Are Clogs Fabulous after 40?

This basic clog should be updated with a boot

Hi Glam Gals,

Are clogs a fashion do or don’t for women 40 +?  Thanks …..Nicole

Hi Nicole,

Deborah and I had an interesting chat about clogs today. I (JoJami) was commenting on how many women in the states (especially back east) seem to really like to wear clogs. Deborah, who is from Toronto was shocked! “Nobody ever wears them here!”

So then, of course, came the big question…. Are clogs fabulous after 40?

We know this is going to be a controversial topic, but we are standing by our opinion…

This is just too clunky to look fabulous

NO! Clogs are not fabulous, unless you wear them for teaching, nursing, gardening, or inside as slippers. You might get away with them when you’re off to Yoga, but even then it’s “iffy”. (PLEASE NOTE: THOSE WITH FOOT PROBLEMS ARE AN EXCEPTION!)

Why? It was hard for us to pin  down exactly what we don’t like about them. … they are comfortable, easy to slide on and off, but yet neither one of us would be caught dead in them.

Looks like clogs will be coming into fashion this Spring, and we  want to warn you that they have the potential to make those who are over 40 look frumpy.

You can wear these under jeans, but why not wear an entire boot that will have you looking more up to date!

So, in case you have a pair or two, we would like to share with you the Glam Gals top 5 reasons why you should put away your clogs:

• If you are wearing clogs, then you will need the appropriate outfit.  That means you are wearing bootcut jeans or pants and are very casual. Never wear them with a skirt or dress!
• If you hate to part with them, have a good look in the mirror when you put them on with an outfit. Does it make you feel updated?
• They might be comfortable and easy to wear, but there are other options out there that will make you look much younger!
• The clunkier and chunkier the clog, the more matronly the look
• Clogs with the wrong outfit, can tend to make you look older than you are!

Now we can’t  give clogs a bad rap and not show you some examples what to replace them with. Here’s a fresh take on the clog:

Suede Boot: This boot is the perfect alternative to a clog. It is much more stylish because it is finer and more streamlined, yet still gives you a little height like a clog. The suede makes it super comfortable and warm and goes with jeans and casual pants.	www.shoe-store.net (style:blondecorina)
The Bootie: These high style booties are all the rage, you will be totally updated in them! Great with a straight legged pant or jean and can even be worn with dresses and opaque hose.	These boots are from Nordstrom
Side Zip casual boot with low heel: You can wear these like you would a clog. They are casual but still comfy. With the side zipper they are still easy to get on and off.	Found at Nordstrom
Pull on low boot: This pull on boot can be casual or great for work. The leather makes it a little dressier, but the elastic makes it easy to get out the door in a flash.	These bots are at Zappos

Mad for Plaid?

Hi Glam Gals,
Is plaid is an option over 40 and how it is best to wear it? I am a 41 Stay at home mom with a 8 year old and 3 ½ year old. I am trying to build a wardrobe to last, but also want to add some fun pieces. What do you think? ……………..Thank you. Nicole

Hi Nicole,
We’ve got to admit, we’re not mad about plaid, (a little too sporty  for our taste), however that doesn’t mean that you can’t love it, and that it won’t look great on you if you are more the traditional type.

Here are a few plaids to consider, and a few plaids to definitely avoid!

AVOID! …”But plaid is so cute” Please, please – don’t any of you tell us that top is cute or we will have to make you an honorary member of the frump society.(LOL) This is not Fabulous after 40 or any age, especially when your are carrying a few extra pounds. Plaids are  busy. They make you look big, and the boxy fit, high neckline, drawstring waist, and tunic length of this top only add to the walking blanket look.
“But, what if I’m thin?” Baggy is baggy after 40. This boyfriend lumber jack shirt look  may be hot right now but the oversize nature of it sends the message I’m a little girl playing dress-up. It’s babyish and sexy at the same time. At 40+ this trendy look is extremely hard to pull off, no matter how fit you are.
INSTEAD Go for Fitted After 40 your  body starts to soften up and you need some definition, so find a plaid shirt that is more slim lined and nips in at the waist. Also, to look more modern, try a more lively color combination.Traditional plaid colors (navy, forest green, gold, black etc) are usually pretty drab and can make you look tired and old.
AVOID The Designer Trap: Yes, It’s Burberry and it’s a status symbol, but who cares, because in this particular case the shirt is too sloppy and edgy to  look anything but silly on a grown up gal. Leave it for your teenager.
INSTEAD If you are truly in love with the Burberry plaid, and not just buying it for the designer label, then think about just using a plaid scarf or handbag to pump up an plain outfit. Using plaid as an accent gives you a very chic look. If you like, and can handle more plaid, then try a modern twist like this fitted high contrast jacket which would look great with black jeans and a black top. It’s sporty, but elegant too, and just that little bit different to make it interesting.
AVOID Stay away from teenage styles: This top with it’s cutesy gathering and puffed sleeves looks like it should be paired with a pair of Daisy Duke cutoff jean shorts, and needs to stay right where you found it..in the junior department!

