing kits.
4. Don’t rule things out.
Just because you’re a certain age doesn’t mean you have to shop in particular stores. Being 20 shouldn’t stop you from browsing through Sussan and being 45 shouldn’t stop you from checking out Sportsgirl. Whilst stores have definite target markets you can often find great pieces which, taken out of context and mixed with your wardrobe, could really work for you.
5. Wear denim.
Denim is not only for teens and twenty-somethings. With the right wash and cut denim can work for most ages and styles. Gossip Girl’s Lily Van der Woodsen (Kelly Rutherford) makes slim fitting, dark denim elegant by teaming with soft blouses, heels and an polished hair style.
6. Never ever..
Wear pyjamas to the supermarket, ugg boots in public, leggings as pants or visible lip liner. Super low cut jeans are NOT flattering and sneakers should never appear with jeans.
7. Love what you wear.
Confidence brings great style. If you’re uncomfortable in what you’re wearing you will be constantly adjusting it and feel self conscious. Wear what suits you and make sure you feel fabulous. Knowing you look good puts a strut in your step and gives you that illusive glow of confidence.
