How about those matching oven mitts! photo: www.washingtonion.com
In a recent story fromwww.washingtonian.com , they showed this age appropriate outfit as “What to wear to a Christmas cooking party”
They also suggest, “For a casual meal at home, stick to comfy flats, cozy cardigans, and cheery kitchen accessories [those cute oven mitts!]. Short sleeves will stay out of your way in the kitchen, a tweed skirt adds both texture and a touch of class to the ensemble, while a cranberry-based color palette keeps the whole thing holiday-oriented.”
What a great idea…first off, we love that is it NOT Christmas themed.. PLEASE …we women over 40 and have had enough of those darn ugly Christmas sweaters! AMEN!
Also, this printed t-shirt is a bargan at $48.00 from Torn Cristy.
The Tory Burch flats (Zappos.com) could be any brand and still look nice!
One note, we usually DONT like the tucked in look on most over 40 bodies..so beware of that!
That being said, how about tucking it out with a nice hip belt and some tight jeans!
Get inspired…what a great mix of neutrals and color!
Moreover, you can have fun looking in your closet to see if you can pull a classy, but casual outfit together!
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.
They used to be my go to item – especially in black. I would wear one practically every day in the winter. Well, now that I am 42, they don’t look so hot on me at all. I feel like they highlight that little bit of loose skin right under my chin and cheeks that you can barely see otherwise. When I see other women I think this about them too…yet everyone still wears them. Is it one of those things that you just suck up and still wear as you get older even though it doesn’t look so hot (kind of like a bathing suit)? I am wondering if I should just bite the bullet and start wearing them again. Or maybe you know of a way to make them look better?
Thanks so much.
AJ
Dear A.J.
Off white can be much softer and suits this gal's silver hair
We wouldn’t suggest wearing anything if it doesn’t look good on you. There’s too many choices out there!
We know what you mean about turtlenecks. As we’ve gotten older they seem to have fallen off our favorites list because they sometimes do give you that turkey neck if you have a lot of loose skin.The contrast between the black up by our faces and our lighter skin and hair can look plain harsh, and actually emphasize every little wrinkle.
That being said there, are still some women who love their turtlenecks, like Diane Keaton. Nobody quite knows what is going on with her, but she wears them so much they’ve become her trademark. Sometimes she looks dull and stiff in them, but other times she can look great. You really have to judge for yourself how it looks on you.
Diane Keaton in her trademark turtleneck
Diane looks darling here!
I'm going to wear dark brown, rather than a black turtleneck with this.
With all the new chunky sweaters out there, it’s hard to get completely away from turtlenecks. For example, I (Deborah) just bought this great Diane Von Furstenberg wrap sweater that cries out for a turtleneck to wear underneath. My neck is not bad at all, so I can still wear a turtleneck, but a black turtleneck would totally wash me out, so I’m going to buy an espresso brown micro thin turtleneck to wear with it.
If you really don’t like the tightness of a turtleneck pushing up all that extra skin, a great alternative a a cowl neck sweater. They’re very in style right now and because they are much softer looking they are very forgiving on mature gals.
Here are a few we like:
Neck draping:
See how beautifully this drapes and shows off your decolletage. It looks perfect the way it is. Don’t ruin it by wearing a necklace. Only one caution : Make sure your arms are toned before you choose to wear this sweater.(Nordstrom)
soft and feminine- a cowl is a nice alternative to a turtleneck
Try a cowl neck cape:
Capes adds glamour and we love a touch of glam.They also hide your tummy on those “I feel bloated days”, which is a nice bonus .(Nordstrom)
A chic look over black pants
Go for Gray:
If you like neutrals, gray is a wonderful alternative to black. It’s just that bit softer and is very in fashion at the moment. (Nordstrom)
gray is softer than black
Try experimenting with Color:
Not everyone looks good or even feels good in gray. Green can add life, same with purple and red. There’s lots of choices out there. Love the button detail and raglan sleeve on this BCBG Max Azaria Cable detail sweater. It’s different and that’s what you want. (Nordstrom)
green looks fabulous on redheads
Chooseslinky and stretchy:
Don’t hide behind oversized sweaters that hide your body and make you look like a polar bear. Slinky stretchy turtlenecks and cowl necks like this follow the curves of your body making you look much more sexy and modern. Worried about your tummy or bottom? Buy some shapewear. You’ll be amazed how it transofrms your figure.
