Age-Old Question

You may not recognize age-appropriate accessorizing when you see it but you can certainly identify the inappropriate kind. The 40-year-old woman in camouflage Converse toting a terrycloth Juicy Couture bag always goes noticed. As does the 20-something girl sporting the feathered pillbox hat. But the heads turn for all the wrong reasons.

Regardless of how young at heart the 40-year-old is or how old the 20-something's soul seems, some accessories have age limits. We'd like to help you adhere to them. Here is our tip sheet for age-appropriate accessorizing, with the help of Ellianna Placas, fashion director for Life & Style magazine.

TANTALIZING TWENTIES

"When you're in your 20s, you can be a lot more experimental than any other time in your life," Placas said. Reach for that larger-than-life slouchy neon bag, slide 10 skinny bangles up your wrist and don't shy away from head gear, be it hats or hair accessories.

This represents the period in which you're discovering exactly which style is yours. So, while figuring it out, you may as well have a little fun.

• Do: Incorporate the wildest, newest, boldest trends on the scene.

• Don't: Overaccessorize. Follow Coco Chanel's rule and remove one item before walking out the door.

FLIRTY THIRTIES

You've grown out of budget fashion and have started to look at accessories as investments. "You want great pieces that will last longer, like the Chanel quilted bag," Placas said. Or the Burberry trench coat. A pair of nude Christian Louboutins start calling your name, too.

Although the 30s encourage sophistication, this age group need not abandon their carefree side completely. Dare to take the stiletto a little higher but rock the Tory Burch ballet flats with the same panache.

• Do: Reward yourself with an accessory you'll wear daily, such as a high-quality timepiece.

• Don't: Get carried away and dress too mature for your age.

FABULOUS FORTIES

You know exactly what your signature scent is:confidence. Rather than drip with designer names and logos, you'd rather seek out the obscure. Hunting down a vintage cocktail ring gives you an adrenaline rush. Toting a bag you can't find at the department stores, because you came across it at a small boutique in Milan, lends a pep to your step.

The 40s bring an eye for innovation and individuality. Your accessories during this time will call more attention to the person wearing the adornments than the adornments themselves.

• Do: Keep up with trends via accessories less likely to age discriminate, like sunglasses.

• Don't: "Be afraid to choose a trend and run with it," Placas said.

Models: Laura Bown (20s); Jamie Eifert (30s); Andrea Avruskin (40s), all for Impact Models & Entertainment

Hair and Makeup: Whitney Urichuk for One Luv Agency, oneluvagency.com and Lijha Stewart

Stylist: Xazmin Garza, Review-Journal

Stylist's Assistants: Kayla-Jo Rosoff and Ashley Bowman

Contact fashion reporter Xazmin Garza at xgarza@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0477.