As we age it’s important to dress in an appropriate way. How we dress sends a message. A mature wardrobe doesn’t mean style is compromised. In fact, fashion plays a huge role in self expression .

Fashion experts stress the importance of building a wardrobe that consists of a few key and quality pieces. A trench coat in a neutral color, a fitted white button down shirt, a simple black dress, a cashmere sweater, blazer, pencil skirt, a high quality pair of jeans and a versatile pair of black high heels are building blocks all adult women should own.

Clothes are expensive and choosing pieces that serve many purposes will ease the cost of being well dressed. It’s best to allocate the majority of a clothing budget to high quality and classic pieces. Trends are fun and certainly can be incorporated in a wardrobe inexpensively as the seasons change. The bulk of a budget though should be spent on timeless garments that never go out of style.

Ill fitting clothing can ruin a look no matter how pricey the piece is. Having clothes tailored is relatively inexpensive. Most dry cleaners have a tailor on staff for simple alterations. Clothes that fit properly make all the difference. The power of quality undergarments should not be overlooked. Most department stores offer free fittings for women’s undergarments. Women are often surprised to learn they have been wearing the wrong size for most of their adult life. Shapers help conceal flaws and help clothes drape in the most flattering way to any body shape.

Heavily embellished or slogans on clothing should be avoided. Too often the clothes wear the person which indicates a poor fashion choice. A full length mirror in a well lit area is a must.

Dressing like an adult is part of being an adult. The concept is simple but often not followed. Grown women shouldn’t mimic the fashion of their junior counterparts. A mature style doesn’t have to be dowdy and shapeless. The philosophy of fashion simply has to grow up.