As we age, it’s hard to know what to wear. So, today I’m sharing 5 fashion tips for women over forty.
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Stay away from the junior section!
You shouldn’t dress head to toe “Forever 21″~~or tween clothes for that matter. Even if you have miraculously maintained your skinny figure to fit into juniors sizes, that doesn’t mean you should wear them. Dressing younger than your age can oftentimes make you look even older! The junior department clothes are made for young girls and the quality of the clothes can be poor. Invest in age appropriate, quality clothes.
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Watch the length of your dresses.
A couple of inches above the knee is as short as you should ideally go. I try to keep mine barely above my knee. In the summertime I might go a couple of inches above my knee as long as I’m wearing a pair of sandals.
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Say goodbye to baggy clothes.
Because our bodies are changing we sometimes want to cover up and wear baggy clothes. Baggy clothes are not flattering. Instead, wear tailored and classic pieces like a fitted blazer and nice trousers.
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Keep the trendy clothes to a minimum.
I love keeping up with the trends but too much at my age can make me look silly (maybe like a blond streak {wink}). Invest in classic clothes and cuts that work for you and your body type. Use accessories to add a trendy look to your wardrobe like bright handbags, big jewelry, scarves and stylish shoes!
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Don’t wear too-tight trousers or t-shirts.
I think this could be said for any age. I’m not particularly fond of anyone in clothes that are too tight. But if you’re over 40, avoid any trousers or t-shirts which accentuate your bulgy areas. No one likes to see muffin tops around the waist or bulgy areas on our backs. Again wear trousers and shirts that work for your body type.
So what are your thoughts? Has your clothing changed as you’ve gotten older?
Beauty For the Heart~~Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Proverbs 3:13
I know I’ve used this verse before but it’s such a great reminder for us! Outer beauty may fade with age, so if you are more concerned with your outer appearance, you will be unhappy when the wrinkles come (and they will come) and the number on the scale goes up.
True beauty begins with a fear of the Lord. It doesn’t mean we’re scared of Him but that we’re in awe of all the things He has done for us.
That is beauty that will last!
Have a great day!
When I was younger (say, in college) I wore mini skirts a lot (not minis that are as short as today’s minis !) because I had the legs for them. My legs are still not bad, but at 49 I am not wearing anything more than a couple inches above my knee. The hardest thing to find are good-looking, not-too-short shorts! Bermudas make me look soooo short (I have a long waist and short legs, yay). If you find some good ones, let me know! I have been wearing mainly capris in the summer. Maybe I need to go with casual skirts?
Hey Lori!
I have a hard time with shorts too and i end up wearing a lot of capris. I read somewhere that bermudas should only be worn by tall and thin women. I’m not in that category and they look horrible on me.
Casual skirts are great for summer weather.
Thanks for stopping by!
Cyndi
Amen to the “don’t shop in the junior section”! Guilty of baggy clothing due to “changing body”.
Hey Tammy!
I think we all can be guilty of baggy clothing but a tailored look does look better. The changing body is a killer!!
Thanks for stopping by,
Cyndi
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I agree with all your comments.. I have seen way too many women in Jr. clothing that were over 40 and yes, they looked silly, no offense… they are NOT teens any more they are Mom’s and I know they are embarassing their kids…. my Danielle has reminded me, Mom NOT that Tshirt please… LOL!!!
I am so tired of the “if I reach a certain age I will look like I am trying too hard”. Spare me. I am 35 and people mistake me for someone in her 20s because of how I do not age much. My friends, co-workers and cousin ranging from 35 to 50 have shopped and have some if not all clothing from the juniors department ranging from Express, Forever 21, H&M, Hollister, etc. After a certain age you should avoid really young and cutesy hair bows, tees with logos or anything so juvenile. If you took the time to go in the juniors department you would see some youthful yet age appropriate clothing that any age can wear. If I had a snap shot of all my clothes you would not think they were teeny bopper clothing but guess what – they are from the juniors department. High low blouses, linen shorts, summer dresses, rompers, etc.
I agree with all these and I might need to review a few of my t-shirts that are a little tight.
Thanks for the tips…I’ve been wrestling with “how to dress my age” for a while now. I’m, eeck, 41 and have gained some weight the last few years…but I still look young…does that make sense? I long to be the hip, cool, chic looking mom picking my girls up from school or daycare and I definitely don’t want to wear the mom uniform. Just went shopping the other day with my mom and got some cute things…time to wash them up and get them in my closet!