If you have a great waist show it off in a form fitting cowl neck
Good way to wear black:
If you want to wear a black turtleneck, but worry about too much black up by your face, try this. It’s a Michael Kors twist front turtleneck. That touch of openess at the neckline brings in more skin and doesn’t make you look like your head is cut off from your body. Very sexy! ( Nordstrom)
The 3/4 length sleeves on winter coats seem to be popular, but what do you do with your sleeves of dress, shirt, etc? Would it be appropriate to wear long gloves?
Thanks, Ellen
Dear Ellen,
With all the rage of the 3/4 sleeve jacket, there are lots of options on how to wear this look.
I (JoJami) just bought this plaid jacket from a local resale shop, and have found it a great transition piece into fall. I have worn it with some black slim pants, with a black turtleneck with tall boots tucked into them, as well as more casual with a pair of straight legged jeans.
I even wore it with a black pencil skirt and black tights and black pumps and a thick belt to a networking event.
This big question is: Is it OK that my sleeves hang out the bottom? Yes, we have seen them with the sleeves hanging out the bottom (like this hounds tooth jacket below from Nordstrom’s), but feel it looks best if you choose a top that you can push up the sleeves or are sleeveless.
This 3/4 sleeve jacket is from Nordstroms
Moreover we agree that this jacket would look great with a pair of long leather gloves when the weather gets cooler.
It is also looks great with different shells. Here I have a sleeveless turtle neck, and a 3/4 sleeve scoop necked shell.
The options are endless, however I really like to keep it simple with all black underneath or pop it with a white blouse.
There is a bit of tan in the plaid as well, and would work nicely with a column of tan underneath as well. Since I bought it used, I would not attempt to try to put red with it, since it would be probably next to impossible to get the red right.
One more note, we both agree that we would not invest in a piece like this if it was pricey, since this is more of a trendy look. However this one was only $40.00 and so I felt like it was a good buy for how much I will be wearing it.
If you have a 3/4 jacket, please send us your photo in it with permission to use it on our blog. It is always fun to see how others put their looks together!
The Godis Sweater is a great way to update your casual wardrobe!
Fall is the time for warm knits and cardigans! We fell in love with this variation of a cardigan from one of my (JoJami’s) favorite stores, Houpette Boutique in Greenville, Delaware. It’s called a “Godis Sweater,” and it’s so easy to just throw on! It’s very drapey and goes over anything.
I’m going to be dressing it up with a pair of colorful corduroys and a white button up blouse.
And for a more casual look, I paired it with some jeans, boots and a long-sleeve tee shirt.
In fact, I find that I am working this sweater into tons outfits these days! It’s totally hip and the silhouette is so in this season.
The ladies at Houpette are offering our readers a discount on this sweater. Originally $175, it’s now priced at $140 for our ladies. That’s a 20% off savings. I hope you love and wear yours as much as I do!
Here at Fabulous After 40, we’ve been reporting about upcoming Fall fashions for the last few weeks. What if you want little bit of something in every category, and don’t have the time to shop around? We’ve found one designed that has it all!
Tory Burch‘s new Fall collection includes pieces that are so trendy and age appropriate, you can’t go wrong. Here is a re-cap of our the Fall trends reviews in the last few weeks, and Tory’s take on them.
Alright, I know you’ve seen this dress before (you can see our “Tweak Your Chic” model wearing it in this post, and me in it again right here), but a neutral shirt dress is a staple. That means it never goes out of style, and you can keep updating it to fit the current trends. Below is a video showing how I used this season’s layering trend to breathe new life into an old dress…and I didn’t have to buy anything new to do it! That’s the easiest way to shop on a budget – treat your wardrobe like a store and keep reinventing outfits!
For more ways to update your wardrobe on a budget, check out our eBook Chic on the Cheap!
Our new e-book on How to Update Your Wardrobe on a Budget
There’s a hard edge vibe this fall and much of that is coming from all the leather we’ve been seeing out there. Leather is extremely popular this season, especially black , because it signifies a strong independent woman.
If you want to buy into this trend, but worry it’s too rock and roll for a grown-up gal like yourself, you have a point! Black leather can look tough harsh and tacky after a certain age, so you have to be mindful about how you incorporate it into your wardrobe.
