What does dressing your age mean? And what are we ‘supposed’ to wear to suit our age?

It’s the fashion hill I’ll die on: you’re as young as you feel, or in my case, as you dress

Krissy Turner

6 March 2023

If you Google ‘what should a 32-year-old wear?’ the results suggest many a fashion ‘swap’, such as replacing strapless tops with camisoles or bodycon dresses with backless versions. They’re both among a list of fashion items that are deemed only appropriate for certain age groups, but if you’re confident and love the item, why shouldn’t you be able to wear it?

I like that my clothes communicate my personality and mood, rather than my age. You’re just as likely to catch me in a hoodie, bomber jacket, gold hoops and Nike trainers, as you are a silk midi skirt, a smart blazer, ballet flats and a top handle tote. The former could be seen as ‘young’ since it would seem only Gen-Z are allowed to dress down (hoodies are also on that unspoken list) and be comfortable while they’re at it, while the latter errs on the mature side, thanks to modest lengths and practical accessories. But I’m not 19 or 90, so anyone in the ‘dress your age’ camp would likely roll their eyes at my outfits.

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The saying ‘mutton dressed as lamb’ – where an older woman dresses in clothes designed for a ‘younger’ customer – is one example of women being knocked for not dressing to suit societal standards. It could be that she’s wearing a fashion-forward pair of trainers, a revealing dress or a fun eye-catching print, but the depressing main takeaway from it appears to be that the older you get, the more you should cover up and blend in.

The things I wear that I ‘shouldn’t’ – the ‘young’ list

Mini skirts

IMHO, a short skirt cut at the right point on the thigh is far chicer than a midi if they don’t suit your body shape or height – despite the fact they’re on the young list. While it’s cold, I wear mine with sheer tights and knee-high boots, but come summer, my legs are out and I’ll wear them with chunky dad sandals.

Too-high heels

These days, my friendship group is much more likely to be at a lovely boozy dinner than a late club night, so the high heels that I sported throughout my 20s are still getting lots of wear at fancy dinners since I’ll be sat down all night.

Fun going-out tops

Give me an asymmetric bodysuit, a cut-out neckline or a satin corset top any day. While they might be a favourite among Gen-Zers, they also look great with jeans, strappy mules and a blazer for evening if you want a ‘grown-up’ spin.

The things I wear that I ‘shouldn’t’ – the ‘mature’ list

Glasses chains

Practical and another chic accessory? Sign me up. Glasses chains are genius, especially if they add another element to your look. I have one with a thick gold chain, but chunky tortoiseshell versions are big news for summer.

Ladylike bags

I’ve noticed lots of women my age going completely one way or the other in terms of bags. In one camp, sparkly mini bags and embroidered or denim 90s-esque shoulder bags, and in the other camp, taupe leather top handle bags or practical crossbodies. I skew towards the latter.

Tailored trousers

Have a look in any high street fast fashion store and there is a ton of options ‘cooler’ than my go-to neutral tailored trousers. Leather, cargo, silver, ripped denim… the list goes on. I’ll be tucking a shirt in and wearing with my flat leather pumps, thanks very much.

Cardigans

When Katie Holmes sported that It Khaite knitted bralette and matching cardi in 2019, she changed the cardigan ‘audience’ forever. They weren’t previously the reserve of under 40s, but they’re a cornerstone in our wardrobes now, mine included.