How to evolve your fashion look

With a 4-year-old daughter and a busy work schedule as vice president of human resources for Shavlik Technologies in Roseville, it's no wonder that 42-year-old Donna Shatava shops for comfort and convenience.

"I try to keep up with the trends. I always [used to have] great shoes, but I just don't have time to shop anymore." Now when she shops, "I'm either grabbing things, thinking, 'This is good enough,' or I go with a go-to look. My old personal style gets lost because of the time commitment."

This conundrum is true for many women whose family and work lives don't leave time to worry about whether their fashion choices still work for them personally and professionally. The bohemian-influenced looks you wore in your 20s and 30s probably don't work quite as well into your 40s and 50s.

So how do you hold onto that personal touch while dressing appropriately for your age and your work life? How do you decide whether your look is more Ann Taylor or Eileen Fisher? How do you know when it's time to move from Anthropologie to J. Jill? Here are some tips and tricks from local stylists and wardrobe consultants.

"Style is powerful," said consultant Ann Prentice. "I think we've evolved to the place where women can be smart and successful and stylish."

Prentice, who has two young children, understands the demands that modern women face. They don't always have time for shopping and sometimes need guidance, she said. So she works closely with her clients, developing a four-step approach tailored to each. "The idea that [women] may feel like style isn't for them, though they want it to be part of their lives ... to see that rectified is so rewarding. You want to move in the universe with poise and grace and confidence."

Shop your closet. Put together new outfits with pieces you already own. Clean that closet out first, though -- and don't hang on to things because of nostalgia.

Spend more on "workhorse" pieces. In Minnesota, that may be outerwear like coats and boots. It's what most people will see you in when you're out and about.

Know yourself. Know what you feel good in and think about why that is. Prentice recommends creating an inspiration board or style journal of images that inspire you.

Mall of America trend expert Sara Rogers has aided legions of clients in finding and developing their personal style. "Do you want to dress well? Focus on it," she said. "If you don't have the gift, there are experts who can help you and give you the guidance."

Stay true to yourself. For example, if you like "bohemian," Rogers recommends trying a flowy blouse in a floral chiffon and pairing it with more structured pieces, like a vest. Take your lifestyle, office environment and dress code into consideration.

Look at what you're interested in and what you're drawn to. If you seem to gravitate toward the "rocker" look, try studs on a handbag or shoes vs. the full-on biker jacket and motorcycle boots. Consider smaller doses of the look.

Dress for your body type. Choose silhouettes that flatter you and colors that enhance your skin tone. Please yourself.

Look for help. Round up stylish friends or photograph yourself in possible outfits to see how things really look.

Kevin Quinn's popular accessories boutique, StyledLife, is all about enhancing customers' personal style, but Quinn and his co-workers also offer a wardrobe consulting service. "Hundreds of people come in every day and will tell you how challenged they are, especially as they get older. A guest might be in her 40s or 50s but feels younger."

Examine your lifestyle. Do you go to parties often? How do you dress for work?

Would you rather be overdressed or underdressed? If you choose the latter, Quinn recommends choosing tasteful, low-key accessories. Those who prefer to be overdressed might enjoy big cocktail rings or wild scarves.

Pay attention to accessories! According to Quinn, accessories are the "star children" of fashion. From scarves to wraps to necklaces, there are endless ways to incorporate your personal style into a look without buying any clothing at all.

Kara Nesvig is a Minneapolis freelance writer.