From Age 16 to 89, We Asked 33 Women for Their Life-Altering Style Wisdom

Personal style isn’t something you can just nail down early on in your life and call it a day. Cheesy as it may sound, finding a style that makes you feel like the best version of yourself, the most “you,” is more a journey than a final destination. Think about it: You’re a different person than you were a year ago, a week ago, and even a day ago, and the same can be said of how you express yourself through fashion. The clothes you pick out each day are a reflection of who you are on that particular day or point in your life, not a representation of who you are period.

With that in mind, we were curious to know what personal style looks like at every point in life. We asked the most stylish women we know to show us their outfits and share the most valuable nugget of style wisdom they’ve learned in all their years. From the 16-year-old who won't pass up on a good shoe trend to the 88-year-old who's a case study in classic style, read on to discover the best outfit tips for women by age, see what style at every decade looks like, and then shop pieces inspired by each woman's style.

Na Chainkua Reindorf, 28
outfit ideas with dresses and boots

Photo:

@chainkyr

Her best piece of style advice: "If you don't feel good in what you are wearing, change your outfit. It can affect your entire day."

How she describes her style: "I like to mix simple silhouettes with edgy and unusual details."

The one trend she's keen on: "Chunky-sole boots are so cool!"

Grece Ghanem, 54
outfit ideas for women in their 50s

Photo:

@greceghanem

Her best piece of style advice: "It is impossible to be stylish without confidence."

How she describes her style: "My style is a mix of high and low, vintage and contemporary pieces, all while making it effortless and timeless."

The one trend she's keen on: "Leather capris are on my radar."

Shalini Acharya, 39
outfit ideas in your 30s

Photo:

@styledevotee

Her best piece of style advice: "I have become more minimal, therefore have started to build a quality wardrobe. It is also important to think about the environment and buy less."

How she describes her style: "Easy and effortless."

The one trend she's keen on: "Maxi dresses. I am a petite girl, and maxi lengths elongate my frame."

Radhika Mashru, 18
outfit ideas for women in their teens

Photo:

@radhimash

Her best piece of style advice: "One piece of style advice I've learned is to be bold. My style is still forming right now because I've only recently gotten into fashion. I am trying to go out of my comfort zone and wear pieces in unique ways that reflect more to who I am rather than what everybody else is wearing. Basically, everyone at my high school went thrift shopping and were obsessed with vintage pieces, which motivated me to find unique pieces that speak to who I am!"

How she describes her style: "My style is Portland vintage and skate style combined with more luxury petite pieces from brands like Reformation and Aritzia."

The one trend she's keen on: "Pistachio. I am obsessed with this soft green color, and I am itching to get a pair of pistachio pants or a blazer."

Jessica Minkoff, 31
outfit ideas with jeans

Photo:

@jessicaminkoff

Her best piece of style advice: "If a trend or article of clothing doesn't feel right when you wear it, don't."

How she describes her style: "My style definitely has a bit of a '90s grunge spin to it with denim, tie-dye, pops of color, and statement-making accessories as the foundations. My best friend says that I dress like an angsty teen with an affinity for designer extras."

The one trend she's keen on: "I am really loving the '80s resurgence—so neon, zebra print, and anything with a bit of that party vibe."

Penda Sarr, 24
outfit ideas for women of every age

Photo:

@pendasarr

Her best piece of style advice: "When in doubt, always wear an all-black outfit. It slims you and accentuates your figure."

How she describes her style: "My style is more on the classic and chic style. However, I tend to mix it up, so sometimes I find that my style is a bit more versatile."

The one trend she's keen on: "Straw hats! I've been seeing them a lot lately. They're perfect for the summer."

Ann Mandel, 88
outfit ideas for women in their 80s

Photo:

Mollie Mandel

Her best piece of style advice: "Stick to the classics—quality over quantity."

How she describes her style: "Chic, sophisticated, and classic."

The one trend she's keen on: "Animal print."

Yusra Siddiqui, 20
ageless style

Photo:

@thatgirlyusra

Her best piece of style advice: "Stop wearing things you feel uncomfortable in to appease people. Your personal style is about you and no one else."

How she describes her style: "A balance between sporty/comfort and avant-garde weirdness if that makes any sense!"

The one trend she's keen on: "Every shade of green."

