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Evolving, maturing and looking good at it

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Fashion on the Street: Pat Phillip Fairn. (Photo by Akil Simmons)

When it comes to style, some women are like a fine wine — they get better with age.

Older women tend to know themselves better; for the fashion-inclined, it makes finding clothes that fit their style and body type that much easier.

They also don’t mind trying new prints and colours in classic silhouettes and prefer to stay away from trends. That’s what we gained from the handful of women in their 40s, 50s and 60s who spoke with us for this week’s Fashion On The Street column. They spoke with The Royal Gazette’s Lifestyle section about how dressing now is different from when they were younger and also shared some useful style tips they’ve learned along the way. Read on to get inspired.

Pat Phillip-Fairn, 50, Bermuda Tourism Authority

Describe your style ... I guess classic with a little bit of a twist and a punch of colour. I sometimes incorporate prints or longer hemlines along with heels, which tends to be classic. Anything that’s haute couture or ‘out there’ isn’t for me.

Where do you get fashion inspiration from? I really don’t do fashion, I never have. I know what works for me and at different stages different things have been important to me. Professionalism has always been very important throughout my career and at this phase now comfort is paramount.

As you get older you should get more comfortable in your skin so your style should be getting more comfortable as well.

How is dressing now different from when you were in your 20s and 30s? I think I’m probably dressing a little less conservatively now. I was always a proponent of the business suit and now I tend to wear dresses more.

For a long time pantsuits were my default style, but not so much anymore. I also tend to wear prints rather than solids and try to be more comfortable overall.

What clothing advice would you give women of your age? The first thing I’d say is dress age appropriately, but without being dowdy. Just because you’re older you don’t have to dress like someone’s grandma — even if you are — when it comes to your image. Find out your style so you know what works for you — the [best] shapes and colours and try to stick with them.

Diane Whittaker, 69, International Modelling Academy

Describe your style ... Trendy, practical and comfortable. I’d say it’s up-to-date and based on what’s going on at the height of fashion, but I try to blend what I already have with something new.

Where do you get fashion inspiration from? I actually look at fashion shows from all over the world to see what’s going on.

How is dressing now different from when you were in your 20s and 30s? It changed for me because I don’t wear things that are short anymore. I don’t wear tops that are low cut either. The good thing is fashions are now very tastefully done, so it’s easier to dress modestly.

What clothing advice would you give women of your age? Don’t try to look like a teenager. Wear something that’s appropriate for your figure. We are not all Tina Turner.

She works out every day for I don’t know how long and is extremely fit and toned. She can wear mini skirts and can get away with it. But for most of us who are fuller-figured it won’t look that way on us. It’s just not flattering.

Roxanne Christopher, 42, Economic development officer

Describe your style ... Contemporary classic chic. I like to wear classic pieces with a modern twist in bold colours.

Where do you get fashion inspiration from? I get inspiration from my mom, who was a seamstress and always encouraged me to think outside of the traditional box of fashion. If I didn’t see what I wanted in the stores, she encouraged me to learn the skill to create it.

Thus I started off my fashion life sewing my clothing in my mother’s boutique. As a plus-size, curvy woman I have never been afraid of my curves and I know what works well with my body type. I’m also inspired by my dear friend Monif Clarke — who’s a plus-size fashion designer.

She has been in business now for nine years ... and has opened doors for female designers from Australia to Africa as many now understand that plus size fashion can be bold and lucrative. For a long time many designers didn’t think that women of plus size warranted fashionable clothing. In 2014 they realised that was the wrong decision and locally we must take a lesson from mistakes of the past.

How is dressing now different from when you were in your 20s and 30s? I still enjoy edgy fashion but definitely age-appropriate. I don’t desire to dress like a 20-year-old as I am comfortable with my age and all ages can be sexy. We as women must embrace that appeal daily.

What clothing advice would you give women of your age? Ensure that you have the proper undergarments for any size. The foundation will impact the end result and we all wish to look fabulous daily.

Kendaree Fray, 51, Tax inspector

Describe your style ... I’d describe my style as chic and modern. For me, that means wearing pieces that are classy and elegant, not overstated.

Where do you get inspiration from? Browsing in stores, looking at magazines and looking at other people.

How is dressing now different from when you were in your 20s and 30s? It’s no different really. I still have the same passion for stringing clothes together as I did then. However fashions always come back in style (hence why I should not have given my secrets away).

What clothing advice would you give women of your age? Trends don’t work for everyone, so stick to what you know looks good on you. Invest in a full-length mirror, so that you see all angles. And if you don’t have to tug and pull [on the clothes] you’re on the right track.

Nicole Smith, 45, lawyer

Describe your style ... I don’t see myself as having a particular style, I just don’t study myself like that.

If pushed to find a catchphrase, I’d say fearless. I believe that fearless describes the person I am at 45, and my style is a reflection of that person.

Where do you get inspiration from? I’m more inspired by particular designers than particular images or people.

I know myself, and know what works and what doesn’t. If I see something which is consistent with the person I know who I am, I instinctively know it’s for me.

The designers I gravitate towards are MaxMara, Stella McCartney/Chloe, Etro, Akris, BCBG Runway. I am also glad to see that Stefanel returned to Bermuda, they have really great suits.

How is dressing now different from when you were in your 20s and 30s? Then I wanted to stop traffic every time I left the house.

Any woman who loves fashion, particularly at that age, seeks to do the same. Frankly I don’t have the appetite, time, or budget for that anymore.

You evolve, you mature. Women in their 40s and 50s have real responsibilities. This doesn’t mean I am retiring my Louboutins.

It just means that I refuse to look in my closet and chant one $1000, two $2000, etc, when I should be financing my retirement.

What clothing advice would you give women of your age? Accept yourself and your body type. Dress age-appropriate and, most importantly, wear your size.

Fashion on the Street: Roxanne Christopher. (Photo by Akil Simmons)
Fashion on the Street: Nicole Smith. (Photo by Akil Simmons)
Roxanne Christopher
Fashion on the Street: Roxanne Christopher. (Photo by Akil Simmons)
Fashion on the Street: Kendaree Fray. (Photo by Akil Simmons)
Pat Phillip Fairn
Diane Whittaker
Fashion on the Street: Nicole Smith. (Photo by Akil Simmons)
Kendaree Fray
Nicole Smith