Coco Chanel used to say, “A woman has the age she deserves.”

In short, reaching an older age doesn’t mean fashion is restricted to pastels and pearls. Sure, if you’re 60 it may not be a good idea to wear that short, sequined dress you wore in your 20s, but don’t be afraid to break out that bright red lipstick or to lace a little colour into your wardrobe with some bright scarves. There are many ways you can stay in touch with the latest trends and still dress your age.

Take the current trend to colour block, for example. Don’t be afraid to pile on some red, orange and blue together, but take care to not go overboard. Scale down on the accessories and wear garments with simple cuts to let the colours shine through.

Alternatively, you can take a few elements of recent trends and incorporate them into your existing wardrobe. Say, wrap a bright orange headband around hair or wear a jacket with an eye-popping lining. If you lean towards muted colours, take a cue from long-time SBS newsreader Lee Lin Chin.

Known for her eclectic fashion tastes, Chin pairs simple colours with unique geometric cuts but still keeps a very feminine silhouette. The same rules can be applied to make-up. Swipe on some bright red lipstick or nail polish for a quick, yet elegant way to add a bit of colour to any outfit. The general rule, it seems, is to stick with classic looks, keeping in mind your personality and personal style. Wear what you feel the most comfortable in, but don’t be afraid to incorporate elements from the latest trends into your daily wardrobe.

To quote Madame Chanel again, “Fashion fades, only style remains the same.”