Renata Jazdzyk, 54
outfit ideas in your 50s

Photo:

@venswifestyle

Her best piece of style advice: "Mix clothes from affordable stores with something from designers. This way you can create something truly unique. The key is to mix and match. You can wear a Balenciaga bag with Topshop and H&M items and look absolutely amazing. Try and add original accessories to your outfit, whether it's beautiful shoes or a bag. Every outfit can be spiced up by unique accessories."

How she describes her style: "A combination of trendy and classic."

The one trend she's keen on: "Leather in all shapes and colors and the comeback of '70s style."

Elise Albeck, 21
outfit ideas with combat boots

Photo:

@elisealbeck

Her best piece of style advice: "If a guy says he hates it, buy it."

How she describes her style: "Clean lines with funky pieces thrown in."

The one trend she's keen on: "Bucket hats and wide-leg jeans. Bucket hats because they’re hats (duh) and wide-leg jeans because they’re comfortable while looking like you tried (double duh)."

TyLynn Nguyen, 32
outfit ideas in your 30s

Photo:

@tylynnnguyen

Her best piece of style advice: "You make your clothes. They don’t make you."

How she describes her style: "Elegant, regal, and simple."

The one trend she's keen on: "Bottega Veneta square-toe mules."

Kiana Sakamoto, 24
outfit ideas with skirts

Photo:

@kiana.sakamoto

Her best piece of style advice: "Personal style is a journey, not a single-stop destination."

How she describes her style: "Romantic and feminine with a modern twist."

The one trend she's keen on: "Minimalist, wrap-tie, heeled sandals, especially those by The Row!"

JoAnn Greenberg, 66
outfit ideas for women in their 60s

Photo:

@JGGD4ME

Her best piece of style advice: "I try to dress for my personal style and body type without succumbing to today’s fleeting trends. If I’m not comfortable with what I’m wearing, I don’t feel like I’m presenting my most authentic self!"

How she describes her style: "Fashion-forward but definitely comfortable. I’m a casual dresser. Flats over heels any day and every day."

The one trend she's keen on: "Can’t wait to revisit suiting."

Dalia Patrón, 35
outfit ideas with hats

Photo:

@stylishlittlestories

Her best piece of style advice: "Keep it simple. Basic is not a bad thing."

How she describes her style: "California resort."

The one trend she's keen on: "Seashells and straw, woven accessories."

Paula Myjak, 27
outfit ideas in your 20s

Photo:

@hollapolla

Her best piece of style advice: "Dress for yourself."

How she describes her style: "Colorful, frilly, maximalist, and summer forever. Anything Carrie Bradshaw would wear."

The one trend she's keen on: "Print mashup—wearing all the prints at once."

Parran Spivey, 17
outfit ideas for every age group

Photo:

@Pearbear27

Her best piece of style advice: "Wear whatever you want to wear."

How she describes her style: "Comfortably uncomfortable."

The one trend she's keen on: "Sneakers with literally everything."

Giulia Song, 24
outfit ideas with flats

Photo:

@giuliasong

Her best piece of style advice: "Always iron your clothes before going out."

How she describes her style: "Comfortable, tailored, classic, and feminine with a boyish touch."

The one trend she's keen on: "Puffed sleeves."

Mette S. Anderson, 49
outfit ideas by age

Photo:

@msorrig

Her best piece of style advice: "Style can be many things and not only one. One day you can be sporty, the next classic, and so on… I’m inspired by too many things to stick to one style only."

How she describes her style: "Colorful, sporty, and feminine, always with a bit of vintage."

The one trend she's keen on: "Long shorts."

Deja Dalce, 21
outfit ideas with jeans and heels

Photo:

@dalcedeja

Her best piece of style advice: "Confidence is your best accessory. You can put on anything and make it fashion as long as you're confident in what you’re wearing and how you feel in it."

How she describes her style: "Versatile. Edgy. Chic. Street."

The one trend she's keen on: "Straight-leg, split-hem denim."

Jennifer Prezioso, 30
outfit ideas with sandals

Photo:

@prezwithaz

Her best piece of style advice: "Clothes are meant to be worn, not stored in a closet."

How she describes her style: "Classic looks with NYC/Italian flair."

The one trend she's keen on: "Shell anklets."

Lupita Garcia, 25
outfit ideas with jeans

Photo:

@luforshort_

Her best piece of style advice: "Buy pieces that are versatile."

How she describes her style: "Every day is a different vibe. For the most part, feminine, modern with a pop of color and occasionally edgy."

The one trend she's keen on: "Square necklines with puff sleeves."

Karoline Miranda, 24
outfit ideas with prints

Photo:

@kaarolmiranda

Her best piece of style advice: "We can break the rules."