INSTEAD TRY Pairing plaid with a sweater Try to get past this girl’s baby face (just cover her face with your finger-why do they use such young models??) Now, imagine this combo on you with a cute pair of jeans. The plaid top is simple, fitted and quite hip because of the simple ruffle detail, and it is an interesting shade of reddish brown. Paired with the chartreuse cardigan it looks fresh. Almost Michelle Obama inspired, wouldn’t you say? We know how she loves this green color. The sweater gives it some oomph and takes away from plaid overload.
OR, TRY THIS Painterly Plaid This is interesting and modern twist on plaid. It looks and feels more sophisticated. Pair it with a black cardigan.
BE CAREFUL OF Matching Plaids: This is a beautiful suit and would look lovely on most anyone at any age. But if you want to present as a little more hip and less formal you may think about breaking up this suit. You know, pairing the jacket with  a single color pair of pants, or even with jeans for the weekend with a t-shirt underneath. When you look too perfect, it can be aging.
INSTEAD Break things Up: Here’s an example of what we mean. Plaid jacket and  a black skirt gives this suit a less formal feel, but it is still very elegant. The 3/4 length sleeves are very flattering and allow you to  have fun with some great jewelry. Oh, and don’t forget to smile.
DO Classic with a twist Hope you don’t get sick of us saying this, but it’s true. What could be a boring beige plaid trench is now a modern, little bit funky purple plaid jacket. The best way to wear this is to let the purple take center stage and accessorize in black.
EXPERIMENT With something Dramatic Forget the boring country girl plaid shirt and try something daring and dramatic like this chic cape. It’s classy, but not snooty

Need some swimsuit advice?

Hi Ladies,
This is a big challenge!  I need swimsuit advice.  I try to stay fit, but at 48 my abs are not as flat as I would like to be rockin’ a two piece.  What are your suggestions on looking sexy but age appropriate at the pool or beach?  Also, I will need to be looking good for a business trip to a beach resort which makes it extra difficult.
I checked out Victoria’s Secret and they have some great suits, but I am worried that I will see those same suits on tons of other women.  Last year I found the most awesome suit and one of the other wives had the exact suit in the exact color.  Bummer!
Thanks,
Ellen
Nashville, TN

Hi Ellen,

The word “swimsuit” to almost anyone over the age of 25, and definitely over 40, can send chills up the spine! However, we like your “rockin” attitude and think we can help!

Can you be sexy when you’re over 40…you bet!  You just have to know the right tricks!

First off, there are no rules about how old you must be to wear a 2 piece; you just have to have to be on the thin side…

However, to be honest, most women on the back side of 40 are starting to look better in a one piece. Never fear.. you can still look sexy!!

• Show off  those legs with a high cut suit
• If your legs are not looking so great either, you can always show a bit of  cleavage!
• Go for a suit that has a medium large pattern. This confuses the eye and can hide bulges!
• You can’t go wrong with a all dark suit like black, navy or chocolate brown!

  

  The print tricks the eye and will hide small bumps and bulges (www.Soma.com)

  

  Black is always slimming. We like the plunging neckline and wider straps (www.Soma.com)

  

  This cover up can hide thick legs, but still has a peek a boo slit! (www.Soma.com)

  
  

  

  With the dark contoured sides, this colorful suit still flatters. (www.Newport News)

  

  Here is a great way to feel great and not show off so too much thigh!(www.Newport News)

  

  This black suit is so pretty and looks good on all shapes! (www.fashionbug.com)

  
  
  

Does your purse make you look like an old lady?

Here is a great fashion question from one of our readers: Dear Glam Gals, Wondering what handbags you would consider “old lady” and which would be considered more youthful…..thanks! L. C. Vandercook Hi L.C. We had fun looking for some good examples to share with you. Here are our Do’s and Don’ts

Example	Don’t	Do
This bag on the left is too stiff and old lady like, plus it’s boring beige. See how the bag on the right is more relaxed and soft. That’s what you want. Soft is youthful and the color adds life! (Nordstroms)
You see these bags like this one the left all the time on older women. These bags look heavy and tired. Do you want to look heavy and tired too? Try shiny black patent leather with white piping instead for a fresher, up to date look. (Black House White Market)
Patchwork may be in, but over 40,  sorry, it looks like you’ve taken up quilting. Try a single bright pop of color with a classy touch of hardware for a  more powerful chic look. (Saks)
Red is always  cheery and can be sporty mixed with tan or brown, but this bag on the left has a boring shape making it look ho-hum. Instead,try this cute one on the right. It’s got a less uptight shape, is also more matte, so more sporty and the tassels are a great stylish. Tally ho! (Nordstroms)

Are You Dressing too Young this Christmas?

