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Dressing your age

I recently turned 40 and decided it's time to dress my age. But I still love my boot-cut jeans. What are my options?
By Tracey Ho Lung
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Dressing your age
I'm trying to be more creative with my wardrobe. I recently bought a knee-length leather skirt. Although I can't wait to wear it, how do I carry it off so it doesn't seem as if I'm trying to look younger than my age (I'm 53)?

A leather skirt is a sophisticated purchase, and there are many ways to wear it and avoid resembling a rock 'n' roll groupie. Leather is a lush fabric, so complement it with other luxurious "adult" pieces such as a silk blouse, a nubbly tweed blazer, a belted cardigan or even a classic turtleneck. As long as you keep what's on top age-appropriate, your leather skirt will follow suit.

Last year I quit my job to become a stay-at-home mom. Lately, I've been looking a bit ragged. How do I find a happy medium between corporate and disheveled?

Jersey is a stretchy, figure-flattering knit fabric that resists wrinkling. It's perfect for when you want to be comfortable yet still look put together. You can find basic and trendy jersey tops and bottoms from Lida Baday . Her jersey collection comes in a variety of stretch, matte and wool options. A jersey pant worn around the house with a T-shirt looks just as chic with a fitted blazer when you need to step out for lunch.

I'll be attending a semi-formal class reunion and just found out that I'm pregnant with my first child. What can I wear that will be appropriate but still make a stylish impression?

You're in luck! Since the invitation calls for semi-formal, choose from a selection of this season's popular empire waist dresses. Many come in pretty prints and floaty fabrics that will flatter your growing figure. Laundry by Shelli Segal and ABS by Allen Schwartz offer a variety of sweet semi-formal dresses. You can also try stores such as ABS Formes or Old Navy maternity for more casual options.

I recently turned 40 and decided it's time to dress my age. But, I still love my boot-cut jeans and want to keep wearing them without looking too old. What are my options?

Just because you're 40 doesn't mean you can't follow current fashion styles. The feminine look was popular in 2004. Pass on the girly ruffled skirts and camisole tops and opt for a velvet-ribbon tie jacket to wear with your beloved jeans instead.

I recently turned 40 and decided it's time to dress my age. But, I still love my boot-cut jeans and want to keep wearing them without looking too old. What are my options?

Just because you're 40 doesn't mean you can't follow current fashion styles. The feminine look was popular in 2004. Pass on the girly ruffled skirts and camisole tops and opt for a velvet-ribbon tie jacket to wear with your beloved jeans instead.

I recently turned 40 and decided it's time to dress my age. But, I still love my boot-cut jeans and want to keep wearing them without looking too old. What are my options?

Just because you're 40 doesn't mean you can't follow current fashion styles. The feminine look was popular in 2004. Pass on the girly ruffled skirts and camisole tops and opt for a velvet-ribbon tie jacket to wear with your beloved jeans instead.

Come back next Monday for another fashion problem solved.

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