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Hi Glam Gals,
I am out looking for a warm weather lightweight Trench, that is mid thigh length for a more versatile look, especially when traveling. I was out shopping for the classic tan trench but saw all these bright colored trenches too—bright pink, and Black with white polka dots, screaming orange or coral, bright yellow, white, and one brand had a shiny olive one. Do you think I should go for one of these bright colors? Or, would I be better off with the demure tan or some other neutral colored trench?
Thanks, Linda
Hi Linda,
If you can only buy one trendy item for this spring, consider a brightly colored trench coat ( or jacket) to make a statement as you walk into any room. These trenches are fun, go with most anything and can carry you all the way through the fall.
Here’s some other things to consider when buying a trench:
Petite? – Avoid long trench coats that fall below the knee and drown you.
Big busted? Stay clear of double breasted trench coats and wide lapels.
To look classy and current after 40- Tone down your bright trench by pairing it with a neutral color underneath like white, black, navy tan etc
Don’t be afraid to spend a bit more on a good trench that fits you to a “T”. A trench coat is a classic piece and will last you a long time, so it is worth the investment.
Did you buy a trench this spring? Send us a photo to show us how fab you look and we’ll post it.

A beautiful pair of crisp white pants is the perfect pairing on bottom for this season’s bright colors and terrific patterns on top. White pants look clean and smart.A few things to remember when buying a pair that suits you:
Don’t spend a lot of money on white pants unless you plan to wear them a lot this summer. White pants do yellow and so one or two seasons and you’ll want to replace them.
Be careful what you wear underneath your white pants. Nude colored panties are better than white or dark panties because they will not show.
Also, be sure your pocket lining doesn’t show through your pants. We suggest you cut out the pockets. Do you really use pant pockets anyway?
Will white pants make you look bigger? Wear shades of white head to toe (monchromatic dressing) and you will actually look slim.
Wear white on your bottom and a darker color up top can make you look bigger, if you are much bigger on the bottom to begin with.
The secret if you have big hips, tummy or thighs and want to wear white pants is to find a top to tuck out- one that flows gently over your trouble spot whatever that may be, like the red tunic top above.
Finally, a white or nude sandal will help elongate your white pant line and make you look taller and slimmer too.
Are you ready to have some fun with your wardrobe this spring? Spirits are high this season and colors are bright. Take a chance and have some fun with color this spring. Here are 4 examples of how brights are being incorporated into the latest trends:
Bright Lace ( far left) makes lace seem modern and new, instead of old lady.
Vivid Stripes ( second from left) – A huge trend right now. Look fun and modern in this high contrast mix of color.
Neon Purse - Go easy with neon. It’s harsh in big doses. A little dab will do ya!
Electric Tribal Prints ( second from right) Earthy tribal colors like rust, brown and khaki take a backseat this spring to electric color combinations of ethnic prints.
Hot Shoulders ( far right) Exposing some skin at the shoulder like this is the newest way to be sexy. We love this look for over 40 gals, in any color, because a touch of shoulder is alluring without being too flashy.

