My darlings, this one is for all of us over forty, because I know how easily we can lose our way in the flood of trends and how hard it can be to find the right direction. I know we all still have items in our closets that date back to our high school days, or thereabout. We’re emotionally attached to them and that’s about it, because I find it hard to believe any of us would ever wear them again, even if it’s a day to stay at home and clean the bathroom. We’ve just outgrown some things, simple as that. But that doesn’t mean we have to seclude ourselves, not at all, I think it’s time for us to blossom! Ready?
Image source: Pinterest
Find your body type
Because we’re not all the same, not even close, some of us are taller, others smaller, some slim, others curvaceous, and our tastes differ significantly. The key is to identify your type and dress accordingly. The silhouette should be elongated and gracious, which is easily achievable with the right choice of items to wear and a few tricks. No horizontal lines, if you’re on the heavier side; large floral prints for petite ladies; high heels for shorter legs; straight-leg pants, if your thighs are heavy.
The right length
Skirts shouldn’t be too short, even if you own a great pair of legs; it’s all about the knees, which change with time. While this in no way applies to every woman out there, it is generally so. The length of the skirt can reach to above the knees, but don’t opt for a mini skirt, because it’s neither fashionable nor tasteful. Other lengths matter as well: blazers should go over the hips, waist-length sweaters only for slim figures, trousers should have a higher waist with almost no exception, belt your pleated dresses, otherwise the silhouette will appear puffy. Wear heels, because they always elongate.
Mind the shoes
Opt for interesting models. Classic is fine, but I’m sure you already have plenty of classic pumps or ballet flats in your closet. It’s time for variety, such as animal print footwear, red sandals, contrast pointy tip pumps, lace heel sandals. Be daring, because you can get away with a lot, when it comes to shoes. And please, no platforms; they don’t even make sense on adolescent girls, but on a mature woman, they make me think of Las Vegas, and not in a good way…
Image source: Pinterest
Image source: Pinterest
Show off your assets
Tastefully, of course. We each have something, beautiful eyes, cleavage, legs, tiny waist, lips. Find a way to show off your assets and make them stand out. On the other hand, learning some tricks to hide the faults is just as important. Opt for pieces that emphasize your femininity and forget all the oversized pieces, which look like you are lost in. This goes for curvaceous women also, or mostly: oversized pieces make you seem larger!
Find your pair of jeans
What kind? It’s an excellent question and the answer is: The kind that makes you look good. This will probably mean a higher waist, tailored and stretchy, darker to make them more dressy, even boyfriend jeans are okay, even though this model is shorter, but try it with high heels. Ripped jeans are trendy, but this doesn’t allow for bare knees, at least not after forty, at least I can’t see the fun in it, but rather the opposite. There are some ripped jeans models that look nice, they’re not hard to find, but don’t look for them in shops that specialize in young adult fashion.
Glasses
If you wear prescription glasses, you should know they have to be beautiful. Not only appropriate for the shape of your face, but actually beautiful. Mind the frames and no one said you have to limit yourself to one pair of glasses, not at all. On the other hand, they don’t have to cost a fortune, especially, if you’re going to wear several of them, opt for affordable frames. Pay some attention to the colors, they’re not very welcome, simply because a specific color may interfere with your choice of T-shirts and sweaters. Similar is true for hair color.
Image source: Pinterest
Image source: Pinterest
Image source: Pinterest
Jewelry
If you’re heavier, the pieces shouldn’t be too large. Another old rule that still applies is that matching sets will tend to age you. Just as you do in fashion, try to break down the whole: if you have earrings, add a bracelet, if you start out with a necklace, add rings. Don’t wear it all at once and also keep in mind that various metals may clash, so either stick to gold or silver. Jewelry is a very interesting field, which allows for a lot of options, so it’s good to wear something besides your wedding band and pearls. There are endless choices in between, all of which can all help create good style.
Don’t forget about colors
This applies to you, even if you’re not super slim. There should be some color, sometimes on a bigger scale, because it makes your look prettier and younger. Even in the winter, opt for color: green, burgundy, royal blue, metallic grey are always in. In the summer, turn to pastels; the top is important, so you can stick to black pants, but pair them with a colorful blouse. This tip is especially helpful for heavier figures. Color blocking is another interesting choice, because it visually elongates.
Change the undergarments
Women still wear the wrong kind of underwear and my advice is to opt for shape wear, even if you have a slim figure. I realize these pieces can be anything but sexy, but the result is stunning, so keep them on hand at least for when you wear something tight. Apart from that, a quality bra is all you need: it will shape your breasts, offer support and make your blouse look amazing. Don’t forget about lace, but if you have a large bust, it’s better keep it all nice and smooth.
Image source: Pinterest
Have fun
We sometimes forget that fashion should be fun and there’s no need to feel stressed. Opt for items that make you happy, just keep a measure of constructive criticism and good taste. This means you should only opt for pieces that make you look and feel better. After all, fashion is emotion and trends are all about joy and wellbeing, it’s a proven fact! Remember, a woman always looks gorgeous with a smile on, so wear one as often as you can‒it will never go out of style!
More about this here
4 thoughts on “Style advice for women over 40”
There is no doubt that yellowing teeth are not youthful.
So boring to be told to ditch black because it’s draining on older skin. Happily it’s not quite true. Mat dull black is draining. But lush black is fine
Watch out for the plaster textured complexion which occurs when women panic they need coverage but haven’t got their glasses/replaced the light in the bedroom.
Forty is nothing, now, by the way. It’s the new fifty