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.
I have a confession to make (JoJami here…)
I was TOTALLY STUMPED this weekend… I had a daytime, holiday party to go to and boy, did I have to work hard to find just the right thing to wear…
It seems that every time the weather changes or I have an event to go to are the times that I struggle with what to wear.
This party I was invited to was a cookie exchange party with a twist. You had to bring your cookie dough and bake cookies at the party, while enjoying martinis! Fun concept, but hard to imagine what to wear…. It seemed on the one hand, I should dress casual for the cooking part, while drinking cocktails with the girls, I wanted to look chic, but not too dressy.
But wait, there was one more caveat… My girlfriend that was also going to the party, called me a few days before, to ask me what I was going wear and I told her DEFINITELY NOT JEANS, but probably a skirt of some kind.
Well, one of my rules to myself is, when I tell someone what I’m wearing, I better wear it!!! So of course it was a 1/2 hour before the party, I was in the closet and the clothes were flying all over the place, and all the skirts just seemed too dressy, it was a really cold day and I wanted to be comfortable! OH, how I wished I could wear my jeans, but my friend was probably already on her way, and I could call her to tell her that I had changed my mind. (Ends up that NO ONE wore jeans, so it was a good thing I didn’t!)
Anyway…. I floundered along and did find a casual dress to wear and I felt comfortable and that I dressed perfectly appropriate for the party!
So here is a Glam Plan on how to look comfortable but chic for an afternoon holiday party!
1. Plan ahead! Don’t just pick out what you want to wear, try it on and make sure it looks good and you have all the accessories you need.
2. Start your outfit with what shoes you want to wear. If you know your going to be doing alot of standing at the party, think twice about those killer heels. Boots are great for this time of year, low or high, you can still pair them with a skirt, pants or leggings
3. Fabrics should be cozy and comfortable (colorful cashmere comes to mind!)
4. Invest in a beautiful top or jacket. If you’re out shopping for an outfit, so as not to go into overload, start with one piece that stands out to you. It could be a pretty jacket, sweater or again, you can start in the shoe department.
5. Beware of going for the same look you always wear. Search catalogs and magazines first, to get a fresh idea of how to pair 2 pretty colors or a new type of look. (Did any of you happen to see Nicole Kidman on Oprah the other day…. we LOVED her outfit!) Her purple suede jacket with a tank top the exact color as her hair, pencil jeans and matching heels!! Perfection and not too hard to duplicate!)
Just jeans, heels and a jacket - but it's perfect!
Here is my outfit, that I was so comfortable in. I admit, grey is not my best color, but I tried to liven it up with the scarf, and overall, I think it was a good casual look for this type of party. (In case you are wondering…yes, that is a paper plate I am “modeling”) Also, I have a new hair do AGAIN!!!
The scarf and belt completed the look
Thinking ahead to Christmas and wondering what to wear? Here are 4 Holiday Dressing Tips to make you look fabulous after 40.
Try not to buy black
By this time in your life, haven’t you bought enough little black dresses?? Why not break out of the rut and dare to buy something with some color in it! That way, you won’t be just one more dress in a sea of black, and you will look festive and fun! We would love to challenge you to just go out there and “try” not to buy black. You will find it’s harder than you think!!
Don’t reveal too much skin
The biggest mistake we see mature woman make is that they buy holiday outfits that are in style, but that don’t look good on bodies that are aging. That means the ever popular strapless dresses are generally a No No! As we age, our arms are one of the first places to start sagging. Be aware of this and take action! Go for a deeper neckline, but see if you can find a dress or top that has wide straps, or that has some fabric over the shoulders that covers up the arms.
Think Legs
This season you can get overwhelmed with the choices of dress lengths. What should you do? We think you should be honest with yourself about your legs! If your legs are still looking great, don’t cover them up. Show them off! Don’t hide under long skirts that make you feel matronly. However, if your legs are not your best feature, just skip the dress and go for a wonderful pant suit. You can still look festive and hip in a pant suit if you look for a fabric that is elegant and shiny. Be sure to wear the right shoes and accessorize it!