If the bright hues are not your preference, never fear. There are few items of clothing which can make you feel more feminine than a beautiful floral pattern. Always flirty, pretty and appropriate for spring, florals are back again this year. How do you know which floral is right for you? Keep the pattern in scale with your body. Here are a few examples. If you are:
Small and Petite?- large floral patterns on spacious backgrounds will overpower
Tall and Plus Size? – dainty floral prints will make you body seem extra large
Skinny and shapeless -Patterns with large spaces inbetween and strong color contrasts between print and background will make your body look larger or curvier.
Heavy in a certain areas? – Wear patterns with regular spaces between them and low color contrast
Hi Ladies!
I have been loving your website and have a question I think most of us are beginning to ask ourselves: Are colored jeans appropriate? And not just the red ones, I’m talking about the bright yellow, turquoise,
and bright blue ones! Most of the colors are turning up in skinny styles which are harder for us fabulous fifty-somethings to wear (unless you’re a size 2).
I love the colors, but aren’t sure if they will scream ‘desperately clinging to youth’ or will look chic and current. Any ideas of how to pull this off would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! Trish
Hi Trish,
It’s easy to dismiss this trend as only for young, skinny starlets, when in fact colored jeans can work at any age. Looking great in them depends on 3 things- finding the right pair for your body, your confidence level, and what you wear them with.
Done right, colored jeans communicate you are modern, fun and vibrant. Don’t forget Michelle Obama wore a pair last year and looked fabulous. Maybe you can too. Here’s a few tips to help you decide:
O.k. Let’s just get it out on the table. Most of us are afraid of red/colored jeans because we are worried they are going to make us look fat. Here’s a pair on an average woman and they don’t exactly look the way they do in the magazines! We can’t lie. Bright red jeans are like stop sign and will draw attention to your lower half. If you like the tapered leg style, but have generous hips or large thighs, then you should wear skinny/straight leg jeans with an A-Line top that hits below the widest part of your body, or instead……………
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Wear bootcut or slightly flared red jeans to balance you out below the waist. They are much more flattering for your body. Wider leg colored jeans are popping up in stores because many women have been been nervous about the skinny ones. The double whammy of wearing skinny + bright together is a scary thought. Whatever size, shape or color of jean you choose, remember that stretch goes a long way to make you look fab. These jeans, right, from Zappos.
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Once you’ve settled on a pair of colored jeans that flatter your figure, you need a top. If you are more daring you can try color blocking – that is, wear bright pants with a different colored bright top. (See Michelle Obama above) Not for you? Then tone things down and look more sophisticated by adding a neutral top or jacket in as Ivory, brown, lack, gray, navy.We love this cute cropped jacket (far right from Piperlime) paired with the red jeans and cream top. If you have a tummy we suggest you tuck your top out. The camel jacket and and cobalt blue combo is a little more conservative, but still fun.
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| Another bright/neutral combo this time in black and yellow looks chic. You have to have the confidence to wear such bright pants or you will look like a clown. Don’t force it. |
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Orange with black also calms down the look. This is my (Deborah) personal favorite. A pretty neutral blouse flowing overtop of skinny colored jeans with ballet flats. Doesn’t she look comfy? So chic!
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Stripes are also hot this spring. Wear a striped top on it’s own as long as you aren’t too wide across the chest and stomach, or pair it with a cute jacket. JoJami’s look is classic, bright and fun and suits her bubbly personality. |
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Some of you may like the boyfriend jackets with their turned up sleeves. Find one in a neutral color and pair it with colored jeans and a white or cream top. This is a sporty,yet elegant look.
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Heels and colored jeans. It’s a sexier look especially paired with a leather jacket. Maybe that’s your style? This a look you have to have the body for.
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| Denim blue denim shirts + red jeans are a big hit at the moment! |
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Love showstopping accessories? Pair colored jeans with a neutral top and a touch- just a touch of animal print. The purse or the shoes is enough, but not both! That’s overkill. Leopard adds a real edgy, sexy vibe. Go easy .Have you bought colored jeans? We are dying to see some Age-mazing women wearing them. Please send us your photos for inspiration. Email to: info@fabulousafter40.com |
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Hi JoJami and Deborah -

Tamara took this photo of the young sales girl wearing a headband. Would you wear this as a woman over 40?
I have seen all kinds of head-wear lately – cute little headbands with pretty accents (see picture on the right). I’m wondering if those types of head-wear are appropriate for over 40?
Thanks,
Tamara

Thanks, Tamara for sending in this question!
We posted this question over on our Facebook page and we got so many comments that we wanted to share them with you all here as well!
While a simple headband can be fine no matter what your age, when you start trying to add all sorts of flowers, bows and large do-dads, then you are treading in some risky waters!
The young gal in the photo certainly looks adorable in this headband and it works well with her romantic lace top, we feel the effect would certainly be different when you add maturity into the mix.
With fashion tips, it is a good rule never like to say “never,” however, we would highly recommend that you think twice about trying this hot trend. While we’re sure there is someone out there that could pull this off, for the rest of us… trying to sport a large, flouncy bow, well… it might come across as almost “costumey.”
We suggest leaving fancy headbands to the younger set.
What are your thoughts on headbands? Please comment below:

These tall suede black boots were one of my favorite things this year~JoJami
At the end of every year, I enjoy looking back and taking note of which purchases were my favorites and which ones I got the most enjoyment out of.
Here are a few things that made the top of my list in 2011:
- Tall black suede boots made my dresses go from fall to winter!
- Needed to update my sunglasses this year, so got these Ray Bans
- Leopard pumps I wore with both my jeans, dresses and skirts
- This bold necklace can dress up a t-shirt and made it “glam”
- Textured stockings we’re a hot trend this season and inexpensive to try
- Tested this Dior mascara and loved it, was certainly worth the splurge!
- This faux fur scarf has been my new go-to piece when I run out the door
- My scent of choice, Dolce and Gabbana, The One.
Tahari by Arthur S Levine pleated dress, $37
Agent Ninetynine crochet tight, $10
Roberto Del Carlo leather boots, $269
BP. leopard print high heels, $70
Pam Hiran animal print jewelry, $60
Dorothy Perkins fur scarve, $14
Ray-Ban folding sunglasses, $154
Dior ‘Diorshow Extase’ Mascara, $28
Dolce & Gabbana The One 2.5 Oz Eau De Parfum Spray, $95
What are some of your favorite things? Please share with us and comment below!
One of our favorite celebrities is Victoria Beckham. Yes, we know she is stick thin and drop dead gorgeous but still her style is so classy and mostly age-appropriate. This means that you can take inspiration from her and pull it off no matter what your size.
Here is a recent example of her good taste.
Here is what we like:
- These taupe suede boots are the starting point to a great look. Clean lines and a rounded toe is what you are looking for.
- Beige pencil skirt. You could also do this in a blue or red with these boots!
- Small plaid blouse. If you are in warm weather this sleeveless shirt is perfect. Those who live in cool climates can do a long sleeve and the look will be the same.
- Of course you could add a short cropped jacket or cardigan for work.
- The thin belt is a must to finish off the look!