Style Guide: The Perfect Dress For Your 20s, 30s, 40s and Beyond

Every age has its beauty, and every age has the perfect dress. To ensure you enjoy your most stylish years to the fullest, our fashion experts have put together the perfect dresses to wear in your 20s, 30s, 40s, and beyond, all while staying age-appropriate and on-trend. 

DRESSING IN YOUR 20's

The Perfect Dress For Your 20s, 30s, 40s and Beyond | Mel Boteri Style Guide 

1. 3.1 PHILLIP LIM Cutout Mini Dress 2. HERVE LEGER Bandage Mini Dress 3. MEL BOTERI Python Leather Cocktail Clutch 4. BEN-AMUN Swarovski Crystal Earrings 5. GIVENCHY Leather Sandals with Crystals 6. BEN-AMUN Swarovski Crystal Necklace

In your 20's you're starting to experiment with fashion, and most likely have not yet discovered your signature style. From transparent fabrics to sexy cutouts, tight dresses and stunning heels, this is the time to have fun and try out all of the latest trends. Let's face it, there really is no other age when you can get away with just about anything, so don't be afraid to flaunt it.

Find influence from our girl crush, Kendall Jenner, who we admire for her bold and youthful look. The main point here is to experiment and have fun!!

 

DRESSING IN YOUR 30's

The Perfect Dress For Your 20s, 30s, 40s and Beyond | Mel Boteri Style Guide 

1. DIANE VON FURSTENBERG Silk-jersey Wrap Dress 2. MEL BOTERI Black Saffiano Leather Clutch 3. AURELIE BIDERMANN Necklace 4. STELLA MCCARTNEY Lace Dress 5. GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI Velvet Mules 6. MEL BOTERI Matte Gold Leather Clutch 7. JIMMY CHOO Sandals

At 30, you're entering the stage of your life where you start to feel accomplished both personally and professionally.  You understand the importance of exercising and living a healthy lifestyle to be the most fabulous and beautiful version of yourself. Although you are still willing to take some risks, you do so a bit more carefully while always staying true to you.  

Look for dresses that are tailored to your body shape to emphasize your assets. Invest in classic pieces, yet don't be afraid to show a little skin. Just be sure to do so tastefully so as to create a sense of mystery and sex-appeal. 

We love The Wordy Girl, Maria Tettamanti's style which is as hot as her Miami-based blog!!

The Wordy Girl's Maria Tettamanti in a Perfectly Wrapped Dressed | Mel Boteri Style GuidePHOTO CREDIT: MARIA TETTAMANTI OF THE WORDY GIRL

 

DRESSING IN YOUR 40's

The Perfect Dress For Your 20s, 30s, 40s and Beyond | Mel Boteri Style Guide 

1. HAIDER ACKERMANN Crinkled-Satin Dress 2. SCOSHA Ruby Ring 3. MEL BOTERI Black Saffiano Leather Clutch 4. ERMANNO SCERVINO Asymmetric Dress 5. GIVENCHY Snake Sandals 6. MEL BOTERI Python-Effect Clutch 7. TAMARA MELLON Patent-Leather Sandals

In your 40's you are overflowing with intelligence and experience, feeling more attractive and confident than ever. Your personal style is well-defined, and although you feel confident in trying out new trends, you know how to pick and choose which ones will suit you best.  

Pick high-quality dresses that emphasize your femininity. Rely on simple, functional fabrics made of the finest quality materials, which you have come to know and appreciate. Leather belts can help emphasize your waist, while heels will elongate your figure. Invest in pieces from brands you trust, because now, more than ever, any fashion mistake will truly stand out. 

You share this decade with gorgeous style icons Victoria Beckham and Heidi Klum.

 

AND BEYOND

The Perfect Dress For Your 20s, 30s, 40s and Beyond | Mel Boteri Style Guide 

1. THE ELDER STATESMAN Maxi Dress 2. MEL BOTERI Small Leather Tote 3. DAVID WEBB Clip Earrings 4. DIANE VON FURSTENBERG Stretch-Jersey Dress 5. PEDRO GARCIA Suede Sandals 6. INEZ AND VINOODH Ring 7. GIANVITO ROSSI Leather Sandals

Beyond your 40s, you will understand more than ever the importance of quality and fit. People now recognize you for your signature style. You are accepting of yourself - both the good and the bad - which allows you to exude an air of confidence no matter where you are.

Look for a well-balanced dress.  One that tastefully covers, but does not swallow you in fabric to perfectly accentuate your body.  Shoes and bags should follow the same rules, with classic styles and quality materials overriding flashy pieces that will only last a season. All this said, don't be afraid of color!!

Take a style lesson from Cathy Williamson of The Middle Page, who proves there is great style at every age!!

The Middle Page Cathy Williamson Dressing Fab For Her Age | Mel Boteri Style GuidePHOTO CREDIT: CATHY WILLIAMSON OF THE MIDDLE PAGE

 

The overarching theme here is that confidence is key.  Don't be afraid to try new things no matter your age, and never take yourself too seriously.  Fashion should be fun, and as long as you feel good you will look good too!! Please feel free to share your comments below, or share your new look socially using #BestDressedMB and #MYMB. 

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