We hear this all the time :
I can’t wear heels because…
- I have problems with my feet… and that leads to the next problem…
- I can’t wear skirts or dresses because sensible shoes look horrible with them~
The first thing you have to do is take a leap and just try something new that you might have never thought of trying before.
Yesterday I was working with a client who had an amazing story. Ann (age 60) had recently made a big change in her life by leaving her job as a scientist, to start her own business. All her life she had been dressing very conservatively for religious reasons and so she asked me ( JoJami) to take her shopping to find her new self!
Even though she has nice legs Anne had always worn long skirts or pants, and of course, sensible shoes.
The boots from Aquatalia are pricey but definitely worth the splurge!
Knowing that we had shoe issues..that’s where we started. If you don’t have updated shoes you will never feel polished. She had never worn heels so we decided that she should have a nice pair of cool, flat boots!
Off we went to Nordstoms! Of course, they have an amazing shoe department and after trying on many styles she finally found a pair (Aquatalia from Zappos) that fit properly and were chic and comfortable.
At first sight Ann said, “NO, the toes are too pointy.” I asked her to just try them on and she was shocked! Yes, they were comfortable and gave her support too! Round one of trying something new! Ann was thrilled with her new purchase and kept telling me, at least 1o times that day, how COMFORTABLE these boots were!
Next, went on to find her a new suit. Slowly we started off with pant suits (this was in her comfort zone), but then I brought her in a pencil skirt to try and some black tights. What a great sport, she tried them all on and after a few hmms and aahs…decided that she LOVED her new look, and so I put back all the pants. She looked like she had lost 10 pounds and was now a new woman! Her problem of having to wear sensible shoes was solved and now she could move forward into wearing things that were more flattering to her figure~
BEFORE: Ann in a typical outfit.
AFTER: Ann in her new pencil skirt. Instant makeover!
Best of all she wrote me a sweet note that said, “Thanks for walking me to the mountain top of transformation, change and a great new image!”
Ann you are one brave woman and I applaud your courage to keep exploring new things, best of luck to you!
Living back east with the seasons so varied, it never ceases to surprise me how now that each time we approach a new season I get that shopping “itch” inside of me. I go through my closet and think, what do I need to update my wardrobe?
The questions that we are getting most from you are “what can I do to feel polished and still casual?”
So here are a few things that you might want to check and make sure you have on hand, so that you look chic and updated!
Don’t forget, before you begin, you should get rid of all your out of date, old tired clothes. For more inspiration, make sure to check out our popular DVD, The Ultimate Cure for the Dysfunctional Closet!
This DVD will put the "fun" into getting your closet organized!
Do you have a good fitting knee high boot?
You will not want to go through fall without at least 1 or 2 pair of boots, one that is knee high and one short for under pants.
The biggest factor for the knee high ones is fit and where they hit your leg. You will want to make sure that they come up to your knee and fit around your leg nice and snug. (Nordstoms) |
 A boot like this in brown or black will be a work horse in your wardrobe to wear with skirts or dresses! |
| The long cardigan
For over 40 ladies the long cardigan vs a pull over is a great update. This you will want to layer with a nice fitting t-shirt and possibly belt it. Now with the boots you have a great updated casual look! (Nordtroms)
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 This long cardigan is perfect to go from office to casual |
Flat front, straight legged pants:
Make sure you have a nice pair of flat front, straight legged pants to tuck into those boots. J.Crew has some of the most flattering ones we’ve seen and they fit is terrific. |
 This pant comes in lots of colors and has a great fit! |
Fitted Jacket vs Boxy Jacket
It is all about the fit this fall! Have you bought a new jacket lately? Don’t go out and get another boring boxy one… instead really shop around for one with lots of darts that make the jacket mold to your body.They are not easy to find, so be picky. You can really feel great when you throw on a wonderful jacket! (Bloomingdales) |
 This is a classic style that hugs the body nicely, from Ralph Lauren |
Is your overcoat overdue to be replaced?
Here is where it can really get fun! So many of us feel we have to play it “safe” and practical when it comes to our overcoat. If you have an old boring one, this should be your year to go out and find one that states your personality! (Nordstroms) |
 Even though the model is super young, this coat would still be age appropriate not to mention feminine and festive! |
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When running around town, we want to make sure that we Glam Gals are super comfortable, but chic too.
Great way to put a little color in your day out!
The answer is simple. A sweater dress, leggings and a pair of boots!
Here is our recipe to pull this look together.
- Find a simple straight sweater dress.
