So classy! IMAGE Instagram/applesaberin, mustlovemom 

Every fashion-loving woman is all too familiar with the beauty of wearing dresses. Aesthetics aside, it’s a one-piece outfit that’s easy to slip into and know full well you look great. Yet as we get older and our professions, lifestyles, and changing body shapes require a certain demeanor from us, preferred dress styles often shift to something more tailored, covered-up, and staid. And while that’s not necessarily a bad thing, especially if it suits your purpose, there’s no reason to let go of the silhouettes of more carefree days that have the power to make one feel pretty.

So we turned to some of our favorite stylish women who, even in their 40s and up, know how to work a youthful style in their favor. Scroll onwards to see what we mean.

There’s something about an empire waist that echoes the baby doll dresses of our younger days. Aliza Apostol’s pink maxi gets some grown up flair with oversized earrings.

Mikka Padua’s gingham frock has so many elements that spell f-u-n: a youthful print, voluminous sleeves, a tiered balloon skirt, and cutouts that can make your waist look slimmer.

Primary colors might call to mind a box of crayons, which could be why they feel joyful  when worn. We love how the hues liven up the pattern of Christine Dychiao’s simple A-Line Filip + Inna shift.

What happens when you combine a sweet pastel hue, eyelet, and puff sleeves? You’ve got a dainty mini dress that looks oh so fresh! We like how Aubrey Miles kept her makeup bare and hair simple with it.

Keri Zamora knows how to make a loose smock more fashionable than frumpy. Here, she dresses up the Phoebe duster from Dusters of Manila with a cute turban and minimalist slides.

Another white dress look, because the non-color always looks fresh, Agoo Bengzon’s lace-trimmed prairie frock feels as idyllic as a sunlit Sofia Copolla film.

If you feel like your legs are your biggest asset, proudly show them off like Myrza Sison, who punctuated her bright floral mini dress with electric pink sandals.

Apples Aberin’s toile de jouy Charina Sarte piece proves that a delicate print is the girlish charm an corset-style dress needs.

A shoulder-baring dress, even in black, has a way painting your face and neckline in a youthful light. You can choose to keep it simple like Lucy Torres-Gomez, or add some on-trend accessories for a festive approach.

Even in monochrome, polka dots give a sophisticated wrap dress a playful spin. How cute is it that Amina Aranaz-Alunan wore a matching mask, too!