FASHION Editor Clemmie Fieldsend reveals the key styles that could be making you look older than your years.
But with some clever anti-aging style ‘tweakments’, you can bring your wardrobe bang up to date – for as little as £17.
FLORAL MIDI DRESS
For years, , and M&S have dressed the nation with a reincarnation of the same thing – the floral midi dress.
Usually paired with white trainers and a denim jacket, it has become known as the ‘yummy mummy’ uniform.
But wear it now and you might as well have a sign around your neck that says: ‘I’m old’.
You can still hold on to the midi length, or update with a maxi length for an elegant look, but instead ditch floral patterns and opt for a block of colour.
Still versatile and comfortable on summery days, this looks up-to-date and a little less naff.
- Red dress, £45, Marks & Spencer
CROPPED TRENCH COAT
Trench coats have a long and rich history and, since their birth during WW1, have kept their original shape and long length – until now.
While there’s nothing wrong with the traditional long silhouette, the more current and chic alternative is for it to be cropped.
Ideal for transitional , be it rain or shine, the ‘cropped’ style means you can wear it into , getting more use out of it.
Don’t worry about the use of the term ‘cropped’, either – it’s not a belly flasher, but should sit on your hips.
- Cropped trench, £29.99, H&M
‘MOM’ OR SKINNY JEANS
When it comes to jeans, fluidity is key.
Baggy – and most importantly long – jeans are the key look for when you’re trying to keep your outfit current.
Any denim that is restrictive, be it a tapered ankle on a ‘mom’ jean, or a drainpipe pair of skinnies, are out. Right now, the relaxed look is in.
They can still be slimming and leg-lengthening if you go for a straight silhouette, but best to play it safe and go wide, as they balance your proportions by following the width of your hips to your toes.
- Jeans, £20, Tu at
DELICATE JEWELLERY
Accessories put the finishing touches to your outfit and are the difference between wearing clothes and styling them.
is the best (and cheapest) tweakment you can make to an outfit to make it look well put together and modern.
Dainty, delicate chains and huggie earrings have been the kings of jewellery for a long time, but their reign is over.
Now, if you want a chic, expensive look, large and in charge accessories are in.
Chunky chain necklaces, over-the-top earrings and statement cuffs are the three biggies you need to keep an eye out for.
Paired just with jeans and a T-shirt, you’ve got a sleek outfit that feels on-trend and classic all at the same time.
- Gold cuff, £17,
BIRKENSTOCKS
Slipping on a comfy suede Birkenstock sandal or mule was good while it lasted, but the clompy shoe has had its day.
But it’s not all bad news, as comfy flats are still in.
Loafers have been huge so far this year – think M&S’ constantly sold-out pair – but as we move into warmer weather a suede shoe just isn’t going to cut it if you don’t want to end up with hot feet.
Enter the woven pump.
They look like something you picked up while island hopping around , but in reality you bought them on the high street.
You can take the trend one step further and try the jelly-shoe, plastic version – – but they do come with a blister caution. You have been warned.
- Shoes, £35.99, Zara
LEATHER BAGS
Suede is having such a moment, with brands like M&S, Mango and Sezane all having sell-out success with suede jackets.
But the trend isn’t limited to clothing.
Leather or faux leather bags are the style that most of us tend to reach for, but with faux styles some can scuff easily, sometimes revealing their white, plastic insides.
Suede or suedette doesn’t do that and looks premium, but without the high end price tag.
And the best bit?
When suede textures are knocked about and worn in a bit, they look better and cooler, so you can be sure you’ll get lots of use out of it.
- Faux suede bag, £27.99, New Look
PRINTED BLOUSES
For those of us that have lived by the ‘jeans-and-a-nice-top’ formula for years (myself included), unfortunately we are dated.
Usually coming in a floral or polka dot print, these wardrobe staples have served us well, but have now been replaced by the broderie anglaise blouse.
Not only is the boho look huge again, but these garments are perfect for and summer, with laser cut-out detailing that will keep you cool.
Plus they go with pretty much anything – jeans, denim shorts, skirts, or tailored trousers.
Opt for coloured thread detailing on white, or a block colour – both a gorgeous transition away from the now-dated floral style.
- Blouse, £35,Very.co.uk
