Looking good in your late 30s advice from those in their early 20s

[MrsMarigold]

I was looking at some photos of some 20 somethings and they looked really groomed, they knew how to pose and get their best angle. Were dressed really well, etc. Obviously they use filters on these photos help but if you are in your 20s please post some advice for those in our 30s. I've always gone for the natural look but feel a bit washed out, would like to know how to look better in photos and look a bit younger but I don't feel I can wear all the sleeveless stuff and short dresses people in there 20s can get away with.

I can't really think of much advice that is specifically 20 something but I'll list some of the things I do. I'm 25, a size 6/8, 5ft2 and have 2 DC under 3.

Wear things that make you happy. A family friend said I should dress more like a mum and less like a scruffy student. I gave it a try, hated it and went back to wearing things I loved.

Invest in good jeans/coat/jacket/ boots and bag. Not necessarily expensive ones. Most of mine are sale items or ebay.

Get a haircut that makes you feel great and keep your eyebrows groomed.

Get good make up and skin care. I still remember my DSis taking me to a Mac shop to get good foundation and concealer when I started wearing make up in my teens. I still buy decent(ish) foundation and concealer (No7) but buy nail polish, eye makeup etc from MUA, Barry M and sleek.

Stand up tall, drink water and try and get a few early nights.

I hope that's good advice and didn't come out too patronising.

not at all thanks

I've hit my (very) late 30s and find this interesting! Am considering a style change away from my usual make up which has been the same since my 20s (quite a lot of liner and shadow etc) as I feel I need a more natural/mature look! I work with students and am starting to feel I need to move away from wearing the latest trend as I just feel like mutton dressed as lamb in comparison

I've started looking at other late thirtysomethings to get some inspiration and love the layering/drapey look that some of my colleagues carry off so beautifully. I love make up that looks natural but carefully applied iykwim and think it's about using good products to make the difference to skin. Love the tips above and agree totally about a good hair cut too!

Hmmm. I don't know. I find most pictures of women in their early twenties to be a little annoying to be frank! All the posing - urgh. Knowing your best angles seems to be a consequence of taking endless selfies.

I think the best advice is to aim for natural, but well groomed. To have confidence in yourself. To buy clothes that fit you properly, and avoid styles that don't suit you, but are super trendy.

I think a lot of "looking good" comes less from the actual clothes you buy (to an extent - they do play a part), and more from how you take care of yourself overall. Having healthy hair, keeping to a healthy weight (whatever that might be for your height and frame), and taking good care of your skin and nails.

I'm 21 and look likes right scruff bag!

Well groomed eyebrows and highlights in my hair ( when I can afford it) work well though!

MrsM how would you like to look?
Do you want to look younger? Or do you want to feel like you did in your twenties?

Is there anyone you'd like to look like?
I think that joan watson from elementary looks great. Lots of layering, muted tones and still young and current without being muttony.

In my teens, twenties and early thirties I was quite stylish - I had a very definite style and lots of people told me they were inspired by my use of colour etc. I liked some vintage, I loved colour blocking and had a sexier haircut but unfortunately moved away from my amazing hairdresser. I just used to tell him to do what he wanted and I always looked great and had great hair colour. I also weighed 8 stone and had a good arse and boobs but never a curvy figure. Now I weigh just under 10st. My legs have never been great a bit chunky. I hate anything with a conspicuous label but I'm quite fair and look washed out and since having children my skin is dire. I looked in the mirror the other day and felt middle aged. I decided to do a reality check by taking a few selfies and I looked awful - pouch eyes, spots etc, my hair needs highlighting but is shiny my nails are good. I iron my clothes.

I feel some of it is attitude - no-one apart from my DS (aged 3) and my MIL compliment me. And the last person to flirt with me was the piano tuner (at least a year ago).

But I was looking at some pictures of some twentysomething girls and they looked feminine and gorgeous. DH once said although he thinks we are both quite good looking in real life we have very expressive faces so it's easier to catch us doing something silly (I don't buy that). If you want I'll PM you a photo and you can tell me what you think.

I'm 42 and have the same issue. I have very poor hair so usually tie it back but it doesn't look stylish.,just a bit 'can't be bothered'.
The one thing I do is get my eyebrows shaped and tinted, just a natural brown but it does make your face look more groomed.
I have nice clothes for occasions and slobby clothes for the house but I have a blind spot for smart everyday clothes. I always feel under or over dressed. Identity crisis I think.

What kind of things did you like wearing Mrs?

And I don't see anything stopping you going back to your old style. If it made you happy, I don't see why you should change. You could update it a little. Pinterest is great for ideas.

Maybe take a photo of your old hairstyle to a new hairdresser. Can your friends recommend someone good?

You sound like a stylish woman. I think you should be a bit kinder to yourself. You can pm me if you like

I am mid thirties with two kids, and certainly felt like I had lost my fashion mojo for a while! I started looking on here and at blogs for hair/makeup/skincare ideas (smallthingsblog, Lisa Eldridge, Caroline Hirons respectively, you'll find them on google). Once I had those three sorted I started looking on Pinterest for style ideas, and also celebrities whose style sense I admired. Emmanuelle Alt for instance, (French Vogue editor-oft quoted on s &b!) has in my opinion, the most beautiful sense of style, and is always impeccably dressed but not in a high fashion sense. She sticks to a basic uniform if you like- slim fitting cropped trousers/skinny jeans, t-shirt or button down blouse, blazer, pointy shoes. She looks amazing. Anyway, take a look on google to see what you think. Once you find a look you like you will be surprised at just how many other well dressed celebs follow the same principles!

Good luck and let us know if you find anything exciting

We'll I'm pushing 40, but I get complimented often, and get told I look "cool" and "put together"

Here are my tips-
Be the right shape for you, and dress accordingly! Work out what shapes, cuts etc suit you.
Eyebrows groomed. Gel manicure for nails, bright colours look great in summer. ,softly I have a bright orange or a sparkly silver.
Good hair, and regular cuts, know what to do with it when your having an off day- bastisse dry shampoo and a messy bun for me.
Have a couple of nods to what is on trend, this summer I have black Birkenstocks Arizonans, and cat eye shaped sun glasses (Ralph Lauren) but don't go full on trendy Wendy.
Have a bit of a uniform for day that you can switch up for evening. I live in skinny jeans, peg trousers, loose tops with wide open necks, Stella and dot simple necklaces and wristbands. Denim short shorts, l/sleeve tops. Make up is minimal looking (bb cream, blush, bronzer, eyebrows pencil, lip gloss) Birkenstocks/wedge sandals/converse/brogues. Evening it's more formal trousers, a silky top, possibly a dress, something with a print, ankle boots. Make up is the same as before with eyeliner added in.

Shops like-
Mint velvet
Top shop
Zara
Karen millen
Whistles
Are where I shop.

Blogs-
What I bought today
Susie soso
Wit

nilbyname it sounds like what we are doing is similar... hmm but I just feel crap.

We'll I bet you look fucking fantastic just like me! [Grin]

I lost all sense of me when I had my children in my twenties. I decided that I should look more like a 'mum' (in my head that translated as dull, dreary fleece jumpers and comfy trousers- why did no one shake me??).

Now in my mid 30's I'm me again. I buy what I like not what others say I should like and wear it with pride.

I think confidence is the best advice at any age!