High Street Trends Aimed Squarely At Teenage Girls

With high street trends aimed squarely at teenage girls, it's all too easy for older women to get it wrong and all teenagers to look like clones. But there is hope for the discerning among you.

In an ideal world women should wear whatever they want, regardless of age. But in reality there are rules; women make mistakes and 'mutton dressed as lamb' is a term we are all too familiar with.

This season the high street raises particular challenges for woman over 30, because the majority of fashion trends are teen-orientated.

A trip around the high street can feel like playing fancy dress. Nu-Rave acid brights and neon leggings, 1980s pin-up 'Body-Con' bandage dresses and pop-tart minis - hardly the kind of clothes to get you promoted!

And then there are the Woodstock hippy Maxi dresses. If you're old enough to remember them first time round then you're too old to wear them now.

So are there stylish clothes for women who have other occupations apart from clubbing? Fashion PR Joanne Byrne of Presence Communications believes there are options. "Nautical is always a safe trend in summer," she says, "and women of all ages and sizes can wear it."

For slim women Joanne recommends a white suit with a navy and white t-shirt; for larger women a navy linen suit, white t-shirt and red accessories. 'I love smocks but you have to be careful you don't look pregnant, so I wear mine with a belt," explains Joanne. "Also very bright colors are great in moderation. I'm also going to wear peep toe wedges: comfortable and give me height."

Principles currently stocks on-trend clothes for older women. Their Nouvelle range is gorgeous, with designer-look embellished pieces made in stunning fabrics and flattering cuts.