Here’s a few tips on how to do it without looking like an worn out old biker chick:
Avoid Head to Toe Leather:
Head to toe leather looks tough and flat. Instead pick one leather piece to be your focal point and mix it up with a dress or skirt in a different material. An all black look always comes across as chicer when you combine varying textures. (Saks)
A single leather piece is more elegant than head to toe leather
Ruffles
If wearing leather makes you feel too tough, then try adding a feminine detail like ruffles like this great coat is from (Nordstrom)
Ruffles take leather to new feminine heights
Pair with a Flowy Blouse:
a soft flowing blouse adds softness to hard edged leather.(White House Black Market)
A silk blouse brings a ladylike touch to hard edged leather
Use Leather as an accent:
If you just can’t get your head around leather, but want to look fashionable, why not use it to accent a part of your body such as your waist. (Saks)
A touch of leather is all you need to be in style
Don’t choose leather cliches: Do we have to say it? No black leather mini skirts
no...
No fringe…..
no!
Nothing plain weird!!!!
no!!!!
Choose Modern Shapes and Styles:
Think elegant, not rock and roll and you’ll get it right. This beautiful quilted, rolled collar jacket is classy, but still very cool.(Saks)
This quilted jacket with rolled collar is all class
The ruffle trend that started this Spring looks like it has some strong legs and will be walking into our closets this fall!
But beware, this is not a trend for everyone and should be analyzed carefully before running out and getting one.
Being over 40, the idea of trying to wearing ruffles can be tricky for several reasons.
1. Ruffles add bulk to your front. If you have a large bust, you will have to be careful how much and where your ruffles are.
Too many ruffles for an ample bust!
2. You will look sweet because ruffles are romantic and feminine. If you have a power job or are trying to project authority, you will want to stick to sharper lines, or stay away from ruffles altogether.
Tuxedo-style ruffles are a better choice under a power suit.
3. Be careful not to over do them. Too much ruffle can be aging.
Minimal ruffles work better for us over-40 gals.
That being said, you can still wear this trend, but you have to be picky.
This fall we are seeing a lot of leather and extreme shoulders. A little it of ruffle at the neck can soften this look and make it feel more feminine and updated.
Here is a sweet white blouse with just a touch of softness at the neckline. This will work perfectly to replace my old blouse that has started to look tired. I (JoJami) found it at one of my favorite local boutiques in Wilmington, Delaware called Ellie.
white blouse, by Paper White availabe at Ellie Boutique
Recently, we read this article about wearing one of this season’s hot item – a leather biker jacket – without looking literally like, well, a biker. We love the ideas, but what happens if you want to get into the leather jacket trend, but just can’t make the biker-style jacket “you”? Even if you still feel too tough wearing a leather jacket (even if it’s with a pink dress underneath), there are tons of options for purchasing leather this season. It’s absolutely everywhere this fall! Below are some leather jacket ideas that you can embrace this season that will really make a statement – without that statement being “Where’s my Harley?”
Try…
Blazer:
This suede jacket from Forzieri is a great alternative to a regular blazer. Wear it as you would to the office, and modernize your suits and skirts!
Ruffles:
If wearing leather makes you feel too tough, then try adding a feminine detail like ruffles like this great coat is from Saks.
Trench:
Look instantly glamorous and sophisticated in a trench coat. like this fantastic, movie-star inspired trench from Forzieri.
Touch of leather:
You can even work leather touches into your everyday wardrobe. This leather jacket from Saks is trimmed in soft tan leather, giving it an edgy look.(of course the skirt should be a longer…but you get the idea!)
Color:
Black, tan and brown are very versatile, but color is always so much more fun! Even with motorcycle-ish styling, this leather coat from Forzieri is a great statement piece, and softer than a harsh black jacket.
Add fur:
A touch of fur around the collar or sleeves is another way to add personality to a leather jacket. Also, it’s sure to keep you warmer in the upcoming winter! Check out this one from Forzieri.
And for those vegan dressers, there is sure to be a lot of “pleather” or imitation leather and fur jackets. Not only will they be less expensive, but also animal friendly!
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!
In a recent post, I (JoJami) mentioned that my colorful skirt was a few years old and “not that in style any more.”
So that being said…you are probably asking the question, so what is in style?
Although we’ve seen a ton on pleated, circle skirts with a lot of volume that usually hit above the knee, that’s a style best left to younger ladies. As far as skirts go, if you’re ready for a new one, go with a pencil skirt or one that is a little straighter. The knee-length classic pencil or slimmer A-line skirt is flattering on most body types, and has been around for a few seasons now. The popularity is growing, so not only are they all over the place, but pencils don’t come in just black or gray anymore! Even though they have a more streamlined look, but you can go for fun colors and jazzy prints to liven them up a little.
