As we get older, there are ways to make subtle changes to stay stylish. Don’t get stuck in a style rut. Even tho 40 is the new 20, you may not be able to wear the same clothes you did a decade or two ago.
Changes take place in our bodies, and our lives, that transition us from carefree to caring – motherhood, home ownership, increased responsibility, post-baby changes, divorce and good ol’ hormones.
Subtle changes to stay stylish still means exuding youth, sex appeal, glamour and chic comfort. We can take inspiration from celebrities, for sure, but understand how much help they have to look ready-carpet-ready. I have, therefore, include lots of casual street images for more inspo.
As our lifestyles change so do our wardrobe and beauty needs. Maybe you have small children or teenagers, you may work from home or go to an office. You might be very sporty or prefer to relax reading a book. Whatever you age and lifestyle your wardrobe and beauty routines need to work for where you are NOW.
It’s about maximising the positives and minimising the (perceived) negatives. Salma Hayak is a curvy gal with an ample bosom. She highlights her curves by emphasizing her small waist and elegantly exposing her boobs. Whatever she wears – red carpet or casual – she defines her figure using the same rules. V-neck, soft V-drapes and sweetheart necklines are best for big boobs. DON”T wear round-neck, high-neck shirts or polo-neck sweaters EVER!
Sarah Jessica Parker, however, doesn’t have the same curves as Salma but flatters her figure by also defining her waist. She often wears flowing fabrics that don’t engulf her or unduly emphasis her small frame. Subtle changes to stay stylish means wearing colour near the face, which is important as women age, particularly those with pale skin. Warm colours warm the complexion giving a more youthful flush.
Shoes, handbags and scarves are an easy way to up-date your style. Although Cate Blanchett (above) is a style queen on the red carpet, she does like low key street style. A metallic cross-body bag on black or oxblood with grey and khaki will lift an outfit. Naomi Watts (below) has added a fabulous red scarf to her casual, but tailored, jeans and blazer ensemble that creates that youthful flush on her face,
Adapt on-trend styles to suit your lifestyle. If you need to wear flat or low heel shoes look at ballet flats, brogues, converse sneakers, embellished sandals, kitten heels, low stacked heels, cuban heel desert boots and biker boots.
If you find certain colours are flattering, mix ‘n match them with other pieces in your wardrobe. A palette of black, white, navy, grey, mustard, oxblood and deep purple are great basics and can be punctuated with pops of colour via scarves, handbags and jewellery. I also LOVE wraps (below) that can ‘hide sins’ and look super chic.
It’s an evolution of your style. You can still wear skinny jeans but you may now need to include a longer-line jacket or wrap to streamline hips and thighs. You could also take a leaf out of Cameron Diaz’s style book by layering a long t-shirt under a shorter sweater. Very chic.
For special and red carpet events, subtle covering is much sexier than flashy over-exposure. Pick an area of skin to expose – such as arms OR legs OR boobs.. not all three.
Typically, older women suit lighter or sun-kissed hair. If you naturally have black hair, consider if it now looks too harsh for your aging skin. After 40 skin tends to start to lose it’s lustre and dark hair can age you unnecessarily. Talk to your hair stylist about lightening your hair, even if it’s just around your face. Further, hair gets thinner a we age so a shorter cut will make hair look thicker.
Making subtle changes to stay stylish means looking a little more critically at your body and skin. If you are concerned about a wrinkly neck, look for stand-up collars. Get a fresh cut for thinning hair. Shoulders and legs are the slowest to age so consider how you can show-off these features. Bring light to your face with white or soft pastels including baby pink, ice blue, and beige. If you are thickening around the middle, choose long line jackets or a shorter jacket that nips in at the waist.
If you’re in the ‘fit club’ well done. Still be mindful that you aren’t a teenager and don’t wish to dress like one. But you can still be fresh, stylish, chic, playful and sexy. In fact, you should be.
You might also like to read Fashion Over 40 : Right Fit Jeans and Style Icon Fashion Tips
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Thanks to the following useful blogs for images; you might also want to check them out. jolynneshane.com; stylishmom.com; notdressedaslamb.com; and happinessatmidlife.com
