When is the last time you made a date to go out to lunch with a girlfriend? There is no set rules on what you should wear but we think it makes it easier to throw on a well thought out outfit if you get some fresh ideas to spice things up.
So what are some of the trends we are seeing this summer? You might want to check out our post we did recently on gold shoes. They have been one of our favorite “go to” items this season. Another trend has been pleated skirts and polka dots but can they can be tricky to pull off when you’re over a certain age.
Here are some tips to look on how to make an outfit age appropriate and have you looking fabulous after 40:
- Start with a bright, colorful skirt. It doesn’tt have to be pleated but make sure it is not too long or too short. We like a skirt to hit right at the back of our knee.
- Make sure the top has wide straps. This is very important! If you try to do a top with spaghetti straps it will not look as good. The wider straps help balance a body out. This is just a simple t-shirt but because of the print it gives it a little flair.
- The top need to be long enough to keep tuck outed. Tucking in, is one of those things that just don’t work as well if your body is starting to get a little thick in the middle. However, if you are one of those lucky women who actually still has a waist (it means you are most likely a pear shape), you will want to add a medium width belt to polish off the look.
- Gold shoes. Yes, this little low heeled wedge is the perfect touch. You won’t want to try to match the orange with an orange shoe, it just will be too match, match. Same goes for white, white shoes can be really hard to pull off! Best to go with a nude or gold tone shoe.
- Oversized straw tote. Here is a interesting thing to think about. If you try to put a hard, structured bag with this dress you are going to look like your off to church. The straw tote gives it a casual feel that tones down the outfit.
- Chunky necklace. Here is where the accessory is key! If you try to put a tiny necklace with this, it will get lost in all the polka dots. Plus the orange beads really pull the outfit all together. That is what a good accessory will always do!
Take this inspiration and see if you can come up with something from your own closet or make a list of items that you need to make a complete outfit.
Comment below and let us know what you have found to look great when you go out to lunch.
Style Expert Deborah Boland specializes in helping mature women to Tweak their Chic®!
What nail color do you think is good for an alfit like this? I have a few pieces in that coral shade, could I go with a coral nail polish or keep it neutral?
Hi Linda, We think either would be fine. Colorful nail polish is really popular these days but we find that the polish seems to last longer if you go with neutral. Great question.. we should add a bottle of polish to the set next time!!
This outfit makes me want to go out to lunch with the ladies!!! So cute and I loved all the tips.
Yes! You two just always seem to get it right!! Thanks!
It’s winter downunder (Melbourne, Australia) right now but your web site is just fabulous in any season! This outfit is gorgeous and I would love to know where to buy that necklace. I am now a committed ‘capsule dresser’. You gals are a breath of fresh for us over 40′s (actually over 50). thank you Robyn
Hi Robyn,
All the items in the photo are linked to where you can buy them. Here is the necklace http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-2687457-10457058?sid=4941ba7a7b9e42f9a16363943080b9a7&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpiperlime.gap.com%2Fbrowse%2Fproduct.do%3Fcid%3D66520%26vid%3D1%26pid%3D910270%26scid%3D910270002
But it looks like now it has sold out. However, it is from Piperlime.gap.com an they will probably have something similar to it! Good luck!
Ladies! I love the outfit, but find that if I use a longer top, it catches me right at the widest point of my hips and doesn’t look good from the back (especially!) Also, I am having a tough time finding shorter mid-length skirts that fit. I teeter between a misses and a plus size regularly. Any suggestions?Thanks!
Pretty outfit! What should the ideal length be for a top when pairing with a skirt? This particular one seems long.
Hi Kate, It really depends your body type. If you are short waisted things fit very differently on you than on someone that is long waisted. That is why when you see models in a magazine it can be so tricky. Dresses on tall models might look super short but when you try them on might just hit you perfectly. Same goes for tops. Since most gals after 40 look better with things tucked out, it is important to try on tops before purchasing them. However, if you have a tiny waist and are pear shaped, then tucking in might still be an option and would usually look good with a thin to medium width belt.
Love the “out to lunch” outfit today. However when I looked at the links to the clothing they are so expensive. Any chance you could post both the high end but also the affordable option? Love your blog, just started my own.
Hi Nancy,
Yes, that is a really good idea that we are working on! Will try that on our next post!
Thanks for your suggestion, it’s always great to hear what you all want more of!!