Confident Dressing with That’s Not My Age

Alyson Walsh (5’10”) has made great grown-up style her business through her blog, That’s Not My Age, and day job as a fashion journalist and author. Here, she shares her hard-earned sartorial wisdom on dressing with and for confidence, and why jumpsuits are a wardrobe winner. 

Alyson on...personal style
My signature look is what I like to refer to as Gentlewoman Style. I've always preferred masculine tailoring, unisex shirts, mannish trousers and tailored jackets, to frills, florals and frou frou. 

Style is a work in progress and I believe that putting together winning outfits gets easier the more you continue to mix, match and experiment. The more you practise it! Continually refining and refreshing what you wear keeps things looking modern. Try new combinations of old favourites, introduce one unexpected piece, add texture and colour. Have fun and try things on until something clicks. Practising style is a phenomenon I talk about in my book Know Your Style.

...On athleisure 
I may not be as athletic as I once was...but I'm a big fan of ME+EM’s wide-leg track pants. They're relaxed, chic and form an integral part of my 9-to-5 wardrobe. Sports-luxe is what I wear when I want to feel comfortable and at ease, but still professional and pulled-together. These track pants look ace styled with everything from a silk blouse or Breton top, to a shearling jacket or sharp blazer.

...On the joy of jumpsuits
I'm a bit of an all-in-one obsessive! Jumpsuits have superb pull-on-and-go properties, are easy to wear and look effortlessly cool. Plus, the time-saved getting dressed in the morning is such a bonus. This cotton twill style is a master of multitasking, it can be dressed up or down with ease. Props to the adjustable belt tie, too, which adds definition.

...On building a collection
Dressing well is all about dressing to please yourself. It's about finding reliable clothes that fit well, work hard and feel authentic. Dressing for ourselves, rather than following fashion commandments or the latest trends (do they even exist anymore?!), is an approach that benefits all women, because self-acceptance and feeling comfortable in your own skin are the hallmarks of great style.

Before buying anything new I ask myself, ‘Is it me?’ And ‘ Am I going to wear it? We don’t need loads of stuff, we just need the right stuff. A wardrobe should be full of the clothes you love and will live with for a long time. 
@thatsnotmyage