Elevate your style game: Fashion tips for women over 40
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Introduction
As we get older, our personalities mature and we have a better sense of who we are. Teenagers are typically following every trend but as time goes on we have the opportunity to blend our unique sense of style with whatever the current trends are. If you have the confidence to do this, dressing can become fun and buying new items of clothing can be a real delight.
We want to make sure our readers are empowered to dress in a way that shows off their figure and gives an insight into their authentic self. Here are our top pieces of advice to help you look & feel amazing every day:
#1 Know Your Body Type & Emphasise Your Best Features
Start by understanding your body shape and choose clothing that highlights your best features. Whether you have an hourglass, pear, apple, or rectangular shape, there are styles that can enhance your natural beauty.
For example, if you like your boobs, choose tops and dresses that show off their shape or even have some cleavage displayed. If you think you have nice legs, wear skinny jeans or mini-skirts with tights.
Check out this article from Gabrielle Arruda if you want to understand body types better.
#2 Don't Mix Tight with Tight
When opting for fitted jeans or pants, balance your look with a looser top. This creates a more balanced silhouette and adds a touch of sophistication to your outfit.
And the same in reverse, if the top is tight, go for baggy pants or a loose fitting skirt. The same would go for showing off skin – if you have a low cut top, don’t show too much of your legs. It’s all about balance and not looking like you are trying too hard.
- 95% Cotton, Pack of 5
- Complement so many outfits
- Look great under a jacket or shirt with a pair of jeans
#3 Short Skirts & Dresses Can Still Shine
Age shouldn’t limit your choice of clothing. Short skirts and dresses can still be part of your wardrobe, but consider pairing them with dark tights if you’re not comfortable showing too much leg. It’s all about feeling confident and chic.
A short skirt, black tights and a trendy pair of flat boots can be a great winter look. We would advise flat footwear with short skirts or dresses – again for balance and not seeming like you are overdoing the sexiness.
#4 Embrace High-Waisted Jeans and Skirts
High-waisted jeans and skirts are a blessing for women over 40. They cinch at your natural waist, elongating your legs and providing excellent tummy control. Pair them with tucked-in tops for a polished look.
And if you keep being told that skinny jeans have gone out of fashion, don’t listen to it! According to InStyle.com, they will never go out of fashion. And even if they do, if they work for your body shape and you still like them, keep them as part of your signature style.
- Levi's signature 'Lot 700' fits are the ultimate look-amazing jeans, designed to flatter, hold and lift
- A versatile fit with a classic high-rise
- 62% Cotton, 28% Viscose, 8% Polyester, 2% Elastane
- Look amazing with a tucked-in top and a casual jacket
#5 Accessorise with Elegance
Accessories can elevate any outfit. Invest in statement jewellery, belts, and scarves to add a pop of style to your wardrobe. They can effortlessly transform a simple look into something spectacular.
This is a really good way to inject some of your personality into your outfit.
#6 Choose Colours that Complement You
Figure out what colour palette suits you best. Wearing colours that flatter your skin tone can make you look vibrant and youthful. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different shades to find your favourites.
But don’t limit yourself too much because colours change with the seasons, and your desire to wear certain colours can be influenced by your mood. So there is no harm in having a good range of colour in your wardrobe.
Paul Costelloe 'Morava' Leather Tote Bag
- Luxurious & Stylish Handbag for Women
- Premium Genuine Leather: Made from soft natural grain genuine leather, this tote bag is not only stylish but also built to last, providing you with a reliable and long-lasting accessory.
- Colour Options: Available in a range of 8 stunning colours, choose the one to suit your personal style and preferences.
- Practical becuase of it's size and will nicely complement any outfit
#7 Blend Trends with Your Personal Style
While it’s essential to stay updated with fashion trends, blend them seamlessly with your own unique style. This will keep your look fresh and relevant while still feeling true to yourself.