Here are a few that we suggest: What we like about these are that you can start wearing them now with sandals and then as we transition into fall, you can add some tights and boots!
Here’s one from Boden. It’s a slimmer A-line skirt with a bold pattern that can be worn with neutral wedges, or boot like in the picture. We love the colors in this, and it’s a great example of how you can transition from summer to fall with boots.
This skirt is from Nordstrom’s. In the picture, it’s dressed up with heels, but pair it with gladiator sandals for casual or brown knee-high boots in fall! The fact that it has a brown pattern in it makes it a no-brainer for choosing matching shoes.
Here’s another example from Nordstom’s. We usually find black and white to be a little boring, so make it more fun with a bright top! We’ve been seeing a lot of plaid in stores this season, so make sure you wear plaid in a sophisticated and feminine way (not those shrunken flannel shirts that are all the rage among teen girls).
JoJami and Deborah will be talking about fall trends!
If you are dying to hear what the new fashion trends will be for fall + How not to look Frumpy after 40, then you won’t want to miss The Glam Gals radio interview with the Three Tomatoes on their radio show called, Tomatoes in the Trenches.
It’s difficult to find that middle ground when you want to look fashionable, yet still feel relaxed. Here are our suggestions.
1. Wear a Dress with Leggings
Short flowing mini dresses worn with bare legs and heels look great on twenty and thirty year olds, but that doesn’t mean they are off limits to us ladies over 40. Many of these dresses look an awful lot like long tops, and so they look fantastic on if you pair them with dark leggings and ballerina slippers, or flat boots. Now before you cross your arms and say, “That’s not me”, give it a try. This is a chic and very comfortable look and once you try it, you’ll be hooked. Here are two examples of dresses that would look great with leggings.
This olive green peasant dress would look fabulous with brown leggings and a brown suede flat boot.
This black sweater dress is also a great option. Sweater dresses come in all fabrics, wool or cashmere, and are super cozy. We’d pair this with a big chunky necklace, opaque stockings and a fun pair of flats.
Finally, here’s Janine…JoJami’s sister in the complete dress/leggings/flats look!
2. Add a Wide Belt to your Outfit
The quickest way to go from boring to brilliant is to add a wide belt to your casual weekend outfit. A wide belt at the waist, or slung down lower on your hip, will instantly add a touch of the wow factor, kicking casual up a few notches. Our favorite belt designer (and you’ve heard us say this before) is Suzi Roher.
Roher belts can be found at high-end department stores and small boutiques. What’s so special about them? They stretch! This makes them super versatile. This is a belt that you will have to grit your teeth and buy, as it is on the expensive side; but once you do, you’ll find that it will transform your wardrobe and you’ll wonder what you had been doing before you had one!
See how this beautiful Suzi Roher belt makes this all black outfit look so much hipper and classier, while still looking relaxed? And, don’t you just love how it camouflages the tummy so well?
On a budget, but looking for something similar? Here’s another great stretch belt that does wonders to create an hour glass figure. One note here, if you are very short waisted then you’ll want to go with a slightly narrower belt, or you’ll end up looking like you are all belt.
This brown sash belt is also easy to wear. You can adjust it so it makes a “V” in the front, which is always figure flattering.
3. Splurge on a Sweater Wrap
Transitioning into Fall has never been easier or more fun, than owning a sweater wrap. Just putting it on will make you feel like you have more flare and sophistication. Sometimes the wrap is just something bright and cozy to toss around you like this Sayami cashmere wrap shawl.
Other times it’s part of a sweater set that cascades down the front like this Sutton Studio metallic tank set, and the Jones New York long sleeve cascade front cardigan on the right.
Sometimes it is more like a poncho. Anyway, it is a powerful and sexy way of wrapping up! When worn with a pair of jeans, a sweater wrap adds chic, grown up style to a very casual look.
4. Find some Fun Flat Shoes
If you love to wear your jeans on the weekend, update them with a great pair of flats. Check out these simple pairs of Arche flats for women. These are so comfortable you’ll never want to take them off.
Don’t they look great with JoJami’s skirt and dark brown hose? Want to look more playful? Try this look with a snakeskin flat!
