Lists are not just for Christmas, or for the supermarket, or for the proverbial ‘bucket’. When we are thinking about the clothes and accessories we own, it doesn’t matter how you keep track of what you have, but having that knowledge will be invaluable for your image, your style and your purchasing plans.

Good grooming is key. If you want to look like you have bothered, and are wearing clothes that wouldn’t be considered formal, an easy thing to do is to get your grooming to work for you.

Discovering your creativity

How did we get here? Middle age, much like the teenager, is a relatively new concept. Through history, there wasn’t the luxury of worrying about labels and what we should or shouldn’t wear, or do, or think.

Highlighting your face. When thinking about your smart casual image, take a moment to think about what you notice in other people. It is an undeniable fact that the majority of people will talk to your face when you’re with them.

Aim for clarity and simplicity. It has always been a pillar of my design work, and I have written extensively about getting good value from the clothes that you own. Whether you are contemplating a car or a coat, the very best value for money, the item that has the least affect on the planet, and is by far the most sustainable thing possible, is the thing you already own.

Exploring the alternatives. If you don’t have a distinctive style yet, or you are wondering how to become more creative, take a deep breath and give yourself some time. Start to look around you. What colours and patterns appeal, what imagery attracts you, and can you begin to see trends and themes appearing?

Use your new clarity to declutter. Once you know what you want your wardrobe to do for you, you can set about moulding it to your needs.

Knowing what you have and therefore identifying any gaps or things that you need, will mean that you can make a simple ‘shopping’ list and stick to it.

Find your statement piece. You may have heard about a ‘statement’ piece of jewellery, but having a key item in your wardrobe that you can put on and wear anywhere will solve a multitude of fashion dilemmas.

What works best for you?

Everyone gets stuck at some point. So, when is mid-life, and if there are no preconceived ideas and expectations, does it matter anymore? If you live until you are 90, is the middle of your life 45?

Making it work in real situations. If you are at work in a formal setting or working with clients, then you can take your cue from those around you which can be a great starting point for your creativity.

Value for money. It has always been a pillar of my design work, and I have written extensively about getting good value from the clothes that you own. Whether you are contemplating a car or a coat, the very best value for money, the item that has the least affect on the planet, and is by far the most sustainable thing possible, is the thing you already own.

Being authenic and recognisable. So, do you relate to bold bright colours, or do you like pale, delicate pastels, classic dark muted tones or are you most at home with an eclectic mix? All these attributes could be suitable to wear in the same industry, but the perhaps the design aesthetic and the overall style of the business would look quite different.

What does your life look like now? Can you think about how you spend your day, your week, and your month. What do you spend most of your time doing?

Have you ever been to the supermarket without a list and come home with not only more than you intended to buy, but you also seem to have forgotten the one thing you really needed?

The dilemma. In our 21st century society, dressed up seems to have been largely overtaken by dressed down. Look in any bar, restaurant, café or workplace and people are wearing casual clothes, and shoes, and may or not seem to be bothered about their appearance.