Wearing vintage after 40 can be tough because you run the risk of looking like you’re out of date or an old lady. It is fine to wear vintage when you are young, because it is obvious that you are hip, however when you look like you haven’t thrown out your clothes for the last 20 years, it can be tricky!
This gorgeous vintage piece is age appropriate! photo credit: Atlantis Home
Here is a great example of a lovely gray vintage dress that we found on Atlantis Home. This 80′s silk, jersey dress is super flattering with the way it ties at the hip. The way it drapes would hide the tummy area nicely and is a style that one can wear at any age.
Vintage pieces also tend to have pretty details, like these covered buttons on the sleeve.
Now can you tell the difference between this new outfit that she just bought?
This fabulous bright leather skirt and coordinating sweater from the latest 2010 fall Lyn Devon collection is classic and could be from any era. She has updated it with some super hip, thigh high boots. (This look might be over the top for some, but we think she can certainly pull it off!)
This bright skirt is from the new Lyn Devon collection photo credit: Atlantis Home
So the moral of this is… if you are going to try to pull off vintage, make sure you are going to update it with current shoes and accessories and that you can’t tell that it is vintage.
Is there a time in life when jeans are no longer appropriate to wear?
I am 60 and am a size 14 pear shape with a very casual life style.
~Sharon B.
Hi Sharon,
Great question! We think you can wear jeans forever, however you really need to keep them updated.
When you are a pear, that means making sure you get the style that fits!
You probably will need to still take them to the tailor to get them to fit.
These jeans are updated and look great, but will not work for a pear shaped body!
Here are some ways to update your jeans:
Wear a cropped jacket with a casual t-shirt
jeans with rips and faded wash are “iffy” for women over 40.
Darker wash jeans are classy and updated!
Wearing jeans with traditional clogs is comfortable, but tend to age women over 40 unless you wear the new high heel version of a clog. (*if you disagree with this comment, go to our past post about clogs)
For fall, boots are the way to go with jeans. Flat ones for casual, heels for a dressier look.
For those that are pear shaped, you can tuck in and wear a belt…so those with other body types, try them with a longer top and belt at the hip or for go the belt all together!
After 40, we find we are all wearing jeans more than ever. Make sure yours fit well and you are wearing the right shoes with them.
Do you have a dress or top that just feels like it is showing too much skin?
Here is a quick tip on how to fix that and feel confident and fabulous after 40!
You can find a similar necklace and more at our fabulous Stella and Dot store!
I still feel young and I’m 5′ tall with a pear-shaped body but I’ve been like this almost all my life! I search a store full of clothes, but even with tailoring they make me look like I’m playing dress-up. I want a bit of sexy/sensual, a bit of classic and a touch of inner spitfire. Can you help? Glad to have found you.
Janice
Hi Janice,
Our first thought is what is your hair and make-up like? Maybe the clothes aren’t working because you are wearing grown up clothes, but you are tiny and your hair is too girly and sweet . Have you updated your hair lately? Also, check to make sure your make-up is not overdone like a little girl playing dress-up. Keep it subtle and soft.
If that’s not the problem, then maybe you just aren’t wearing the styles that reflect the true you. You say you want sexy, but it sounds like you’ve been wearing boring. We’ve looked around and here are some classic, sexy looks, and the reasons they suit a pear’s body type.
Don’t wear jackets that end at your widest part Why draw attention to the widest part of your body- your full hips? Pear have nice nipped in waists, so it is better to wear a shorter jacket that just touches the top of the hip and nips in at your waist to show it off. This mustard yellow pea jacket is bold and exciting.
This can sometimes work too
If you are not too bottom heavy you can also wear a long jacket that covers your hips-just make sure it isn’t tight.
This lightweight hooded Cayenne jacket by Eileen Fisher is sporty but sexy because of the way it wraps at the waist and gently falls open at the neckline.
It is also a great length for petites- not so long as to drag you down. (Nordstrom -Petites)
Play up your shoulders and neckline:
When you are bottom heavy a good way to balance things out is to create more of a shoulder. How do you do this? Instead of halters or sleeveless, choose clothing with shoulders such as jackets, or this Merino wool boyfriend cardigan by Halogen. (A little shoulder padding helps too, and be sure to leave the cardigan open to create a nice long lean line!)
