I will be celebrating the 9th anniversary of my 30th birthday this year. Okay, that comment alone suggests a woman who yearns for her youth. Perhaps. And for that reason, I too am concerned about looking like I'm trying to look like a teenager. But so far, I THINK I've managed to wear things that are stylish (at least I think they are), but not ridiculous. And I see so much ridiculous here in the 'burbs of a major US city. Think "Real Housewives of Orange County", but add a bit more hairspray.
I have a "uniform", which took a long time to figure out (lots of poring over magazines, trying stuff on in stores, getting opinions, returning stuff, being ruthless about what looks good and not what is "in style", etc). I ended up with a uniform that is based on my body type and shape, and I do not deviate from it (except to wear maxi dresses). It's elongating and slimming (I'm 5'2"), so that's what I need.
Find out what you need. You are tall, but are concerned about your arms. The only way to figure out what looks good is to do your homework (I'm trying to appeal to the teacher side in you), but remember to make it fun - it is fashion after all. I like Nolarice's suggestions on doing a bit of reading in this regard, and I plan on looking up those very books myself. Time and energy spent figuring out what works best for your body type solves 90% of the fashion dilemma, I've found. Now, when I'm shopping, my eye can literally scan a room in seconds to see what pieces I want to try on, and I've become like a shopping-machine, highly efficient and effective! If you get pieces that flatter, everything else falls into place (literally and figuratively speaking). PS, my personal uniform is dark wash skinny bootcut jeans, fitted blazers, high heels and big sunglasses.
For the zing, I add a bit of style with a "trendy" shirt, not expensive so I can get a bunch of new ones every season ... and this is where I have to watch out. I buy stuff from teenage stores such as Forever 21 (this is my favorite, because it is so amazingly cheap!), and trendy spots like Zara and BCBG. My latest "go to" outfit when I need to look good and be comfortable is a $20 v neck sleeveless top I got from Zara (on sale), with a $6 peach colored linen-viscose sheer scarf, plus the uniform of jean, blazer, shoes and sunglasses. I have gotten so many compliments when I wear this, and I feel like a million bucks, and nothing here is outrageous or ridiculous or "teenage". Nonetheless, it seems that my look is still appealing to teens, since my 19 year old babysitter told me "wow, you look great!"
I would say avoid large prints, as the ones I see in the Harold's dress section. In general, prints in a woman over 35 are tricky, in my opinion. Also, if you have concerns about upper body proportions, I would avoid shoulder pads, which I also think tend to look dated.
Have you ever tried on a Diane von Furstenburg wrap dress? I do not think these look "teenage", but are stylish and flattering to most women I've seen wearing them.
I have a "uniform", which took a long time to figure out (lots of poring over magazines, trying stuff on in stores, getting opinions, returning stuff, being ruthless about what looks good and not what is "in style", etc). I ended up with a uniform that is based on my body type and shape, and I do not deviate from it (except to wear maxi dresses). It's elongating and slimming (I'm 5'2"), so that's what I need.
Find out what you need. You are tall, but are concerned about your arms. The only way to figure out what looks good is to do your homework (I'm trying to appeal to the teacher side in you), but remember to make it fun - it is fashion after all. I like Nolarice's suggestions on doing a bit of reading in this regard, and I plan on looking up those very books myself. Time and energy spent figuring out what works best for your body type solves 90% of the fashion dilemma, I've found. Now, when I'm shopping, my eye can literally scan a room in seconds to see what pieces I want to try on, and I've become like a shopping-machine, highly efficient and effective! If you get pieces that flatter, everything else falls into place (literally and figuratively speaking). PS, my personal uniform is dark wash skinny bootcut jeans, fitted blazers, high heels and big sunglasses.
For the zing, I add a bit of style with a "trendy" shirt, not expensive so I can get a bunch of new ones every season ... and this is where I have to watch out. I buy stuff from teenage stores such as Forever 21 (this is my favorite, because it is so amazingly cheap!), and trendy spots like Zara and BCBG. My latest "go to" outfit when I need to look good and be comfortable is a $20 v neck sleeveless top I got from Zara (on sale), with a $6 peach colored linen-viscose sheer scarf, plus the uniform of jean, blazer, shoes and sunglasses. I have gotten so many compliments when I wear this, and I feel like a million bucks, and nothing here is outrageous or ridiculous or "teenage". Nonetheless, it seems that my look is still appealing to teens, since my 19 year old babysitter told me "wow, you look great!"
I would say avoid large prints, as the ones I see in the Harold's dress section. In general, prints in a woman over 35 are tricky, in my opinion. Also, if you have concerns about upper body proportions, I would avoid shoulder pads, which I also think tend to look dated.
Have you ever tried on a Diane von Furstenburg wrap dress? I do not think these look "teenage", but are stylish and flattering to most women I've seen wearing them.