You would not believe how often I am asked “What must I own to be stylish?” by women over 40. They want to know the recipe for the secret sauce. So I thought for the new year I would just break it down for you. Here are the The Top 10 Secrets Stylish Women Over 40 know.
1. Plan Your Outfits For The Week
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You can’t plan for everything the week ahead might bring, but don’t let Monday mornings catch you off-guard. If you are one of those people who makes a week’s worth of meals on a Sunday to stay trim or on a budget, you will totally get this. Plan your outfits in advance for stress-free mornings and outfit regret-free days.
2. Invest in Quality Items You’ll Wear For Years
Women with great style know to blow the majority of their fashion budget on quality, not quantity. Their closets are not teaming over with items they bought on sale from Zara. Yes, they add a few trendy lower priced items to stay on trend, but they will spend $495 on a Gucci belt they know they will wear for years or $1,000 on a black blazer they will wear for more than 2 seasons or a leather jacket they will wear for a decade.
3. Wear Basics That Fit
Basics really aren’t really basic. They are the foundation of extremely fashionable (and simple) looks. Have you ever wondered why a woman looks fantastic in a plain white button-down, skinny jeans and heels? Look closely, they fit her like a glove. It probably took her one minute to think of the look, but took planning to ensure her pieces fit perfectly. You can take any white button-down to a tailor to have it sized just for your frame.
4. Select the Right Undergarments
Stylish women know the foundation (pun intended) of a great look is appropriate and well fitting underwear. Besides, nothing ruins a look like VPL (visible panty lines) or a bra that doesn’t properly support your “girls,”. Make sure you do a quick mirror (in a full-sized mirror) scan in natural light before you leave the house.
5. (Over)Dress for the Occasion
If you’re ever on the fence about what to wear, consider where you’re going and who you’ll see. When in doubt, always err on the side of being overdresed. It’s a huge no-no to be the only person in jeans. I have never felt embarrassed about being overdressed but I sure have felt silly showing up in denim when everyone else is in cocktail attire. If you are over-dressed, you are right and the others are wrong.
6. Wear Lipstick (even to get the mail)
It amazes me when I see women over 40 without a stitch of makeup on. I’m not saying you have to cake on a full face everywhere you go, but lipstick, some blush and mascara go a long way, especially as you age. If you have been stuck in a lipstick rut, it’s time to find your new signature color. Red may be too severe for you now (I rarely wear it anymore), but you can still go bold. My signature color is a pinky brown or deep mauve and I usually get compliments on my lip colors. Even at the bus stop.
7. Always Accessorize
Try to have at least one accessory on, whether it’s a statement necklace, a colorful scarf or a great pair of earrings. Remember: sometimes less is more. You don’t need to go crazy with the arm party either. Minimal can also be memorable.
8. Wear Colorful Shoes
When it comes to footwear, color packs a huge style punch! They don’t have to be mile-high heels, either. In fact, flats or low stack heels can make the same statement and your feet will thank you. Next time you’re in jeans and a tee, throw on a pair of fuchsia flats or cobalt booties to make your outfit go from 0 to 10 instantly.
9. Wear One Conversation Piece
Every once in a while, you need that pure “wow” factor. Whether it’s an amazing pair of over-the-knee boots, a vintage dress that you have from you mom’s previous fashion heyday or an enviable handbag. Keep a few items in your fashion arsenal for the days you need to really show up stylish.
10. Follow Other Stylish Women on Social Media and Blogs
Browse fashion superstar looks in your free time. Find a few fashionistas in your age range whose style you admire. Use their photos as inspiration to create new daily looks. A good place to start? Of course our Instagram and Pinterest boards where you will find endless style inspiration!
Here are some other related posts you might enjoy too; 10 Beauty Tips To Help You Look Younger Immediately! and The 10 Beauty Mistakes That Make You Look 10 Years Older!
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