- Add a nice wide hip belt
- Layer it with a scarf or loose long sweater (like a Cozy)
- Make sure to wear dark opaque tights or legging
- Find some nice fitting boots that are either flat or have a short heel. (Zappos.com)
- If you want a smoother look, try a full slip from Spanx
Both dresses shown are from Newport News.
 For a sexier look, this flattering style would look great on most! |
 This boot is from Zappos.com |
Click below for more styles that will fit your body type!
We recently posted a letter from a reader who can’t wear heels because of foot problems and wanted to know if she could wear leggings with clunky flats.
When we mentioned that instead, she should try some flat boots, she ran out and found a pair at Nordstrom’s!
Now leggings and jeans are fine, but what if she wants to wear a skirt? Since these boots are very casual they will be look best with pants…
Flat boots like these will be comfy for those with foot problems
However, here is a skirt that will work with them too. You could also try a casual dress, like a sweater dress.
Colorful skirts make fall dressing festive
Don’t forget to make sure to find opaque hose (not sheer) or tights that match the boots. This will give the leg a longer look.
We went to Boden.com and Spiegel and found lots of great casual styles to choose from! At Boden, you can even “try” the clothes on a fantasy model and see what they would look like on a person!
Here is another combination we liked:
This skirt from Spiegel, would be a good length and weight to balance this boot.
And, for extra comfort and support, don’t forget some Dr. Scholl’s inserts!
Hello Glam Gals,
Do you think the new thigh high boots for Fall 2009 are age appropriate for women over 40?
Thank you for your help.
~Jenifer G.
Hi Jennifer!
Great question, since we are seeing that thigh high boots are a big trend for fall. This is tricky because there are a lot of variables here. The thigh high boot is a very young and sexy look, so it is hard to pull it off after 40. However, we have seen women of all ages pulling off this trend, but it is a delicate and tricky one for sure.
If you are excited to try this new trend, here are some things to keep in mind:
- You should be on the thin side have slim legs and thighs to wear this look.
- You need to be careful on how to pair your boots with the right outfit. Tight jeans or longer skirts are your best bet to get the right effect.
- You will need to be picky about the style of boot your choose, otherwise it will look like you’re trying too hard. (More like you are wearing a costume than a trend.)
- The fit and style of your outfit is key – anything too tight and revealing could look smutty.
We imagine that the women over 40 that could pull this off, are on the creative and festive sort! However, if you really do want to partake in this trend, we recommend you
- Choose a simple style that does not have a lot of laces or hardware.
- Stay away from patent or shiny thigh high boots, or you’ll look like a hooker.
- Be sure to wear dark opaque hose so there’s no leg between the hem of your dress and the boot. Here’s a good example of flat heeled boot from zappos.com:
Bottom line: Are you wanting to try out a new trend, pick up a younger guy or just channeling your inner biker chic?
You weill need some confidence and good dose of style to pull this look off now that your over 40, or you will end up looking silly instead of chic.
Are you thinking of trying this look out this fall? If so, we want to hear your comments below!
As the old saying goes…”Women dress for other women”…and we could not agree more!
Recently I (JoJami) went out for a girlfriends, “let’s celebrate someone’s birthday”… dinner at a new “hip” restaurant that had just opened. If your girlfriends are like mine, we LOVE to see what each other are wearing, get the scoop of where we bought it, how much we paid for it, etc….So, I thought I would share some of the fun things I saw, that were a standout, with these fabulous Age-mazing woman! (all photos are from Nordstrom’s)
Dark Stretch Jeans
This seemed to be the favorite choice. (Tips on picking jeans: simple lines, pockets hit you at a good spot, don’t do pocket flaps if you have a large behind, not a lot of decorations, a little flair is usually the most flattering. You can do straight legged, if you are thin and can pull it off, or if you want to tuck in)
Fab Boots, Tucked In or Out
If you want comfort these flat boots are great. Jeans can go in or out.
Or, how about these short boots to go under a boot cut jean or pant. These tall, Joan and David boots are fun too, and not that uncomfortable, since they are suede!
Colorful Jacket
Casual 3/4 Length Sleeve Jacket
Try a colorful Jacket: This red Twisted Heart red jacket you could do any color… yellow, blue, green, hot pink…what ever looks best on you.
We like the idea of a 3/4 length sleeve, worn open with a figure flattering t-shirt underneath.
Over 40 and wondering what to wear to a casual holiday open house, an afternoon cookie exchange, or just cocktails around the fire? Here are 7 suggestions for How Not to Look Old During the Holidays:
1. Stay away from Christmas-themed sweaters
Stay away from costume-like clothing that makes you look like you raided a senior citizen’s closet. To be cool this Christmas, don’t be so obvious. Re-gift that Holiday themed sweater to the Good Will.