5. Top it off with a Hat
Weekends bring a welcome change from having to do our hair. What better way to step out with bad hair and still feel great than to hide it under a stylish cap! This year men’s wear is big.
We were recently in NYC and saw the Fedora everywhere!Here is a simple black Fedora hat from DKNY.
We also love this French Beret from Nordstroms. With a great scarf and t-shirt and jeans you will have some fun with this nod to French chic. The black wool beret will also look very nice with your jeans.
Hi Deb and JJ,
I’m currently recovering from knee surgery and am facing another surgery due to my rare knee condition. Since I’m been laid up for almost 2 years I’ve lost track of how to dress appropriately even just for casual wear. I’m 47 years old with an hourglass figure. I wear a Canadian size 8 – 10. Since my job was working with kids with physical disabilities I liked to dress casual but still look chic and professional. I need to learn how to dress casual chic when going to physio, Doc appointments and just out in the community instead of wearing athletic clothing.
~M.T.
Hi M.T.! We know that we all love and need to be comfortable, but we want to assure you that comfortable can still look great! We are going to assume that high heels probably won’t be an option for you, but you’re in luck, since the biggest trend this fall is the flat boot.
We suggest that the first thing you do to update your wardrobe is to throw out anything that you feel is not making you feel like you look great. Once your closet is organized and looking a little barren, then you are ready to fill it back up with some new updated items! (For help organizing your closet, check out our DVD, The Ultimate Cure for the Disorganized Closet!)
First off, for a professional office look, try some pants in a micro fiber. These never need ironing, and have some stretch in them for a slimming, super comfy fit.
Next, find a great blazer that will either match or coordinate with the pants. We want to make sure you show off your great waist, so opt for one that has some darts in it, that is a shorter style and fits well.
Another option for the run around days is a comfy skirt with flat boots, and a nice fitting cashmere sweater or vest. If you wear jeans, just make sure that you buy a new pair that is updated and in style. You will want to opt for one with some flair to balance your figure out. Also, do not be tempted to tuck in! Just make sure that your top is fitted and throw that new great fitting blazer on top.
Do not wear tennis shoes with this. Go for the flat or short boots with a wedge, or even a low heel. Don’t forget to update your make up and lipstick!
The purple shoe saga continues…! If you’ve been reading our blog then you know all about the purple patent leather shoes we’ve chatting about that we thought were too LOUD for most women over 40.
But that’s not to say we don’t like the idea of a purple shoe. Bright shoes are in and purple is “the color” this fall.
JoJami came up to Burlington, Ontario to visit me recently and we found a purple shoe that was tasteful and elegant at a shoe boutique near me called What a Heel.
We loved this stunning grape pair by Cole Hann with it’s super comfortable Nike air sole. Thought the chic plum croc purse from Nine West was also a knockout.
Shoe expert Lorrie Laroux>> (doesn’t she look Age-mazing at 59?) also showed us some other great finds for Fall.
This sexy tortoise shell pump has a modern feel all done up in shiny patent. It could act as a neutral for most outfits..for example it would look great with black, brown, red, gold, green.
Here’s a sexy pair from Michael Kors that are sure to make heads turn. They’re bold but very sophisticated and grown-up looking.
Fantastic if you’ve got nice legs, but avoid them if your calves or ankles are on the heavy side. Also, these have a chunky heel and wider strap, so on a petite, these could be overbearing. All you would see is the shoe.
As for these tomato red croc pumps….WOW! They’re gorgeous and would set any serious brown outfit afire. Round toes may be the newest fashion trend but we always go back to pointy toes. They’re chic and they elongate the foot making your leg look long, lean and sexy.
Would you wear these? Zippered shoes are a hot trend and can be tricky to wear because many are overdone with hardware and cutouts and look trashy and cheap, but this pair is clean lined and interesting. Just don’t wear them without hose! Try a dark stocking or even better an opaque hose to balance it out.
We’re told these patent leather peep toe shoes are selling well..probably because they are still pretty conservative but a little different from your average black pump.
Personally we don’t care for them. They remind us of tap shoes and just don’t look exciting enough. The strap across cuts your foot at unflattering point. Too sweet for our liking.
Lets talk make up! What’s out there this fall to make us look hip and updated?
Who better to ask, but a new gal we bumped into when out shopping this weekend.
It just so happened that freelance writer and beauty expert, Ellen Mirza was out buying a new outfit to wear at Toronto’s Film Festival when we ran into her!
