Fashion and the aging process
Choi Bit-na, a housewife in her 30s, demonstrates her own style using accessories and clothes now in fashion. By Kwon Hyunk-jae
“Stop thinking that you should dress young”
Seo Eun-young, stylist
Looking young often means that you live a passionate life. It doesn’t always imply dressing young. Often people make a fool of themselves by trying to look young and acting old.
If a middle-aged actress is in good health, she might come across as refreshing. But after a while, her obsessive workout habits at a gym might attract more pity than admiration from the public.
It’s a fashion principle to dress the way you want without being conscious of others. Pay attention to your shoes and bags. If you dress young, try to match the look with classic accessories. Avoid overexposure. The actress Jang Mi-hee looked fabulous in her famous bare-back dress because she covered up her front with grace.
“Pay attention to details; ignore the rest”
Han Hye-yeon, stylist
The way to pick the worst dresser at major shows is simple. Look at celebrities' dresses that are overdone. People frown at overdressers. There’s nothing wrong with a woman in her 30s wearing leggings, but if she chooses the item just to follow a fashion trend, she might look like she's trying too hard. The length and the texture of a miniskirt should depend on the wearer's age. People of any age can wear a hooded sweatshirt, but if it has your college logo on it from 10 years back, you might as well toss it to your nephew. Instead, put on a hooded sweater made of wool or cashmere.
Everything below your face counts as fashion, which means you have to take care of your toenails and hands as well. Cleanliness is sometimes the best accessory of all.
30s
Ha Sang-baek, fashion designer
You can absorb any style like a sponge when you are in your 20s. By the time you hit your 30s, you’ve got to think more about reality. Here is a universal truth: The best style comes with the best lifestyle. Getting old doesn’t mean you can’t wear clothes from your 20s. But there should be fewer occasions to give those clothes an airing. After 30, it’s a fashion crime to wear shorts to work. If you’re not sure, it’s better to adopt a more conservative approach. You need to face up to the changing shape of your body as well. Items that make you look younger often reveal rather than hide.
Avoid high heels. They can make you look less graceful than you would like and it’ll take longer for you to recover if you twist an ankle. If it looks uncomfortable, think twice before wearing it.
Trends come with choice and focus
Min Byeong-jun, an editor of a fashion magazine
Too many Koreans are oversensitive about trends nowadays. They’re desperate to find out what’s “hot” and what’s “not.” But pay attention and take fashion advice from experts. For men, suspenders need to be matched with belts, and the last button of your vest should be left undone. Those things are said for reasons. It’s safe to follow this advice if you’re unsure. Think before you buy anything whether the item will suit you, how you’ll coordinate it with your other clothes and whether you can act naturally when you put them on.
Avoid clothes covered in logos and stockings with overdone patterns. Dressing to show off only works when you are young.
Dressing for each decade
40s
Take challenges. Youth is a fashion weapon in your 20s. Try versatile styles, otherwise you will never find out what fits you the best.
Star icons: Seo In-young, Kim Tae-hee, Kong Hyo-jin and Kim Min-hee.
Suggested style: fake lamb fur, padded jumper, boots, vest.
30s
Try to diversify your image. But maturity and elegance are the key for women in their 30s. Dress confidently.
Star icons: Choi Gang-hee, Oh Yeon-soo, Lee Hye-young.
Suggested style: vest, short jacket, bohemian-style blouse, dress.
40s
Loosen up on your style. Instead of fashion adventures, set your style.
Star icons: Kim Hee-ae, Hwang Sin-ae.
50s
Don't expose too much. Pay more attention to colors than design to look stylish. Use a bold accessory, and match it with simple outfits that have strong colors.
By Lee Do-eun JoongAng Ilbo [estyle@joongang.co.kr]
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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