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Featured Article

Dressing Your Truth

Article by Rachel Bennett

Photography by Barb Bergeson

Originally published in Boise Lifestyle

Women

Picking an outfit causes us some to groan. We may have plenty of options in the closet, but are they right? Can a 30-year-old woman wear the same thing as a girl in her 20s? Believe it or not, a number does not define you in any way.

It’s not about trying to dress down your age, and it’s not about trying to be too mature; it’s about making your style interesting. Pay attention to what works for your body and your lifestyle. If you’re a mom on the go, heels might not be your daily go-to, but a stylish pair of mules can be.

Don’t be afraid to wear the same style of jeans as your daughter (or mom!); just make sure you make them your own. That might mean elevating your look with a fantastic blazer, silk blouse or cashmere sweater (for mom) or pairing the jeans with a killer pair of heels and colorful scarf (daughter).

Find silhouettes that are modern, clean and have a twist. This motorcycle jacket is a great example of how you can change the look just by what you pair with it, and it’s a piece that spans the generations.

20s

With youth on your side, you don’t need much more than a classic look. You can also push style boundaries to the limits—like pairing a Louis Vuitton handbag with knock-off shoes from Target! Don’t worry about being too serious. If anyone can get away with it, it's you.

30s

By your mid-30s, you’ve developed your go-to style. You know what works best for your body, personality and lifestyle. This is a good time to refine that go-to look that you can rely on and know you will feel fabulous.

50-Plus

The kids are out of the house; maybe you're close to retirement. But you still need to keep your style impeccable and understated. Don’t feel obligated to buy a pair of orthopedic shoes or polyester pants. It takes maturity and confidence to define your style, and you have plenty of that by now. Show off who you are.

Men

Who doesn’t love a good flannel shirt? Flannel is often overlooked as an essential staple in any male wardrobe. It can easily transition from a young man in his 20s to a man in his 50s and still make the man look put-together and stylish, no matter the age.

20s

The 20s for men is the sweet spot. Because it's a demographic that's catered to by fashion, you have a good variety to choose from to find your style. Use this time to do just that.

30s

In your 30s, it's time to leave the boy behind and invest in important pieces that the man you've become is going to be comfortable in. Your style may change a little more from what it was before, but don't overdo it. Find a little edge you can add.

50-Plus

Just because you may be a grandpa does not mean you have to dress that way. Style doesn't have to change too much from when you're in your 30s and 40s to now. Just make sure your uniform makes you confident, comfortable and on-point.