JoJami overheard her say, she was a fashion writer and nearly tackled the poor woman,…”Really, so do we!!! Who do you write for?”
She said, ” I write for several publications, but also, I have my own blog called, Lipstick, Powder, N, Paint.”
“Wow! How intriguing…. Can’t wait to look you up!”
So we did, and we were impressed. Basically, its a very informative site, full of all the newest and lasted high quality makeup. The good part is, when you see something you like, its easy to click and buy it!
Here is a sample of Ellen’s September beauty picks for fall! After reading her picks, we found #1Lancomes new plumping lipstick and the #5 Powder Flanger, new interesting products for us Fabulous after 40 gals.
The fashion magazines are showing lots of suits this fall and there are several trends that you should be aware of if you want to look up to date!
The matchy matchy suit is out! This season, it’s time to break things up! Also, you asked for it, and it’s back…YES, the high rise pant came back this spring and you’ll see it this fall too! Here are a few more things to look for:
Wide legs. This is a blessing for us! How flattering this style is on almost all body types. Just make sure you stay fitted on the top half and don’t go too, too wide on the bottom.
Men’s suiting. This fall the look is very tailored, almost masculine, but to keep yourself from looking like a man, add a little ruffle or soft flowing fabric.
Get a pencil skirt. This is the first thing you should buy this season! A pencil skirt looks great on most everyone, and you can dress it up with a fitted jacket or down with a comfy sweater set.
Be daring and throw in a Bold color! It’s not going to be easy this fall to find a great color to add to your wardrobe, but you gotta to try! This season, grey, black and neutrals will be filling the racks. Go out there with the mindset, that you want to brighten up your wardrobe and don’t settle for buying just another black something!
3/4 sleeve Jackets - They are everywhere. We like them and have bought them, but are curious about how practical they will be when winter rolls in? This one is from Nordstroms<.
Your arms may be a little flabbier than they used to be, and you’re likely struggling with some middle age spread, but no one will ever notice if you slip on a great jacket. Ah, structure!! A short fitted jacket can work wonders to transform any 40 + body into a lean mean style machine. And, how fabulous a jacket makes you feel… Chic, together and ready for action!
If you have a jacket on this season’s shopping list, but you’re not sure what kind to buy, here are 5 Fall Jackets to Make you Look Fabulous after 40.
Romantic Ruffles
Though Ruffles are one of the hottest trends this season, they can be hard to pull off if you are over 40. Why? They can look too “little girly” and all of those busy ruffles can just add bulk if you are busty or have a few extra midlife pounds at the waist.
That being said, we adore this red Armani wool jacket. It’s simple, elegant and nips in beautifully at the waist, which is what we always preach (No boxy jacket please! It won’t hide extra pounds. It will only make you look bigger, like a football player)
The key to making this feminine ruffled jacket work is to balance it out with something tailored and masculine (like these simple black pants) to give it a modern edge. The simple “I mean business black heels” are grown-up and sexy. The color red is bold and powerful. If you think you might be able to wear a jacket like this in pink, pastel blue or even with a ruffled skirt, think again. The combination of pastels and ruffles will make you look like an outdated mother of the bride.
Long Live Leather
If you like leather, but you are worried about looking like an old biker, then this is a great jacket for you. It’s a Tory Burch quilted leather jacket with super soft leather diamond quilting and military pomp detail.
Again, it’s fitted (see how it nips in at the waist) so it will give you a great shape. Also, it is a warm brown shade which is softer than black.
Jet Black leather can be too harsh for many women over 40, as in midlife our skin and hair color pales a bit and the harsh black combined with masculine leather creates quite a jarring contrast. (If you feel black leather still works for you, then try something elegant like a swing jacket in black leather.)
Last word about the brown leather jacket above…It is best suited for someone with a small to medium bust, as there is a lot of detail going on with those upper patch pockets. A big bust plus all of that detail will look too bulky.
Dusters
Very chic and very fun, dusters are hot for fall. Dusters create a nice long line that draws the eye down and makes you look slimmer and taller. (Petites: Be careful with your dusters. Don’t go past the knee.)
This hot shot of Fuchsia is all you need to keep you feeling happy during the long winter and make heads turn.
Metallic + Plaid
Giant plaids, checks and tweeds mixed with metallics are the newest arrivals on the fashion scene creating a glamorous high fashion look.
