Style up for an ageless spring look

I recently saw a prominent founder of a fashion house comment, “how to dress like a 70-year-old,” and I got worried…

I got nervous about what was coming next, as I’m also in my seventies now and refusing to dress like my gran did when she was over 60.

Well, divas, imagine my delight when the fashionista styled a faux-leather midi skirt with rockstar ankle boots, a matching silk shirt, and given the ensemble’s neutral hues, she flung on an animal-print cropped jacket. She looked sensational and energised without looking trashy or like mutton dressed as lamb (to the slaughter). I nearly sent her flowers for juxtaposing what could have been a mundane look into a statement!

We don’t all have to look the same. I see fashion houses focusing on mature women but using models in their early twenties for online commercials and then sending the same outfits to community-oriented Instagram influencers over 60. Yes, to sell, all aspects of the market must be considered.

However, when some of the styling techniques become so ordinary or complicated, the outfit loses its appeal, we need to engage with our inner styling diva to complete the puzzle.

Navigating this labyrinth called fashion is not as complicated as it seems and my mantra of when in doubt, less is more, remains with me. Resembling a Christmas tree is only suitable for a tree, hie…

This is why I love this platform for us gals over 60 who still want to look great, whatever our shape or size. Keeping an eye out on the world’s fashion houses and adapting it to our own style is not only empowering but it is also creative therapy.

Looking at the state of the world, we certainly need this silver lining, said with a twinkle and an enormous grin as taking time out of a busy week to play with pieces in my wardrobe makes me feel in control. We can’t rule the world, but we can tune our mindset and for me, looking my best and dressing for me and not to impress anyone else, seals the deal for a great day.

Feminine pastels are big for spring and summer. So, I hauled out some of my soft pink and gentle pistachio green basic pieces. I started with the pants, shoes, and matching shirts to procure a look that would offer versatility and polish.

Navy and white are never out of style as the nautical look says classy, old money, and ageless chic.

I wrote about cardigans of any size being on trend again some time ago and I’m delighted I kept my spring cardigans of old as they’re now given a new lease on life. These classics are now styled differently with more sophistication and accessories to elevate the look, not just a single strand of small pearls…

Scarves are big with elegance and sass, styled to enhance our mood and outfits. As far as I’m concerned, they never left.

Last year, I started wearing my hip scarves to add some exotic island nuance to simple spring and summer outfits. I’m delighted to see this trend remained huge in the European summer this year. Just because we’re living Down Under, it does not mean we are ignorant about international fashion trends, right?

My point? Wear the scarf in whichever style you feel most comfortable with. Remember Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn in those 50s and 60s scarf styles? That old-world charm is back to take any basic outfit up a notch or ten.

Long vests that double as power dresses and gilets are ideal to style a skirt or pants up with for added panache. It does not have to be paired with a neutral look. I wear the gilet as an easy layer over a floral shirt, and it elevates the look. Effortless chic, nonchalant fashion, call it what you like, it adds another level of elegance.

I’ve seen so many friends comment about not being thrilled with the current trends, such as barrel pants and wide-leg pants. Why? They believe these designs make their legs seem shorter, especially if they’re no longer wearing heels.

The classic straight-leg pants style and the boyfriend jean have not left the building, unlike Elvis. I wear the straight-leg trousers, preferably cropped enough to show ankles, under shirt dresses on cooler days. It vibrates spring in the pastel hues of a shirt dress, yet it keeps the legs warm – and hidden while my self-tan process is in motion…

As for the boyfriend turn-up jeans, I like to wear those with dainty flats or kitten heels. I’m petite, so, it elongates the look and leg. However, if you prefer sneakers or chunkier shoes, those work well with the look too. Add a little bandana around the neck, or even a head scarf if it’s a tad windy, and the vibe is fabulously Riviera.

Here is hoping some of the ideas below will inspire you to be the best version of you during this journey into spring.

For daily style updates, feel free to follow me on Instagram @tilly_thegoodlife_style so cheers to creating  your personal style with flair, for nobody’s approval but your own as you are the queen of your look. Work it girls, let’s go…

1. A pastel shirtdress over straight-leg pants in a neutral tone, matching the pastel shoes to the dress, and adding a belt, which is always optional. 2. Boyfriend jeans are comfortable and the scarf and animal print in the shoes add sophistication. 3. A statement-print midi pencil skirt, styled with a complementing scarf and navy silk blouse and sweater tied around the shoulders for nonchalant chic. 4. The pencil skirt and navy shirt tucked in, with a chain belt for Chanel-inspired polish.

5. Nautical navy and white never date, notch it up with a sensational colour of your choice. I’ve paired it with silky cerise pants. 6. Gone soft with a feminine pink cardigan and pink tailored pants, adding a touch retro charm with the animal print scarf in black and white. 7. The same pink cardigan, bold pearl earrings and pink trousers, this time with a headscarf for sass and glamour, all back in vogue. 8. The same soft pink pants given a power lift with a black light-knit long vest with white trim. The gold detail on the vest requires no further accessorizing.

9. The pink trousers, this time with the shirt tucked in and a soft pink scarf, worn with a generous size cardigan for comfy chic when it’s cool out there. 10. The same pink pants, this time worn with a loose black and white shirt for comfy elegance. 11. I’ve turned big scarves into tops since I was about 20 and nothing has changed. Not in the mood to expose your back and wishing to wear all the undies, simply add a cardigan, a loose shirt, or a jacket to cover up. Your style, your choice. The soft pistachio green pants just keep on giving and the colour remains on trend. 12. The pistachio green pants complement the soft flow of the scarf as a top.

13. The same light-knit raglan-sleeve olive-green sweater, this time teamed with wide-leg white linen pants. The little neck scarf reflects sophistication. 14. Mixing the greens, lifting the darker olive shade with the lighter green pants and tying the scarf in a statement bow at the waist for a glamorous vibe. 15. A big white shirt over cerise wide-leg pants. I’ve used an old chain brooch to add definition to the wide shirt, and sleeve braces for added drama. Brooches are back! 16. The midi gilet matches the pants, allowing the floral shirt the focus it deserves, a powerful yet feminine look.