Who says fashion has an age limit? I certainly don’t and I know that you probably don’t either. I got a lovely email from a 70 year old reader the other day who was telling me that she still cares about what she wears and is a believer that there is no age limit to style!
As we get older, many of us face the challenge of balancing style with practicality and comfort becomes a bigger and bigger driver, but that doesn’t mean our wardrobe has to lose its vibrancy or edge. In fact, embracing dynamic trends that inject energy into your look is a fantastic way to stay youthful, expressive, and confident—no matter your age.
So, how can you keep your style feeling fresh and modern without feeling like you’re dressing too young? Let’s explore some of the latest fashion-forward trends, from bold statement accessories to eye-catching prints, that will add a youthful twist to your wardrobe.
1. Statement Accessories: Small Details, Big Impact
One of the easiest ways to elevate your look and add a youthful flair is through statement accessories. Bold, oversized earrings, chunky necklaces, or even a pair of statement sunglasses can completely transform a simple outfit into something special. Accessories are a great way to experiment with trends without feeling like you’re stepping too far out of your comfort zone.
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The beauty of statement pieces is that they do the heavy lifting for your outfit. A well-placed accessory can draw attention to your best features and to your portrait area (away from your tummy, hips and thighs), add colour, or bring a touch of playfulness. Whether it’s a striking handbag in a bright hue or a scarf with a bold print, these little details can breathe life into your wardrobe, making it feel fresh and fun.
If you’re new to statement accessories, start small by adding a bold necklace or pair of earrings to a classic, neutral outfit. This allows the accessory to be the focal point while keeping the overall look balanced. Want to master the art of accessorising? My book, The Finishing Touch, is a comprehensive guide that will help you perfect this essential styling skill.
2. Bold Prints and Textures: Energise Your Wardrobe
Another trend that instantly adds a youthful edge is the use of bold prints and interesting textures. From abstract patterns to animal prints, incorporating prints into your wardrobe is an excellent way to add energy and personality. Many people shy away from prints as they get older, fearing they’ll be too loud or attention-seeking, but when styled thoughtfully and in your colour palette, prints can add a fresh, modern twist to your look.
Animal prints, in particular, have stood the test of time and remain a favourite for women of all ages. A classic animal-print blouse, for example, can be paired with simple neutral trousers for a chic, stylish look. Alternatively, geometric and abstract prints in the reds, oranges or pinks in your palette colours can make a statement without overwhelming the outfit.
Here, I’ve paired a crochet top for texture with a snakeskin print skirt. Even though the palette is neutral, the outfit has visual interest.
If you’re hesitant about going all-in with bold prints, try incorporating them through accessories or one statement piece at a time, like a printed jacket or skirt. Pair them with neutral tones to keep the look sophisticated and balanced.
3. Play with Colour: Add Vibrancy to Your Look
There’s no better way to add a youthful touch to your wardrobe than by embracing colour. While neutral tones are timeless and elegant, injecting some advancing hues into your wardrobe can refresh your look and make you feel more vibrant. Warm overtone colours (orange, yellow, red, pink and red-violet all advance). The key is to find colours that complement your skin tone and personal style.
Colours like electric blue, fiery red, and sunny yellow are all trending, but if you prefer something softer, pastels like mint green or blush pink can also add a fresh, youthful glow. The trick is to mix colours in a way that feels harmonious and reflective of your personality.
In my 7 Steps to Style program, I work with women to discover their most flattering colours based on their personal colour palette. Knowing which colours suit you best not only makes your outfits more visually appealing but can also give you that inner boost of confidence that comes from feeling good in what you wear.
If bold colours are not for you, start by adding small pops of alternate colour in your palette through accessories like a handbag, shoes, or jewellery. A coloured scarf or pair of shoes can instantly update your look without feeling too over-the-top.
4. How to Stay Stylish with Modern Silhouettes and Tailoring
Adding a youthful edge to your wardrobe doesn’t mean you need to chase trends; it’s about embracing timeless pieces with a modern twist. One of the most powerful ways to do this is through tailoring. Well-tailored clothing instantly elevates your look and gives it a polished, youthful vibe. Structured blazers in a ponte knit for comfort, fitted trousers, and blouses are wardrobe essentials, but to keep things fresh, look for updated silhouettes.
Adding a jacket rather than a cardigan as a third piece will always add a more tailored and elevated appearance to your outfits.
Keep your silhouette modern and up with current fashion trends, wide leg pants with a cropped jacket may replace skinny jeans with a tunic. These subtle shifts in silhouette keep your wardrobe feeling current while remaining timeless. When tailored to your shape, these pieces will make you feel put-together and contemporary.
Experiment with creative or unconventional shapes in your tailoring. Pairing a well-fitted top with wide-leg trousers or a relaxed blazer with slim jeans can create a chic, modern contrast that feels youthful yet sophisticated.
5. Athleisure: Comfort Meets Style
The athleisure trend shows no signs of slowing down, and it’s one of the easiest ways to inject a youthful, dynamic feel into your everyday outfits. Athleisure is all about blending comfort with style, making it perfect for those who want to stay on-trend without sacrificing practicality.
From sleek joggers to stylish sneakers and fitted hoodies, athleisure pieces can be mixed with more polished items in your wardrobe to create a balanced look. Pairing a tailored blazer with joggers or a sleek dress or skirt with dress trainers is a great way to stay comfortable and look effortlessly cool.
To keep the athleisure look chic, opt for high-quality fabrics and well-fitted pieces. Pairing casual items with more structured pieces, like a jacket or blouse, helps to balance the relaxed vibe while maintaining a stylish edge.
6. Layering for Visual Interest
Layering isn’t just practical for transitioning between seasons—it’s also a great way to add visual interest and depth to your outfits. Thoughtful layering creates dimension, making your look appear more dynamic and youthful.
Try layering a longline cardigan over a fitted dress, or wear a collared shirt under a sleeveless jumper for a more playful, modern vibe. Mixing textures and fabrics, like pairing a silk blouse with a chunky knit, can also add contrast and make your outfit feel more interesting and fresh.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with proportions when layering. A shorter jacket over a longer top or a loose jumper over a fitted skirt can create a stylish, youthful silhouette.
7. Finishing Touches: Statement Footwear
Finally, never underestimate the power of statement footwear to add a youthful twist to your look. Whether it’s a pair of brightly coloured heels, trendy trainers, or edgy ankle boots, your shoes can be the finishing touch that takes an outfit from ordinary to extraordinary.
This season, chunky soles, bold colours, and metallic finishes are all having a moment, offering endless opportunities to experiment with your footwear. A well-chosen pair of shoes can not only make your outfit stand out but can also make you feel more confident and youthful with every step.
Invest in a few pairs of standout shoes that align with your personal style and are comfortable. Whether it’s a coloured ballet flat or a sleek pair of sneakers, statement footwear can elevate even the simplest outfits.
Ready to explore more ways to bring youthful energy into your wardrobe? My 7 Steps to Style program will help you discover the colours, cuts, and trends that suit you best—while keeping your look fresh and exciting.
Fashion is all about expressing who you are and how you feel, and it’s never too late to embrace trends that make you feel vibrant and youthful. Whether you choose to play with bold accessories, prints, colours, or modern silhouettes, the key is to have fun and stay true to yourself.