Hi Kristen
Believe me, you can still look hip, cool and chic at 41! Wear lots of color and add trendy accessories and you’ll look fabulous.
Thanks for stopping by!
Cyndi
There is one more thing – stop wearing jammies and tight sweats to the grocery store!!!! (i’m not speaking to anyone in particular, but the public in general)
Karen we were just talking about that in my office today! I can’t tell you how many people I see shopping in the grocery store with their pajamas on. I have even heard of some churches that encourage people to come in their pajamas~~ that’s crazy if you ask me. Get dressed people!!!
Thanks for stopping by!
Cyndi
EEEK! I was afraid to read this at first since I just bought an entire outfit today! I was wishing I had read this first but I think I passed…at least I hope so! Are pink shoe allowed? LOL!
Debbie
Hey Debbie!
Pink shoes are definitely allowed! I want to buy colored pants. We can dress our age but still have fun!!
I don’t want to dress like a frumpy old woman. Wear those pink shoes and have fun!
Blessings,
Cyndi
Debbie
pink shoes are a great fun accessory and perfectly acceptable.
I too wear capris in the summer and some “short shorts” but only in the backyard when it is really hot
Cyndi-you are too cute! I love reading your blog! Thanks for the great tips. I am closer to 40 (ugh) than 30 and I have started to feel like I need to dress more age appropriate, yet still be stylish and trendy. I recently have found that I don’t love to shop at cheaper stores, instead am loving stores like, Banana Republic, J Crew, and Ann Taylor loft-clearance section of course!!! I would love to know how your shellac manicure has held up and if you liked it. Are you thinking of doing a review??? Keep up the great blog posts!!
amen amen amen
I love the point about using trendy scarves, purses and jewellery to keep up with fashion. Great advice!
Great advice! Since I’ve lost almost 40 lbs over the last year, I am rediscovering shopping for cute clothes. But I am also trying to buy the right fit. It’s such a hard thing sometimes. Thanks for the reminders! Blessings!
[...] love to hear from you all and yesterday’s post seemed to get some [...]
Cyndi, your advice is good. If you ask me, dressing when you’re in your 40′s is challenging. You don’t want to go with clothes that look too young, but you don’t want to go with clothes that look too old, either! I like your advice about being more “trendy” with accessories and sticking with classic pieces for the bones of your wardrobe.
As for clothes that are too baggy or too tight, UGH! This really can be a challenge as our bodies change, can’t it? Reminds me that I need to lose a few pounds. Of course, I’ve needed to lose those same few pounds for about 2 years now. But I really DO need to take them off!
Speaking of wearing pajamas reminds me of that pajama party at the Opryland Hotel. . . I miss you!
[...] I don’t think there’s a product out there that’s going to make my 45 year old face and neck look like a 25 year [...]
[...] no doubt we can dress fashionably but how do we look [...]
[...] For women over 40, we sometimes question what we should and shouldn’t be wearing. [...]
It’s a tough fashion world for the “over 40″ woman. I’m definitely aware of what is too young for me, but sometimes I feel like all I’m left with is “dowdy”. Is there a particular brand or store that caters to the fashion forward over 40 woman?
I’m 49 (and holding!) and I find so many great clothes at the Dress Barn – It’s become my favorite!
[...] There are some trends that do not work for women over 40. [...]
[...] skirts and shorts were too short or the tops too sexy. So, I decided to create my own Polyvore boards of outfits I would [...]
[...] I’m going to share several fashion “pins” that have inspired me this [...]
Thanks for the great reminders.
The best way to dress appropriate for your age is to 1) shop at the stores that cater to your age. Chicos, Talbots and if you have a killer body and don’t look too old, Boston Proper. 2) Know your body type and your flaws what looks best on you. I find that if you have a young face, a relatively thin figure, unspotted or lined hands, neck and decent legs you can wear trendier things. Just don’t go overboard. I’m nearly 50 (2 more years) and I honestly don’t look anywhere near 50 – so I’ve been told. Nevertheless, I don’t dress in juniors but I like what is in style. Skinny jeans, maxis and the latest accessories are my trend items. Everything else is classic. I’m slightly overweight now, so I don’t do sleeveless at all, I also don’t wear (never have) shorts or mini skirts. It seems that women who were “hot to trot” in their youth and wore a lot of provocative, revealing clothes have the worse time knowing how to dress as they age.
[...] look is slightly different because I’m in my 40s and don’t wear skirts quite that short. You can copy looks from younger women but just make [...]
