Live fuller for longer
Search
Close this search box.
Advertisement

Fashion Without Being Frumpy: 5 Ways To Dress Younger Than Your Age

Font Size:

Fashion Without Being Frumpy: 5 Ways To Dress Younger Than Your Age
Singaporeans are a practical lot. We dress simply in loose-fitting, casual clothing befitting of our island’s perpetually tropical weather to a fault.
An unflattering, but typical look for a Singaporean looks like this: a singlet or tee, shorts (or some athleisure) with flip-flops.
This does little to make us feel fashionable and trendy. So how exactly should we dress to look younger than our age?
These are some simple tweaks that every silver can make to dress well and maintain that youthful confidence and charisma.
We’re not talking about filling up your wardrobe with expensive clothes and accessories – but rather heading into a department store and arming yourself with budget-friendly, versatile workhorses that you can mix and match into any number of snappy outfits works wonders for reinvigorating your look.
Advertisement
Here are five things to look out for, as told by Singaporean tailors well-versed in local styles (and local weather).
1. Materials are material
Fashion Without Being Frumpy: 5 Ways To Dress Younger Than Your Age - CYC's
Caption: CYC
The attitude of an article of clothing begins from the material it’s made from.
Selecting fabrics that are “too shiny, too textured or too patterned” – think Tony in Saturday Night Fever, or gaudy floral prints from the ’80s – simply “make you look older and out of date”, says Fong Loo Fern, managing director and third-gen owner of CYC Company, a heritage bespoke clothing brand.
“Whereas patterns and designs that throw back to the past can be considered retro or vintage and fashionable for youngsters, dressing like that as an older person emphasises your age,” agrees Ian Ang, media rep for Este Bartin, a homegrown tailor company based in Toa Payoh.

"Ladies should avoid lacy, frilly design elements on their clothes, while gentlemen shouldn’t wear large, boxy checkered prints – especially those with too many colours going on."

Both advise opting for clothes made entirely of cotton or linen, as both are suited for Singaporean weather.

"Fabrics that are in now include linen, cotton, and wool. These fabrics are breathable and comfortable, and they can make you look younger and more stylish,” says Loo Fern. “Linen and cotton for shirts are most suitable for our hot weather as these are natural yarns."

Ian concurs, adding: “Linen is quite underrated among locals, probably because of the extra care it needs. It gets creased easily, so it does need a little more maintenance compared to cotton – but it is also a very comfortable fabric to use and very breathable.

"I’m not so up to date on women’s fashion, but I would say that women shouldn’t feel the need to dress conservatively once they’ve reached a certain age. It’s okay to dress down a bit and still look classy and elegant – flared trousers with a simple floral blouse and tank top, perhaps, depending on the occasion."

2. Cut from one’s jib
Fashion Without Being Frumpy: 5 Ways To Dress Younger Than Your Age - CYC's tailored
Credit: CYC
Older men and women should both avoid the trap of sporting ill-fitting, loose clothing, thinking that it will hide any extra weight they might’ve put on over the years.
“These can make you look bigger. Instead, opt for clothes that are made to fit well through the shoulders and waist,” explains Loo Fern of CYC.

"For a shirt to look good on a bigger man, we cut them to allow for more room in the front, especially around the belly."

Skinnier men should do the opposite, donning “business shirts that are not too tight as this would accentuate the bony structure” she adds.

"For casualwear, skinny men can wear oversized shirts or T-shirts to keep in trend."

As for the fairer sex, Loo Fern says they “have a lot more styles and designs to choose from compared to men”, generally making it easier to look good and younger than they really are.
Her bit of advice: “Women should choose clothes that fit their body type and flatter their figure. Plus-sized women should wear clothes that have stretch as this helps to hide faults.”
Ian of Este Bartin also suggests using patterns to draw the eyes away from the body, particularly “vertical stripes” which help you “look more current (as they are trending now)” and thinner as well.
3. Don’t try too hard
Fashion Without Being Frumpy: 5 Ways To Dress Younger Than Your Age - Mandarin Collar Shirt
Credit: Este Bartin
The tailors advise seniors not to overcompensate in the fashion department.
“Nobody wants to look like they’re trying too hard. It is good to keep up with fashion trends, but you don’t necessarily have to be at the very forefront of fashion,” says Ian.
“Once you’re retired, you just need to look good day-to-day, with clothes that are presentable and nicely pressed.
Even while attempting to dress younger than your age, one shouldn’t go to an extreme and look out of place.
Advertisement
4. Accessorise to stand out
Accessorising is also a good way of upgrading one’s outfit, provided the environment allows for it.
Little details like rolling up your sleeves can “add a touch of casualness to your outfit”.
“It’s also a good way to show off your forearms and add visual interest to your look,” she concludes.
5. Own your personal style
Fashion Without Being Frumpy: 5 Ways To Dress Younger Than Your Age - Funky Print
Credit: Este Bartin
“Don’t be afraid to experiment. Fashion is all about personal style. What works for one person may not work for another. So don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles and find what works for you,” says Loo Fern.

"Finding the right style to fit the personality is a skill that needs to be honed from observing style trends and understanding your own body shape."

Both agree that investing in high-quality, functional clothing will leave one feeling and looking better and younger than their biological age compared to “cheap, disposable pieces”.
Ian says: “For a guy in his 50s, if you were to wear Bermudas, it doesn’t have to be shabby. Get something that’s well-cut or tailored, or even from an Asian-fitting brand like Uniqlo, and you’ll find that it complements your shape better than any old pair of pants.

“Be comfortable with your own style. If you haven’t found a style yet, don’t worry. Simple and good is a great choice, too.”

Also read:

Share This Article

Explore More
Advertisement
Upcoming Events
Jalan-Jalan Kakis - Labrador Park
Singapore International Festival of Arts
Advertisement

About Us

We’re a community created by silvers for silvers, brought together by a sense of curiosity and desire to live the next phase of our lives with joy and purpose. Expect useful tips and uncommon wisdom to enjoy living fuller for longer.

Follow Us

Get the latest stories!

By clicking Subscribe, I consent to the Terms and Privacy Policy to receive emails about the latest in entertainment, travel, food, culture, active ageing and living fuller in retirement!