styling Tricks From Expert Designers

Styling tricks from expert designers

Find inspiration from these fashion icons.

Lois Joy Johnson, AARP

Before celebrities caught the attention of fashion a group of super creative designers made trends possible. They taught us to wear clothes with confidence and style. Now between the ages of 53 and 80, these designers still impact the evolution of wardrobes. Some of their wardrobes may seem extreme (after all, they are fashion-forward!), But the ideas they are based on making perfect sense. Here we showcase 11 cunning new lessons from our legendary friends.

Diane Furstenberg

Opt for a mid-calf skirt to look more updated, up-to-date and modern.

Diane von Furstenberg: Her knee-length wrap dress never goes out of style, but 72-year-old von Furstenberg now prefers stretchy straight skirts and loose-fitting straight dresses with a modern midi length. Use her styling trick of combining longer hems with fashionable shoes and a cropped jacket to preserve the fabulous, not frumpy look. Add ankle boots, mary jane, and strap shoes on the instep with a chunky or wedge low heel (no flats!) For a stylish silhouette.

ROY ROCHLIN; STEVE GRANITZ; DIMITRIOS KAMBOURIS, ROY ROCHLIN; STEVE GRANITZ; DIMI

Donna Karan

Combine loose large tops with tight pants to balance the body.

Donna Karan: Her tailor outfits wrapped and draped women to give them an hourglass figure, but today, in her 70s, Karan runs her philanthropic brand Urban Zen with oversized loose tops, comfy oversized cardigan, and eye-catching accessories. Use her style trick to balance volume on top with a tight dark base of leggings, leggings or skinny pants. Then add a large necklace or thick bracelets to be the center of attention.

Norma Kamali item 3, Gallery image. Norma Kamali

Norma Kamali

Count on the tailor suits again to create an urban uniform that looks good everywhere, anytime.

Norma Kamali: She gave us the 50s-inspired rushed swimsuits and fitted knit dresses that gave bodies of all shapes and sizes a glamorous feel. At 74, Kamala’s cat-eye glasses, dark hair with bangs, and stretchy cloth suits are her distinctive new look. Use her new style trick of combining longer jackets — with a coat length or thigh-length — with ankle or flared pants to make the outfits look comfortable and modern.

Nicole Miller

Wear an unexpected jacket and crossover ankle boots to modernize any dress.

Nicole Miller: Her inexpensive evening gowns have graced everyone from Susan Sarandon to Sheryl Crow. At 67, Miller wears her skirts from mini to maxi but adds a ravishing jacket, a black biker leather or adam levine jacket, and bold cross strap ankle boots to add style. Use her style trick to spice up a black dress; relax evening dresses; add rebelliousness to very feminine dresses, or make sleeveless dresses usable year-round.

Nanette Lenora

Combine feminine, bold and glamorous clothing to modernize your style.

Nanette Lepore: Her popular contemporary brand is a mix of femininity and rock star; but easy to use. Lepore, 55, is her best advertisement for bohemian adult clothing nuanced with black lace, metallic elements, velvets, and studs. Use her styling trick of combining floral prints with animal prints or denim and metallic colors with tailored clothing to expand your wardrobe options.

Diane Furstenberg

Opt for a mid-calf skirt to look more updated, up-to-date and modern.

Diane von Furstenberg: Her knee-length wrap dress never goes out of style, but 72-year-old von Furstenberg now prefers stretchy straight skirts and loose-fitting straight dresses with a modern midi length. Use her styling trick of combining longer hems with fashionable shoes and a cropped jacket to preserve the fabulous, not frumpy look. Add ankle boots, mary jane, and strap shoes on the instep with a chunky or wedge low heel (no flats!) For a stylish silhouette.