What’s worse than dressing too old and frumpy? …Dressing like you’ve shopped in your teenage daughter’s closet! There’s a fine line between looking fabulous or foolish. Here are some Christmas cocktail dresses we found to illustrate the point. (All dresses are from Nordstroms)

Example	Don’t	Do
Red satin is a bold and dazzling choice so be sure to wear it with class. When you are young and firm you can get away with most anything, but after 40 more coverage up top and a longer length skirt will ensure you don’t end up looking like aging cocktail waitress.
Baby Doll dresses have been popular in the last few years but on a grown up gal will make you look like you are playing dress-up. You can still enjoy the ruffle look by wearing a dress with simple clean lines and no cutesy short or puffed sleeves.
The draped look can be very elegant if it’s not overdone. Less is more if you are 40, 50, or beyond.
We love these big collar dresses because they can put beautiful emphasis up by your face. But at midlife you need to keep this look understated.  Not too bright, short or exaggerated. Caution: don’t even go near this look if your arms aren’t in good shape!
What gal can’t resist a bit of sparkle, but this mini on the left with it’s winged shoulders will make a woman 40 or better look like an desperate fashion victim. We prefer the shift on the right with only a hint of shimmer peaking out from behind some sheer material. You can have fun with this trend, but not in a garish way.
Grrr.. need we say more? If you like animal prints you might as well be a sexy cougar, rather than a baby cub.
Pretty in pink? You can be if you choose to express the color in a sophisticated way. Keep the cut clean, lean and modest. Stay away from the prom queen look.
Bows. They’re tricky but they’re in style. Forget the strapless, mini style and go for the regal Jackie O style. The tailored bow on the model on the right gives you much more presence and power than a floppy satin one.
There’s a lot of green out there and it looks fabulous this Christmas. Thin dress straps look lovely on a gal with perfect shoulders and decolletage, but after 40 they are too harsh. Also, avoid youthful fashion statements like these heavy black hose paired with a cocktail dress. Opt for a dress like this one on the right with its stunning portrait neckline. It flatters most figures, especially 40+ ones that have experienced a little middle age spread because it balances out hips and shoulders.
If you want to go sheer, do it in a tasteful way. Just a hint will do you. Be sure the rest of you is well covered up.

How to update your wardrobe 5 ways with only 1 piece!

One of our readers wrote us recently that she was really depressed that she had nothing to wear to an upcoming Sunday afternoon Christmas tea. Her budget was very limited and she didn’t want to have to buy an entire new outfit.

We suggested that she go out and find a new blouse to spice up what she already had in her closet!

She was thrilled and went out and found a gorgeous new blouse for $49.00 and when she got it home, she realized that it was going to be able to make up to 5 new outfits with it!

Here are a few suggestions that we think would be great additions to your winter wardrobe! The secret is finding a blouse with an interesting neckline that will add some flair!

This type of neckline is always flattering!

Under a suit jacket or on its own, this pretty blouse looks good on all body types! (from Nordstroms)

This animal print is soft and romantic! (from Spiegel)

This off the shoulder is hard to find, but easy to look good in!

We like this ivory blouse that is off the shoulder,  because it can be sexy with out showing cleavage! (Nordstroms)

Boots for those with foot problems

We recently posted a letter from a reader who can’t wear heels because of foot problems and wanted to know if she could wear leggings with clunky flats.

When we mentioned that instead, she should try some flat boots, she ran out and found a pair at Nordstrom’s!

Now leggings and jeans are fine, but what if she wants to wear a skirt? Since these boots are very casual they will be look best with pants…

Flat boots like these will be comfy for those with foot problems

However, here is a skirt that will work with them too.  You could also try a casual dress, like a sweater dress.

Colorful skirts make fall dressing festive

Don’t forget to make sure to find opaque hose (not sheer) or tights that match the boots. This will give the leg a longer look.

We went to Boden.com and Spiegel and found lots of great casual styles to choose from! At Boden, you can even “try” the clothes on a fantasy model and see what they would look like on a person!

Here is another combination we liked:

This skirt from Spiegel, would be a good length and weight to balance this boot.

And, for extra comfort and support, don’t forget some Dr. Scholl’s inserts!

