Last year I had a dressy alumni event to attend and needed to look the part of a fashionista. An over 45 fashionista, that is. So while I tried on dresses with ankle boots and bone-aching platforms, I decided that none of those looks were quite age or occasion appropriate.

So I turned to my stylist friend (I won't drop his clients' names, but I'll give you a hint: his biggest client likes sparkle and plays a guitar.) Wear a simple black dress, patterned black pantyhose and fabulous shoes, he advised.

I love it when just one piece can transform your entire look.

This season, that one piece is the fur vest, a look that works beautifully for our age group. During Fashion Week, I saw just about every variation of this look, from real fur to some great faux options.

Not only is this trend ageless, it can be found at just about every price point, with retailers from high end to discounters offering styles.

Here's how to wear the fur vest:

Current trends may have an air of toughness (studs, menswear) and minimalism, but there are still plenty of ways to add a feminine touch to your look.

As I get older, I find that that little bit of softness – a pretty pink here, a peek of lace there – really goes a long way in adding a youthful touch to everything I wear.

Here are a few ways to add an updated girly touch to your wardrobe:

How do I explain the fact that I'm willing to try fall's hot new over-the-knee boots while passing on fingerless gloves?

Trends are tricky for us grown-ups. At one end of the spectrum are fashion trends that are totally aimed at youngsters; at the other end are high-end styles that come down the runway. And neither may work for real women.

While I'm happy to try something new (like the over-the-knee boots), I never want to look like I'm trying too hard (like I think I will in fingerless gloves.)