To draw attention to your neckline, and not your hips, choose tops with interesting beautiful necklines like this sparkly t-shirt. Don’t forget to push up those sweater sleeves for a cute, sexy look.(Nordstroms-petites)
Choose accessories to point attention to your face:
Similar to what we just talked about great jewelery, hat and scarves like this new ruffle wrap one will put the focus where it should be- your top half. Some scarves can overpower petites because they are so big, but this is more controlled yet still soft and easy looking. (Nordstrom)
Wear lower cut boot leg jeans
Too skinny pants will make your hips look larger than life, and too wide legged pants will maker you look elephant like ( and in a petite’s case- drown you).
Boot cut are just the right amount of flare to balance you out.
Low rise jeans, or these Not Your Daughter’s midrise “Denim Trousers” with the wide waistband, can make your rear look shorter and yoour torso longer.
A dark wash also helps make your bottom half look smaller and the built in stretch is perfect for women with hips.
Don’t buy jeans with big pockets, stuff hanging off them etc. as they will only draw attention to your hips.( Nordstrom-Petites)
The right skirt makes all the difference:
Short, tight are the worst because they emphasize the tights. Try a gentler wrap dress or A-line skirt that softly falls over the hips but isn’t too voluminous.
Wraps are always sexy. To spice this up more add some gold jewelry or a leopard print handbag or shoes.
(Nordstroms -petites)
Finally don’t forget this cardinal rule for pears: Wear darker colors on your bottom half, light on top:Color can do magic tricks on your body. Black and dark colors will make your bottom half look smaller. Light colors will make it look bigger, so wear dark on bottom and light on top to balance yourself out.
Quite possibly, because she really looked fabulous at Chelsea’s wedding!
We absolutely loved her choices. The sea foam green caftan she wore to the rehearsal dinner was feminine, chic and etheral. It was such a breath of fresh air to see her out of those pants and into something pretty and stylish.
Hillary’s raspberry Mother of the Bride gown was rich, but still soft..truly magnificent on her. The color made her complexion look creamy and angelic and that soft wavy hair….well, it only added to that classical Grecian goddess look. It looked like it was gently blowing in the breeze. A lesson to remember here- don’t have stiff looking hair. It will age you.
Now back to her dress choice–It really goes to show you that if you wear your right colors of clothing (and make-up) you will shine. Hillary is a summer – ash hair and cool skin and the colors she chose were perfect for her.
A wrong choice would have been if she had worn warm shades in stead of cool. For example, it would have been a mistake to wear a grass green dress ( grass green is warm – it has yellow in it), instead of the cool sea foam green.
It would have also been a mistake to choose a mother of the bride dress in a bright clear poppy (orangy red) vs. of the muted cool raspberry red. But Hillary got it right!
Both JoJami and I (Deborah), do color analysis, so if you are ever in our neck of the woods give us a call to set up a session.
Also we’re planning a Tweak your Chic day with color analysis included, and want to know where to hold it. Please let us know what area of the country you live in and if you’d be interested in a Tweak Your Chic day in N.Y. or L.A., Philadelphia or Toronto or wherever. We want to come to where you are!!
Finally, if you are going to be a mother of the bride of groom then you won’t want to miss reading our popular Ebook Tweak Your Chic- Mother of the Bride.It’s full of fabulous advice on what to wear on one of the proudest and most important days of your life. Those family wedding pictures are forever and you want to look your best. We’re happy to help.
I love those little half booties that were so popular last fall. I see that they are coming out again this year and would love want to buy a pair, but just do not know what or how to wear them? HELP!
Karen G.~ Minnesota.
Hi Karen,
Your timing is perfect! We just saw this add for the DKNY and here they are showing the same shoe with lots of different looks!
This ad from DKNY is an excellent example of how to look updated!
Here is why we like them:
Layering with cropped straight pants:
Great casual look, could do it with flats too! (DKNY)
Add a vest! (try one, you might like it!)
Simple white blouse (untucked)
Flat front straight cropped pants
vest. (Might want try to find one longer, if you want to hide hips)
.(DKNY)
Cute for work or out to dinner:
Back again, this layered look was popular last fall thanks to Michele Obama.
