age appropriate dressing | Fabulous After 40

Do These Capri Pants Look Good On Me?

December 29, 2011 | By Deborah Boland | 10 Comments

Dear Glam Gals,

I realize the season has passed for these but am wondering if I “can or should” be wearing Capris.

Yes. Cathy Capris are still in style and you look FAB! (pants from K Mart)

They are made of a stretchy material and about the only thing that fits me because of my super skinny legs. Is this appropriate for my age. (59) And as long as I look like this, is it ok to still wear them or should I forget the Capris and start wearing pants. (shorts do NOT look good on me because of my skinny legs)

Cathy S.

Hi Cathy,

Actually, people read our Fabulous After 4o blog from all over the world, so for some it IS summer, so thanks for sending in this question!

Yes, Capris are very much still in style and absolutely age-appropriate. You are so youthful looking and in great shape! (Just look at those lovely arms!!!!)

And your legs are gorgeous!! Please let us know the brand of your pants, they certainly are flattering on your type of body!

The top you have chosen is nice too because it is long enough and hits you at a good spot.
Your necklace is perfect to fill in the scoop neck
Your sandals are updated and the thickness of the straps balance out the print in the top.

Keep up the great work at looking Age-mazing™, the word we use for looking amazing for your age!

Are you making this over 40 fashion mistake?

October 12, 2011 | By Deborah Boland | 18 Comments

A true Glam Gal always wants to look her best, even when going out to the grocery store.

But what can you wear that is easy to throw on and still comfortable?

Watch our latest Tweak Your Chic style video for some fresh inspiration:

Does this look familiar? Looking sloppy is not an option when going out!

AFTER: Much more polished looking, for sure!

A simple accessory like this stretch belt from Suzi Roher makes this an outfit and not just another blah pant and top

Deborah, in her simple yet elegant casual outfit!

A New Nordstroms for Delaware!

April 7, 2011 | By Deborah Boland | 2 Comments

Looking subtly wild in animal print!

When you live in a small town and have to always drive at least 45 mins or more to get to find some decent shopping, it’s really exciting when one of your favorites decides to open up right here in your own back yard.

Yes, Nordstrom is the new darling of department stores here in Wilmington,Delaware! After three years of rumors that they would be coming to town, I (JoJami) recently had the opportunity to get a sneak peek before the doors officially open on Friday, April 7th!

Taking a black dress and making it work for Spring!

With lovely food, models and a lively band jamming away, the pre-opening Gala was a big

Looking festive in this pretty flowered wrap dress, This gal is one of our FAF biggest fans!

hit with the 1,700 guests! Moreover, it was with great joy that I got to mingle with them and all for a good cause… you see, Nordstrom is going to be donating all the money to local charities! That’s the way to come rolling into town and get off to a great start!

Regional Shoe Dept. head and JoJami (wearing Trina Turk)

So, I snapped a few photos of some sharp-looking Glam Gals to share with you!

Rock Chic!

Beautiful in Blue

This electric blue was the color of the night! However, this gal admitted, “I’m running straight over to the shoe department to go update my boots!”

Can I Wear Combat Boots After 40?

March 18, 2011 | By Deborah Boland | 45 Comments

Hi Ladies,

Is it acceptable for a woman over 40 to wear the combat boots which are popular again?

If so, what would be the proper way to wear them? I remember wearing them in the 90′s and how comfortable they were, but I have a feeling that these boots aren’t worn in the same manner this time around. Please advise. Thanks! Trudy

Hi Trudy,

Here’s a great example of an old trend that comes around and makes you wonder if you should try it again.We are afraid there is no short “yes” or “no” answer to this.

the signs are everywhere. by kirakay featuring enamel rings

Combat boots work for some mature women. They look hip and cool wearing them because they have ”the whole look.” In other words they have paired combat boots with something feminine like the outfit above.

If you try wear combat boots with an army fatigue look or with all black with leather, you a going to look like you are wearing a military or old rocker costume. It’s the contrast of the feminine and the masculine that you need to pull off this look.

It’s not a look I myself will be investing in. My taste leans more to a boot that looks sleek, clean and simple. There are plenty of comfortable boots that are in style other than this trendy look. I have actually tried on a few pairs (some more radical than others) and felt that they would just not fit into most of my wardrobe.

None-the-less, if it works for you, go for it. Dressing after 40, or at any age is all about personal expression and being authentic.

Would you wear this look? Comment below and let us know your feelings!!

Casual Wear Confusion? What to wear when you are over 40 and want to be casual.

February 24, 2011 | By Deborah Boland | 21 Comments

Hi Deborah and JoJami,

I’m over 40 and have three young children. My kids are 9, 7 and 5 and I spend lots of time on playgrounds and in gyms. I am in good shape and not overweight but would like to dress a little more sophisticated, stylish and attractive. However, I can’t keep up with my children in heels or even clogs.

I am most interested in summer clothes. I end up wearing old shorts, t-shirts and running shoes or sporty sandals that all feel a little out of style. And the Texas heat is always a variable that causes me to add a baseball cap to my pitiful outfit! Any advice? Thanks alot. ~Ann

Hi Ann,

Your plight is one that many women suffer! No matter what your age, we all need to be able to have a casual look that will have us feeling like we are both comfortable and still stylish. We like to call our solution, “The Going To The Grocery Store Outfit“, because you should be able to go running around town or to the playground in something other than the basic jeans and a t-shirt.

We want to hear from you, send us your photo of your favorite casual outfit or just comment below!

Perk it up with Stripes!If you want to stay cool a t-shirt is a great item but why not try updating your wardrobe with a stripes. This casual jacket is just the item to perk up that casual look and give you a polished look! Pair this with some classy jeans, not these ripped ones.
Start with a comfortable shoe.Those dingy tennis shoes can wreck an outfit. If you can find a shoe (like this red flat) or sandal that is fresh and comfortable, you will feel like a new person!(Boden)
Don’t be afraid of wearing a sundress. Think a little sundress, even a maxi dress might be too fancy for the playground, think again. If you find one on sale or at a consignment shop you can actually pay less and look sharper than you would in a pair of casual shorts.
Use the new trends to bring color into your wardrobe! We recently wrote an article on color blocking which is one of the newest trends for Spring. With layering tanks or buying contrasting colorful shorts and tops you can really have fun mixing it up bright colors!You can also put a festive cardigan over a sundress to bring an unexpected splash of color and brighten things up!

Over 40 and feeling like dressing sexy for Valentine’s Day?

February 3, 2011 | By Deborah Boland | 5 Comments

pink lips Looking sexy, yet still looking age-appropriate, can seem like a challenge.

So what’s the secret to looking mouth-watering this Valentine’s Day?

Our number one tip would be wear some make-up, even if you normally don’t. It’s shocking how many women go around looking bare faced and boring like they’ve just spent the whole day scrubbing toilets.

A bit of make-up brings some color and life to your face and enhances your feminity. Throw on a little pink lipstick, add some blush to your cheeks and pile on the mascara so your eyes look alive and pop! It’s a special day so why not look like the pretty princess your guy married.

Now as for dressing…..

: This dress is sexy but when you sit down it will be boring!

Do Dress from the waist up

Yes, it’s red and yes it is slinky and sexy but keep in mind that you will be sitting down to dine. The key to looking sexy over a romantic meal is to make sure your neckline is flattering. Your top half should reveal a little skin so that you look alluring. A V-neck or scoop neck looks sexier.

This dress has a much better neckline!

Don’t wear a top or jacket in a stiff fabric

This jacket is stiff and hard looking- not exactly romantic. Choose soft flowing fabrics and styles instead.

Choose soft, touchable fabrics like cashmere, or a shiny fabric like silk. This will want to make your date sit closer for a snuggle!

Do try an off the shoulder top

A top like this will give you both sex appeal and good arm coverage, especially if you have thick arms!

Your shoulders are sexier than you think and a classy way to look alluring after 40. Happy Valentine’s Day, Glam Gal.

Our Most Talked About Fashion After 40 Posts of 2010

December 15, 2010 | By Deborah Boland | 16 Comments

Have you heard the news? Thanks to YOU…2010 has been our biggest year ever with over 55,000 unique visitors a month!

We’ve appreciate that you’ve spread the word about FAF to grow our amazing community. It’s been so much fun chatting with all of you and seeing everyone become such good friends.

Just in case you missed any posts, here are this year’s most talked aboout posts! Keep the comments coming…we love to hear from you at Fabulous after 40!

Back in first place again this year… we followed our friend Jill Knapp on her journey of weight loss. She hit her one year mark and has still been able to keep the weight off and even made an appearance on to the Dr. Oz show

Jill before and after her 100 pound weight loss!

2. This year Gray hair became a surprise fashion trend! This opened the door to discuss the “to go or not to go gray” topic, here at FAF! Read more…

Helen Mirren looking radiant in her gray hair!

3. Over the knee and Thigh high boots, are they age appropriate?Many of you said that you had the hankering to find your inner biker chic and this article sure got the sparks flying!!

Clogs.Another fashion comeback this year and this time they came with heels!The Glam Gals weighed in on this controversial topic with lots more comments from you!!!

“Dainty and feminine” or “young and tacky” were a few of the comments we heard when we dared to chat about ankle bracelets!

Can I wear Leggings after 40? Find out how our readers weighed in.

On the Street… What to Wear Shopping to Look Chic and Comfortable

June 27, 2010 | By Deborah Boland | 12 Comments

This arsty moma nd daughter had been shopping recently and bought the same shirt. Here is how they both took this simple black piece and made it age appropriate for themselves. Many of you ask us “Can I still have a more creative or funky look and not look silly?” We say,”Of course!

Here how mom and daughter got their hip and “funky” casual looks:

Start with an good quality t-shirt dress, that hits above your knees. Notice that the sleeves are on the long side, so cover arms but will still keep you cool. Also, the v-neckline is wide and flattering. If it was a rounded neckline, it would not look as hip.

Add leggings (see or post on leggings) and fun flats, like these pretty pewter ones.

Don’t forget a dramatic lightweight handbag.

If you have a thin figure, you can belt the shirt.

Add tight straight legged jeans, and the latest flats.

Updated pewter flats
This unusual handbag makes a statement. (A good bra would perk up “the girls”.)
Her glasses are updated and hip.
This is her daughter, in the same shirt, but belted with jeans. (The daughter is also over 40)
Thin double belt at the hip.
Cool boots.

Are You Confused About What to Wear as Mother of The Bride or Groom?

March 31, 2010 | By Deborah Boland | 1 Comment

how to dress as mothe of the bride If you’re the mother of the bride or groom you’ve probably been bombarded with advice from friends, family and “experts” about what you should wear for your important role on the on the big day.

Don’t believe all the mother of the bride dress rules you hear! Misconceptions, about how a mom is supposed to dress on their child’s wedding day abound!

MYTH # 1 – I Shouldn’t Wear Black

False – Years ago if you wore black to a wedding, everyone automatically assumed it was a sign of rebellion, and that you wanted everyone to know you disapproved of the match.

While some older, more traditional types may still cling to this belief, most people are over it. Black is elegant and chic, not to mention slimming, and with so many attractive and classy black dresses out there, it’s silly to dismiss an otherwise flattering dress based on color alone. Mother of the Bride dress etiquette says if black suits you, it can be a good option for a mother of the bride gown.

Just be make sure that it is going to be a semi formal wedding or formal function. Black can be too heavy and serious for a casual wedding. Also, most importantly, make sure the bride agrees that black is O.K. before taking this route! It’s her day and she has the final word.

Other options for an elegant look are dark navy, charcoal grey and chocolate brown too!

Here are 3 age appropriate looks from Nordstroms that would look lovely at a semi-formal or formal wedding:

This style would flatter most body types.

This dress is flattering and will hide any arm issues!

This dress is versatile since you can wear it with the jacket our without the jacket.

mother of the bride ebook We get so many questions about this topic and because every wedding and body is unique we have put together a tip and photo packed, e-book for you called, Tweak Your Chic: Mother of the Bride.

This e-book will give you a step by step system to make sure you are making the right choices about your dress and accessories so you can feel special and confident on that special day! Pick one up today.