How not to look frumpy in a clunkier shoe

Hi, Deborah and JoJami,

I would love your advice on how not to look frumpy when I have to wear clunker shoes because of foot problems. Because of an old skiing injury, I have been unable to wear heels since I was in my 20’s, which makes it hard to look and feel sexy, or even professional, when I want to dress up. I’m limited to certain brands of shoes recommended by my foot doctor and orthopedic surgeon so it’s not just a matter of being able to wear flats.

For example, I’d love to wear leggings this Fall as shown in the photo on your website, but I can’t wear heels.

I’d appreciate any advice you can give me. Many thanks!

- Nancy

Dear Nancy,

We sure wish we could wave a magic wand with your problem, but it is not that simple. However, your problem is one that many women face. We get letters all the time from women that can not wear heels.

That being said, you can still look fabulous but just have to try styles that might not be the latest trends.

The good news for you is that with styles changing so often, almost anything goes when it comes to pant styles.

When you are stuck having to wear clunky shoes, there are several things to make sure you do not do. First off, is leggings will be out of the question for you. Since the style is really a “pencil” shape, no matter what you do, legging will just not look good with a clunky shoe. Instead, you will need to opt for any pant that has a wide leg and (or) has some flair at the bottom.

This will still be stylish, and you can wear almost any shoe. Also, there are some great brands of shoes out there that do sell some comfortable shoes that don’t look orthopedic.

Here are some styles from Zappos.com that we suggest:

These Taryn Rose flats are comfy and stylish	Actually if you can wear this type of flat shoe you could still wear it with a skinny jean and look great!
This is good with pants only!	Once you have to start wearing more orthopedic looking shoes like these, you can easily see that style starts going out the window.
Another simple but elegant choice	However once again, if you wear these with the right style of well-fitted pants, you will still look great!

What to wear with the 3/4 sleeve jacket

Dear Glam Gals,

The 3/4 length sleeves on winter coats seem to be popular, but what do you do with your sleeves of dress, shirt, etc?  Would it be appropriate to wear long gloves?

Thanks, Ellen

Dear Ellen,

With all the rage of the 3/4 sleeve jacket, there are lots of options on how to wear this look.

I (JoJami) just bought this plaid jacket from a local resale shop, and have found it a great transition piece into fall. I have worn it with some black slim pants, with a black turtleneck with tall boots tucked into them, as well as more casual with a pair of straight legged jeans.

I even wore it with a black pencil skirt and black tights and black pumps and a thick belt to a networking event.

This big question is: Is it OK that my sleeves hang out the bottom? Yes, we have seen them with the sleeves hanging out the bottom (like this hounds tooth jacket below from Nordstrom’s), but feel it looks best if you choose a top that you can push up the sleeves or are sleeveless.

This 3/4 sleeve jacket is from Nordstroms

Moreover we agree that this jacket would look great with a pair of long leather gloves when the weather gets cooler.

It is also looks great with different shells.  Here I have a sleeveless turtle neck, and a 3/4 sleeve scoop necked shell.

The options are endless, however I really like to keep it simple with all black underneath or pop it with a white blouse.

There is a bit of tan in the plaid as well, and would work nicely with a column of tan underneath as well.  Since I bought it used, I would not attempt to try to put red with it, since it would be probably next to impossible to get the red right.

One more note, we both agree that we would not invest in a piece  like this if it was pricey, since this is more of a trendy look.  However this one was only $40.00 and so I felt like it was a good buy for how much I will be wearing it.

If you have a 3/4 jacket, please send us your photo in it with permission to use it on our blog. It is always fun to see how others put their looks together!

Can I wear a short skirt for Halloween?

Is this costume age appropriate?

Dear Glam Gals,

Do you have any guidelines for Halloween costumes? Some of them are very sexy, risque, or silly. I have a Star Trek dress which is like those worn by the women in the old Captain Kirk Star Trek TV show. (Think Lt. Uhura.) It’s modest except for the skirt length being mid-thigh. Am I too old for this look now (I’m 46)?

Dear Ms. Star Trek,

Personally neither of us Glam Gals would think of dressing in a mid-thigh sexy skirt for Halloween and have not done so since around age 40.  However, it really depends on the crowd that you are in and what message you want to send. If you have great legs and will be wearing dark hose, it might be alright. The best rule of thumb in dressing however is…IF YOU ARE HESITANT, DON’T DO IT!

Your inner gut is usually your best gauge and it is always better to err on the side of tasteful, than over the top. That way, you don’t have to feel self conscious and wish you had worn something else.

All that being said, having fun is the main point, and if you want to wear a short skirt or be extra sexy on Halloween, go for it!  It’s the one day of the year that really anything goes!

Happy Halloween!

The Military Jacket, is it for over 40 women?

