Don’t be conservative!
Stylish in old age – that’s how it works according to the fashion expert
© Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
Do you actually find your way in the fashion world? We are sometimes quite overwhelmed and often don’t even know where to start and what really suits us. And that doesn’t get any easier with age. Now we can fix it! BRIGITTE fashion expert Ilka provides lots of tips and tricks.
It is and remains the most important principle: fashion knows no rules – and we love that about it! Especially when we’re in our late 20’s and want to emulate all the trends but still look cool, expert tips can be more than helpful. So let’s get started!
These parts always work
BARBARA: Can you tell us a must-have that every 45+ should have in their closet?
Ilka: Of course – a colored trouser suit with wide legs and an oversized cut. Bloggers like Grece Ghanem and Mette Sørrig Andersen show how stylish colors and extravagant cuts can be. I also think well-fitting blouses are important. However, everyone should decide for themselves which cut and which design suits them. After all, it is important to always remain true to your own style. The more comfortable you feel in your own clothes, the better you look!
Which accessories always work and which make you old?
Small pearl chains are all the rage for men, but for women over 45, the short chains can quickly appear conservative. Rather rely on larger chains or chain layering. One accessory that is completely underestimated is the statement pair of glasses. Why not combine the practical with the beautiful? Large, angular, round or colorful models, like those worn by Iris Apple, give even colorless looks that certain something extra.
Which parts are worth investing in?
When it comes to basics, the following always applies: invest in quality and fit. This means that parts that we want to wear for several years must be properly processed and fit well. This distinguishes them from trend parts, which usually have a shorter half-life. You certainly can’t go wrong with a good pair of boots, a stylish trench coat and a cashmere sweater. If you want to invest in designer bags, you should make sure that the bag is not too unusual, usually you quickly get tired of these models.
It has to suit me
If you want to keep up with new trends, what should you pay attention to when you get older?
Examples like Rihanna, who broke all maternity norms during her pregnancy, show that there are no do’s and don’ts when it comes to fashion. If you like a trend, try it. However, you should always ask yourself: Do I feel comfortable with it? Am I trending? Does this trend make me happy? We’re old enough to skip a trend if we don’t like it.
How do I actually find out what suits me?
There are different categories to consider here. On the one hand, you should see whether the cut flatters the body shape, i.e. whether it emphasizes your own highlights. For example, people with short legs benefit from high-waist pants because they elongate the leg. People with a large bust from a V-neck. Then you should make sure that the color matches the type. Which color makes you shine and which makes you pale? Last but not least, you should wear clothes that you feel comfortable in. A confident appearance should never be underestimated.
Which combinations make us look conservative in the worst case?
Gray to gray needs skill. Trouser suits in gray in particular quickly look like the office and not a personal expression. Knee-length, straight-cut skirts that are not tight-fitting can also quickly appear conservative, and an interesting top will not help. Bow-tie blouses with skirts also look rather old-fashioned, so wear them with wide flared trousers.
An absolute no-go for fashion over 40?
There is not any!
Are there outfits and combinations that we can never go wrong with?
If you like it simple and classic, you can never go wrong with dark jeans and a striped Breton sweater and a pair of white sneakers. If you like it a little more elegant, long Mille Fleur dresses are a good choice. A modern, wide-cut trouser suit also suits pretty much everyone.