Tips to Look Sexy after 40

Sure you want to look classy and hip after 40, but sometimes you just want to sexy too…like when you are going out for a nice dinner, or you’ve been invited to a party, or if  you are single and going on a date. (Diane Lane has got sexy down pat!)

Here’s a make-over gallery we found that does a great job of giving you  top tips to looking sexy after 40.

Look Sexy After 40 with These Top 3 Tips

Your body may have changed a bit and you’re face isn’t as perfectly unlined as it used to be, but you still feel sexy and want to show it. What’s the best way to do that? Don’t try so hard. No need to shout when a whisper will do the trick. Here are 3 great ways to look sexy after 40.

1. Steer Clear of Cleavage Catastrophes

Too much
A little mystery is always sexier than letting it all hang out, especially after 40 when everything is suddenly starting to head a little bit south. While Nigella still has a beautiful bust line, her dress leaves nothing to the imagination and looks like she’s serving herself up on a platter for a feast. With her ample assets, she would have been better off in something a little less low-cut that emphasized her figure rather than just her enormous breasts.

Better Choice
This glamorous silky brown jersey gown is bold and striking and would make Nigela look like a Greek Goddess. It’s still very sexy, but in a more refined way. (Lauren by Ralph Lauren Donnie One-Shoulder Dress with Ruffle)

Too much
If your bust is more in proportion with the rest of your body and you do want to play it up, then do so by all means. But, do it in a grown-up, not girly way. This satin blue top with its pretty bow is too sweet and baby-doll-like for a mature woman.

Better Choice
Here’s something still feminine and romantic but so much more grown up and figure flattering. The gal in this Diane VonFurstenberg ‘Marla” Slipper Satin Wrap Top isn’t that busty but even on a medium busty gal, this would look fab. Choose something with a little less flounce if you are super busty.

2. Trade Thigh-High for Knee-High

Too Much
Super short skirts with bare legs like this knit mini may have looked fabulous on you before the big 4-0 but even if your body is in good shape, they are going to make you look desperate to be noticed after 40. (Rampage Women’s Belted Sweater Dress)

Better Choice
This length of this cable knit sweater dress is much more appropriate for a midlife gal. We suggest just above the knee to at the knee depending on how you feel about your legs. (Below the knee will make you look old) Pair the skirt with matching tights and boots or shoes for a long lean look. What we want to emphasize here is that you do not need to show off a lot of skin to look sexy. You will actually look sexier showing off your shape and this form fitting knit dress does that beautifully.

3. Avoid Clunky or Junky Shoes

Too Much
A clunky shoe like this may look great on Jessica Simpson, Nicole Ritchie or other twenty-something starlets …but on a grown-up gal, you will look like you raided your daughter’s closet. A thinner platform can be quite lovely, but these giant clunkers with their snakeskin detailing are just too trendy to work.

Better Choice
Our pick would be these sophisticated pumps by Stuart Weitzman, still snakeskin but much more elegant, and very sexy with the open toe.

Too Much
Junky shoes, as in too much hardware or junk hanging off them, can easily make you look trashy not classy after 40. Plastic and zippers may look cute, and fun when you are young and being experimental with your style, but they look cheap and hooker-ish on a boomer woman.

Better Choice
These flirty pumps in sexy silver from Chinese Laundry would be a much better choice. The t-strap adds sexiness but not in a vulgar way.

In summary, try this little trick to look sexy after 40. Instead of thinking, “I want to look sexy” and then going overboard by trying too hard, think, “I want to look gorgeous”, and you will end up looking sexy in a tasteful, age appropriate way.

Want more tips on how to ramp up your style in 2009. Then pick up a copy of The Glam Plan: 12 Easy Steps to take you from Frumpy to Fabulous.

Getting Naked is In Style Too!

With all the advice we dole out about how to dress, let’s not forget that on Valentine’s Day it’s OK, to forget the clothes and suprise your sweetie by going naked.

If the thought of this makes you feel terribly self conscious about your body, then check out The Best Kept Secret.