You never want to seem like a slave to fashion and there will be certain trends that you might want to avoid altogether. Many women have never embraced the ‘mom’ or ‘boyfriend’ jeans trend, and there is a good reason why!
- Zip front closure, bottom zipper pockets
- 100% Polyester, machine wash
- Looks great with jeans and a pair of boots
#8 Invest in Classic Pieces
Classic items like a well-tailored blazer or a quality handbag are timeless investments. They can effortlessly elevate any outfit and withstand changing fashion trends. We also think a cashmere jumper is a must in any wardrobe because they are light, super warm and always look expensive.
- 100% Pure Cashmere Sweater Long Sleeve Pullover
- It doesn't get more essential and classic than a Crew Neckline Jumper Pullover.
- It combines the Luxurious feel of Breathable High-Quality Hypoallergenic Cashmere and the simplicity of its design.
#9 Tuck in Tops to Highlight Your Figure
Tucking in your tops can create a more defined waistline, accentuating your curves. Whether it’s a blouse, T-shirt, or sweater, tucking it in can instantly make you look more put-together.
There are lots of ways to tuck tops. You can just tuck at the front, which is a very cool, casual look. Or you can gather the top at your belly button and tie it with a hair bobbin, and tuck the gathered part into your jeans.
#10 Avoid Being Too Matchy-Matchy
Don’t fall into the trap of over-matching your outfits. Mix and match different elements to create a look that’s uniquely you. This adds an element of surprise and personality to your style.
ECCO Women's Ankle Boot
- Rich, classic leather uppers. Natural, soft leather is light and breathable
- Leather lining provides perfect comfort and helps provide a premium inner climate
- 4 colours available
- Comfortable & stylish with jeans or a dress
#11 Be Yourself and Develop Your Own Style
Fashion is a form of self-expression, and your style should reflect your personality. Don’t be afraid to take risks and experiment with your look. Your fashion journey is all about embracing who you are.
#12 Mix High and Low-End Items
You can combine a few high-end, designer pieces with more affordable items. This allows you to create a sophisticated look without breaking the bank. Some good advice is to have an expensive coat, handbag and shoes. You could pair this with a cheaper dress and earrings, but it could still look expensive.
And you can find expensive items in second hand stores or an eBay so you can add high end pieces to our wardrobe at a price that won’t break the bank.
#13 Dress for Different Occasions
Have a variety of outfits ready for different occasions – casual, business, formal, and everything in between. Being prepared ensures you always feel confident and comfortable.
#14 Invest in the Right Underwear
The foundation of a great outfit is excellent underwear. Invest in shapewear to smooth out any lines and ensure your clothes drape beautifully. A good bra is equally important for comfort and support.
If you have larger breasts, get measured and invest in good quality bras. And, if you have smaller breasts, find a bra that gives you a nice shape.
- 95% Cotton, 5% Elastane
- Work great under dresses
- Also for lounge or sportswear as short leggings
- Shaping & comfortable
Conclusion
The Seeoran team really think that regardless of whatever age we are, we should view how we dress as a creative art and have fun with it. One of the big advantages of being female is that we get to play around with styles and colour. Men tend to wear pretty much the same style all their lives in a very limited colour palette.
We think it is important to be really happy with your sense of style, to look forward to wearing different outfits that you have chosen and for you to feel that your sense of style is a reflection of your authentic self. So if you are not quite at that place yet, start using the above tips and our clothes recommendations to build your confidence.
Let us know how you feel about dressing and if you are happy with your sense of style.
If you are looking for help with your hairs, check out our article Top #5 Hair Tools & Hairstyles That Will Make You and Your Hair Look Younger
If you have any body confidence issues, which most of us have to some extent, and you’d like to work on muscle tone, check out our article Strong Bones, Stronger You: The Incredible Link Between Resistance Training and Bone Density
And lastly, if you are wondering why you should bother putting effort into your appearance as you get older, check out this article with data on how people respond differently to you if they perceive you are attractive Does our attractiveness influence the way we are perceived by others?