Fabric, Fit and Casual Dressing…

Do you have a new shirt that you bought and thought you loved…only to get it home and put it on and realize that it just does not feel right??

Here is an example of a cute idea gone wrong (blue shirt):

• The bright blue is a pretty color but the shiny fabric looks cheap
• The style is too voluptuous for her petite body.
• Watch for draping. This style makes her boobs look like they are sagging.
• Be careful of where your sleeves hit your arm. Cap sleeves can make arms look big.

This shirt below is a much better choice:

• The fit on this shirt is great! She looks like she lost 10 pounds instantly!
• 3/4 length sleeve is flattering

More Casual dressing looks after 40!

We just adore it when you all send in photos of yourselves looking Age-mazing™! (that is our made up word, for looking “amazing” for your age!)

Here is a gal that we think looks age appropriate and updated in her leggings:

Hello Glam Gals:
I’m been reading your blog for around one month now and have really enjoyed your style tips.  I wanted to forward a picture of me taken on my 48th birthday, November 14.  I’m wearing beautiful and comfortable Pikolinos boots with black jeggins, Kenneth Cole sweater, patterned Banana Republic scarf with Coach Legacy Satchel.  The black doesn’t photograph too well but my husband said I looked great as we headed off to church.

Keep up the great work – it’s so much fun to read your articles.

Thank you very much.

Christine Leasure

Hi Christine,

Thanks for sending this in… Happy Birthday and you did this look up just right! Glam on!!!

P.S. We love hearing from you! Pictures always welcome , please send to: info@fabulousafter40.com

Casual Dressing, Try Adding a Touch of Leather

Trying to update our casual wardrobe can be a “head scratcher” for sure… what to do to get away from the same old, same old….

Why not try a piece of leather. Yes, leather can be expensive, however you can find some wonderful pieces at consignment stores or on sale. Also, if you buy them in classic styles you will have them for many years to come.  Don’t be afraid to try a pretty color.. they are more feminine and you will feel great in them! Black can be harsh and too rocker chic looking, unless it has soft lines of some sort.

Here are a few do’s and don’ts to think about and perhaps try!!

• How about adding a colorful leather jacket! This one is short and fitted and will look nice with a skirt, pants or jeans.

• I (JoJami) recently bought this black leather vest on a recent trip to NYC. Paired with a sassy striped sweater and scarf has been one of my favorite new items in my closet!

• If you are going to wear a leather jacket make sure it fits well. This one is too big and she is drowning in it!

What About Casual Dressing after 40?

Dear Deborah and JoJami,
I am a 49-year-old woman who lives in the Northeast, and while I do dress up occasionally for a dinner or evening out, 95% of the time I need to be dressed for getting in and out of a car, easily; for walking to and from places on a variety of sidewalks, and for a very casual everyday kind of life… often in challenging in autumn, winter and spring weather. I’m finding myself at a perimenopausal standstill!  I have run out of creativity and I am sliding down the slippery slope of jeans, colorful t-shirts, fleece and turtlenecks.  Yuck!  I also have to wear comfortable shoes and boots to fit my aging feet.

How do women like myself, who live casual lifestyles full of activity and creativity, help ourselves to feel, and look, attractive, in the most casual fashions in varying weather?  More articles written by the two of you fabulous Glam Gals on the subject of “casual” fashion would be MOST appreciated; thank you for your kindness in reading this letter!  I own your e-book,and have READ it, and JoJami’s highly entertaining and useful DVD on closet overhaul, and am in the process of weeding out some of my clothing.  What I need and want more of, is INSPIRATION!!  I check out your website regularly, and will be on the lookout for more articles about looking CHIC while dressing casually!
Thank you again, Lori

Hi Lori,

Well your letter was so heartfelt we had to respond, not to mention your question is such a universal one! We too have seen our lifestyle change now that we are past 40 and casual wear is something we wear a lot!

Both of us Glam Gals live back east, so we understand your pain. Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Do you have a cute vest?

• Try a sweater dress and some leggings and knee high or over the knee boots!  Don’t feel like you have to wear pants all time. Why not snuggle into a sweater dress and feel more feminine and a little more funky!
• Put some color into your casual wardrobe. All those years of black can really drag a woman down now that our skin is not as vibrant as it once was.

• Start with an updated boot. We do not suggest Uggs, since they are so popular with the teenage crowd, they are just not age appropriate.

• Your overcoat can show your personality!
• Add a scarf. Watch this video to get some inspiration for tying a scarf a new way that looks oh so European!
• Go elegant… a long sweater is big this fall!

Fashion Inspiration! How do I wear those half booties?

We recently had a question from a reader:

Dear Glam Gals,

I love those little half booties that were so popular last fall. I see that they are coming out again this year and would love want to buy a pair, but just do not know what  or how to wear them? HELP!

Karen G.~ Minnesota.

Hi Karen,

Your timing is perfect! We just saw this add for the DKNY and here they are showing the same shoe with lots of  different looks!

Here is why we like them:

Layering with cropped straight pants: Great casual look, could do it with flats too! (DKNY)
Add a vest! (try one, you might like it!) Simple white blouse (untucked) Flat front straight cropped pants vest. (Might want try to find one longer, if you want to hide hips) .(DKNY)
Cute for work or out to dinner: Back again, this layered look was popular last fall thanks to Michele Obama. Try a skinny belt and make sure you have a pair of those opaque tights. (the ones with patterns can make your legs look fat, so keep it simple with solid colors unless you have super skinny legs) (DKNY)
Slim Balloon pant: We are seeing a huge comeback this fall with the balloon pant. Beware this style does not work on all body types. However, if it is well cut, on the slim side, like this one, it might look great on you! Can be a fun style to try. Not so great with flats though…. (DKNY)
Scarf Action!: Adding a long skinny scarf is an easy way to go from drab to fab! These tight, just to the ankle jeans have a little “poof” at the ankle that can actually be flattering! (DKNY)
This soft jacket  pulls the entire look together: For a modern twist on the navy or grey blazer, try one that is made of a soft fabric. Both comfortable and chic it will knock you up on the style scale! (DKNY)