Instead, we suggest something like this hip red sweater paired with black pants, boots and a fabulous bag. It’s sexy, age appropriate and perfect for a holiday get together.
You’ll look cozy and sexy in this simple off the shoulder statement sweater. Can’t you just see wearing this as you sit around the fireplace and drink red wine?
Here’s another great option. This camisole with matching wrap sweater is also pretty, lady-like and perfect for the holidays.
2. Try wearing winter white
Winter white is chic and sophisticated. Even with jeans this pretty snowflake white sweater will dress things up. You can wear a winter white outfit like this with high boots, but a low heeled boot in chocolate brown would work equally as well. You could also try pulling the sweater out and belting it, if you are self-conscious about your tummy.
3. Show up in a pair of fabulous boots
Boots have image impact. You can wear them with anything and always look sexy and cool. You may have to trudge through the snow in a practical pair to get to your party, but once you arrive slip on a more fashionable pair that are fresh and new, and that make your legs look wow. Then enjoy the compliments!
If you want a lower heel, then these black beauties are a casual, modern choice.
4. Replace heavy knits with fine, cozy cashmere
You’re not living at the North Pole so don’t show up in something you’d have to wear to keep warm up there. Instead of a bulky heavy ski sweater, which will only make you look like a polar bear, try a light, pretty cashmere sweater. A more up to date choice is this purple cashmere sweater. It’s romantic and a nice change too from typical holiday wear. Be sure to wear some beautiful jewelry with this to accent this royal color.
Want a little more glamor? Try this stunning mocha sequined cashmere sweater set, and imagine how it will glow in candlelight!
Would you rather wear a dress? Here’s a comfy casual cashmere dress. We suggest you keep the tights grey for a nice lean line……textured grey would add a lot of interest.
5. Wow them with a hip satin jewel-toned blouse
A pretty silky blouse is an easy way to up the glamour during the holidays. There’s no need to stick to red, though. Any deep, rich clear color will look festive too. Metallics also work with the mood of the season. Wear your blouse with black pants or a black skirt and you are good to go. Here are a few we like…
6. Opt for festive, but not obvious, Christmas jewelry
A candy cane pin, a Christmas tree charm on a necklace. No matter how cute or sentimental, it will still look like it came from the dollar store. Instead try something festive, but subtle. See how this circle necklace looks like something you might string on an X-mas tree, but doesn’t scream “It’s Christmas.”
This charm bracelet also has a romantic feel…
7. Look lean and lovely in a long vest
A long vest is so classy and comfortable. You can pair it with slim pants that you tuck into your boots or wear out, like this. Add a belt at the waist or lower on the hips depending on your body type.
You might also want to pair a vest with something tighter like these double-knit leggings by Vince. They are thinner than tights and will keep you warmer. You would wear these tucked into boots. Unless you are very tall and thin, we would advise NOT to wear these with flats (as shown).
If you don’t look good in tight pants then here is a wide legged version.
Wondering how to dress after 40 to look sexy and hip, but still age appropriate? Buy yourself a pair of tall boots! Be they high heeled or flat, boots that cover your calves and sit just below the knee are alluring, chic, and ageless.
Here are 9 Top Tips for How to Wear Tall Boots:
1. When wearing pants tucked into flat boots make sure the boot is tight enough around the calf, so there’s no gap. Any gaping will make your legs look twice as bulky.
2. Boots are most flattering to the leg when they go all the way up to the knee like these chic Croc boots. Be picky, don’t buy a boot that is 2/3 length, unless you will be only wearing them under pants.
3. A suede boot will always be the best choice for comfort.
4. If you have large calves, choose a pair of these Viva Spiga rouge boots with hidden elastic goring that adds stretch at the 15 inch circumference collar.
5. Avoid boots with too many straps or too much bling on them. A simple classic boot looks more elegant and age appropriate and won’t date as fast.
6. For comfort, a wedge heeled boot is a great option. You’ll be able to walk for miles in comfort and still look tall!
7. The newest style of boot has an asymetrical cuff at the top of the boot. It’s a very youthful look and is meant to be worn with a more casual outfit. If you want to give it a try, wear your flat cuffed boots with jeans. Don’t spend too much on these boots as they are super trendy and might not be the “in look” next year.
8. Don’t forget to pair your boots with tights for a modern look. Nylons are too lightweight and will make you look dated. Black tights (or leggings) would be great these gorgeous black suede boots. Your tights should match the color of your boots in order to elongate your legs and make them look lean and sexy!
9. The slimmer the outfit the slimmer, the finer the boot. For example, a slim skirt and chunky, heavy boot like these DON’T mix. Best to save these for pants.