Hi Ladies-

I am so glad I found your wonderful website.  I have a question that relates to what is “age-appropriate”.  I am 43 and very petite.  I am in love with a trend jacket that is big for the Fall, although I usually stay away from trends.  The jacket I am talking about is the Alice + Olivia shrunken military jacket, a picture of which is attached.

My only concern is the age-appropriate perception of this jacket due to the adornment?  My idea would be to wear it with some nice fitting jeans, a simple white top underneath and simple sleek black or metallic heels.  No excessive accessories.  I have tried the jacket on and it fits beautifully.

Your thoughts on the age-appropriateness of this ensemble is greatly appreciated!

Sincerely,

Gail

Hi Gail,

We have been seeing this look around and we agree it is so FUN!… but here it the thing… this is definitely a trend and what we call a “statement piece”.  That means that you really will not wear it all the time and if you do, people will definitely remember that specific jacket.

Also, we know that this piece is rather expensive and is in the price range that we would call an “investment piece”. We suggest that you keep looking and find one that is similar with the military look, but perhaps not so dramatic as this one.

Moreover, if you buy it,  because it is so trendy you might get tired of it soon and wish you had put your money in a high quality coat that is still fun, but one that you feel good in and can enjoy for a long time. An example of this would be this one we’re showing by Tory Burch.

To answer your question if it is age appropriate, we say that yes, someone over 40 can pull this off, but it is almost “costume-like”… so you would really have to be in a funky, fun job or live in a very cosmopolitan city or environment to wear it enough to get your moneys worth.

BTW… we think it would great left open with a red plaid flannel shirt under it with blue jeans.

Let us know if this is helpful, comment below!

Cheers!

The Glam Gals

Our new e-book, Chic on the Cheap…get it now!

What is your burning fashion question? We asked and you told us…

How can I look updated and chic and NOT spend a lot of money.

Deborah and I didn’t know if it could REALLY be done… so we  went out and put it to the test.

Here am I (JoJami) with one of my lovely clients Linda S.  Linda is over  40, a wife, mother of 4 kids, and a nurse.  She told me she loves to see her teenage daughters looking hip and felt like those days were over for her. She rarely takes the time to shop for herself and when she does she never knew what to buy that was age appropriate.

So we let her read our new e-book… Chic on the Cheap~How to Update Your Wardrobe on a Budget and then sent her out shopping!

Client Linda and JoJami looking to dress chic on the cheap!

Linda realized that her first problem was that all these years she never really had the tools or plan she needed.

“One of the best part about the book was the chapter on Finding your Style Personality” says Linda. “That helped me keep my focus and opened my mind to try new things!”

Linda also confessed…

“I had a great leather skirt that I bought on sale last fall and never wore it because I didn’t have the right shoes.

After reading the book, I learned so much!!  You, Glam Gals put in so many strategies that I could start using right away, and I had no idea of how many costly mistakes I have been making all these years!”

"Get Chic on the Cheap, it change my wardrobe, Yippee!"

Are you ready for Fall?  Do you have a plan on what pieces to add or how to update your wardrobe?

Here is how you can start building your new dream wardrobe and save hundreds (for some thousands) of dollars, not making the same old mistakes!

Don’t wait, Click HERE now!

Never before did I think I could enjoy shopping or afford a great wardrobe, I feel so empowered now!~LBS

New trend: Thigh High Boots

Hello Glam Gals,

Do you think the new thigh high boots for Fall 2009 are age appropriate for women over 40?

Thank you for your help.

~Jenifer G.

Hi Jennifer!

Great question, since we are seeing that thigh high boots are a big trend for fall. This is tricky because there are a lot of variables here. The thigh high boot is a very young and sexy look, so it is hard to pull it off after 40. However, we have seen women of all ages pulling off this trend, but it is a delicate and tricky one for sure.

If you are excited to try this new trend, here are some things to keep in mind:

1. You should  be on the thin side have slim legs and thighs to wear this look.
2. You need to be careful on how to pair your boots with the right outfit. Tight jeans or longer skirts are your best bet to get the right effect.
3. You will need to be picky about the style of boot your choose, otherwise it will look like you’re trying too hard. (More like you are wearing a costume than a trend.)
4. The fit and style of your outfit is key – anything too tight and revealing could look smutty.

We imagine that the women over 40 that could pull this off, are on the creative and festive sort!  However, if you really do want to partake in this trend, we recommend you

• Choose a  simple style that does not have a lot of laces or hardware.

• Stay away from patent or shiny thigh high boots, or you’ll look like a hooker.

• Be sure to  wear dark opaque hose so there’s no leg between the hem of your dress and the boot. Here’s a good example of  flat heeled boot from zappos.com:

Bottom line: Are you wanting to try out a new trend, pick up a younger guy or just channeling your inner biker chic?

