Nadine Reid shares some of her top tips on how to enjoy getting dressed and look stylish whatever the situation.

I was talking with some friends recently about clothes, both women were over 40. One had been through a tremendous medical journey and the other has four children, three under 10 years old.

The conversations were mainly around how our bodies have changed as we’ve moved through life. Both of them were no longer sure what their style was anymore. And as they’ve gotten older, they felt confused about what clothes were suitable for women of their age.

I think a lot of women can relate to these issues. So here’s my advice on how to start loving getting dressed again.

1>> Start Positive

You’re right to begin to reconsider your fashion pieces, especially if you haven’t updated your look for 20 years. A lot can happen to the body during this time - children, the effects of  medication, menopause and, well, life. So it is okay to recognise that, but do not be too hard on yourself. You have most likely survived, created a life and/or overcome many obstacles all of which have made you the amazing woman you are today. So go easy on yourself, celebrate your victories.

2>> Learn to love your body

Make a list of the parts of your body you like. Everyone has something. I love my smile, my curves, my chest and shoulders. So always consider what clothes will enhance these areas. For decades I subscribed to the ‘I hate my belly club’. But I’ve canceled my membership, particularly after realising that I had been growing a huge fibroid the size of a baby in it. After surviving my surgeries, I don’t allow a big tummy to stop my fashion choices. I am grateful to have a functioning body. When I dress I like to keep the focus on my favorite body parts.

3>> Be practical

Ask yourself for which occasions you would like to upgrade your clothes. Is it the school run? Going to work? Date nights? Walking the dog or grocery shopping? We will leave out special occasion wear, for now. For many of us, fashion needs to be comfortable, practical, and wash well. So before you spend, have a look at what you have already. Are there some clothes you could style differently to suit the person you are today? It might even be time to retire a few items you have kept that you won’t wear again. What items do you keep going back to? Which outfits make you walk taller? Start to notice which clothes make you feel more like who you are today, the powerful survivor of life’s challenges - not the you of twenty years ago.

4>> Accessories and key pieces

Before you shop for a whole new wardrobe, go through what belts, blazers, boots and bags you already have. This time of year, I am pretty sure many of us have some summer pieces that could cross over to autumn once layered with the right pieces. Add opaque tights to shirts/dresses. Swap your sandals for some chelsea boots. I challenge you to see what you have already - ribbed jumpers, skirts, shirts, heavy duty leggings, knee-high boots, gilet and trench coat.

5>> Colour

If you are going shopping, think of your colour choices. I appreciate not everyone has a love of bold colours and patterns, but please don’t allow your wardrobe fade you out. You deserve to be celebrated and stand tall in your unique style. So pull back on the stone, beige and nudes and choose something bright to wake up the neutral tones.

6>> Take inspo

Finally, fashion is your own journey. I adore the silhouettes of the 1950s. I love that women wore more hats and gloves then. I also love the sportswear of the 1980s. So my style plays mainly between these eras. What iconic looks do you love? Have this in mind when putting your looks together. I am not suggesting you do the school run dressed as Audrey Hepburn. But pay homage to the styles you love.

Check out Nadine on Instagram @nadinereid