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There are plenty of challenges that come with getting older – never knowing what to wear shouldn’t be one of them. As we head into summer – the season when our calendars are oh so full, but our wardrobe options feel oh so limited – we’re leaning on these expert tips from Rails Wilson, marketing manager at Elm Lifestyle.

Born in 2012 from a desire to create colourful, playful pieces in easy-to-wear shapes, Elm Lifestyle has become the go-to destination for personalities that refuse to grow old.

From the small seaside town of Ocean Grove, Victoria, Elm has spread to over 300 boutiques Australia- and New Zealand-wide (including four outlets right here on the Gold Coast – Coolangatta, Burleigh, Canungra and Tamborine).

Read on for the summer styling tips that will see us through the warm months ahead…

Why does finding – and expressing – our personal style feel harder as we age?

As we move through life, our style often becomes… well, a little safer. Many of us start dressing for practicality, workplaces or what we think flatters our changing bodies. We worry more about covering perceived imperfections and less about expressing ourselves boldly, something we did with ease when we were younger.

But here’s the beautiful part: with age comes wisdom. We know our bodies, our lifestyles, and what actually feels good. The challenge isn’t that we’ve lost our style, it’s that we’ve forgotten our childlike permission to play. Summer collections like Elm’s easy, joyful and colourful seasonal pieces remind us that clothing can still feel fun, light-hearted, and expressive, no matter our age.

Women can face a lot of criticism for playing with their style as they age, but playing it safe can feel so uninspiring. Do you have any tips for helping women over 40 work out which new trends to try, and which to leave behind?

The wonderful news is that today’s fashion world finally gets it. Brands like Elm Lifestyle reinterpret trends in ways that honour real women’s bodies, confidence, and comfort, without compromising on personality.

Take the barrel-leg jean. The youth market loves the ultra-exaggerated shape, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only version available. Many labels now offer refined silhouettes with comfort-first details, like elastic waists or gentler curves. Elm’s Relaxed Barrel Leg pant has a snap at the ankle so you can pull them in or let them out making them versatile but not stuck in a trend. They’re also lightweight with an elastic waist. All of Elm’s Summer pieces follow that exact philosophy, modern, stylish, wearable, trend-aware – but never trend-controlled.

Because over 40, our superpower is self-knowledge. We don’t need every trend, just the right ones. Find brands you trust – brands that stay current without pretending you have the body (or lifestyle!) of an 18-year-old.

When a new season hits and you suddenly forget how to dress, what’s the first step?

Begin with two to four solid classics – pieces you can dress up, dress down, and take anywhere. Think black and white basics, great denim, crisp shirts, and easy dresses. Your evergreen staples are the anchor while your wardrobe finds its seasonal groove.

Once your foundation is set, give yourself time to ease into the new season. Let the dust settle, watch what trusted fashion voices are loving, and see how your favourite stores interpret new trends. Observing first helps you figure out what aligns with your personal style, rather than getting swept up in impulse buys.

As we head into summer, what are your top tips for shopping for new clothes that will *actually* work with your lifestyle – especially when it’s so hot?

Here are my go-to guidelines for building a stylish and functional summer wardrobe, plus a few Elm pieces from the new ‘Let’s Fiesta’ collection to show how seamlessly these ideas come to life:

1. Start in your own wardrobe: Look at what you wear most, those pieces reveal what you feel genuinely good in. If you already rely on a throw-on-and-go dress, options like the Bon Bon Dress or the Sunset Hour Dress slide perfectly into your rotation.
2. Dress for your real life: Do you commute? Chase kids? Work outdoors? Socialise often? Your clothes should support your lifestyle, not complicate it. Easy summer pairings like the Alfresco Tee with the Emma Relaxed Short or the Bodhi Denim Short create outfits that can move with you through busy days.
3. Choose versatile pieces: Think shirts you can button, knot, or wear open; sleeves that roll; dresses that go from daytime errands to dinner. Flexibility is everything in summer. The Palermo, Rena and Scottie Shirt offer maximum styling mileage, while matching sets like the Holly Top and Holly Pant give you multiple looks from just two pieces.
4. Prioritise breathable fabrics: Natural fibres, soft cottons, and easy-care blends are your best friends in the heat. If ironing isn’t in your love language, avoid high-crease materials. The Edin range offers light, comfortable, warm-weather pieces with a relaxed feel and minimal fuss.
5. Dress for comfort and confidence: Hot weather is unforgiving. If it’s not comfortable, it won’t get worn. Choose pieces that feel light, easy, and confidence-boosting. Dresses like the Nelle Midi Dress, Chilli Tee and Sonny Denim Dress deliver that effortless wearability that gets you through long, hot days with ease.

What is your method for discovering (or rediscovering) your personal style at any age? Ideally, without spending hours in change rooms, or a fortune on new clothes!

Social media can be a powerful tool when used intentionally. Follow women who feel authentic, relatable, and whose style genuinely resonates with you. Notice the pieces they gravitate toward, what colours or shapes you love seeing on them, and what sparks inspiration, and remember, inspiration isn’t imitation.

It’s about curating ideas that align with your personality, your body, and your lifestyle.

Fashion gets more exciting with age, not less. We’ve lived, we’ve learned, and we know ourselves better than ever. And lucky for us, there are incredible designers, like the team behind Elm Lifestyle, creating joyful, colourful, feel-good clothing for women who refuse to fade into the beige.

You don’t have to play safe.
You don’t have to shrink.

Wear what you love.
Ignore the critics.
Claim your space with colour, confidence, and joy.

Love it. Wear it. Own it.

www.elmlifestyle.com.au