Individual preferences and attitudes toward fashion and style vary widely among women, regardless of age. However, some general trends and observations can be made about how women over 40 may approach fashion:
- Confidence: Many women in their 40s and beyond have a better sense of self-confidence and are less influenced by societal expectations. We may be more comfortable in our skin and choose clothing that reflects our style rather than adhering to trends. This is something that we sometimes lose when we have kids or go through the menopause, but as we regain our newfound selves there is a different kind of confidence to that of the type we might have had when we were in our 20’s. This comes with maturity and life experiences.
- Comfort and Practicality: While style is important, comfort and practicality often become more significant considerations. Women over 40 may prioritise clothing that feels good, fits well, and suits their lifestyle. Our bodies are changing – thanks Menopause! But, this doesn’t mean we can’t look stylish whilst being comfortable. Pre-pandemic we would perhaps have been smarter in our dress sense, however, the pandemic changed our approach to what we wear and how we wear it. We have become more casual, we spent the best part of two to three years in lounge wear which became our norm, the introduction of working from home and hybrid working hasn’t changed our approach to casual it’s just a little more refined.
- Investment Pieces: Some women in this age group may lean towards investing in quality, timeless pieces rather than constantly chasing fleeting fashion trends. Classic items that can be mixed and matched, and that stand the test of time, become more appealing. We love cashmere, and silk, a good quality pair of shoes that fit well, these are just some of the little luxuries we deserve. We may be in a better position to afford such luxuries now we are older, and also we may not have little ones with mucky hands tugging at our clothes, it’s a time to indulge ourselves somewhat.
- Expression of Individuality: As women age, we may become more comfortable expressing our individuality through our clothing choices. We might experiment with unique styles, colours, and accessories that reflect our personality. Generally, and this is somewhat of a generalisation, we are at a stage in life where we have a clearer idea of what we like and how we want to look. We know what suits us and what we can do to enhance our personality through clothes and accessories.
- Body Positivity: With age often comes a greater acceptance of one’s body. Women over 40 may focus on highlighting their strengths and embracing their bodies, choosing clothing that makes them feel good rather than conforming to societal expectations. That is not to say we don’t dress to suit the occasion or situation, but whatever we wear will have our own take on it.
- Versatility: Versatile wardrobe choices that can transition from casual to professional or from day to night become increasingly important. This helps in managing busy schedules and adapting to various social situations.
- Sustainable and Ethical Fashion: There is a growing trend among women, including those over 40, to prioritise sustainable and ethical fashion choices. This may involve selecting clothing from environmentally friendly brands or focusing on second-hand and vintage pieces. This is something I love delving into. I have a lot of vintage pieces in my wardrobe, I need to get them into rotation more. The quality is usually much better anyway!
It’s crucial to note that these are generalisations, and individual preferences can vary widely. Fashion choices are highly personal and can be influenced by factors such as lifestyle, personality, and cultural background. Women over 40, like individuals of any age, have diverse perspectives on fashion and style. I have plenty of previous posts on style you may find useful here in the style section of the blog. Enjoy xx
Take care, stay safe.
Becks xo
My life and style over 40 