Invest in a Shaper
If you choose a dress made of clingy fabric or that is body hugging GREAT! However, make sure you keep the bulges to a minimum! There are so many brands of shape wear out there, you will be thrilled with the choices and instant smoothing results! Most boutiques carry the ever popular Spanx line, but there are many more out there too, like Cass and Co, Sassybax and Slimpressions.
Have you bought a holiday dress yet? Do you have some fancy events you’re going to be going to?
You probably have thought to get the shoes, the handbag, and pantyhose, but what about a shaper to keep the body smooth? Shape wear is the hottest thing going since the girdle!! Different shapewear is designed for different needs.
Just 3 weeks ago, the new affordable shapewear line launched, called Sculptz. We could not wait to tell you about them… this line is better for woman with over 40 bodies, since it doesn’t squeeze as much as other brands and is very comfortable to wear. If you’re budget conscious, (and who isn’t these days… ) they are a great price starting at around $22.00.
Check them out here!
1. A Sexy Bra
Granted, after 40 your breasts are typically heading south, but that doesn’t mean you should cover them up with a boring, stretched out beige bra up and forget about them. The quickest way to feel good about your changing boomer body is to Perk up your girls with a gorgeous, sexy new bra. Splurge on something a little more feminine and pretty. We are seeing some gorgeous options out there like two toned bras in ice cream colors of lime sorbet and lemon ice, rich chocolates and strawberry pinks! Or for the holidays go bold with jewel tones of ruby, amethyst or emerald. How fun to run around all day knowing that underneath it all is a sexy woman!
2. A Cape
The trick to looking fabulous after 40 is not to try and look young, but to look modern. A cape is a great way to do that. Fashionable and fresh, a cape is a sophisticated way to show you’ve still got flair! Not only that, but they are really comfortable, since they are not as restrictive as a coat and warmer than a pashmina. It’s the newest look in stepping out in style! Go for a grey or deep chocolate color for a versatile look that can go day into evening. If you go off to a black tie affair, of course a black velvet one can be quiet gorgeous and very formal.
3. Sleek High Heeled Boots
A simple formula to look boomer chic is to stick to simple classic looks, (a crisp shirt, flat front pants and fitted cropped jacket, for example) and put the emphasis on the accessories. One of the most important details this season is boots. Finding a wow pair to personalize your look is key. Nothing can date you faster than an out of style, worn our pair.
Opt for a boot that is finer in style to ooze sophistication. Not too round or square toe and keep the heel thinner or go for a wedge. Too clunky is funky and better left to the younger crowd! If you’re looking for comfort and style, try some of Cole Haans new boots that have Nike air cushions in the toe. As we age, our feet get drier and the pad on the bottom of the foot can become tender after walking all day. This pair allows you to have fun in heels and still feel comfortable.
4. Smart Handbag
Enough of teensy weensy bags that barely hold your lipstick and ridiculously oversized purses that let you lug around everything you own and make you look like a bag lady. For Grown-Up gals it’s time for something stylish but smart. There’s a whole new line of luxury bags out there that look gorgeous but also keep you organized. We think the Butler Bag is a great choice because it is fashionable on the outside, but the inside stays absolutely organized!! The new exotic fall colors in spicy ginger and olive martini are just the thing to add some zing into your wardrobe!
5. Gorgeous Gloves
If your coat is neutral and you want to jazz things up, try a new pair of fresh gloves. Snakeskin and extra long leather is all the rage this season. Bold colors and exotic skins are easy to pull off, especially if you’re only wearing them until you step inside. Look for soft supple leathers that aren’t too bulky. Sure you have the ones you walk the dog with but for going out change them out. Don’t go for the practical black or brown ones; find something that sings your personality. Dare to be wild. You will have fun soaking in all the compliments!
