This is definitely a post I need to actually practice what I’m preaching! Following on from the last post on finding your style I thought this would be a relevant read.
Looking stylish doesn’t have an age limit. In fact, many women over 40 look more fashionable than ever. Gone are the days where women look older than their years. There are many reasons why many women over 40 look more fashionable than ever; one reason is that we have a better understanding of our own personal style. We know what works for us and what doesn’t, and we’re not afraid to experiment. We’re also more confident in own own skin, which shows in our clothes choices.
Another reason is that there are more fashion options available than ever before. There are clothes for all ages, sizes, and styles. Women over 40 can find clothes that are both trendy and age-appropriate.
Finally, women over 40 are more likely to have the financial resources to invest in their wardrobe. We are in a better position and can afford to buy high-quality clothes that will last.
Remember, age is just a number. Fashion has no age limit.
If you’re looking for some tips on how to look your best over 40, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Invest in well-fitting clothes. This is probably the most important tip of all. Clothes that fit well will always look more stylish than clothes that are too tight or too loose. If you’re not sure what size to get, ask a salesperson for help. Ignore the size label! I have been a victim of this many times. I can go in to one store and find a 16 in something and think ok, but then go to another store and try a 16 there and it’ll be either too big or too small. There is no standardisation in the clothing industry. Likewise clothing made for different markets will vary, especially clothes made for the Chinese market as they are naturally smaller framed/build than western markets.
Choose high-quality fabrics. Cheap fabrics will often look and feel cheap, even if the clothes are well-fitting. Invest in clothes made from high-quality fabrics like cotton, linen, and wool. These fabrics will last longer and look better over time. There are some good synthetic fabrics out there but they are often better when mixed with a natural fibre.
The way fabric is cared for is important, and I would suggest considering your own ability to care for luxury items such as cashmere when buying clothes. I love cashmere, who doesn’t? But, I know I shrink it everytime it goes near water. So I either have to face the fact it’s expensive and I will have to pay for it to be cleaned or not buy it at all. It is something to think about when we are looking for clothes.
Find your personal style. What kind of clothes do you feel most comfortable and confident in? Once you know your personal style, you can start to build a wardrobe that reflects your unique personality. You can find more on this in another post Finding Your Personal Style.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Don’t be afraid to try new trends or styles. The key is to find things that work for your body type and personal style. I am not a fan of the wide cropped trouser trend, it is a newer silhouette than I’m used to and it doesn’t suit me, its not for short, plump people. However, I know many women who have embraced the trend and look good in it as they have chosen a trend that suits them and their body shape. It was the same with skinny jeans, it took a while to like them and how they looked, but I love skinnies, even though they are not on-trend anymore and will continue to wear what suits me and what I like. The trend for oversized blazers is one I will embrace as I love it, it looks modern when worn with a soft knit hoody.
Accessorise. The right accessories can really elevate an outfit. A statement necklace, a pair of earrings, or a stylish scarf can add a touch of personality to any look. This is where you can add a little extra colour or uniqueness to your outfit.
Be confident. The most important thing is to feel good about yourself. When you feel confident, you’ll look your best.
Here are a few specific fashion tips for women over 40:
- Invest in a few key pieces. A good pair of jeans, a black blazer, and a white button-down shirt are all essential pieces for any wardrobe. You can mix and match these pieces to create a variety of looks.
- Don’t be afraid of color. Women over 40 often think they should stick to neutral colors, but that’s not the case. Don’t be afraid to add some pops of color to your wardrobe. Bright colors can look great on women of all ages.
- Embrace your curves. Don’t try to hide your curves. Instead, choose clothes that flatter your figure. There are many stylish clothes that are designed to accentuate your curves. Think skim not cling!
- Don’t be afraid to show some skin. Just because you’re over 40 doesn’t mean you have to cover up from head to toe. A well-placed slit or off-the-shoulder top can look great on women of all ages.
The most important thing is to wear clothes that make you feel confident and comfortable. When you feel good about yourself, you’ll look your best.
I hope this has been helpful, I’m certainly going to delve a little deeper into this area and who knows maybe I’ll be one of those stylish women you see in the street and think ” wow, she looks great”.
take care, stay safe.
Becks xo
My life and style over 40 