Fashion for the Over-40 Woman
Do you get frustrated trying to shop for something that doesn’t show your navel? They say women love to shop. Not this one! I am tired of hunting for clothes only to find short skirts and short tops. I was starting to wonder if anyone designed clothes for women over 17.
Shopping was one frustration after another until I learned a few tricks to make the most of the clothes that are available:
- Know which colors look best on you. Only look at clothes in those colors; this saves oodles of time!
- Know which styles look best on you. Forget about spending time and money on styles that don’t suit you!
- Build your wardrobe with mostly solid color fabrics. Add to it with a few patterned or striped articles to accent your outfits and keep up with today’s style.
- Buy long skirts or dresses and then have them shortened and hemmed to the length you feel most comfortable with.
- Buy shoes that have a heel, even if it is a low one – at least an inch. If you are more comfortable in a lower heel, start looking for those that are flattering and won’t kill your back.
- Wear shirts and blouses rather than sweaters. You will look fresher and more vibrant as sweaters easily lose their shape (and then we look like we’re losing our shape too!) Sweaters are often so casual they detract from the overall look.
I would like to add dress in layers. I’m always hot. I love this discussion. I’ve been searching for something like this that is for the real world women. Thank you!
I would like to add dress in layers. I’m always hot. I love this discussion. I’ve been searching for something like this that is for the real world women. Thank you!
At 47, I always get compliments from the 20 yr olds! Generally, I try to appear classy yet trendy. I wear nice suit jackets or blazers with pencil skirts, pantyhose or tights and nice heels. Accessories are a must.
I also like to bring back the 80′s. I once wore a long white dress shirt (my husband’s) with a belt around it, and fitted slacks and 3″ pumps. The 20 yr olds at work loved it and some imitated it the next day.
My inspiration is women of the 1940′s like Katherine Hepburn- that timeless elegance with no need to show your goods.
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HI,’
This is one of the best post i have ever seen in my life. Fashion is such a nice thing but it can be vary from age to age. So your post is the best resource for those who are more then 40. I like it very much and i think this can be a great and inspirational post for most of the people. Anyways keep it up and keep continue with your valuable thoughts.
Thanks!
I have to agree, the solid color strategy works really well. There is a lot of power in solids. I think the most difficult thing can be finding a comfortable heel! As for accessories, I highly recommend Persona charms (http://www.personaworld.com). I’m able to change the beads on my bracelet to match all of my outfits. It’s a no brainier for me. I also helped my daughter design one for herself online which was a lot of fun. She’s under 17 though so she doesn’t have to start worrying about difficult clothes yet!
Hi!
Thanks to be in here after I have through the google search and found your sites.
Well,I am going to be 49years this year, in this August, so surely, very choosy when come to dressing myself. I do love to wear traditional dress. Besides that I love to wear silky long skirts with any blouses (any fabrics) (rolled up long sleeve). I don’t like wearing jeans.
I use to prepare myself for the next day….what to wear to office.
That is all from my experience.
I agree with the author. But i have to add that the problem is not only for women over 40. Im in my twenties and I like to dress fashion forward but I also look for modesty, quality and age appropriateness, and i have to say that it is not easy to find all of that together. yes there are lots of things out there,and i work in a departmental store, but i am not willing to lower my standards, so the tips are helpful. I will add: Look for the missy department. buying from the juniors dept. it is not flattering after certain age, and it does not make you look younger either. Believe me, I see it all the time.
Hi
I have to agree with Sherry. Have you ever tried to find a pair of jeans that are not going to be falling off your hip bones? Impossible. My mall here in California is over flowing with youth oriented everything.
Arlie
I wonder where the writer is shopping. There are plenty of nice, age appropriate clothing out there….casuel and work clothing.
I totally agree with the advice to wear blouses and shirts instead of sweaters. Anything with structure, like princess seams and darts creates your shape–jackets are good for this too. Sweaters can look saggy unless they are fitted perfectly, not too loose, not too tight (which is hard to find). Cardigan sweaters are good, though. Worn open they create a long, slimming line.