Things are lighting up as sparkle, shine and glitz shimmer onto the fashion scene.
How does a grown up gal over 40 handle the new razzle dazzle without looking like a tacky Christmas tree?
By treading gently…. Here are 7 subtle ways to get the sparkle and shine look and look fabulous after 40.
Brooch:
If you are not big on sparkle, but want to look in style, then try a little bit of jewelry detail on your outfit. This strategically placed brooch adds an elegant touch of sparkle and accents your waist beautifully.(Saks) |
 Just a touch of sparkle will update your look |
| Sequins update Traditional:
Another way to add sparkle in a classy way is to to look for pieces that say traditional, but sparkle modern with sequins. This classic camel cardigan is fun, but not over the top. (Nordstrom) |
 A classy way to update a traditional look |
| Shiny Fabrics:
The easiest way to shine this fall is to buy a satin blouse. Choose one in a gorgeous color to add life to aging skin and hair. (Saks) |
 Shine with Satin |
| Beading:
Beading is always fun, but too much all over is dated and aging. This chic cocktail dress keeps the beading at the collar, drawing the eye upward and putting the focus on your face. (Saks) |
 this beaded collar brings focus to your face |
| Metallics:
Metallic shoes, handbags or a metallic leather jacket is another subtle way to get the shiny look without overdoing it. This sporty copper leather jacket is understated and chic. (Saks) |
 metallic shine is soft, not loud |
| All out Sequins:
A caution- Sequins , done wrong, can easily look cheap and tacky. If you want to do all out sequences, such as a sequined jacket we suggest you look for a well constructed, good quality jacket ,like this one. (A loose fitting sequined jacket on a soft round 40+ body can make you look like you are wearing a big glittery blanket). Black, dark or neutral colored sequins are always classier than bright ones like red or electric blue, which tend to look more costume-like. (Saks) |
 Be careful with all over sequins |
For other great on How to sparkle and shine this fall, check out our article called Bling it On at MORE magazine
After laughing about those big shouldered outfits we wore in the 80′s, they are suddenly back in style.
This fall we’re seeing lots of volume and width at shoulder, reminiscent of the 80′s ( and 1940′s) silhouette. But don’t go thinking you can hunt down one of your old Dynasty jackets and it will look new again. Things have changed a little, and shoulder pads are only one way designers have created shoulder focus. Check out what we mean:
| Padding: True enough, shoulder pads are still quickest way to give the power message. Bold shoulders are great for us gals over 40 with softer bodies who need some structure. Great piping on this jacket adds extra emphasis. How do you wear a padded jacket like this so you look modern and hip?..with the new slim pants or a slim skirt. (Saks) |
 strong shoulders send a powerful message |
| Draping: Strategically draped fabric is soft and feminine, but strong too. (Saks) |
 Draping creates shoulder emphasis |
| Cinched Waist: The smaller your waist the bigger your shoulders will look. The main difference between the Dynasty 80′s shoulder and the new 90′s strong shoulder is that the styles nip in at the waist instead of being overall boxy. (Nordstrom) |
 a cinched waist balances things out |
| Necklines: The sweeping neckline on this cowl neck sweater adds volume to the shoulders. (Nordstrom) |
 necklines like this create the illusion of wide shoulders |
| Miltary Styles: naturally lend themselves to squared off shoulders which signal authority. (Saks) |
 military jackets make shoulders stand at attention |
Gathered Fabric: Another way to get shoulder definition is to have folds or gathering at the shoulder. If you already have strong shoulders, this look will only make them look wider, as if you have wings and are about to fly away! Also cap sleeves like this look best with toned arms. (Nordstrom)
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 gathered fabric can bulk up shoulders |
Gray, which was big last winter, has become a fashion staple this fall. Worried it may comes across as too boring and the color may drag you down now you are over 40? When done right this new neutral is very modern and elegant. Here’s how to wear it.
| Asymmetrical Neckline:
This interesting new neckline moves gray out of the serious category and into the chic category. This dark gray shade is perfect for this gal because she has cool hair and cool skin. If your hair and skin are warm and sunny you will look better in warmer grays such as pearl gray and dove gray. (Saks) |
 an asymmetrical neckline makes gray modern |
| Animal Prints and Skins:
Gray tones down a wild animal print and makes it look sophisticated. Gray also looks fabulous when it the color of an exotic animal skin. For example, a pair of gray python shoes or belt would be right on target this fall. (Saks) |
 gray come alive with exotic animal prints |
With Feminine Details:
Soft ruffles, a huge trend this season, take the boring masculine uniform look out of gray and make it pretty and soft. Simple ruffles are most elegant. (Saks) |
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Mixed with a shot of color:
Bright jewel tones like purple, emerald green, ruby red and fushia look fabulous with gray and give life to your face after 40 when your hair and skin naturally start to fade. (Saks) |
 jewel tones perk up gray |
| With Shine or Sparkle:
Sparkles, Sequins, metallic threads, and in this case satiny materials, make gray come alive. The interesting use of color blocking here shows just how many shades of gray there really are. This dress ranges in color from charcoal gray to dove gray all the way up to silver. (Saks) |
 add some shine to serious gray |
| Paired with Chocolate Brown:
Most of us don’t think to pair gray with chocolate brown, or taupe, but try it. This subtle combination will make you look modern and chic. ( Saks). |
 chocolate and gray are a modern combination |
Fashion has cozied up to chunky knits this fall. It’s a great look, but can be tricky to pull off especially after 40 when your body is a little rounder and softer than it used to be. Chunky knits, if worn wrong, can make you look like a frumpy old lady. Here’s some tips for how to wear them.
| Sweater coat: You don’t want to end up looking like you are wearing a sloppy bathrobe. Be sure your sweater coat fits properly at the shoulders and isn’t too bulky at the thighs. Also, look in the mirror and make sure the belt loops are really at your waist and not your hips. ( Nordstrom) |
 Unless you are skinny, stay away from loose robes or you'll look dowdy |
| Cowl neck and Boat Necks: are great for pear shaped women because they add substance and width up top to balance out your silhouette. Beware of horizontal lines like this that can add width. A solid colored cowl neck is more flattering if you are trying to hide a few extra pounds. (Saks) |
 cowl and boat necks balance out pear shapes |
| Patchwork can be aging after 40 making you look like a granny wearing a quilt. Choose modern color combinations like gray and yellow for an updated look. Also, reserve patchwork for weekends. It’s a very casual look. (Saks) |
 patchwork can be aging |
| Vertical lines: like a row of buttons, a long zipper or trim down the front elongate your body, making you appear slimmer and taller. (Saks) |
 vertical lines are slimming |
| Sweaters that cascade: are soft, and more romantic. Wear a very simple top underneath, so as not to compete with the sweater, and make sure it doesn’t cascade below your knees. These sweaters look great with leggings or slim pants. (Saks) |
 Cacading sweaters are softening |
| Petites: have to be especially careful they don’t drown themselves in oversize knits. Choose knits small-medium in size, and shorter more fitted styles. (Saks) |
 shorter fitted knits don't overwhelm petites |
