Style and glamour are life-enhancers and I strongly believe that no one should persuade you to ever give these up in your lifetime. However, we all know that what is stylistically appropriate at 25 is not always as suitable at 55 — so how do we work out what we can and can't wear as we progress through the various stages of our life? This article provides you with some guidelines to doing so.

Develop your signature style

If you have a clear sense of your own signature style – the combination of what suits your body shape, what colours work for you, and how you represent your personality through your clothing, it is unlikely you will ever go wrong with your dress. And it is never too late to discover your personal style and put it into practice.

We need to work with what nature has blessed us with, learn how to fake it where necessary, and clearly and consistently apply these learnings to the way in which we robe ourselves each morning.

Hire a stylist. Ask the most honest of your friends. Or experiment in the safety of your home until you get it right. But do it, so that you become a style inspiration to all of your peers as they age alongside you.

Examples of glamorous people today who consistently dress in a timeless signature style include Dame Judi Dench, Ex-President Nelson Mandela, Kate Moss, George Clooney and Catherine Deneuve. None of them dress predictable and safely (read boring), but all of them express the essence of their nature through they way in which dress which is in itself a well-earned comfort zone.

Confidence trumps youth

The most stylish of all looks, is that of confidence. If we are clear and honest in the way in which we present ourselves to the world, our signature style intact, we will always look glamorous and stylish. No amount of fresh-faced youth can compete with a real man or woman who is comfortable in themselves and dressed to match.

This doesn't mean we can wear whatever we feel like. But what it does mean is that anything we wear with authenticity will be imbued with style. This discounts anything inappropriate for the occasion — as this is both impolite and disrespectful. Real style is always both gracious and respectful of those around us.

The other great thing about advancing in age is that you can collect and keep the spoils of your youth. There's less and less need to buy new clothes all the time. Each season a few accessories, a haircut and a great new pair of boots may be all you need to translate your signature style for the season.

You can continue to adapt your signature style with all the hot new looks that come through — just doing it in a more discreet way than the teenagers who totally transform each season to keep up with the trends.

The ages of eccentricity

As you get older, one of the great mistakes many people make is to start dressing in bland good taste. I would argue, however, that the older you get, the less you can afford to blend into the background.

The danger of looking staid and boring increases in probability as you age — as too does the possibility of being overlooked. And so we must use our personalities and style to stand out and make our voices heard as we move through the ages.

A man or woman of 22 can wear a pair of jeans and a white t-shirt and look like a vision of elegant simplicity. Someone who's 60 needs to add the jacket, accessories and the shoes, to make the same look work as well.

What not to do

If you look in the mirror, and you look like you are wearing your daughter, son, niece or nephew's clothes, it's probably a good idea to make a swift change.

There is nothing more inelegant, particularly in South Africa, than looking like you are trying too hard. It's dishonest and faintly embarrassing that you are pretending to be something you are not — this is in such contrast to true South African style, that it is one of the single biggest fashion faux pas you can make.

Diana Vreeland, ex-editor of Harper's Bazaar once said: "The greatest vulgarity is any imitation of youth and beauty." So please, stay true to yourself and you can't go wrong, no matter what your age.

The other great error you can make is letting yourself go — you must stay healthy, fit and flexible.

There is nothing more unglamorous than relying on others to get around and do your basics. If you keep yourself active and fit through some low-impact exercise a few times a week, there is no reason that you will not be able to maintain your style all the way through your life.

Style in your 20s
This is your age of experimentation. Being wacky and whimsical is appropriate at this age. Being daring with colour and fabric choices, breaking all the rules and getting your legs out is your right and privilege. Do it now and find out who you are as it is going to be a very long time before you get to do it again without embarrassing yourself. Make sure you have a couple of great dresses or jackets in your wardrobe, and don't be scared to show a bit of skin when appropriate (i.e. not at work).

Style in your 30s
This is when you start to add the first layers of polish to your newly developed signature style. This is the best age for being fashion forward — young enough to carry it off and old enough to begin to afford it. Take a few risks but start to introduce some sophistication in your fabric choices and skirt lengths. The age of exposed skin and low-slung jeans is sadly over. But make sure that every outfit has something striking about it.

Style in your 40s
This is when you are confident about your signature style and should know exactly which silhouettes suit your body shape. Your clothing lines start to become simpler, but much more imbued with the real essence of your personality. Introduce a few classic fashion items into your wardrobe like a pair of timeless heels or an investment watch. You start to become really picky about your fabrics choices — by now they need to be more luxurious and long lasting.

Style in your 50s
This is the age of tailoring. Both men and women benefit from a well-constructed jacket and trouser (or skirt) suit. Even the shirts and dresses need to have a bit of construction in them to be really flattering and keep the overall look refined and elegant. You are done with the fussy detailing now and colours and shapes are cleaner. Fabrics are luxe and the look is smart.

Style in your 60s
Timeless elegance is your overarching guideline in your 60s. You know who you are and what suits you. You have several classic pieces in your wardrobe now that have served you well over the years. Your silhouettes are evocative of the great ages and your trousers and skirts are softer. Coverage is key, but you still have fun with an eye-popping fabric for your top or a dashing panama hat to doff at the ladies.

Style in your 70s and beyond
Looking elegant and distinguished is key to style in these years, however, it is also time to have a bit of fun. So combine your tailoring with some outlandish embellishments or have a classic dress made from the most sumptuous fabric you can afford. Add a bit of volume to your silhouette and don't be afraid of the more high-fashion styles. Get your trouser lengths and skirt lengths absolutely spot on and then accessorise with your most expensive jewellery. It is now that we make absolutely no apologies for who we are and how we lead our lives. Enjoy it to the full.

For more information on Robyn and her personal styling services go to: www.robyncooke-styleguide.co.za