Cardigan Empire

You may be asking: spring ingenues, autumn apogees…why was summer overlooked? Obviously you have never spent a summer in Arizona. If you had, you’d realize why we’re glossing over the torrid trauma.

Now, my fair ladies advancing on the sloping rise of life, how can you ensure age appropriate glamor?

I recommend making decisions based on this simple modus operandi:

+ 10 years = -1 trend = <>In other words, remove one trendy item from your ensemble every ten years. For further emphasis, I have charted it out for you below.

In essence this chart says, tees screenprinted with sassy witticisms are cute on tweens, not on their mothers.

Trendy items are anything that draws significant attention. It can be a statement accessory, a funky hairstyle, a garment in a non-standard cut or color, or if you choose a cheeky expression.

And when you do experiment with trends, choose a softer interpretation. For example, instead of a leather skinny pant, opt for a cotton that tapers slightly.

Your signature style should also be coming into its own now. Switching between modern, romantic, bohemian, and diva on a daily basis will make you look ungrounded. Start narrowing your range of options to what speaks with the greatest force to your soul.

Below I’ve collected age appropriate ensembles for a mature set, compliments of Anthropologie, which is in fact targeted to meet the needs of women 35 and over.

Lagoon Scene Readers
Tevy Scoopneck
Summerweight Cardigan
Tilt a Whirl Crops
Seychelles Get Outta Two Sandal

Seamed Circle Skirt
Gather ‘Round Buttondown
Azteca Belt
Franco Sarto Journal Sandal

Fashion exploration precedes the threshold of college graduation, proper jobs, and weighty responsibilities. Here, every trend is novel seen with fresh, ingenue eyes. The body is lithe and the spirit is untamed. Indulge in experimentation forthwith, for during these fleeting moments, it is adorable, like chubby rolls on a baby. Even if you do make occasionally tasteless selection, you teetering around taking your first fashions steps.

Now, while I fully condone your right to sample new flavors of fashion, I must caution you on over eager skin exposure. Some style mavens may proffer that it’s appropriate, even desirable, to show additional skin at this time of life. I however disagree. I counter that you should never abandon respect for who you are, where you are, and who you are with, regardless of age. That my fair ones is what modesty communicates. Demure dress is universally appealing, comfortable around the upper branches of your family tree as well as your current birds of a feather. And might I add that fashion malfunction favors the scantily clad. Staying bashful with your body ensures freedom from public embarrassment.

A completely innocent ensemble can not be achieved standing stationary in front of the mirror. Here’s how to keep your wardrobe coy, at a complete three-hundred and three score degrees. Complete the checklist below while watching for cameo appearances of tender flesh and unmentionables.

1. one. sit on the ground and arch over
2. two. sit on a chair while you cross and uncross your legs
3. three. Raise your arms over your head
4. four. Bend and lean over

Below are two sample ensembles featuring all the trends a fledgling fashionista could ask for, compliments of Anthropologie’s younger sibling store, Urban Outfitters: