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!
