How to achieve classic yet youthful, modern personal style

As a style consultant and former film/TV costume designer/stylist, I have clients of all ages across the U.S. But it’s the boomers whom I’ve noticed need special attention (and I’m one myself, at age 62), often because of the difficult physical changes they need to surmount, some psychological attitudes, and the incredibly unfriendly style atmosphere that surrounds them, thanks to the youth-obsessed media, the absurd and slavish mimicry of celebrities, and the lack of obvious good fashion for aging physiques. But good style options exist for those willing to educate themselves and make the effort.

My book addresses personal style by showing what works in a stylish but classically oriented sense (it’s not about “fashion” but rather about “style” for the long haul) on real men and women of diverse backgrounds, personalities, and body types. I also show what doesn’t work (“Forever Cool” as opposed to “Never Cool”). People would be shocked to know that 75% of my Never Cools came from stores supposedly dedicated to baby boomers and their elders (e.g. Chico’s, Territory Ahead, Coldwater Creek, and J.Jill).

To me, that’s the problem in a nutshell. Their clothes make you look “instantly old.”

With the notable exception of Lauren, a division of Ralph Lauren, because of its classic orientation, and Eileen Fisher, because of her simplicity and zen-like formula of “mix-match.” Very few “boomer-friendly” brands have the goods that I actually do get my clients. Instead, I mix and match from many sources. Some other brands I like:

• J.Crew
• Isaac Mizrahi (Target)
• Ralph Lauren
• Max Mara

I emphasize simplicity, and the art of the mix with special attention to an air of naturalness and youthful modernity. Choose the right accessories–so important! That means never looking cutesy or overdone.

I try not to forsake style for sheer comfort. You can have both!

The trick is to identify great style in the first place. I believe that it takes a return to refinement, intelligence, reassessment at frequent intervals, observation, curiosity and interest.