If you saw our post Are you Mad to Wear Plaid? and got a little nervous about all the bright, wild plaids, we just want to reassure you that the runway is not reality. Some were indeed, gorgeous, expensive, high fashion looks, while others looked more a little wacked out! The Good news is that in the stores we’re seeing many really wearable and wow plaids for regular gals over 40. Take a look at what we found.
(As usual please put your thumb over the model’s faces and imagine yours there. We couldn’t find any pics of mature women in the latest styles, what else is new!)
Modern twist on an age-old pattern
Easy to wear and modern and fresh to look at, this Burberry cardigan gets a red check mark from us! A great staple for any wardrobe and an easy to include some plaid into your wardrobe without looking stiff. (Saks) |
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Painterly Plaid
Here’s an artistic take on a Scottish plaid that is clever and beautiful. It’s a swingy silk skirt from Trina Turk that is awash with a soft brushstroke plaid pattern. Lovely and cheery, it is named the Tidepool skirt. (Nordstrom) |
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Little Plaid Dress
Sound the bagpipes for this practical and pretty dress by Carmen Marc Valvo. The A-line Silhouette is most flattering on over 40 figures with a few extra pounds to hide. But what makes this dress special is the touch of organza at the hem- an expected contrast which is very modern and lends a feminine touch to a menswear fabric.(Saks) |
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Cute Car Coat!
Here’s something we can really picture ourselves throwing on and scooting over to the mall in. It bright, but not crazy so, and so darned cute with the leather buckles and all. From the House of Plaid itself- Burberry! (Saks) |
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Cape Couture
Sporty capes are hot this fall and this Tahari Plaid cape in houndstooth plaid is pure chic. The stand up collar and short sleeves make it perfect for any woman wanting stand out style. Try it with long black leather gloves and a great leather tote and watch heads turn. (Nordstrom) |
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Glen Plaid gets our seal of approval!
A gorgeous and very wearable suit from Rachel Zoe. This glen paid suit with single breasted blazer is perfect for the working gal. Pair it with a soft loose bow tie blouse and you have elegance and power combined. Right on Trend! (Nordstrom)
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Designers have thrown us off “KILT-er” this season with their modern twist on plaids. They’re showing the the classic Scottish staple in large scale checks and bright eye-popping colors.
Is it a look that works after 40, or a look that is best left to “McYounger” gals? Take a look at what’s been featured on the runways.
Now granted, some of these are extreme and you will find toned down versions in stores. Here’s what you need to think about when picking the right plaid for you. 
Plaids typically scream traditional and communicate reliability, trustworthiness and dependability, but the vivid hues and grander scale we’re seeing this fall convey a more fashion forward message.
If your personality is more dramatic or creative, then try a brightly colored plaid. Wear a jacket, coat, cape, hat or whatever, as a statement piece, but keep the rest of your outfit very neutral so you look chic. Double check before you buy that you don’ t look as loud as this guy!>>>
Do not buy red plaid pants!
As for scale, it’s best to go with a plaid that is proportionate to your frame. If you are petite, then a tighter, smaller pattern works best. If you have a larger frame you can get away with a bigger, bolder plaid.
Experiment and remember that wherever you put your plaid pattern is where others are going to look, so think twice about wearing pants like this after 40!
<<<<<<<<< Yikes!
Will you be buying plaid this fall? Comment below and let us know.
You usually see teal in the fall, but it seems to be everywhere this spring. That’s great news because it is one of the four most universally flattering clothing colors.
This deep blue-green shade highlights all skin tones. It goes well with neutrals, darker browns and blacks and is a good transitional color between winter and summer. Here’s a few teal outfits we saw and liked:
| Basic and Beautiful:We love the simplicity of this dress. Its clean lines are slimming and the belt highlights a nice wait. What this dress does cry out for is some great jewelry (maybe some wow earrings) and some fun, sexy shoes to liven it up. If sleeveless is not for you, try a cute fitted jacket overtop. (Nordstrom) |
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| The hottest color in Handbags:One of the biggest trends in accessories this Spring is purses in shades of Teal, electric blue and turquoise. This boho bag is relaxed and casual, just perfect for bopping round the mall or out with some friends for lunch. ( Nordstrom) |
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| Poolside Teal:Brown and teal give an exotic animal look to this swimsuit and cover-up combo and really play up her tawny skin. At the beach, in a sea of loud brightly colored bathing suits, you will stand out as cool and sophisticated in this teal shade. |
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| Cock-”teal” Wear:Teal is popping up in cocktail wear this Spring too. It’s a deep, rich color that works well for weddings, parties and other more formal special events . This faux wrap dress is great if you are pear shaped. The wide neckline will balance out your hips and make you look more proportioned.(Nordstrom) |
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| Teal as an accent: If you are not a big on wearing head to toe color, but want to bring a bit into your wardrobe, then thsi teal flat is a great way to do it. The cool snakeskin texture and multiple zippers give it just enough edge to make this elegant shoe most interesting!.(Nordstrom) |
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| Traditional + Teal:We know, we know..just a few posts ago we said we weren’t mad for plaid, but we accidentally came across this plaid shirt that we were happy to see had a little pizazz. Perky in teal with some ruching for better fit and cute cuffs, this would be a good choice for all you more traditional ladies who just love this tried and true print. (Nordstrom) |
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| Eccelectic:A splattering of teal mixed with blue, green and cream give this dress the feel of teal without the weight. Refreshing. Check out the other shift dresses we we love this spring. (Saks) |
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| Grecian Teal:Soft draping is a classic and always looks elegant on 40+ bodies. The teal shade gives it a bold, contemporary twist. (Nordstrom) |
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Hi Glam Gals,
Is plaid is an option over 40 and how it is best to wear it? I am a 41 Stay at home mom with a 8 year old and 3 ½ year old. I am trying to build a wardrobe to last, but also want to add some fun pieces. What do you think? ……………..Thank you. Nicole
Hi Nicole,
We’ve got to admit, we’re not mad about plaid, (a little too sporty for our taste), however that doesn’t mean that you can’t love it, and that it won’t look great on you if you are more the traditional type.
