How to look stylish as I get older?

thick hair, not think hair.

What suits one wouldn't suit another as you say but if it helps I think simplifying one's style may help. Nothing too fussy - it's the little details which date.
Have you tried a 'capsule wardrobe'? It means just picking a few colours/styles and adding to them with accessories. And don't follow the latest fashions if they don't suit you. When we get back to normal a professional stylist at one of our department stores may have some ideas.

Perhaps you could start by telling us what your style is or what style you aspire to.
Is there a public figure who’s style you like?

I am sure you are not a walking disaster you probably lack confidence I would not compare yourself with your friends mum. Be yourself naturally with a little subtle makeup to brighten up. Coordinations of clothes gives an overall good impression.

I like dresses over the knee in summer I am a size 14 5ft 5 ins. I wear sleeveless dresses with a little shrug or cardigan. I wear patterned straight skirts that compliment the figure or dark trousers with a nice top I like small flowery prints never stripes.

Order things on line it’s easy enough from reputable stores if you can afford too. I like Joe Browns dresses in the summer Sainsbury’s do some nice dresses in the summer. Kitten heeled shoes are nice with a dress or small wedged sandals.

If your hair is long you have more choice on what way to style it. Sort your clothes from your wardrobe and if you have not worn something for a couple of years charity bag it. It’s what I do.

I’m petite but very busty . I find that dresses, to the knee or shorter suit me best though jeans, a t-shirt and cardigan or jacket look good.

My dresses come from all sorts of places, including brands that people might consider ‘younger’ but they work for me.

The styles my friend’s Mum wears wouldn’t suit me at all. The leggings + dress would be fine but even then I would have to wear a different type of dress, hers are voluminous, whereas anything voluminous makes me look like I’m pregnant or like a Flump the old children’s series.

Although I don’t have a capsule wardrobe as such I stick with a neutral palette of navy/camel/grey/black/brown and lots of blue! So it’s rare that I would pick two things out that don’t go together.

I like mid-range priced leather shoes & handbags in black, brown or oxblood.

I do spend decent money on coats.

I’d love to be able to tie scarves in a stylish way.

I’m good with makeup.

My style now is fine and I’m happy with it, I’m trying to think forward. Which styles will last me?

Hi there, I think the key is a few good pieces.
I tend to buy good jeans/trousers, my preferred brands are NYDJ and Deck by Decollage.
With that add cashmere jumpers and cheap scarves and good boots in the winter.
Have the pattern on the accessories not the clothes.
In the summer linen tops and scarves with loafers or flats..
I buy the odd dress from Zara or And other stories, these I tend to wear with a leather biker jacket and flats.

A number of shops are doing some on line style 'consultations' You could try John Lewis or a few others. I would say personally stick with the classic, find which colours suit you and buy fewer things but of good quality.

Glitter if you are happy with your style now, there is no need to change much, now or later . As time goes on you will tweak a bit, of course. You are still in your prime, be happy, go for it. ( and yes I agree, flowing clothes don’t always work so well on us petites).

Every person can find their own style, what suits one person will not necessarily suit someone else, for instance I do like black but wouldn’t wear a lot of it as it can be very draining! There are lots of different looks online, even mannequins in shop windows, I personally don’t like many patterns, would much rather wear classic and plain, not necessarily expensive, lots of ideas in magazines too, A good haircut can take years off a person, as can different hair colours,

Get yourself in 10 Years Younger on TV.

Were I to dress like your friends mum, I would look absolutely ghastly, I have a pale, almost pasty skin colour and I would look like a Dracula's victim, when he had sucked them dry. I learnt a long time ago not to wear black.

Start, if you can by making sure you are a healthy weight, which you may already be.

Next, a lot of style comes from within, how you walk, how you talk, what your mindset is. So if you want to be stylish think about who you are.

The other thing is to consider your shape. I have next to no waist, and never have had, so I avoid clothes which cinch me at the waist, preferring looser dresses and tops or those with a raised waist. I have long legs and (still) make the most of them.

After that just wear the clothes you feel happiest in because you will then feel confident and outgoing. Don't sweat the small stuff.

My personal style involves colour, mainly autumnal and jewel colours, lots of straightleg and slimline trousers and colourful tops. I am currently wearing fine dark brown cords and a burnt orange plain wool polo neck sweater and large bronze pendant on a long chain round my neck. Am I stylish? I have no idea but my DDiL and 13, nearly 14 year old (the most critical age) tell me I am.

Looking stylish has got nothing to do with aping other people. It has to be what you feel confident in.

Forgot to add, I am in my late 70s.

I'm struggling to think how calf length leggings would look good on anyone over 10. Style is a very individual thing and the best idea is to try a few different outfits and wear what you feel comfortable in.