How she describes her style: "Creative, colorful, and electric."

The one trend she's keen on: "Square-toe shoes."

Renee Gilbert, 62
outfit ideas in your 60s

Photo:

@reneegilbert

Her best piece of style advice: "Classic investments never go out of style, and a white T-shirt can take you anywhere."

How she describes her style: "Tailored-chic with a pop of flair."

The one trend she's keen on: "I am a '70s girl, so I am excited to see a nod to '70s style with high-waisted pants and the continued return of floral dresses and skirts."

Vera Lobik, 24
outfit ideas for 20 somethings

Photo:

@veralobik

Her best piece of style advice: "You can rock anything if you feel confident in it."

How she describes her style: "High-street chic."

The one trend she's keen on: "Kitten heels."

Anna Golka-Yepez, 28
outfit ideas with shorts

Photo:

@annagolkayepez

Her best piece of style advice: "Be yourself! Wear trends, but find a way to make them you."

How she describes her style: "Eclectic with some vintage mixed in. I'm not afraid to try anything!"

The one trend she's keen on: "Pistachio green."

Alyson Walsh, 55
style in your 50s

Photo:

@thatsnotmyage

Her best piece of style advice: "Ex–British Vogue Fashion Director Lucinda Chambers once told me that of all the women she knows, the most stylish 'is in her '80s and the other is in her '60s. I think [style] takes time, and that's alright.' I couldn’t agree more. At 55, I've found my style groove, and it's thanks to years of trial and error."

How she describes her style: "I like to mix things up. I have a sort of split-personality style: half minimal, menswear-inspired dressing; half Bohemian, hippy-punk—with the occasional Advanced Style moment thrown in."

The one trend she's keen on: "I don't particularly follow trends. I’m more interested in style and what individuals are wearing. With the scorching temperatures, I've recently been wearing a lot of kaftan-style shirt dresses."

Katherine Caspersz, 23
outfit ideas with sneakers

Photo:

@katherinesabrina

Her best piece of style advice: "It’s not the item; it’s how you wear it."

How she describes her style: "Trendy and classic."

The one trend she's keen on: "One-shoulder tops."

Elise Marquam-Jahns, 71
outfit ideas for women in their 70s

Photo:

@erin_jahns

Her best piece of style advice: "To wear colors that are the most flattering for my skin undertones and clothing shapes that flatter my figure and height."

How she describes her style: "Sometimes romantic-leaning and sometimes dressier."

The one trend she's keen on: "Okay, it's only August, but I love a beautiful faux-fur jacket or coat."

Bobbie Collings, 89
outfits for women of every age

Photo:

Debby Collings

Her best piece of style advice: "My best fashion advice is to wear a smile on your face."

How she describes her style: "For everyday, I'm a trouser woman with a penchant for gold jewelry. I also like turtlenecks and a smart jacket."

The one trend she's keen on: "Chunky gold jewelry."

Roopa Rao, 34
outfit ideas for women in their 30s

Photo:

@whifffoflife

Her best piece of style advice: "Have basics of all colors for mix and match."

How she describes her style: "Basic and sustainable."

The one trend she's keen on: "Khaki jumpsuits."

Alessandra Hallman, 20
outfit ideas with knee-high boots

Photo:

@alesshall

Her best piece of style advice: "To lay out your outfit the night before. Even if you end up wearing something completely different, you’re constantly putting thought into and checking in with your personal style."

How she describes her style: "I like to mix professional pieces with streetwear. I’m a sneakers girl, and I love a flare pant."

The one trend she's keen on: "High-neck crops and tanks."

Jessica Ramirez, 30
outfit ideas by decade

Photo:

@tootantogiveadamn

Her best piece of style advice: "It’s okay to spend a little more on quality basics."

How she describes her style: "California casual. I like comfy fabrics in neutral colors. I like to be a little soft but not too sweet. And I prefer tops and jeans most of the time."

The one trend she's keen on: "Tie-dye! I never thought I’d love tie-dye as much as I did when I was in middle school, but I’m obsessed! My favorites are monochromatic colors."

Sáoirse Goes, 16
outfit ideas for women by age

Photo:

@saoirsegoes

Her best piece of style advice: "Never wear only black."

How she describes her style: "I would describe my style as a mix of classic elements with current items on trend. I let what I’m reading at the moment influence how I see the world, and that is often perceived through my style of the moment."

The one trend she's keen on: "Heeled flip-flops"