Evolving personal style never stops. As we change physically — shape , size, features — wardrobe must adapt which presents a great opportunity for transformation. Maturing is a wonderful moment in life to cultivate more sophistication, enhance polish and modernize your look. Becoming a stately, elegant woman is always on-trend, though “dignified” doesn’t have to be stuffy. The key to sophistication is how to present over what you wear, making the most minute details far more important than in any other decade. Finding your inner Grand Dame is a glorious journey, starting with these actionable steps:

1. Know your shape, dress your shape
   A great outfit is sure to fail if on the wrong body shape. Growing old gracefully starts with understanding your shape, proportions and scale, and how to dress for them. Be aware of how your body shifts and, if necessary, update your go-to silhouette to a more flattering one. If you’re widest below the waist, add volume, structure and prints above it. Do the opposite if you’re widest above the waist, or add volume top and bottom to create a waist if straight up and down. If you’re fullest in the middle, de-emphasize midsection with structured garments that camouflage — think tunics, shackets, classic shirting and blazers.

2. Foundation garments
   Foundation garments are the baseline of any great wardrobe, especially a good fitting bra. Since both bust and cup sizes change decade to decade, consider a professional bra fitting for guidance. Also take advantage of new fabric technologies and shop foundation garments that smooth, sculpt and lift without feeling restrictive. Foundation garments have come a long way in recent years and work wonders to polish any look.

3. Grooming
   Our features soften and blend with age, making makeup a lifesaver. Find a statement lip color that pops without overwhelmning and try the same hue for nails. Consider brown mascara instead of black for a softer, less severe look, and same with eyeliner. Make regular teeth cleanings a priority, as well as maintaining a stylish haircut and color often.

4. Quality over quantity
   Choosing quality over quantity is the quickest way to amp up sophistication. Choose premium materials, premium brands and cost per wear over fast fashion, investing in a designer handbag to start. Then upgrade wardrobe mainstays with swaps like athletic shoes for leather sneakers, wool for cashmere and daily denim for dark wash denim. Also invest in a few high-quality statement accessories that level-up any outfit with a touch of elegance — sunglasses, jewelry, belts, heels and scarves. A precision fit is essential, so make sure you have a great tailor on speed dial. And the same goes for a cobbler to ensure regular repairs and like-new shoe shines.

5. Statement jewelry
   A touch of luster says “fancy” without pretension, so make sure every outfit is artfully appointed with statement jewelry that’s sleek, modern and says something about your life story — e.g., a gift, milestone reward or world travel acquisition. Keep it traditional with diamond or pearl studs, gold or silver huggies or a birthstone pendant. For a bigger statement, go for gusto with a cluster of cuffs, brooches or chokers. Consider undertone, pairing gold and rose gold with warm undertones and silver, platinum, gunmetal and pewter with cool ones. If your skin tone is neutral, mix both together for a mashup of base metals. Above all, make sure jewelry is cleaned and polished regularly for maximum impact. Remember, it’s all about looking impeccable.

See BestLifeOnline.com press feature here.