If there’s a dress you fancy, go for it. Wear it! Don’t let other people, not even us, dictate how you should dress yourself up for the day. After all, the concept of “dressing your age” is a rather outdated idea.
However, we also believe that dressing up the right way can work well in your favor. It’s also important to think about what you want your clothes to communicate.
Choose a dress style that is appropriate for your body and lifestyle, and you will look your best at every age!
Find your age bracket below, and discover what dress styles are most suitable for you.
1. 15–25 years old
Try not to dress like Kendall and Kylie Jenner. That is, avoid decking yourself too much in figure-hugging and thigh-baring clothes. You can exude sexiness even without exposing too much skin.
Elle Sasson “Holly” Dress, $685
Contrast patterns lend definition to a fit-and-flare colorblock dress, styled with a paneled basque waist and swingy skirt
Make the most of your youth by trying a lot of pretty fit-and-flare dresses. They are generally flattering and appropriate for different ages, even women 25 years and above.
Invest in one, and you’ll get a lot of wear from it in the next couple of years!
Elle Sasson “Sonny” Dress, $1,115
Playful patterns rendered in colorful embroidery lend a cheery feel to a silk-crepe ivory dress
A nice drop-waist dress, preferably one with a charming pleated detail at the hem, lets you show off your figure but still retains a youthful flair.
Stella McCartney Matchstick-Print A-line Dress, $1,287
Stella McCartney’s playful, matchstick-print dress
Conceal any love handle you might have, or simply add more volume to your frame by donning a volumized A-line dress or tent dress.
You can even wear a long-sleeved collared shirt underneath for a nice vintage school-girl approach.
2. 25–35 years old
You still want your wardrobe to retain some girly charm, but you also want to incorporate more mature pieces for work purposes and whatnot. For example, Zooey Deschanel was criticized for dressing like a young girl at a party in 2013.
Bec & Bridge Wisteria Reversible Dress, $200
Slender ribbing adds a mesmerizing quality to this textured jade dress
A nice body-con dress is great for play, but you can also stretch out its functionality a bit by wearing it for work. Just throw in a sleek blazer or jacket, and you are great to go!
David Szeto Maria Silva Perf Neoprene Dress, $1,260
An eclectic, laser-cut neoprene black/blue dress makes a mod impression with bold two-tone detailing
Add old-world charm to your wardrobe by investing in a knee-length flared skirt. Tea-length dresses are also ideal.
These dresses work in giving your wardrobe more femininity. Also, they are life-savers for those days when you are feeling frumpy and nothing in your closet feels right on your body.
Elle Sasson Barry Dress, $595
This ivory dress is embroidered with bold cats, making a whimsical approach to the simple shift
The classic shift dress never gets old. It’s also versatile, so this will work for virtually any age. You can style it in so many different ways, too, as befits the season and your age.
3. 35 years old and above
Don’t just stick to trends. Find dresses that will flatter your body to no end, and saturate your wardrobe with them.
Diane von Furstenberg “Amelia” Wrap Dress, $485
A vintage-inspired wrap dress looks luxe in snakeskin-print silk jersey
The wrap dress never gets old! It will easily give you a lovely figure. Choose prints that are bold and vibrant to give off a youthful vibe.
Dolce & Gabbana Floral-Print Dress, $2,195
You almost can’t go wrong in a Dolce & Gabbana floral-print dress
You can’t go wrong with a tea dress. It slashes years off your age and gives you a lovely retro aura.
Lanvin Polka-Dot Shift Dress, $1,817
Polka dot dresses look amazing with boots, heels, sandals, wedges, or flats
Pencil skirt dresses that are cinched in the waist are a nice alternative to the body-con dress. It’s also very classy and can easily be styled with pared-down accessories.
Find a good dress formula, and you’ll never have to worry about not dressing appropriately for your age.