How To Wear Spring 2009 Fashion Trends -Part 1
Spring Styles are starting to pop up in stores and there’s plenty of choice out there. What are this season’s latest trends, and how can you wear them without looking too old, too young, but just right?
Here are 7 Spring Fashion Trends and our take on how to wear them age-appropriately!
1. Asymmetrical Dresses and Blouses
Michelle Obama led the way by wearing a white crystal one shoulder dress by Jason Wu at the Inaugural Ball. Now this trend is everywhere. One shoulder dresses are an easy way for women over 40 to look sexy without having to reveal too much skin. Just make sure your arms are toned and you’ll look great.
Too Young
Steer clear of styles like this one that are more cavewoman than classy. This dress is just too short for a gal over 40, even if you do have good legs. Unattractive extras like the wide blue strap on the opposite shoulder also detract from the elegance of the dress and the chunky sandals are too extreme for a grown-up gal. This look needs to be cranked down a few notches for anyone over 40.
Age Appropriate
This David Meister one shoulder sheath is just the right length to be elegant but sexy. The dramatic shoulder cutout draws the eye upward and towards the face (and away from any other parts of your midlife body, you don’t want people to tune into). Notice how when the dress has sculptural simplicity you really don’t need to wear much jewelry. Some earrings, perhaps a cocktail ring and you are good to go. Keep your shoes very simple too so you are not competing with the details up top. Don’t forget to wear shapewear with this dress!
Love this site! It is such a challenge to stay current and cute yet age appropriate with fashion. Loved getting permission to go for one of the bright spring trenches!
I’m attending a banquet where cocktail attire is required.(FUN!) I work in healthcare where people dress very conservatively…Do I wear my go to black dress that shows a good amount of cleavage, accentuating my strengths, or go safe with something not as cute? Thanks!
as they said, you are what you eat, you are what you wear,i say, as long you can puled it off with class. imagine a woman in her 20′s wear , what you two are wearing now , she’s going to look like in her 30′s . trends when not done properly add years . tricky.
Hi Robin,
We think women over 40 can wear most trends as long as they do it with class and are wearing it for the appropriate occasion. If you have any doubts you might take a photo of yourself in the boots and send it to us. We are always happy to give you our feedback, and you can take it or leave it!!
Can I wear the current motorcycle boot trend if I am over 40?
I have to be honest — these “what you shalt not wear after 40″ tips crack me up. I’m pushing 40 and looking to reinvent myself but first of all, on my own terms and without being scolded for the crime of getting older (which is always the subtext — remember your shapewear) and second of all, without wearing trashy clothes I couldn’t and didn’t wear at 21. Good grief, maybe a 5’11″ runway model wears dresses like the top one in NYC, but in most of the country, I don’t see anyone wearing trash like that anyway. Who wears the nutty tacky stuff in the magazines in real life anyway, whether 25 or 45? Most college age women I see are sadly in need of a makeover and age appropriate clothing, too — they seem to be under the impression that skintight is fashionable (and they’re not models either) or alternatively, pajamas outside are.
I dearly wish for a 40+ fashion blog for funky, confident women that wasn’t about the scolding “thou shalt not’s” and making over tacky, ugly, streetwalker clothing that I wouldn’t have been caught dead in 20 years ago. (Plus, my figure is better now than it was then!)
Hi Anabela,
Welcome to the group! We love to hear from our readers. Keep the comments coming and check back often!
Cheers!
JoJami and Deborah
Great site I am looking foward to visit you more. I love your tips!
Hi Kathy,
You are not alone, in wanting to look taller and leaner! We have such a hard time, finding photo’s of “real women”, so we will try to answer your question.
There are several things you can do to look hip. First off, finding a pant that is good fit, and making sure that if it has back pockets, that the pockets hit you in a flattering place!
Better yet, try pants with no pockets and side zipper (White House/Black market carries some great fitting pants) and wearing them with a heel will give you a long lean look.
If you like dresses and have nice legs, make sure you hem is right to the knee and not longer.
Shoes will be your best friend to looking taller. They don’t necessarily need to be high, just make sure to keep them dainty and not clunky.
To stay hip, keep reading our blog! Most the tips, can be modified for your body types!
I love the idea of changing my look but I am 5 feet rall, I have a size six foot and frankly curvy is a good description. I dont look anything like these models. What do you suggest I do to look leaner AND taller.
I do love the looks thp
Hi Pundit Mom,
Glad you like the red wrap dress. It is such a great look, for us over 40 gals and best of all will look good on most figures!
Cheers!
JoJami and Deborah
LOVE that red wrap dress!!
Hi Melissa,
You concern for purchasing high priced items is one we are certainly aware of as well! In these time more than ever, anything we buy must be chosen with care and planning! This is no time to waste money on the wrong item!
One thing is to remember is that the items we suggest are just ideas to get your pointed in the right direction. We hope that we can help with shopping overwhelm by keeping you focused on crucial items that will update your wardrobe, so you won’t spend a fortune on the wrong things.
One way to achieve an updated wardrobe, is to buy fewer things but make sure that they are better quality, and classic pieces that you can inter-mingle with lower priced items.
We have been brainwashed so long to only shop at the discount stores, that it is hard and scary sometimes to break out and hit a better store.
You would be shocked at some of the sales going on and the high quality items that you can snatch up for almost the same price as lower quality goods.
Great tips! My only problem is that with the current economic climate these prices are way over most budgets. Being frugal with my wardrobe purchases is now a top priority. Many of my friends are concerned about their jobs and we have all decided to seek out bargains.