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I went through a small fashion crisis once, maybe when I was in college. I had the odd impression that my colorful, preppy staples and adorable graphic tee-filled clothing was a little too childish. I had to be sleeker, more attractive, and less eccentric. I felt “too old” to still be dressing in my favorite high school clothes, and I really needed a new wardrobe. Time travel to my present thirtysomething self, and I’m genuinely gagging as I write. Too old? At twenty? Though I would honestly love to have some of those tees back, I can only imagine what the younger me would think if she saw my present closet, which is filled with the exact same clothes she eventually purged.
I’m sure I’m not the only one who thinks some fashion trends lean too youthful. Even now, sometimes I’ll stop for a second when putting on a bucket hat or a cutaway dress, wondering whether I’ve suddenly turned into that lady who makes a big effort to blend in with individuals ten years younger than me. Then it dawns on me: Fashion “rules” are entirely fictitious. In actuality, clothing does not have an expiration date. Have fun and express yourself. Personal preference is the main factor in style, not “dressing for your age.”
Although bows are a staple in children’s fashion, they are anything but childish. Indeed, high-end fashion businesses have been loving this adorable feature lately. Big or small, the bow will undoubtedly liven up your ensemble.
Yes, everything is now actually adorned with a bow.
Individual donning a large blazer, jeans, and a white corset
The fashion world just can’t seem to get over corsets, blame it on Bridgerton. Although you may wear them alone, a corset tank, skirt, or dress—which already have this detail—is a simpler way to attempt this style. Additionally, your ensemble doesn’t have to be extremely seductive; corsets are excellent for layering and may liven up structured pants and suits.
How to Style Ruffles and Puff Sleeves for the Regencycore Look
Someone dressed in an off-the-shoulder puff-sleeve dress with a floral pattern
So fun, fluffy, and poufy. When I was younger, I’ll admit that I felt uncomfortable in these kinds of dresses and wanted to take them off my body immediately. It’s time to give puff sleeves another go now that I’m older and wiser.
When I was a teenager, I didn’t belong to the grunge-loving Dr Marten crowd, and as I approached the end of my 20s, I questioned whether it was too late to join the trend. It wasn’t (and you can still feel that way if you’re over 40 or if you owned a pair and stored them alongside your super-ripped muscle tees). Right now, I pair my big white Chelsea boots with everything—dresses, sweatpants, etc. They might be the most adaptable shoes ever made.
The person is dressed in overalls, a long black coat, platform sneakers, and a sweatshirt.
It doesn’t make it any less amazing that newborns and toddlers also love this exact same clothing. All year round, overalls look great with any kind of shirt and shoe style. By the way, this collection also includes jumpsuits and rompers. Adults sometimes actually need that exact combination of clothes, and they’re basically the easiest, coziest, and most sophisticated outfits ever created.
Someone with knee-high boots, black balloon shorts, and a white shirt
To be honest, I’ve been trying for hours to recall if my mom has any true shorts that aren’t knee length. Was my granny a shorts owner? What’s the significance of shorts? In addition to being a classic summer favorite, they let your legs hang loose and prevent you from perspiring through your pants on steamy days. So, put comfort first and get a pair that complements your style, unless an antiquated dress code is preventing you from adopting this need.
Pants Made of Leather
I often believe that I’m “too old” for a trend because, as with my college years, I don’t want to expend the energy necessary to squeeze and shimmy into something constricted and uncomfortable. But leather pants also come in a variety of styles, from wide-leg to leggings, and they can give even your most basic shirts and sweaters a stylish update.
Dressier items don’t have to feel overly ornate when worn with graphic tees, which are an excellent way to express oneself. Feel free to accessorise them with skirts, slacks, sequins, or even just jeans to add some individuality to your ensemble.
Wearer dons a tall pair of patent leather boots, a fringed skirt, and a blue sequined dress.
I once read that if you’re over thirty, you shouldn’t wear sequins since they draw attention to your outfit. Who says we weren’t trying to make a statement with our attire? Sequins are a great way to add a little glitz without sacrificing pleasure and happiness. This is true both during the day and at night (another made-up rule). Feel free to take that spotlight.
Low-Dependent Tops
Someone dressed with identical slacks and a deep V-necked patterned tunic
Minute cutouts, hip-high slits, and extremely sheer designs ceased to be considered taboo (almost every celebrity has been spotted wearing a “naked dress”). Don’t hesitate to expose some skin if you feel comfortable doing so, whether it’s through a plunging neckline or another exposing feature.
Boots that Go Over the Knee
Tiffany Hsu wearing brown thigh-high leather boots and a gray houndstooth short off-shoulder ruffled dress
Though they go well with miniskirts, which is another trend you can never grow out of!, thigh-high boots are a very adaptable shoe option. You can wear them under midi or maxi skirts for added warmth in the winter, or you can wear them over jeans or leggings to give intrigue and a fashionable edge to your outfit.
Tina Leung wearing sunglasses and an oversized yellow-checked jacket with a black-and-white polka-dot outfit
Getty Images / Edward Berthelot
Recall that I mentioned that wearing fashion should be enjoyable. That includes experimenting with small aspects like color and design. For a striking ensemble, combine contrasting designs, but balance the look with neutral accessories.
The person is wearing a wooden bead purse and a bright pink fringe outfit.
Fringe is undoubtedly eye-catching, particularly when it’s incorporated into a top, skirt, or dress. Choose a bright hue for your style to maintain that lively vibe rather than trying to stop yourself from going overboard.
Someone sporting a white suit and a black bralette is seen in these 22 New Fringe Outfits You Haven’t Seen Before.
You don’t have to be a 20-something pop star or have a certain body type to wear a crop top; it’s not the poisonous ’90s. Just replace your basic shirt with a shorter one, or go bolder with a bustier design before adding your preferred bottoms. For greater covering, stick with a high-waisted design if you’re not ready to expose too much skin.
Eva Chen is dressed in a sleeveless white dress.
Simple, cozy, and really cute, dresses exude a sense of youth. This simple look is great on its own, but it can also be used as a foundational piece for your wardrobe. Add a blazer, vest, or other preferred accessories.
Grece Ghanem is dressed in booties, long cargo shorts, and a pale green halter top.Even though they can be worn at any age, spaghetti strap shirts may have been your first choice when you were a young adult. You may flaunt some skin with this gorgeous halter version. When paired with cargo shorts, it’s a fashionable ensemble.
Popular Styles
Someone wearing a purple outfit accessorized with a neon green jacket
Even if you believe you’ve seen and done everything when it comes to fashion fads like colorblocking, gothcore, and Y2K 2.0, you can still try something new. Maybe you were too young to wear everything you really loved, or maybe you didn’t commit to the look completely the first time. Now that you are in charge, there is nothing stopping you from adopting your ideal style.
