We live in a world of implants and exaggerated cheekbones. Women undergo drastic weight-loss surgeries in the hope of regressing to younger-looking bodies, while teenagers use Kylie Jenner’s make-up techniques to look like older, sexualised bombshells. Few are content with portraying how old they really are.
If you think the fashion industry works to create designs that suit your age, you're a bit off base. But there's no need to take on trends that eerily add, or horrendously subtract, years from your age. Those who are 40-plus aim to wear clothes that take them back to their 20s. We cling to our body-hugging dresses, shorter skirts and brighter colours: styles reminiscent of younger, flirtier days. Current runway trends provide a conundrum then, flaunting age-old style elements and seeming to evoke Maggie Smith's character in Downton Abbey – brocades, sheer neck panels, strong shoulders, brooches and lots of old-fashioned layers.
Take Gucci for example. Its recent autumn/winter show had a definite vintage feel, with crinkle pussy-bow collars, knitted sweater vests, neck ties and penny loafers. While elements were clearly aged, the vibe was invigorating. Midi skirts were put forth in subtle metallics, while coats were lined with sheer tulle for a refreshingly raw look. Layering was eccentric, emblematic of a girl who reads books and writes but pays attention to style standards. Though she may be inspired by her grandmother and shop at second-hand markets, she has an eye for putting together pieces in an innovative, and certainly not drab, manner.
At Erdem, an all-black look consisting of stiff sleeves, a peplum and Victorian-esque high collar looked divine in laser-cut leather. Features that alone may be mature were combined to look ingeniously modern – an inspiring example of how to look youthful, aided with facets from past fashion periods.
Yet the reverse trend is also common, as designers are increasingly capitalising on childish motifs to appeal to customers who yearn to look young and fun. This is where it gets murky, as it’s far worse to look cheap and desperate than to look quirkily older.
Since Jeremy Scott took over the reins at Moschino last year, the brand has been sliding down a slippery slope of silliness, goading women to take on teeny-bopper graphics such as Looney Tunes characters, Barbies, SpongeBobs and McDonald’s Happy Meal boxes. They may look cool on college-age style bloggers, but have a far less attractive appeal on mothers who begin to blend in a bit too well with their children’s play circles.
To look younger, you don’t need to be so drastic. Take off some years by doing your age and your body justice. Highlighter hues don’t suit everyone, but that doesn’t mean you need to dress in all-neutrals. Longer lengths are classy and sophisticated, not matronly, and dresses meant for high school after-prom parties are not made to be worn at your child’s recital performance. With the current crop-top craze in full swing, you may be tempted to try one out, with the misguided impression that it will make you look younger and fitter. Chances are it won’t. Finally, a teddy bear can make a cute phone case, but printed on a large duffel bag or knit dress, it becomes too much to bear – pun intended.
