FASHION FOR WOMEN OVER 40

Until some years ago, women over 40 looked much older than they do now. And this had a lot to do with preconceptions of what they were ‘allowed’ or not to wear.

When you reach your 40s, the fact is that your body does not look any more like it did in your 20s or early 30s, but that does not mean that it has to look worse … it can actually look much better!

While you might be thinner and more toned thanks to all the dieting, yoga, and jogging you've been doing in the past decade, common sense is still needed when putting together your ideal wardrobe. See some fashion ideas for women over 40 here.

Stick to your style and enjoy it!

When you are a woman over 40 you already know what looks good on you and what doesn’t, and you probably have a much-defined style.

If your style tends to be more casual, turning 40 is not the time to change it, but maybe to adapt it a little.

Also, never forget that casual is not a synonym with shabby, and the last thing you want to be is a scruffy mid-age woman. So, ditch the old-fashioned ripped jeans and those tracking suit bottoms that you inherited from your husband and get yourself a pair of jeans that fit well and that bring out your best qualities. And please forget skinny jeans, even if you have a great bum … NOBODY wears those anymore!

Use age to your styling advantage

Women over 40 can look absolutely stunning. The confidence that exudes from experience makes a deadly combo when matched with a nicely coordinated outfit. A carefully chosen silk scarf, for example, can add sophistication to a simple dress shirt and tailored pants ensemble – a simple touch that would probably look too harsh or air hostess-like on a younger woman.

A simple designer accessory can also completely transform any outfit. While a young woman carrying a designer handbag can be thought of having stolen the piece from her mom’s wardrobe or of carrying a knockoff; a woman in her 40s holding a timeless handbag or wearing designer shoes looks nothing other than classy.

Highlight your assets, conceal your liabilities

Even if you have a personal trainer and are devout to cosmetic plastic surgery, there are some signs of aging that can be revealing.

Trying to completely conceal our age might not always work, but some signs of it can be carefully and selectively disguised.

When wearing a skirt, if your legs are not tanned –naturally or else– consider wearing stockings. Protruding veins are common in women over 40, especially when they recently had children, and can make even the nicest-shaped legs look ugly. Department stores sell tights with different weights (dernier) and shades –opt for very thin ones in the warmer months.

The same goes for make-up. Consult a beauty expert and buy a foundation that matches your skin color and covers well any imperfections without looking as if you applied cement. Also, ditch any bright-colored eye shadows or keep them for your next 1980s-themed party. Stick to more neutral tones and use black or brown mascara and light eyeliner to enhance your eyes. If you’ve always wanted to wear red lipstick and red nail varnish, this is probably the right age to start … but first make sure it does make you look in your 40s and not like if you just came out of the 1940s!