You weill need some confidence and good dose of style to pull this look off now that your over 40, or you will end up looking silly instead of chic.

Are you thinking of trying this look out this fall?  If so, we want to hear your comments below!

Is trying to look good after 40 too hard?

Nicole looking FAB after 40

What if we told you, Stop worrying about the way you look…that after 40, you should just relax and stop caring?

That’s what they’re saying at this week’s Blogging Boomers, on The Joy of Aging. We’re horrified by the tips they are giving out, especially this one, below:

1. No one cares how I look, so I don’t need to primp or go clothing shopping.

We could NOT disagree more!!!  Not “caring” is not an excuse to walk out the door looking sloppy.

As many of you know, The Glam Gals’ favorite saying is, “Life is too short to be frumpy”…

To start a discussion about this, and read other posts on a variety of Boomer topics, visit the Blogging Boomers Carnival. This week’s host is The Boomer Chronicles.

Updating your skirt wardrobe

In a recent post, I (JoJami) mentioned that my colorful skirt was a few years old and “not that in style any more.”

So that being said…you are probably asking the question, so what is in style?

Although we’ve seen a ton on pleated, circle skirts with a lot of volume that usually hit above the knee, that’s a style best left to younger ladies. As far as skirts go, if you’re ready for a new one, go with a pencil skirt or one that is a little straighter. The knee-length classic pencil or slimmer A-line skirt is flattering on most body types, and has been around for a few seasons now.  The popularity is growing, so not only are they all over the place, but pencils don’t come in just black or gray anymore! Even though they have a more streamlined look, but you can go for fun colors and jazzy prints to liven them up a little.

Here are a few that we suggest: What we like about these are that you can start wearing them now with sandals and then as we transition into fall, you can add some tights and boots!

	Here’s one from Boden. It’s a slimmer A-line skirt with a bold pattern that can be worn with neutral wedges, or boot like in the picture.  We love the colors in this, and it’s a great example of how you can transition from summer to fall with boots.
	This skirt is from Nordstrom’s. In the picture, it’s dressed up with heels, but pair it with gladiator sandals for casual or brown knee-high boots in fall!  The fact that it has a brown pattern in it makes it a no-brainer for choosing matching shoes.
	Here’s another example from Nordstom’s. We usually find black and white to be a little boring, so make it more fun with a bright top! We’ve been seeing a lot of plaid in stores this season, so make sure you wear plaid in a sophisticated and feminine way (not those shrunken flannel shirts that are all the rage among teen girls).

Not wearing dresses because of chaffing is a problem?

It is easy to feel frumpy after 40, especially when life in general is all about dressing casually.  I (JoJami) was out on a group hike over the weekend, and was chatting with a fellow hiker about her frustrations with her everyday dressing techniques.

Dresses are a great summer option to shorts or capris

Hiker Sue: I am petite and my middle has spread, even though I exercise and eat moderately. I am not interested in looking fashionable, I just want to dress age appropriately.

JJ: I understand how you feel, we hear the same story from our FAF readers all the time who write us and complain that they can’t find anything at the store anymore.

Hiker Sue: What I do now is wear the same “uniform” that works for me. I love khaki pants and simple t-shirts. I also find that I don’t wear heels much anymore, because I like to be comfortable when I walk around town.

JJ: Well, have your tried putting little dresses into your casual wardrobe? They are so wonderful, you feel more feminine and you can wear flats or heels with them.

Hiker Sue: You know, a lot of women have given up wearing dresses because of chaffing! Their thighs rub together and it makes wearing dresses really uncomfortable!

JJ: Actually, I have not really thought about that!!! Thanks for bringing it up!!

Oh my, chaffing thighs under dresses is a terrible problem.  But ladies, there is a solution!
If you find wearing dresses uncomfortable, we highly recommend that you wear some shapewear under your dress. The little “bike short” style is just perfect to go under any sundress and will totally eliminate the chaffing problem. We found a ton of these over at Bare Necessities in a variety of styles and sizes.  Make sure you grab the thigh slimmers that have a flat band around the leg opening so they don’t roll up, and long enough for comfort (probably right above the knee).  Not only will they stop your thighs from rubbing together, they will smooth out your legs and midsection too!

So we hope you will go out and try on a new dress and add it to your casual wardrobe. Find some cute flats and also some matching heels and see how you feel!

Then send it in and let us share it !!!

Does this outfit look good on me? (part 1)

Hi Deborah and JoJami,

I would love your opinion for this outfit I have chosen to wear to an informal class reunion at a bar/ restaurant next week.

Can Kathryn wear this look?

Do bear in mind that it is the middle of winter here. I was wondering if maybe I was a little to chunky to pull it off, what do you think.