I have an exception to the junior’s rule. If you are short-waisted or nearly short-waisted, junior sized pants fit better than those in the misses department. I have just lost 25 lbs. and bought a pair of junior sized jeans to wear right now, while I am still trying to lose weight, and everyone, and I mean everyone, is commenting on how great they look. I am a Coldwater, J Jill, and Chico’s girl. I pretty much exclusively shop there for myself. I tried a few pairs on in the misses department at Macy’s and the crotches were all saggy and just “wrong.” I went to the junior department to find my new go to pair. I may, in fact, change my mind when I lose more (I have 25 more to go), but, for now, it the junior’s jeans for me!
I’m confused by the “too tight clothing” , b/c it’s qualified by the idea of not showing any bulgy parts. I’m a size 2, 5″8 endurance athlete: I don’t have any bulgy parts, so at what point would clothing be too tight? Sure it’s too tight if stuff is squeezing out, but I don’t have any squeezy stuff.
I’m 44.
I do wear skinny jeans, but tend to choose close-fitting tops that have maximum coverage. that seems to be less “sloppy” then having looser fitting tops that show too much skin. I keep my skin covered up….with tight fitting clothes.
I would love to know of some stores that carry clothes for women of the age 43. It is either to young or to old looking for me. I also can not afford a lot of high end clothing due to being a single mother. HELP!!
What do you all think of mini skirts/ dresses over thick tights/ leggings?
You say to nix the penny loafers….aren’t they a classic shoe?
I am 43 and have no idea what to wear. I am 5’2 I weigh 118lb i have a perfect hourglass figure I’m my measurments are 32D 22 waist 32 hip sometimes 33 hip my legs are toned and my bum is very high sitting and round. Even as a young women when I was 100 lb I havent been able to get rid of my bum. The problem is what do I wear the clothes in the petite section are too big the only stuff that fits good as far as jeans are strech because they fit my waist but then they are tight around the legs some. Almost all clothes at Talbalts are too big. So where can I shop without looking too young. I don’t look my age as I have always had extremely oily skin so people have a hard time guessing how old I am but I know I’m 43. No I have had no plastic surgery I’m eastern European the problem is in Europe the clothing is tailored more toward curvy women but in the US not as much so any advice would be greatly apreciated. Do I shop in the womens department and wear really baggy stuff or is there a better place? Thank you
Lisa, I’m not sure I have a good answer. I do think you need to have your clothes fit. Baggy is not good. So my thoughts would be to have someone who can tailor your clothes to fit you. I know that’s a pain but it would be helpful. Also, I have a niece who is very small like that and she has a lot of luck with Banana Republic. She tries to shop their sales but their clothes seem to fit her.
I wish I could be more help! Thanks for stopping by!
Cyndi
Thank you I will defenetly try Banana Republic . It can get expencive to have clothing tailored. And generaly expecially pants they are to long and the waist never fits right. If the waist fits they are tight around my bum and if they fit well around that then the waist is huge. I feel like I can’t win. but thank you for your advice. Lisa
Hi there,
I live in Florida, shorts capital! I have the hardest time finding shorts or pants in general that are not cut to short in the body part so when you bend over it does not look like I’m a plumer! If you know what I mean (wink,wink) I’m having the hardest time finding clothing that fits and I don’t look like my mother. I’m going to be 50 and I’m having such a hard time finding stylish clothing.( not jr. Department) I’m a hair stylist and so I can get away with lots, but I don’t want to look ridiculous, like trying to be 25. I’m so stuck, because when I try some clothes that are not trendy and young, and I try miss department I feel old! Really, why is the petite department always trying to put women in big flowers? Just because I live on Florida does not mean I want to wear a hibiscus shirt year round. I am stuck for real. I hate shopping for clothes so I end up with shoes, the problem is I need clothing to match alllllll the shoes I have. Haha. Thanks I look forward to your response .
I am a 41 year old and find it hard to find things that look nice yet not to old. Please help!
Hello! I have to say that the only clothes I can fit into are clothes at LOVE 21 at Forever 21, I am teeny but tall, and have kept my figure and look younger than my 46 years, but I find other clothes hang making me look older and frail. I have a serious illness, it keep me underweight and that bothers be terribly, looking good keeps my moral up and spending frugally is all I can do. I TRULY would like ideas. I have lost so much confidence in the way I look and yet gained so much confidence as to how God has formed my character, quite a conflict, I want them to even out. God bless you!