3 Cruisewear Trends You Can Wear after 40

Planning a trip down south and wondering what to pack?

Banish your winter blues and update your vacation wardrobe with some gorgeous new styles from the 2008 cruise wear collections. This year we’re seeing florals of every imaginable kind, vibrant hues, as well as geometric and exaggerated prints that pop.  Look out for paint splatter patterns, transparent fabrics, and ethnic everywhere, plus crisp khakis.

The magazines are full of inspiration, but there’s always that problem – how do you know if what looks great on a twenty something, will look as good on a woman like you, who may be twice that age?

Here are 3 cruise wear trends you CAN wear after 40, guaranteed to make you look hip on your holidays.

1. Gladiator Sandals

Don’t let these over the top, sky high sandals that you’ve been seeing on wild child celebs and long legged super models scare you away from this hot new trend. Grecian inspired sandals are the “it” resort footwear this year and if you are over 40 you can easily wear one of the many more refined offerings out there.

High White – Low White

Leave this tall,funky white pair to jr. fashionistas and instead try this classy, wearable version from Pelle Moda Vixen at $112.

Gold Gladiator Sandals

Metallics continue to be the hot new neutral.  A chic pair by Manolo Blahnik made for the jet set is a great choice to go with most anything from pants to shorts and dresses. You can also never go wrong this less expensive version from Frye. They’re a classic and a great price at $55.00!

2. Mini Sundresses

Thigh high sundresses are everywhere you look, and how cute they are! But try one on after 40 and you’ll look and feel you are missing your pants! Unless you have great slim, toned legs (and you pair your mini with flats) this too short style will make you look little girlish instead of chic.

Not Too Short Mini

The key is to take a close look at the hemline that suits your particular legs. We’re talking vacation wear here so you can definitely go a little shorter than normal if your legs are o.k., but absolutely not more than 4 inches above the knee or you’ll look desperate. Also keep in mind that spaghetti straps can be harder to wear after a certain age because the arms are much softer and fleshier, so if that is the case look for dresses with wider straps or have a little shrug on hand to cover up a touch.

In some instances if the dress is very short, loose and flowy like this Vince Sundress for $195, you can pair it with leggings. It takes confidence to wear this look without having that deja vu feeling that you are wearing maternity clothes.

Two Good Longer Options

The best idea is to just keep looking because there are other options out there besides the baby doll mini. Here’s one in pink by Lily Pulitzer for $268.00 and another by Diane von Furstenberg at $365.

3. Very Sexy Bathing Suits

You’ll have no problem finding racks of brightly colored, and metallic sparkly bikinis, microkinis and racy monokinis out there (one piece swimsuits with revealing cutouts), because most manufacturers cater to the college crowd. Even if you still have a pretty great body, you’re best to go for something that signals sexy instead of screams it all the way down the beach.

Glamorous Red Bathing Suit

Old school Hollywood glamour is a big trend. It’s a sexy sophisticated option for women over 40.

Color Blocked Swimwear

Color blocked swimwear is also hot this year. It’s a godsend when you want to play down a not so favorite part of the body but emphasize your best assets. Wear the dark half wherever you want to camouflage and the light half whatever you want to highlight. This suit would be perfect for someone who is heavier on the bottom but wants to play up her bust. ($212)

Cute Brown Bathing Suit

Here’s a similar look by Juicy Couture. The rusching on this suit is a great way to hide a tummy.

Swimwear with Patterns

Solids are always slimming but don’t think they are the only way to go. Patterns like this art deco themed swim suit are big ($172), as well as exotic ethnic prints. This fun Africa motif bathing suit from Great Lengths does a great job of drawing the eye away from the thick part of your waist and tummy and up towards your face.($94)

Plunging necklines also abound but think twice if you are too big busted, you’ll look saggy if the v is too deep. Better to opt for more support on top and go for a slightly higher V.