This romper (an all-in-one with shorts) is totally frivolous and deeply inappropriate for any work-related event. But perched on a barstool, with strappy heels? Go for it. Rachel Rachel Roy polyester romper, $119; macys.com. Prabal Gurung for Target crystal necklace, $20; target.com.

At this life stage, more is more. Layer on some glittery gold and add sky-high heels (next slide)—the point is to have fun with fashion rather than invest for the long haul. Buy the things you love right now, wear them into the ground and then move on to something else next season. Simply Vera Vera Wang metal necklace, $80; kohls.com.

Aah, to be young, lithe and leggy. The shorter length and boxy shape of this shirtdress is perfect for you now on casual Fridays. Then you can wear it even more casually into your forties and beyond, perhaps as a beach cover-up.  Canvas Lands’ End cotton shirtdress, $88; 877-877-1963. 

The carpetbag design is slightly structured and somewhat serious but made less stuffy by this multihued stripe. Rafe straw purse, $295; bloomingdales.com.

Unlimited color and pattern? It’s now or never, and textural accessories create yet another dimension of interest. The platforms have a slightly Asian appeal (another strong theme this spring). Via Spiga leather wedges, $250; nordstrom.com. 

Let us be clear: Your skin is young, lovely and elastic, so show it off in a big way. The pattern on this dress draws the eye to a trim waist, and the neon yellow stripes give it some exuberance. BCBGMaxazria silk blend dress, $268; bcbg​​.com. 

The bag (here) and sandal (next slide) make the most of this season’s love affair with all things ethnic. You should give it a whirl. You should give everything a whirl. Tommy Bahama seagrass tote, $95; tommybahama.com. 

Snug and skimpy call for a bodysuit with a plunging necklin. Cosabella bamboo-fiber teddy, $73; cosabella.com.

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Today’s 30-year-olds let their moods dictate their choices, and the only rules are that there are no rules. (Left: Lauren Santo Domingo, founder of luxe e-retailer Moda Operandi.) 

You're swamped by the great work-family wave. Clothes that are stylish and practical can help.

Gwyneth Paltrow (left) has made a uniform of skinny jeans and classic blazers.

Nothing beats the ease of a knit dress, and the longer length here won’t provide a peep show when you’re in and out of a car all day or chasing after your kids.  Rachel Rachel Roy rayon blend dress, $79; macys.com. Coldwater Creek metal and resin necklace, $70; coldwatercreek.com.

Harried and overscheduled? A bright hue can wake up your mood as well as your wardrobe. Pairing two cuffs adds oomph in an instant (we know that’s all you have time for). Lands’ End metal bangles, $34 each; landsend.com. 

’Tis the season for white denim, and the tux stripe is the right trend for you to try. These jeans are made with lots of stretch and a patented hidden-tummy-control construction—you can thank us later. Word to the wise: Buy a size smaller to get the fit just right. NYDJ cotton blend jeans, $130; nydj.com.

The peacoat is back. In this flashy version, the dark lower third works its color-blocking magic by hiding a tummy bulge or wider hips, if that’s of any interest. Wear this over something narrow, such as pants or a pencil skirt. CH Carolina Herrera cotton jacket, $645; 212-744-2076.

This slightly A-line skirt is flattering to all. Pair it with a T-shirt and thongs for day; dress it up with a white blouse and kitten heels. Anne Klein polyester skirt, $129; anneklein.com.

You’ve worn chinos in black and khaki for years, so now opt for a youthful pop of something bright in a slightly-roomier-but-still-narrow leg. The cotton blend is practical: shrink and wrinkle free. L.L.Bean Signature cotton blend pants, $79; llbeansignature.com.

This one is grab-and-go chic. Black Label By Chico’srayon blend cardigan, $119; chicos.com.

Lash enhancers. Dior Diorshow Iconic Overcurl mascara, $29; dior.com.

Women adhered to strict rules, which included lots of fitted, tailored suiting. (Comfort was not a concern.) Hats? Expected of a lady. Gloves? De rigueur. 

Invest in quality—and highlight your best feature. CH Caroline Herrera cotton shirtdress, $660; 212-744-2076.

Everyone, and we mean everyone, should invest in a shapely, chic leather jacket. This color flatters skin tone, and the open neckline shows it off. Donna Karan New York leather jacket, $3,495; dkny.com for stores. 

Now is the time to buy well-made, highly designed pieces that can be worn a multitude of ways. Cases in point: the dress and blouse (next slide) are ruched at the midsection and in colors and luxe fabrics you won’t tire of. Helmutsilk blend dress, $345; bloomingdales.com.

Paired with the right clothes (anything on these pages), this clutch will look like real leather even though it’s faux. We won’t tell. Liz Claiborne faux-leather clutch, $20; jcp.com.

From the department of  “You only live once”: Pair these with a black knit top for day; add heels for nighttime glamour. The only thing missing is the cocktail. Chico’s cotton blend jeans, $99; chicos.com.

A good dress is hard to find, so look right here (left). It’s deceptively structured—seemingly simple but actually engineered to lend control in all the right places. Zspoke Zac Posen jersey dress, $490; neimanmarcus.com. 

Yours may last forever, but it looks its age. We suggest this one: beautifully designed, perfectly sized, deliciously soft. Come on, it’s time to treat yourself. Furla For Saks Fifth Avenue leather shopper, $745; saks​fifthavenue.com.

Instead of the same old, same old, choose something singular and, dare we say, artistic. This oversize duster will look great over everything from sheaths to jeans. Tracy Reeselinen coat, $448; amazon.com.

A skin illuminizer. Laura Mercier Bonne Mine Healthy Glow palette, $48; sephora.com.

At that age, women were officially deemed old and were therefore expected to keep their bodies shrouded. On them, bright colors were considered garish; loose hair was out of the question.

Invest in quality—and highlight your best feature. CH Carolina Herrera cotton shirtdress, $660; 212-744-2076.

The palazzo style is plenty comfortable, and this striped take is more polished than, say, a floral print. Worn with flats, it’s a smart evening look (and forgiving enough that you can eat your dessert and his, too). Coldwater Creek polyester blend trousers, $80; coldwatercreek.com.

Let the young ones flop around in rubber thongs; you’ve earned something snazzier (love the feminine details). Simply Vera Vera Wang synthetic sandals, $28; kohls.com.

The allover print hides quite a lot, if that’s your issue, but this also looks great when cinched with a wide belt (two inches is ideal). The fabric is divine—so soft and silky—that you’ll wear the blouse repeatedly. For the slenderest silhouette, try with slim, ankle-length pants; for fun, choose a colorful shoe. Lafayette 148 Nysilk blouse, $728; lafayette148ny.com.

No need to splash blooms across your body when a trendy accessory will let you do more with less. Wear either the cuff or the shoe (next slide) but never both at the same time. H&M plastic cuff, $15; hm.com for stores.

Got great arms? This shows ’em. Arms not your favorite feature? Then top the dress with a jacket or cardigan. We’re mad for the dots and appreciate the lack of frump here. If you’ve RSVP’d to a spring or summer fête, you’re set. Strenesse Gabriele Strehle silk dress, $820; Anik NY, 212-249-2417.

Avoid overheating with these lightweight firming bike shorts. Commando microfiber shorts, $58; wearcommando.com.

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Whether with sleek suiting or luxe loungewear, today’s styles offer polish and versatility. The hair? Wash and go. (Here: Hollywood powerhouse Sherry Lansing.)