Our buddy Karen has a great Valentine’s post highlighting two new books written to help you find your sexy!

Discover how to still be sexy when you are 40 plus, and let us know of any fun plans you have for Valentine’s Day!

5 Tips for Overcoming a Boring Sense of Style

Is there a part of you that you have always wanted to express to the world, but just never have? Do you have an inner biker chick or something else just waiting to emerge?

Then it’s time to get in touch with your wild side and bring some fun back into the way you dress, so you don’t end up looking and feeling like a dowdy little old lady.

Why not get noticed for the delicious dynamite that you are – and use clothes to do it! Here are 5 easy tips to help you find the real you!

1) Trail blaze a path to you inner style

First, you must be open to a change now, not 10 pounds from now. Finding clothes that fit the body you are currently sporting is important and can help improve self-esteem.

Next, do your research. Look around for inspiration. Do you know someone who always seems pulled together and looks great? Take note of what she has on and shop for something similar. If you feel out of touch and don’t want to end up looking like your 14 year old daughter or 90 year old grandmother, then hire a personal shopper to help show you which current styles would look good on your body type. If it is not in your budget, try asking a friend whose style you admire to go with you.

Are you feeling too conservative and want to try something sexy and and different. Why not try adding a leather jacket, skirt or pants. If leather is just too way out for you, try suede. It has a softer look and feel. Leathers and suede come in lots of colors. Pastel suedes mellow what normally might be considered edgy. When pairing your new item with a conservative counterpart, the look can be surprisingly classy and perfectly acceptable at work. Better still – on the weekend leather or suede, can be worn with jeans and a quality t-shirt.

2) Shop somewhere new

If you’re still shopping at the same stores, in the same departments, why not shake things up a bit? Step out of your comfort zone and try shopping somewhere new. Small boutique stores tend to carry the most current styles and updated merchandise. They also carry small designer brands, so when you buy something, you are sure to look unique in your new outfit.

Chances are that even if you spend a bit more than you’re used to, you will find something you love and adore. You will wear it many more times than just another cheap, boring item from a sale rack. We like to call this price per wear. If you average the amount you spend on an item by the number of times that you wear it, it can justify the original expense.

For example, you may find a funky faux fur vest at a local boutique. Try pairing it with some jeans to run around town in. This one piece may be a bit more expensive than what you would normally purchase but if you absolutely fall in love with it you will wear it frequently. It will be worth the price.

Be careful of sale items that end up hanging in our closet with the tags still on them? Sale items are the trickiest to buy, since the price can woo you into buying an item that you don’t necessarily love and adore and then never wear. It’s always better to hold off and find that next special piece.

3) Life should not be about blending in

It’s time to sizzle, not fade away. Why not shake things up and shoot some color into your wardrobe? This spring you’ll see lots of bright and cheery hues vying for your attention. This is an easy way to add some much needed punch to your closet. Even if you love black, with just a dash of color from a new spring top, purse, shoes or scarf, you can go from dull to dashing in an instant. However, buyers beware! Not all colors look good on all people. If in doubt, drape the item near your face and analyze how it complements your hair, eyes and complexion. Still not sure? A good rule of thumb is that the color should not wash you out, or be so loud you see it before you see you. This is important in making an outfit work for you.

4) Fear of letting go

One of the biggest hurdles to overcome can be all those clothes stuffed in your closet. It’s time to pull up your bootstraps, roll up your sleeves and start kicking booty! We mean get rid of all those old, boring, tired and ill-fitting things. Most women have a closet full of clothes they don’t like or never wear. If you remove those items out of your closet, you’ll have a much better idea of what you really need to buy to keep your closet fresh and inspired!

5) On the road to a great hair day

Let’s face it, if you are still sporting a style that you’ve had for the last 15 years, think again. It just might be time for a change of gears! You can buy the latest clothes and accessories, however if your hairstyle is dated, you will look dated. How do you know when you need a new do? Your first step is to make an appointment with a reputable hair salon.

