Women worldwide often admire the French style because it is effortless, casual, and chic for any age. Parisian women are brought up early on to focus on style, and you don’t need youth to enjoy fun, chic clothes. Your lifestyle and energy should define you, not the number on your driver’s license. What you enjoy wearing as you age is a highly personal decision.

Women in their 30s, 40s, and beyond become more confident with age. They know their figures well and what looks fabulous on them. Being fashionable means something different to every individual. Some women will push the style boundaries and look for edgy outfits. Others will maintain a sleek, minimalistic silhouette, and many women will choose vibrant pieces that are flattering and feminine and make a statement.

Never Too Old for Jeans

Clothing should be about feeling good. It’s an expression of a personal style. It shouldn’t be limited by what others think you should and shouldn’t wear. The world of denim has no time limit. Jeans look modern, hip, and flattering on all ladies. They are the perfect pants that can travel anywhere and look appropriate. These days, denim options are amazing, and there is a fantastic pair for every figure. Choose from slim-fit to straight-cut, flare and wide-leg. You’re an adult, so go ahead and put on distressed jeans. You will reach for your cool women’s jeans again and again before heading out the door.

Jeans can be dressed up or down. They are ideal for game day, hanging out, running errands, going to lunch, work, the movies, and more. Throw on a blazer or a tee and sweater. You can complete your denim look with high-heeled sandals, flats, sneakers, or booties. Jeans are one of the most versatile fashion pieces in the universe. Don’t be shy; you can rock a pair of jeans at any age!

A Female Psychologist Weighs In

Society has always been tougher on women aging than on men. Certain garments, like the mini skirt, still come with associations and assumptions. Above-the-knee skirts were considered a huge no-no for any gal over 40, but today, those rules are no longer fashion dictums. If you feel great in a shorter skirt, wear it.

Ann Kearney-Cooke, a licensed psychologist and wellness coach in Ohio, told HuffPost.com that women, especially, question what to wear after a certain age because women often perceive their self-esteem based on their appearance. As people get older, how they look changes, and this can create anxiety.

Kearney-Cooke advises older women to stand strong in their daily decisions and not fall back on the past or how culture perceives one’s age or maturity. She recommends that women choose colors, fabrics, and styles that look good on them, that they feel good in, and that expresses who they are now.

Vibrancy and Prints, Perfect Pieces

Building a pretty collection of colorful tops is an excellent way to update your wardrobe. Think about it for a moment. Clothing is a powerful form of non-verbal communication. Even the shades and patterns of tops you choose make a subtle statement as well as play a key role in refining your style. For example, pink is a popular color generally associated with compassion, understanding and warmth.

If you’re wild about tops featuring floral patterns, this type of print often shows the wearer to be approachable and relaxed and can also point to a creative individual. Wearing beautiful pieces in prints is an instant way of injecting style and personality into your wardrobe. You can play around with stripes, abstract designs, paisleys, and more to enhance your figure and embrace your curves. Prints are eye-catching and can add balance to your wardrobe, and these gorgeous patterns are also timeless and look great on women in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond.

Stylish Sneakers at Any Age

Here’s another outdated myth: Women cannot wear sneakers after 40. How ridiculous is that one?! Sneakers have become the ultimate fashion staple of casual style and comfort and another fantastic footwear option for modern women. Famous ladies, including the late Princess Diana, enjoyed wearing sneakers with a classic blazer and jeans combo.

Then there was Audrey Hepburn, a style icon who liked to slip into ballet flats or cherry-red sneakers on and off-screen with her signature cigarette pants and soft sweaters. Fashion sneakers will never fade from the pages of style and have become lovely accessories with skirts and dresses, too. The cutest walking shoes can add zing to your ensemble and your step. This is fun footwear that exudes effortlessness and can be worn just about everywhere your adventures take you.

Those Flirty Details Matter

Just because you’re in your 40s or older doesn’t mean you have to cover every inch of skin beyond your wrists. Wear what you love and feel confident in it. If that means flirty details, such as an off-the-shoulder top with a smocked waistline, go for it! Or how about a v-neckline, short-sleeve top with puff sleeves and pleated shoulders? Yes, you can. Choosing clothes or accessories with ruffles, sequins, fringe, embroidery, and other cute details can make a fashionable statement and allow you to feel sexy.

Age Is but a Number

It takes maturity and confidence to define your style, and nope, you shouldn’t have to “dress your age.” Perhaps actress Jennifer Aniston said it best: “I think our bodies are beautiful, and I think celebrating them and being comfortable in them—no matter what age you are—is important. There shouldn’t be any kind of shame or discomfort around it.”