Feeling decades younger than her age, a London consultant has transformed her look with a few key, trend-led pieces, proving style evolution doesn't require a complete wardrobe overhaul.
The Quest for Contemporary Style
Romola Zwart, a 58-year-old consultant from Chiswick, approached stylists with a clear desire. Despite being in her late fifties, she retains the energy and mindset of someone in their thirties and wanted her wardrobe to reflect that vibrancy. "I want ideas that are trendy and current but are still flattering and appropriate for someone my age," she explained. Standing at 5ft2 and a UK dress size 10, Romola sought guidance to bridge the gap between high-fashion trends and timeless elegance.
The Stylist's Affordable Strategy
Enter professional stylist Jess Carrol, who advocated for a strategic, accessory-focused approach. "Accessories are a great way to update an outfit to keep it feeling on-trend," Carrol advised. "Plus, it’s often more affordable than overhauling your whole wardrobe." For Romola's specific look, the stylist moved away from predictable pairings like classic court heels or less flattering ankle boots.
Instead, Carrol introduced a sleek western-inspired boot with a pointed toe from Marks & Spencer, priced at £140. This became the cornerstone of the new outfit. It was paired with a sophisticated £270 jacket from Cefinn and a £119 midi skirt from Phase Eight. A final touch was added with a £32 drawstring handbag from Accessorize, proving impactful style updates need not break the bank.
A Confident New Outlook
Romola's verdict was overwhelmingly positive, with one item stealing the show. "These boots!" she exclaimed. "I've always worn heels, but these add such a modern twist to the outfit." She also praised the perfect cut of the jacket. Most importantly, the new pieces ignited her enthusiasm for her existing wardrobe. "I'm so excited to get mixing and matching these new bits with what's already in my wardrobe," she said, highlighting the ultimate goal of sustainable, personalised style.
This case study underscores that fashion after 50 is not about fading into the background but about intelligent curation. By investing in a few directional, high-quality items like a statement boot or a well-tailored jacket, one can feel both contemporary and completely themselves.