Warm Regards,

Kathryn

Hi Kathryn,

Great to hear from you~

It is really smart to start planning your outfit, now and not wait to the last min!!

Here is our take on your outfit…

First off, we can see that you are very fashion forward with your sense of style. Layering and belting on the outside with black hose and boots are VERY much in style right now… however your outfit is  good example, of what can happen when you put this type of look on a body that is not 6 feet tall and 99 pounds!

It is VERY hard to pull off this look on women over 40….since it is we tend to look bulky in all these layers, instead of chic.

So, our answer to you is that your gut feeling is RIGHT ON!!!  We agree with you, that this outfit does not really flatter your cute figure (BTW, you are not “chunky”, you have a great figure, we just need to get it into clothes that make it look great!!!)

So what now????

It is always good to take a photo of yourself in an outfit, so you can see where your eye goes too first.

We think that the boots grab your attention and take it off the outfit.   Because they have a lot of “scrunching” going on, they tend to make your legs look bigger than they are…and give your legs a bulky look. Those boots would look better on you, if you wear a longer skirt. You need the skirt to hit below your calf for it to be flattering.

Now, if your set on wearing that outfit, we think it would flatter your figure if you did not try to belt the outfit at all and let the dress hang.

The necklace does not work either, it  is too dainty with the outfit. How about adding a colorful scarf?

This is a great attempt to look hip and chic, but with your body type it is  hard to pull this look off.

Lets keep this conversation going…can you send us your new updated photo of you after you try our suggestions?

(Kathryn has agreed to let us share her story with our readers. After we gave her some suggestions she put together a few new outfits and sent those to us. We will show those in Part 2.)

Does this outfit look good on me? (part 2)

Our reader Kathryn recently wrote us to ask what to wear to an informal class reunion to be held at the local pub, in the dead of winter (it is winter for our readers in Australia) .

Katherine sent this photo and asked, "Does this look good on me?"

The grey and black layered and belted look, shows that she is up on her fashion trends, however we felt that we could dress her cute figure to flatter it a bit more. So we sent her some homework and asked her to send us what she came up with.

Here are the other options she sent us, for round 2:

	Even though it is an informal event, we think this outfit is way too casual if Kathryn wants to dress to impress! The layers hide all her curves, and the checker shirt and clunky shoes make her look very masculine. The long, light colored top is the wrong proportion on the body, and makes her legs look very short in comparison. This is definitely not a look we’d recommend.
	This look is much nicer! It looks classy and crisp, and the shapes flatter her figure.  The only point we’d make is that it’s just too conservative!  From the first outfit to this one, we’ve lost all Kathryn’s style sensibility.  Where’s the funky trendiness we saw in the first outfit?
	Finally, we think this outfit is a slam dunk!  The black belt pulls in the narrowest part of Kathryn’s body, and the fact that it’s all one color makes her look longer and leaner.  We have the boots again, however she had another pair in her closet that fit nicer and hug her leg, which adds a little sexiness to the outfit.  She added back in some of her personal style with the necklace and bracelets.  We believe this is the best outfit yet! Our only suggestion would be to add a little color into the ensemble.  Perhaps wear a bright colored blouse instead of the white to give your face some color.  Maybe try wearing a colorful scarf or holding a colored bag.  Adding a pop of color will give her outfit some visual interest, and help her stand out!
	Kathryn also sent us a picture of her coat.  Isn’t it adorable?  We love the winter white wool trench with the cinched waist and decorative vintage pin.  The A-line is a perfect cut for her too.  That just goes to show that even in sub zero weather, you can still look hot!

Re-Butt-al for the “lumpy butt” comment

Well all you FAF readers, you have spoken and you have been heard!

Recently we shared what we thought were the  humorous musings of a fellow blogger Jennifer Archer,(of MenopausalMusings) that dared to pose the question, What would you do, if you saw a women with a wardrobe malfunction, such as a tag still attached  or worse a thong hanging out!

However, some of you complained that Jennifer went too far in her comments!

So…here to explain herself , we bring you…

IN SUPPORT OF BROAD, LUMPY BUTTS– A ReBUTTal

by Jennifer Archer

Who knew women over 40 are so touchy about their bottoms and the bottoms of their fellow female friends and female strangers? It seems I offended more than a couple of women when I said the lady I saw with her undies showing had a “broad, lumpy butt.” Some accused me of snidely making fun of the woman. Let me assure you, I have nothing against broad, lumpy butts. Some of my best friends have them. Heck, because I’m allergic to gyms (read about that here)my own butt gets broader and lumpier by the day. See for yourself – that’s my beefy backside in the photograph below.