This Burberrry trench coat inspired jacket is a classic cut, always flattering to women over 40, and it has 3/4 sleeves which makes it youthful. If you want to look Age-mazing™ you have to be willing to try new things. Get rid of that stodgy two button navy blazer and try something like this.
One other tip-with any patterned jacket, make sure the patterns line up at the seams of the shoulders and lapels.
Color + Comfort
Structure is good because it makes a soft body look more angular, but we all want comfort too. That’s why this burnt orange 3/4 length sleeve-merino wool cardigan by Tory Burch is such a find. It’s simple, rich and that pop of color is just what you need to make the statement “I’m over 40 and I’m fabulous!”
Double breasted (very in at the moment) and shiny buttons give it that military feel, but the 3/4 length sleeves, which seem to be everywhere this year, make it a little more casual.
Texture Galore
One thing you’ll notice this fall is texture. There are textured fabrics and interesting textured details on jackets – at necklines, on sleeves and pockets. This Dior Swan Neck Peplum jacket has a 40’s inspired silhouette with waves of gathered fabric at the pockets that give it a cutting edge look.
With this jacket the attention will be on your curvy hips so if you don’t want the focus there, this is not for you.
This Robert Rodriguez textured jacket is tweed and has fabric rosette detailing at the collar. These nostalgic rosettes, plus the long gloves (which you will see everywhere with cropped jackets this fall) gives this outfit a high fashion feel straight out of the 50′s. Here the jacket is paired with a matching skirt, but you can also wear this it with a solid colored skirt or pants. If you want a much more casual look then take off the gloves, pair it with jeans and change your top. A long loose sleeveless satin top or an empire waist blouse that grazes your hip bones, would look great underneath.
The New York Times is reporting that “a meticulously tailored look that evokes the White House years of Jacqueline Kennedy” is what’s in store for Fall.
Sheath dresses, and smart matching suits, all signal a shift towards conservatism. We’re thrilled!
We’ve always loved that clean lined look and have many fond memories as children of our moms sporting smart, chic, little sheath dresses back in the 60′s.
They are just so tidy and modern. You slip one on, add a pair of gorgeous pumps and and you look like a million bucks. Plus, the look is great for women over 40 because, let’s face it, things have gotten soft and we need a little structure in our clothing to give us some shape.
These clothes create a beautiful silhouette.
There’s also no fussiness about them, which can make you look old.
These sleek Michael Kors designs, inspired by Hitchcock Blondes like Grace Kelly, are effortlessly elegant!
Give us a refined, crisp looking suit any day, over a flouncy ruffled boho skirt and overly deep cut top that screams for attention and leaves others embarrassed about where to look.
transition piece into fall. I have worn it with some black slim pants, with a black turtleneck with tall boots tucked into them, as well as more casual with a pair of straight legged jeans.
But that’s not to say we don’t like the idea of a purple shoe. Bright shoes are in and purple is “the color” this fall.
JoJami came up to Burlington, Ontario to visit me recently and we found a purple shoe that was tasteful and elegant at a shoe boutique near me called 
This sexy tortoise shell pump has a modern feel all done up in shiny patent. It could act as a neutral for most outfits..for example it would look great with black, brown, red, gold, green.
Here’s a sexy pair from Michael Kors that are sure to make heads turn. They’re bold but very sophisticated and grown-up looking.
As for these tomato red croc pumps….WOW! They’re gorgeous and would set any serious brown outfit afire. Round toes may be the newest fashion trend but we always go back to pointy toes. They’re chic and they elongate the foot making your leg look long, lean and sexy.
Would you wear these? Zippered shoes are a hot trend and can be tricky to wear because many are overdone with hardware and cutouts and look trashy and cheap, but this pair is clean lined and interesting. Just don’t wear them without hose! Try a dark stocking or even better an opaque hose to balance it out.
We’re told these patent leather peep toe shoes are selling well..probably because they are still pretty conservative but a little different from your average black pump.
This Robert Rodriguez textured jacket is tweed and has fabric rosette detailing at the collar. These nostalgic rosettes, plus the long gloves (which you will see everywhere with cropped jackets this fall) gives this outfit a high fashion feel straight out of the 50′s. Here the jacket is paired with a matching skirt, but you can also wear this it with a solid colored skirt or pants. If you want a much more casual look then take off the gloves, pair it with jeans and change your top. A long loose sleeveless satin top or an empire waist blouse that grazes your hip bones, would look great underneath.