Here are a few plaids to consider, and a few plaids to definitely avoid!
| AVOID!
…”But plaid is so cute”
Please, please – don’t any of you tell us that top is cute or we will have to make you an honorary member of the frump society.(LOL)
This is not Fabulous after 40 or any age, especially when your are carrying a few extra pounds. Plaids are busy. They make you look big, and the boxy fit, high neckline, drawstring waist, and tunic length of this top only add to the walking blanket look. |
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| “But, what if I’m thin?”
Baggy is baggy after 40. This boyfriend lumber jack shirt look may be hot right now but the oversize nature of it sends the message I’m a little girl playing dress-up. It’s babyish and sexy at the same time. At 40+ this trendy look is extremely hard to pull off, no matter how fit you are. |
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INSTEAD
Go for Fitted
After 40 your body starts to soften up and you need some definition, so find a plaid shirt that is more slim lined and nips in at the waist. Also, to look more modern, try a more lively color combination.Traditional plaid colors (navy, forest green, gold, black etc) are usually pretty drab and can make you look tired and old. |
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| AVOID
The Designer Trap:
Yes, It’s Burberry and it’s a status symbol, but who cares, because in this particular case the shirt is too sloppy and edgy to look anything but silly on a grown up gal. Leave it for your teenager.
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| INSTEAD
If you are truly in love with the Burberry plaid, and not just buying it for the designer label, then think about just using a plaid scarf or handbag to pump up an plain outfit. Using plaid as an accent gives you a very chic look.
If you like, and can handle more plaid, then try a modern twist like this fitted high contrast jacket which would look great with black jeans and a black top. It’s sporty, but elegant too, and just that little bit different to make it interesting. |
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| AVOID
Stay away from teenage styles:
This top with it’s cutesy gathering and puffed sleeves looks like it should be paired with a pair of Daisy Duke cutoff jean shorts, and needs to stay right where you found it..in the junior department! |
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INSTEAD TRY
Pairing plaid with a sweater
Try to get past this girl’s baby face (just cover her face with your finger-why do they use such young models??) Now, imagine this combo on you with a cute pair of jeans.
The plaid top is simple, fitted and quite hip because of the simple ruffle detail, and it is an interesting shade of reddish brown. Paired with the chartreuse cardigan it looks fresh. Almost Michelle Obama inspired, wouldn’t you say? We know how she loves this green color. The sweater gives it some oomph and takes away from plaid overload. |
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| OR, TRY THIS
Painterly Plaid
This is interesting and modern twist on plaid. It looks and feels more sophisticated. Pair it with a black cardigan. |
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| BE CAREFUL OF
Matching Plaids:
This is a beautiful suit and would look lovely on most anyone at any age. But if you want to present as a little more hip and less formal you may think about breaking up this suit. You know, pairing the jacket with a single color pair of pants, or even with jeans for the weekend with a t-shirt underneath. When you look too perfect, it can be aging. |
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INSTEAD
Break things Up:
Here’s an example of what we mean. Plaid jacket and a black skirt gives this suit a less formal feel, but it is still very elegant. The 3/4 length sleeves are very flattering and allow you to have fun with some great jewelry. Oh, and don’t forget to smile. |
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DO
Classic with a twist
Hope you don’t get sick of us saying this, but it’s true. What could be a boring beige plaid trench is now a modern, little bit funky purple plaid jacket. The best way to wear this is to let the purple take center stage and accessorize in black. |
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| EXPERIMENT
With something Dramatic
Forget the boring country girl plaid shirt and try something daring and dramatic like this chic cape. It’s classy, but not snooty |
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