Ask to book a consultation with one of the top stylists. It might take a few weeks to get a space, but it will be worth the wait. Don’t be shy to go for some color and a new cut or style. If you’ve been sporting a short look for a while, it might be time to let your hair down and grow it out!

Finally, dressing like a biker chick isn’t for everyone, but you probably have a wilder side to you that is waiting to be expressed. With a little effort you can rev up your wardrobe and start dressing with more flair and pizazz. Dress like you are a force to be reckoned with and see if you’re not feeling stronger and more ambitious each day. Embrace all your style…It’s not about just one look. It’s about finding a style that reflects the inner you. Have fun!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Feeling more than a little self conscious about your heading south boomer body?

Worried that your honey might come home on Valentine’s Day with something like this? Then start pointing him in the direction of these luxurious lingerie choices that tastefully cover, while still looking sexy.

Luxurious Lingerie

Sizzle this Feb 14th in this fiery red 2 piece peignoir set guaranteed to look hot on any boomer babe. Passionate pink lace peeks out from underneath. Sizes start at size at M and go all the way up to 5x.

If you read past posts, you know we advise grown-up gals to be careful of spaghetti straps, plunging necklines, miniskirts and clothes that show too much skin!

However, in the bedroom, it’s a whole different story! With the lights turned low, you can dare to bare and peel to reveal.

Like cupid’s arrow, this pretty 2 piece Jezebel camisole and boy short hit’s the mark when it comes to sexy. If you want something different try this cheeky, lacy Hollywood sex kitten look.

If you want to be a little more demure, then we suggest you try this enticing black empire waist nightie with feminine lace top. The wider straps give you nice support and black is always a seductive choice.

For more playful, casual look, try this pretty in polka dots, 2 piece cami p.j. set. Lace cuffs and bra add feminine softness. Coverage where you want it without looking matronly!

You’ll look baby soft in the bedroom in this pretty, Victoria’s Secret Knit Chemise. It’s easy to wear, because it is not tight, but still sexy because it is short and plunging. Notice how the peek -a -boo eyelet whispers “come hither.” Especially fabulous if your legs are long and lean.

Romantic roses and sweet details will make you feel like the Queen of hearts on Valentine’s Day. Matching print chemise completes this timeless elegant look.

Sinful Chocolates

Tired of receiving the same old heart shaped box of drug store milk chocolates every Valentine’s Day? Then it’s time to drop your sweetheart a hint about these delicious handmade bonbons. Check out these artisan chocolate sites for a sugar high, that’s worth the splurge!

L.A. Burdicks makes beautiful chocolates that are wonderful sweet treats in more ways than one. We love these cute penguins especially packaged for Valentine’s Day, but JoJami’s favorite is their mini wooden crate full of chocolate mice.

DeBrands Chocolates ~ These decadent handcrafted chocolates are the same ones you’ll find in Donald Trumps Apprentice Suite. Nibble until your heart’s content with this fun chocolate bar for your favorite chocoholic or even yourself.

Saucy Reads

To get you in the mood we suggest Mamma Gena’s book, The Art of Womanly Ways. This over 40 dynamo’s full time job is teaching other women how to find their inner sensuality. She even has classes on womanly ways that friends tell us are not to be missed!

Another new book about the art of seduction is Ellen T. Whites, Simply Irresistible: Unleash Your Inner Siren and Mesmerize Men with the help from the most famous and infamous women in history. The title says it all, but for more details visit our blog post on this.

The Science of Sexy

Red carpet hits and misses really shouldn’t have to happen, so says award-winning fashion designer and style guru Bradley Bayou.

According to Bayou, it only takes a few measurements and a little tweaking to find out what clothes you should and shouldn’t be wearing.

In his new book, The Science of Sexy you find your body type and then look up to see what your “blessings” and your “curses” are.

It’s the perfect tool for us fashionistas over 40, who are suddenly not sure what to wear now our bodies have begun to head south. This book gives you precise solutions for your figure frustrations.

No matter what your body type (he loves them all) you learn how to play up your good stuff and not accidentally draw attention to the bad. Now you can shop away, with peace of mind that you will look amazing from now on.