KAEO

8 style rules for looking younger

By Audrey Slater | Redbook – Fri, Oct 5, 2012 7:07 PM EDT

Photo: Daymion Mardel

In the book of clock-stopping commandments, "Don't let your clothes age you" is up there with "Always wear sunblock." The trick is to take some smart, super-flattering risks. Model Beri Smither (a gorgeous 41) demonstrates.

Add some party to your preppy
Earrings, Marlyn Schiff, $42.
Shirt, J.Crew, $72.
Sweater, A.P.C., $370.
Bracelet, Spring Street, $45.
Watch, Armitron, $85.
Skirt, Smart & Sexy, $14.97.



Photo: Daymion Mardel

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Go short over long over slim

Why is it the perfect flattering formula? It hides a tummy, plays up your legs, and comes off as rather badass. (Yes, this jacket is a splurge--but any biker-style one will do.)

Jacket, Rebecca Minkoff, $1,498.
Tank, Club Monaco, $99.
Necklace, Tina Tang Jewelry, $135.
Pants, Calvin Klein, $80.
Booties, 7 For All Mankind, $280.

(See also: Best dresses for your 20s, 30s, 40s)

Photo: Daymion MardelMake a jewelry statement
A single, dramatic dose of glitz is chic in a confident, dowager-countess kind of way. Just keep the rest of your jewelry minimal, or absent.
Silver bangle, Bauble Bar, $190.
Cuffs, Ann Taylor, $68 (top) and $48 (bottom). Sweater, Eileen Fisher, $348.

Photo: Daymion MardelBalance girly with tough
Sweet pieces--ones with ruffles and frills--won't read too young if you add in studded booties and a spiky necklace.
Necklace, Joomi Lim, $386.
Top, Vince Camuto, $119.
Skirt, Red Valentino, $395.
Booties, Schutz, $230.

Photo: Daymion MardelShow off your legs...
A simply cut, slightly boxy, long-sleeved minidress lets you bare your stems. Just throw on black opaque tights if you're shy.
Dress, Diane von Furstenberg, $385.
Bangle, Melinda Maria, $370.
Heels, L.K.Bennett, $345.

Photo: Daymion Mardel...or your arms!
Please put away any insecurity about your (strong, capable) arms: Play them up! A foxy-cozy turtleneck also spotlights bare shoulders and lets you relax already about your neck.
Earrings, Double Happiness, $180.
Sweater, Michael Michael Kors, $100.
Clutch, Lodis, $138.
Cuff, Rebecca Norman, $194.
Pants, M Missoni, $395.

Photo: Daymion MardelBe strategic with paneling
See how nice her waist looks? It's not just because she's a model--those side panels visually nip her in, without the Spanx.
Earrings, Blue Nile, $320.
Dress, Obakki, $495 (Bonus: All proceeds go toward drilling fresh water wells in South Sudan).

Photo: Daymion MardelFind the right jeans (at last)

Here's the deal: Slim, dark-wash, mid-rise jeans work on everyone, and keep you from looking like your mom (or, um, dad). Add a luxe top and flat boots and be done.
Hat, Genie by Eugenia Kim, $88.
Leather top, Kaelen, $595.
Bracelets, Michael Kors, $95 each.
Jeans, Levi's, $78.
Boots, Coach, $248.