We love going to the movies. Even if you have a home theatre nothing beats getting out of the house, grabbing a bite with your honey or friend and going to “the show”. The popcorn, the crowds, the big screen, but what to wear? You want to have style over 40, and you want to be comfy, so what do you throw on? Here’s a style recipe for what to wear to the movies.
You can’t go wrong with classic and crisp. That’s the look here.
Let’s start with the Pants
Yes, they are black, and if you know us you’re probably thinking, ” Black, they always say to stay away from Black”, but alas Glam Gal, you have not been hearing us quite right. Here’s our take on black. It’s slimming, it’s versatile, it’s chic, but don’t wear a lot of black, such as a solid black top up by your face. as it drains you after 40. The only time a grown-up gal can possibly get away with a ton of black up top is if she wears some colored jewelry or a scarf with the black. Otherwise it is too harsh. You need that bit of color, or sparkle up top near mature skin and hair. So, black leggings are great and work really well with this shirtdress. You could also wear black skinny jeans instead.
The Top
Color up at the top, see! This shirt is a smashing shade and the style is a little generous through the waist, perfect if you are noticing some middle age spread. We suggest you unbutton the shirt, and show some skin (more youthful). Then tweak the collar up a tad to frame your face and knock off a few years too. Next, loosely belt the shirt. You can get a belt like the above, or one of those Suzie Roher type Belts we’ve mentioned before, that sit kind of just below the waist on an angle towards one hip. We’ve chosen long sleeves because we find it can get chilly at the movies. They keep those theatres so cool sometimes! For a sportier, more youthful look you could roll those up to 3/4 length and that would look very chic.
One note – If you do go with this look and wear leggings be sure your shirt/top covers your fanny. Nothing worse than seeing women over 40 trying to wear flimsy leggings/tights as pants. I think the only Glam Gal we can think of who really rocked this look was Olivia Newton John in Grease. But she was a young thing then!
The Earrings
We kept them simple and classic, but you could go with anything you want. Jewelry is really an expression of your personality. The only thing we would suggest is that you match your metals to look more polished. So if you have gold earring, go for a gold belt buckle as we have her, not a silver one. If you had silver earrings then go for a silver belt buckle or silver hardware on your purse or shoes etc.
The Purse
You might not show up at corporate headquarters carrying this but for the movies it is light and fun and a great accent. It will give you Style over 40 and a youthful vibe.
The Sandals
Simple, Chic, easy to walk up and down stairs in a dark theatre. You could also wear a ballet flat or a small wedge shoe if you prefer.We like the balck as with the balck pants it ielongates your leg. If you tried to be matchy matchy and wear pink sandals it would be too much… too loud with the pink shirt and purse and just not as elegant. Plus, it would break the nice lean line of your leg and make you look shorter.
Do you have a movie date night outfit? Tell us what you would wear for a casual night grabbing dinner and a show.
Style Expert Deborah Boland specializes in helping mature women to Tweak their Chic®!
Going to the movies, I wear maybe a printed tunic (as an interior designer my signature look is animal prints) or long colorful shirt over black skinny jeans or leggings, with a wide solid belt, 3-4″ wedge sandals, a large colorful bag, and chandelier earrings, stacked bracelets on both arms, and 2 rings per hand with a statement necklace, with makeup, hair, and nails to match (or rather ‘go with’ as matchy matchy is “old school” in my business). In the winter I would add a coverup or sweater and scarf to this and maybe change the wedge sandals to a 3/4 boot. I have to look a ‘certain way’ in my business, and I get lots of very favorable comments from young and old alike. At 64 and a size 12, it is a great boost to my ego whenever someone says i don’t look more than late 40′s or early 50′s, and one of my daughters is 45 herself! You’re only as young as you feel.
I appreciate Emily’s concerns about wearing either silver or gold depending on your color type. An autumn color type with “whiting” hair, my favorite basic earrings contain one gold loop and one silver one. I like them so well, I now look for other jewelry and accessories specifically designed to contain both metals, and I’m never afraid to throw in copper as well!
I really like this look and agree with all the suggestions. One question I wish you would address — You often talk about the need to match metals. That makes a lot of sense. BUT — a couple of problems I run into. As an artist, I support other artists by wearing artist-made jewelry. The styles I like and can afford are all made in silver. My wedding ring, however, is yellow gold with a canary diamond. To further complicate things, many otherwise appropriate and fun purses have brass “findings.” How do you propose reconciling the two?
HI Emily, Well the reason behind us suggesting that you stick to one metal at a time, is depending on your skin tone, most people actually look best in either silver, gold or bronze. Once you know what color metal looks best on you and keep your wardrobe consistent, when you go to get dressed or pack for a trip, you will find that everything starts to look harmonious. This is not to say that you can’t enjoy wearing other metals from time to time or mix them up together in one outfit. You will see this done a lot in fashion magazines. Bottom line, you can wear any metal but once you try sticking the one that looks best on you, you will find that you will gravitate to that one and you will get more milage out of your wardrobe.
I love your choices of clothes. I think one would be able to use it anywhere as well. The bag is an awesome match to the outfit. I hope you are going to post some fall fashion trends too! It would be nice to get some tips from you for some of my clients as well.