It’s absolutely possible to look stylish and hip at any age, but it does mean a few tweaks are needed in order to not look 16 (hey, even 16-year olds don’t want to look 16). Follow these tips below for your best style yet; after all, age is just a number but style is timeless.

1. Avoid Trends

A good rule of thumb is to always avoid splurging on trends, but this is more important than ever once you hit 40. Investing in long-lasting, sophisticated pieces is key to effortless, chic style, and it will save you a ton of money in the long run (especially since you’re unlikely to outgrow these pieces). Dressing for trends has a way of making it seem like you’re trying too hard, even if you’re rocking that trend like nobody’s business. By 40, you should have a fabulous, honed personal style that outlasts any trend or fad, and well-made, quality pieces like those at Alamour the Label will help get you there.

Image may contain: 1 person

2. Know Your Body Type

Knowing your body type and what to wear with it becomes crucial as you get older. Wearing the wrong size and fit might pass for 20-year olds, but it doesn’t look cute on women over 40. To look chic and stylish, you have to know what to accentuate on your body, and what to disguise. Figuring out your shape is the first step, but tailors and shapewear are truly the unsung heroes of our generation. You might start to gravitate to one style, like A-line skirts and dresses or trousers and sweaters, but that’s okay. When it works, it works.

Image may contain: 1 person, standing

3. Master the Art of Balance

Another way to look fabulous in your forties is to figure out how to balance your shape. When you’re twenty, you can get away with wearing form-fitting everything, but it stops looking hip somewhere in your thirties. A tight skirt paired with a tight top probably isn’t doing you any favours, but a pencil skirt with a looser blouse tucked in gives your shape the balance it craves. Wide-legged trousers paired with stiletto heels can make you look a little off-kilter, but when paired with a wedge heel or boot, you’ve got yourself a sophisticated, streamlined look.

Image may contain: 1 person

4. Play with Accessories

Just because you’re past 40 doesn’t mean you can’t play with your look at all. In fact, accessories are about to become your new best friend. This is where you can explore trends, give your look some personality, and be a little more playful without feeling silly. Purses, hats, sunglasses, belts, jewellery—these are all great ways to explore your style while still dressing age-appropriately, because fun definitely doesn’t end at 40.