Try a skinny belt and make sure you have a pair of those opaque tights. (the ones with patterns can make your legs look fat, so keep it simple with solid colors unless you have super skinny legs)
(DKNY)
Slim Balloon pant: We are seeing a huge comeback this fall with the balloon pant. Beware this style does not work on all body types. However, if it is well cut, on the slim side, like this one, it might look great on you! Can be a fun style to try. Not so great with flats though…. (DKNY)
Scarf Action!:
Adding a long skinny scarf is an easy way to go from drab to fab! These tight, just to the ankle jeans have a little “poof” at the ankle that can actually be flattering! (DKNY)
This soft jacket pulls the entire look together:
For a modern twist on the navy or grey blazer, try one that is made of a soft fabric. Both comfortable and chic it will knock you up on the style scale! (DKNY)
At the beginning of Spring this year, I (JoJami) decided to give away all my old summer casual skirts that I have been wearing for the past few years. They were the soft , flowing kind, that have been popular, but I felt it was time to move on and update them!
Here are a few ideas on how to update you casual skirt wardrobe and what to give away:
Just right, this bold print, stiff cotton is Age-mazing!:
Just bought one like this at the J. Crew outlet! What I love that I can dress it down with a casual t-shirt or up with a nice blouse! Flat or strapy heels work just fine! Love these nude shoes they are showing with it, here!
This skirt from J.Crew is a great one to update your skirt wardrobe!
Too Young Looking :
Do you have a skirt like this? It might be time to give it away. The gathering will cause your middle to appear larger than it is and it is too short for most gals over 40, unless you are wearing it as a coverup for the beach. P.S. Make sure your not “tucking” in your top, it can be aging as well! (Nordstoms)
This is too young and short
Beware! The Long Hippy Skirt can be aging:
If you are still trying to wear this look, be careful! There are a few problems with trying to look like a hippy. First of all, if you want to do long, you should go one of the newer long dresses not a skirt. Next, this look is one that has circled back from our past and our daughters might be wearing it. We over 40 gals, if you want to look more sophisticated should try something more a-line or pencil style, depending on your body type. (Nordstrom)
Last year we posted an inspirational story of one of our readers Jill Knapp, who after finding out that she had Type 2 Diabetes, pulled herself together, lost 100 pounds and even entered and placed in a state beauty pageant!
Since last year, Jill has appeared on The Dr. Oz show and this week First For Women Magazine has a wonderful article on her and how she has changed her diet to a lifestyle that she can live with. Moreover, she is going to compete once again, at this years Mrs. Idaho International Pageant! Go Jill!!!
Jill's article can be found in the latest issue of First for Women, magazine!
JoJami recently interviewed Jill to see how she has been able to keep the weight off!
You can listen here:
Thanks Jill for keeping us inspired and thanks to all who sent in their questions!!
This is a great blog that is full of tips for things to do in the Big Apple specifically for “women who aren’t kids!”(Well, we might still feel like a kid, but you know what they mean…)
Not only that, but they are having a cool contest to win a free overnight!
Here is the scoop:
It’s for an overnight stay for 2 at the beautifully renovated Surrey Hotel in NYC
plus, (2)treatments at their spa.
Valued at $1,000!!!
Check it out…we are big fans of this site and just so happen to be their style experts too!
Beach in reece by Empress229 featuring J Crew top
We recently posted some lovely coverups to go to the beach, but here are is a great “look” to use as inspiration for something more casual. Here are some more ideas that might help:
Love the color of the one piece, no need for black when a deep purple will be just as flattering!
This white coverup from J. Crew is both chic and affordable!
The wedge sandle is perfect to give your leg a little length with out looking too sexy. It is also the updated version of the “kitten heel”.
The hat is a must, to keep the sun off our delicate face!
Bangles, bangles bangles…how fun! Mixing up the textures and thickness makes them work.
The only thing missing is some oversized sunglasses!
Sign up now to be eligible for your $10.00 discount !
If you missed last nights call with Carol Tuttle on how to dress your truth, you can listen now! (just push the yellow button below, be patient, it takes a little bit of time for it to load and get started)
Sign up here and you will be eligible to get a $10.00 discount for the The Beauty Profile Bundle.
