Fashion for when you're a bit older
So suddenly I'm 44. Yes, suddenly. It's just a bit crazy that I'm typing this piece, but it's really true. Old. Or at least over halfway. And definitely not young anymore. That doesn't mean the hairdresser's scissors should be set to practical and a windbreaker should be thrown over the shoulders. The idea. But an extra year does call for certain rules. Luckily, we have Tilda, Máxima, and Victoria to keep us inspired.
Diane von Furstenberg
Diane von Furstenberg, the epitome of sexy, even at her 71 years. She was born exactly one year after my mother, December 31, 1946, and like my mother, she doesn't shy away from a print. No problem at all, you don't just become Nel Veerkamp. Just make sure to have class around the print. Vary with color, keep the skirt at the right length (just above the knee), and choose soft and flowing fabrics.
Victoria Beckham
In the fresh Vogue, there's a really fun interview with Victoria Beckham, who also cringes at her fashion past. Everything just a bit too short and too tight, something you should stay far away from ‘at a certain age’. Comfortable is so much more elegant than when everyone sees that you've squeezed yourself into that top. That's why you see Victoria (you know, the woman who once said ‘I can't concentrate in flats’) nowadays also calmly in sandals and sneakers. Her uniform; the suit. But she does vary with that, of course. One time she has linen pants with a loose white shirt, the next time a pajama-style outfit, and recently she had a cheerful belt tied around her waist that reached down to her foot on the side. And color. I notice that the older I get, the less black my wardrobe becomes. Safe is over, a little variation is allowed.
Emmanuelle Alt
Emanuelle Alt, editor-in-chief of Vogue Paris, is the epitome of understated chic and is the ideal style example for when you're a bit more classic than, for example, the ladies above. A good pair of jeans (not too hip), a black capri-pants and for variation a flared jeans, but that ends halfway down the calf. As a top, she chooses simple shirts with a slightly wider neckline, you can picture her in a navy jacket and of course in a striped top.
Queen Máxima
Within the royal protocol, our queen knows how to touch the extremes. Black leather suit? No problem. A colorful jumpsuit from Etro? Of course. And of course a lot of local delicacies from Claes Iversen and Jan Taminiau. Máxima is wonderfully preserved and has a strong body, yet she also prefers a sleeve over a bare arm, respects skirt lengths, and always ensures well-groomed hair and ‘done’ nails. Something that becomes even more important as the years go by.
Tilda Swinton
Tilda, Tilda, Tilda. So cool that you just want to be older. I must say: don't hate me, don't hate me, but her slender silhouette perfectly matches her look. Businesslike, but so creative and sexy. Opt for a tuxedo pant with a colored stripe on the side, a shirt with a tie, and wide trousers that are narrow around the waist.
Tilda's secret is a shoulder that always slopes slightly upward, which gives her masculine look just that little push.
Nina Garcia
What can you learn from Nina, you want to know? That good hair is important. Done and not too long. That you can break fashion rules (just look how good that short skirt looks on her), that a simple clutch instantly makes it chic, and that a skirt begs for a two-strap shoe. So a strap over your instep and a strap around the ankle. You do have to go to the pedicure again... And you were already so busy, sorry...
Michelle Obama
How we miss Michelle's original style. Maybe we wouldn't all take it one-on-one, but how fresh it is. What do you learn from Michelle? That an outfit in one color is beautiful, especially when you're a bit older. Build your look in one color. Prints are cheerful and striking. Let your plus points shine. In Michelle's case: her legs and upper arms. And, if you're a bit rounder than Tilda Swinton, the wrap dress is your friend.
