Wondering how to dress in your 40s? While the latest Gen Z fashion trends may make you feel out of place, there are lots of ways to hone your personal style in your 40s. You’re at an age where you know who you are, what you like, and what works for you in terms of fashion and style, and there’s a lot of power in that. The goal is to build a timeless wardrobe while also staying true to your personal style. Here are our best fashion over 40 tips to help you look and feel your best!
Fashion Over 40: 10 Tips for Women
1. Do a Wardrobe Detox
First thing’s first- you’re going to want to go through your closet and get rid of pieces that don’t serve you or your style anymore. Let go of pieces you wore 10 years ago that are no longer in style, and let go of your emotional attachment to certain clothing pieces. A good rule of thumb is, if you haven’t worn something in six months to a year, it’s time to get rid of it. Clearing out your wardrobe makes room for new pieces that suit your personal style now. A small, perfectly curated closet of pieces you truly love will bring you so much more joy! Plus, it’s easier to put together stylish outfits with pieces that work well together.
2. Invest in Quality Pieces
Spend your money on investment pieces that are high quality and make you look amazing. Live by the motto “quality over quantity” when it comes to your shopping choices. Focus on pieces that are transitional and offer a variety of styling options. Think about building your capsule wardrobe with wardrobe staples that are timeless, versatile, and show your personality.
3. Good Tailoring Is Everything
Your clothes should fit you properly. Not only does proper tailoring look great, it will make you feel incredible. Tailoring helps ensure your clothes are well-fitting and are less likely to stretch or lose shape over time. If you’re investing in quality pieces, you want them to last. And you don’t have to reserve tailoring to formal or business wear. Everything from jeans to tops to a dress neckline can be tailored to compliment your body.
4. Tuck in Your Shirts
A common mistake many women make is not tucking in their shirts. Wearing longer t-shirts or blouses with the hem loose tends to look sloppy and doesn’t show off your figure. It can also make you look bigger than you are. Tucking in your shirts makes you look more polished and put together. Even a half-tuck is better than wearing your top loose, and will look like you put more effort into your outfit.
5. Wear Prints Properly
If your wardrobe is full of solid colours, try adding some prints, but do it properly. Firstly, you want to avoid mixing prints. If you’re wearing a print on the top, keep it simple and neutral on the bottom with a pair of jeans, trousers, or a maxi skirt. If you’re not used to prints and patterns, try one in a familiar colour palette. This will make you feel more comfortable when first working it into your wardrobe.
6. Opt for Figure-Flattering Silhouettes
As you get older, you may find yourself drawn to looser, oversized pieces to hide problem areas or even to try to stay on trend with the oversized look. However, wearing too many oversized pieces at once will definitely age you. Choose one piece that’s more oversized, and have the others be more form-fitting. A figure-flattering dress with an oversized blazer and short heel will balance out the look perfectly.
7. Choose the Right Shoes
Wearing the wrong type of shoes can really age you. For instance, round-toe flats will make you look older, while pointy flats will elongate your legs, and make you look slimmer and younger. Mules and loafers are also a great option. When it comes to heels, opt for a low heel or wedge if you can. They don’t have to be high, but even a two-inch heel will give you a nice lift. Low heels are nice and comfortable, plus they’ve been having a fashion moment lately, so it’s really a win-win.
8. Invest in Outerwear
Outerwear can totally pull together an outfit and make you look super stylish. Timeless outerwear like trench coats, and denim and leather jackets are always a smart purchase. Layering is key for spring and fall, as well as summer nights. Opt for something that’s slightly oversized in a neutral colour to ensure it’s versatile to wear with anything in your wardrobe!
9. Add a Touch of Texture
One way to really step up your outfit and ensure it isn’t boring is to add a touch of texture. Think: knits with satin skirts, a suede jacket with denim, or a maxi dress with a boucle sweater vest. Combining different textures will add a point of interest to your outfit and make you look super chic.
10. Wear a Well-Fitting Bra
There’s no excuse for wearing an ill-fitting bra in your 40s. A well-fitting bra is an absolute wardrobe essential- it can make all the difference in how your clothes fit you. Wearing the wrong size bra can make you look unpolished and frumpy. The right size will help you feel more confident, reduce premature breast sagging, and improve posture. If you haven’t been properly fitted for a bra, make sure to do that ASAP so you can buy the right size moving forward.
If you’ve been having trouble finding your personal style in your 40s, we hope these tips help you find what works for you!
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