Dear Glam Gals,
I am really enjoying your blog and the information that you provide. I was just wondering why you continually use young models to display the clothes and styles you suggest women wear who are 40 and over? It seems counter intuitive to suggest that we embrace our age and aging bodies, yet all the styles are shown on young models, who have no bodies and are not anywhere near the age of 40! Of course we all know that clothes look better on models without curves, but doesn’t that just make it harder to embrace our age, our style, and reality? Just wondering…:-)
Thanks. I would love to hear your thoughts!
Sincerely, Wendy B
Hi Wendy,
We get this question all the time and we are frustrated too… you see to there are just no photos of “real women” out there in current clothes that you can buy! We want to be able to show you things that you can go out and buy, but all the stores insists on using ultra young and super skinny models!
A few years back, we were excited to start working with a NYC modeling agency for women over 40, but they went out of business!
That is why we try to find women on the street photos, but it can be frustrating for our readers, since most of the time the outfits the women are wearing was purchased a last season and can’t be found now.
One note, most of the styles that we suggest can be worn on most body types, it is just that they are being modeled by young, thin women!
If anyone has suggestions or ideas we would love to hear them!
Carrie and the girls from Sex and the City 2 - our inspiration
Hi Glam Gals,
I would love your advice on how to dress age-appropriate to go to the beach and for swimming too.
Thank you!
Liliana.
Hi Lilana,
Nothing beats a big hat, a pair of gorgeous sunglasses, metallic sandals and a fabulous coordinating swimsuit + cover-up to look chic lounging by the water.
This year we took our inspiration from the latest Sex and the City movie set in Abu Dhabi (and shot in Morocco). Did you see Sex and the City 2 with Sarah Jessica Parker and the girls?
We loved all the colorful, flowing, and draped outfits and when we went shopping online for beachwear that’s what we were attracted to.
Take a look at these gorgeous finds:
Goddess on the Beach:
OOOh the drama! Here’s a great way to make a statement without having to put on a eensy teensy bikini!
This knotted scarf cover-up is simple & elegant and the vibrant colors and modern graphic pattern add a youthful zest. This has a matching strapless bathing suit. (Saks)
Peasant Jewel :
Do you have a bohemian side? This pretty Diane Von Furstenberg Zenya cover-up is more on the rustic side, but still very classy and grown -up because of the deep rich burgundy color.
The empire waist nicely hides any flabby tummy.(Saks)
Sassy Caftan:
If you’re legs still look pretty hot, then show them off in this eye catching kimono sleeved caftan from Trina Turk.
We like this cover-up because it’s ” cute”, (sometimes you want something cute), and yet it’s still rather sophisticated and grown up. (Nordstrom)
Elegant Seduction: Helloooo Mrs. Robinson! Don’t go near the sweet young pool boy in this number, or you may get more than your pool cleaned! (Saks)
Animal Appetite:
Grrr. It’s a jungle out there and you’re the Tigress in this lush and electrifying jungle cover-up by Diane Von Furstenberg.
All that yellow and warm green tends to look great on gals with warm coloring -peach or golden skin, or on anyone with a great tan.(Saks)
Fun and Flirty Moroccan:
A little glitz always looks fab at the beach, or by the pool. That’s why we like this Lily Pulitzer, pearly, beaded tunic with it’s asymetrical hemline. Nice and easy, loose and breezy, and 100% pure cotton, so very comfortable!!
The neutral gold sandal is the perfect choice (white sandal would be a little too matchy matchy with the white beading, so not as modern.(Saks)
Have you ever felt that the latest styles don’t work for you now you are over 40?
Do you keep spending money on clothes and accessories, but still feel like you have nothing to wear?
If so—you’re not alone. The fashion world doesn’t give mature women the tools and self awareness they need to look and feel beautiful.
Join us with our special guest, Carol Tuttle, author of Dressing Your Truth
Instead, we’re led to believe that no matter what your age, or size, or personality every style out there should look good on every woman, and that’s just not true!
That’s the reason we often look in the mirror and think -I am too fat!” and 2— “I am too old!”
We say… “Ridiculous!”
True beauty starts with finding out who you really are and dressing accordingly. In other words, finding a style that is Totally, Absolutely, Authentically you!!!
We want to help you with that. That’s why we recently interviewed our friend, Carol Tuttle – author of Dressing Your Truth® on the topic -Dressing the Real Me- How to find your true style at 40, 50 and beyond!