Jennifer's Bootie

Since I apparently hurt some feelings, I think it only fair that I expose it here for all the world to ridicule if they so choose. (Let me be the first: Hey, Jenny, the pockets on those pants make your ass look like a stuffed mailbag.)

Now I ask you – would you really want to see a thong rising above it? I think not. And that was my point. The woman was of an age and shape – as I am – that she was doing herself a disservice by wearing undies made for a 20-year-old. I was merely speaking the truth. Even Mary, thin as she is, has a lump or two on her derriere and I wouldn’t hesitate to point it out if she was wearing something that made that fact more apparent. She has a sense of humor. She’d see the absurdity in the situation and laugh. I mean, what’s more absurd looking than cottage cheese on a toothpick? Mary would thank me, wouldn’t you, Mary?

I am a supporter of broad, lumpy butts, and here is the proof:(Read Double Your Spanx, Double Your Fun here). Rest assured that I would defend to the death our right as over 40 women to have them. Many of us have birthed babies. For years, we’ve juggled work and personal schedules that made squeezing in an hour of exercise a day as difficult as squeezing into a pair of size 2 pants. A large number of us have sat behind desks working our butts off —well, working really hard so that we can pay the bills, support our families, and be productive citizens. And then we hit middle-age and our metabolism slowed down and our hormones betrayed us.

I’m one of you, ladies. So when you hear me jesting about broad backsides, etc., I’m not being mean-spirited. I’m poking fun at them in general; no one bottom in particular is the butt of my joke. (Except maybe my own).

~Jennifer Archer

Fashion Question, Is this brand too matronly?

Hi Glam Gals,

I wanted your opinion on those pant sets, jackets, tops, dresses  that you see on those shopping channels called CitiKnits.   

They say it travels well, doesn’t wrinkle and it’s a synthetic fiber.

I’m 45 and love fashion but I wonder if that look is a little old and dated with their matching sets.

Thanks L.

Hi L.

We went to the site and checked them out. We were eager to see them, since all the benefits sure sounded tempting no to mention they are on sale for such a great price.

However, sadly when we reviewed them, we found many of the styles in unfashionable colors and the cut of the outfits were certainly matronly. The “wonderful” non-wrinkle fabric, is just a thin polyester that looked cheap even on the gorgeous model!

We also found some on E-bay for sale with the tags still on them. That tells us that the buyer was not satisfied and is trying to get rid of the items!

We would stay clear of shopping on line and make sure you get to try on the outfit before buying it.

(Send us your style question, we pick several a month to answer and yours could be the next one! info@fabulousafter40.com)

How low should you go when showing off your cleavage over 40?

How low is too low? What is age appropriate when trying to dress and be a little sexy when you are over 40?

We ran this photo of a lovely woman in her late 40’s recently, wearing this overall conservative outfit, except the blouse was low cut.

Is this outfit age-appropriate?

In the comment section one of our readers wrote in, “…can you please address the question, how low can you go when it comes to dressing after 40?”

O.K. you are right, we have not addressed the issue of how much cleavage is too much cleavage. This is a tricky one, since  there are a lot of things to factor into that equation.

First off, let’s look at Stacey (seen here). She is dressed fashionably, yet conservatively (long skirt and long sleeves, nothing too tight, fabric is not clingy or form-fitting). She is not extremely busty, and so even though she is wearing a low cut blouse, your eyes are not going to her bust because  she has filled the chest area with a bold necklace that draws the eye up. She was also on vacation and traveling, not at work, so we think this look on her is totally appropriate. Moreover, she just happens to be single as well!!!  So, we feel she is dressed just fine and age appropriately.

Now, take that same outfit and put it in a corporate work environment and we would say that she should consider changing the blouse to one that is not as sexy.

Here are some things one should consider before going too low:

1. Are you busty? (If “the girls” are bigger, make sure you’ve got them into a good fitting bra and you will have to be a little more careful on how much to show.)
2. Where are you going? (Are you on play time or work time?)
3. What is the fabric you are wearing? (Is it thin, clinging fabric, or one that is stiff?)
4. How do you look overall in the outfit, what part is drawing the most attention? (Are you showing bulges in your stomach or waist and how much of your bust is hanging out?)
5. Where do you live? (Are you surrounded by flashy, sexy women or would you stand out if you showed a lot of skin?)
6. Are you going out in a social setting? What message are you trying to send?

There is no easy answer to this, but if your gut is telling you you’re showing off too much, then you probably are.

However, we do see many women who have great figures that are hiding behind safe clothes and feeling frumpy.

There is a balance to all of this, and there is not an easy one-size-fits-all answer.

So, if you have a question about how you look, feel free to write in with a photo.

Lets keep this discussion going…please comment below!