Carol shared with us the top 3 myths that keep you guessing at fashion, and her top 3 solutions to help you start to become your own beauty expert. Listen to the recording and find out how to enjoy shopping for clothes again, how to select the perfect jewelry and accessories, and how to choose the right makeup and hairstyles to complement your natural beauty.
Dressing the Real Me- How to find your true style at 40, 50 Click this link to listen now:
Carol’s fabulous style tips are all part of her famous do-it-yourself makeover system for women that fundamentally teaches you how to discard the fashion industry standard of “beautiful” and, instead,embrace and bring out the natural beauty that you carry within yourself.
Ont he recording you’ll hear more abotu Carol’s makeover process which begins with discovering what “Type”of woman you are, detailed in Carol’s book Dressing Your Truth—Discover Your Personal Beauty Profile. Find out about the 4 Types of beauty: The Bright, Animated Woman … The Subtle, Soft Woman … The Rich, Dynamic Woman … and The Bold, Striking Woman
Discover the keys to unlocking your confidence and reclaiming your beauty. Click the link below and get in on the fun of Dressing Your Truth.
If you tend to shy away from bright colors like orange because you think they are too loud and youthful, think again.
No color is off limits after 40. It’s simply a matter of whether it suits your skin tone.
For example JoJami and I both have warm skin ( yellow vs. pink undertones).
JoJami is an autumn and I’m a spring, so we both look good in orange.. and with a tan… watch out! It’s one of our best colours.
If you have warm coloring you might want to give orange a try this summer. We’ve found some fresh fabulous selections out there in the stores:
Regal Orange:What a showstopper! The jeweled banded collar is enough on it’s own. Some diamond studs and you’ll look like a knock-out.
One Shoulder Sensation:
Watch out Tarzan. This “me-Jane” wrap dress is super sexy, but oh so elegant. (Nordstrom)
Burnt Orange:
Tone down this satiny orange dress with red and black for a smokey, alluring look.(Nordstrom)
Flirty Orange:
This sophisticated silk sheath dress by Kate Spade has softly fringed ruffles adorning the neckline a thin belt for waist definition. (Nordstrom)
Flowing Orange:
Looks like a halter at first glance, but much better because you can actually wear a bra -important consideration after 40 when “the girls” are heading south. (Nordstrom)
I would love to see a post about cute and age appropriate sun dresses. Usually I am not a dress person, but I would like to throw something on which is not too short , but really comfortable at these temperatures right now.
Thank you so much. Nicole
Hi Nicole,
It’s only July but sundresses are being snapped quickly. Our advice to to get out there and take advantage of those sale racks. We shopped online and found a strong tropical punch theme was everywhere, so here are a few of our favorites to make you look fabulous after 40.
Cute and Flirty:Love the modern combination of brown, red and blue which adds sophistication and maturity to this pretty summer dress. It’s nice to find a dress with a hemline with a grown-up length, and the flirty edge gives it that soft touch of summer romance. (Nordstrom)
Tropical Temptation : Pink with Orange is a juicy combination for this cotton sundress. Look very closely at the neckline and you’ll see the tiny white tassels along the v neckline that give it it’s magic.(Nordstrom)
Tropical goes Graphic :A modern twist on the tried and true tropical print. Love the vertical off centre drawstring and cool bordered hem on this artsy summer shift. If you want to look slimmer, then this is the dress because the flower pattern running from shoulder to waist creates the optical illusion making your waist look narrower and more nipped in. (Nordstrom)
Palm Perfect: A great dress that is easy for anyone to wear, especially pear shapes. The scoop neck draws the eye upwards to highlight the face. Wear it with a cute pair of flats. Boy, that looks cool and comfy! (Nordstrom)
Looking fresh and cool!
Here is a photo of one of our readers, Donna from N.J. (looking fabulous after 45) in her version of the tropical sundress, that she bought at Cache! Wow, she looks terrific! Just goes to show, that if you have great legs that you can and should show them off!
Here’s a great style question from one of our readers:
“It now seems to be the style to not have your shoes and purse match.What and how do you determine what to match them with?The old way was to have back,brown,navy,or red if you where feeling wild and they always matched your purse..Some pointers on what is in now.”
~Barbara P.
Your purse and shoes do not have to match but they should blend in style and weight.
Deciding what purse to go with your shoes can be tricky. Some women buy only one purse and wear it with everything. Others collect purses and change them around all the time. It all depends on your needs and lifestyle, but in general your purse needs to be of high quality and the size should fit your style and personality.
This is a photo of fellow blogger Susan Tabak who always has great fashion sense! See how the colors all blend and her purse does not stand out, but pulls her simple outfit together!
Here are a few basic rules to remember:
Play with mixing colors, but keep one color neutral :
If you have gray shoes, you can have fun with a colorful bag. This look is more for work because of the stiffer, dressier bag. The slouchy bag in front with the gladiator sandals are better for a casual look because they are both less formal.
An outfit made up of solid colors will get a lift from a purse with some color or texture :
This simple outfit is perked up with these purple flats and a snakeskin clutch.
Don’t do a stiff purse with a casual outfit:
If you like to wear casual or soft flowing clothes your handbag should match the look. This purse is too boxy and stiff for this sporty outfit.
This softer,relaxed hobo style purse is much better with this outfit~
Even a formal purse can work with casual shoes.
This formal channel style bag works with these flats, since the flats are shiny and have a dressy look to them.
Coordinate your hardware:
It will be easier to make choices and you will feel more pulled together if you keep your shoes, jewelry and handbag hardware all the same finish. (e.g. silver jewelry, silver, buckles on shoes, silver zipper on purse)
Are you still wearing tiny bracelets? Here is a quick tip on how to wear that chunky jewelry that is so popular right now!
If you like this bracelet it is on Sale now at our Stella and Dot jewelery store! Some pieces are up to 50% off!
Getting a wheel of a deal while off-price shopping!
I know so many women that have found “treasures” at off-price stores like T.J. Max and Marshalls. So, I thought it would be fun to tell you about what I (JoJami) found on my recent trip to Marshalls, over the weekend.
For me personally, I find the clothes shopping at these types of stores overwhelming. You have to be a very patient and talented lady to pick through the racks of clothes to come up with “pearls” in the waves of mix matched sea kelp! Yes, I have had my luck at finding the odd skirt or workout top, over the years but over all, it is not the clothes but the awesome section of soaps, exotic foods and home appliances, that I go ga ga over!
Moreover, there are tons of gift ideas to grab now and put away until Christmas and some for personal use now!
1)Pamper me, I’m all over it… The Soap Section.
These stores have awesome sections that are very organized with the most beautiful and lovely soaps, face creams and other products that pamper. Every few months I go in and head straight for the soap section to replenish my stash. For $3.99 I can splurge and have a huge bar of the most lovely lavender or Almond scented soap to enjoy in my shower or tub! They always have a great selection of different scents, so you just have to put your sniffer to work and find the ones that call to you!
2) Feel like taking a trip to Europe, check out the exotic food section.
When I am ready to replace my extra virgin olive oil, this is where I go. You will get a great price on it and while I’m there I love their jams from England and other exotic places.
3) Bring out your inner cook, Kitchen gadgets and more…
The other day, I needed to replace my tea kettle and get another mixing bowl…so what better place than their home section to do so. I found a gorgeous stainless steel Cuisinart kettle for less than $24.00! Meanwhile, I found a great cutting board to replace my old beat up one at home!
4) The Shoe section (Need we say more???)
Actually this section is pretty much a hit or miss as well. To this day, one of my favorite pair of shoes came from this section, but you have to be super picky or you will end up with one more pair of shoes that will be collecting dust.
5)Jet setting this summer? You gotta see Travel section:
This section must be new, since I have not really seen it before, but I loved it! At my store in Wilmington, Delaware, there was an entire kiosk filled with all sorts of travel goodies, like travel pillows, plastic compression bags, even those “fuzzy” hangers that are all the rage! The prices were all discounted on these hard to find items, that you don’t want to have wait to pick up at the airport!
So, we want to hear from you… What are some of your favorite things you get at discount stores?
To comment go to the “make a comment” button below.
Wearing vintage after 40 can be tough because you run the risk of looking like you’re out of date or an old lady. It is fine to wear vintage when you are young, because it is obvious that you are hip, however when you look like you haven’t thrown out your clothes for the last 20 years, it can be tricky!
Hillary’s raspberry 
