Are Clogs Fabulous after 40?

This basic clog should be updated with a boot

Hi Glam Gals,

Are clogs a fashion do or don’t for women 40 +?  Thanks …..Nicole

Hi Nicole,

Deborah and I had an interesting chat about clogs today. I (JoJami) was commenting on how many women in the states (especially back east) seem to really like to wear clogs. Deborah, who is from Toronto was shocked! “Nobody ever wears them here!”

So then, of course, came the big question…. Are clogs fabulous after 40?

We know this is going to be a controversial topic, but we are standing by our opinion…

This is just too clunky to look fabulous

NO! Clogs are not fabulous, unless you wear them for teaching, nursing, gardening, or inside as slippers. You might get away with them when you’re off to Yoga, but even then it’s “iffy”. (PLEASE NOTE: THOSE WITH FOOT PROBLEMS ARE AN EXCEPTION!)

Why? It was hard for us to pin  down exactly what we don’t like about them. … they are comfortable, easy to slide on and off, but yet neither one of us would be caught dead in them.

Looks like clogs will be coming into fashion this Spring, and we  want to warn you that they have the potential to make those who are over 40 look frumpy.

You can wear these under jeans, but why not wear an entire boot that will have you looking more up to date!

So, in case you have a pair or two, we would like to share with you the Glam Gals top 5 reasons why you should put away your clogs:

• If you are wearing clogs, then you will need the appropriate outfit.  That means you are wearing bootcut jeans or pants and are very casual. Never wear them with a skirt or dress!
• If you hate to part with them, have a good look in the mirror when you put them on with an outfit. Does it make you feel updated?
• They might be comfortable and easy to wear, but there are other options out there that will make you look much younger!
• The clunkier and chunkier the clog, the more matronly the look
• Clogs with the wrong outfit, can tend to make you look older than you are!

Now we can’t  give clogs a bad rap and not show you some examples what to replace them with. Here’s a fresh take on the clog:

Suede Boot: This boot is the perfect alternative to a clog. It is much more stylish because it is finer and more streamlined, yet still gives you a little height like a clog. The suede makes it super comfortable and warm and goes with jeans and casual pants.	www.shoe-store.net (style:blondecorina)
The Bootie: These high style booties are all the rage, you will be totally updated in them! Great with a straight legged pant or jean and can even be worn with dresses and opaque hose.	These boots are from Nordstrom
Side Zip casual boot with low heel: You can wear these like you would a clog. They are casual but still comfy. With the side zipper they are still easy to get on and off.	Found at Nordstrom
Pull on low boot: This pull on boot can be casual or great for work. The leather makes it a little dressier, but the elastic makes it easy to get out the door in a flash.	These bots are at Zappos

Boots for those with foot problems

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.

And, for extra comfort and support, don’t forget some Dr. Scholl’s inserts!

Want to look updated and hip and funky?

This over 40 model says, " I'm just running around doing errands today"..."Looking fab", we say!

We recently found a wonderful site called Atlantis Home that we wanted to share with all you more daring fashionistas out there.

The author (shown here)  is over 40 and just so happens to be a former model. However, even if you are not tall and rail thin, you can still take some fun tips on how to dress a little more funky but still age appropriate!

What makes her looks so great?

• The jacket is updated with 3/4 sleeves and chunky buttons and is a good length on her.
• The  gold necklace is bold like the jacket and softens the black top
• Love the neckline of that mini dress
• These jeans are  slim all the way down, but not too tight, they give the legs an extra long lean look.
• Even though she is tall she is still rocking platform boots. Believe it or not, these types of heels can be really comfortable.
• She looks sexy with out having to wear tight clothes

Enjoy!

How not to look frumpy in a clunkier shoe

Hi, Deborah and JoJami,

I would love your advice on how not to look frumpy when I have to wear clunker shoes because of foot problems. Because of an old skiing injury, I have been unable to wear heels since I was in my 20’s, which makes it hard to look and feel sexy, or even professional, when I want to dress up. I’m limited to certain brands of shoes recommended by my foot doctor and orthopedic surgeon so it’s not just a matter of being able to wear flats.

For example, I’d love to wear leggings this Fall as shown in the photo on your website, but I can’t wear heels.

I’d appreciate any advice you can give me. Many thanks!

- Nancy

Dear Nancy,

We sure wish we could wave a magic wand with your problem, but it is not that simple. However, your problem is one that many women face. We get letters all the time from women that can not wear heels.

That being said, you can still look fabulous but just have to try styles that might not be the latest trends.

The good news for you is that with styles changing so often, almost anything goes when it comes to pant styles.

When you are stuck having to wear clunky shoes, there are several things to make sure you do not do. First off, is leggings will be out of the question for you. Since the style is really a “pencil” shape, no matter what you do, legging will just not look good with a clunky shoe. Instead, you will need to opt for any pant that has a wide leg and (or) has some flair at the bottom.

This will still be stylish, and you can wear almost any shoe. Also, there are some great brands of shoes out there that do sell some comfortable shoes that don’t look orthopedic.

Here are some styles from Zappos.com that we suggest:

These Taryn Rose flats are comfy and stylish	Actually if you can wear this type of flat shoe you could still wear it with a skinny jean and look great!
This is good with pants only!	Once you have to start wearing more orthopedic looking shoes like these, you can easily see that style starts going out the window.
Another simple but elegant choice	However once again, if you wear these with the right style of well-fitted pants, you will still look great!

New trend: Thigh High Boots

Hello Glam Gals,

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:

1. You should  be on the thin side have slim legs and thighs to wear this look.
2. 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.
3. 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.)
4. 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!

Do comfortable shoes have to be ugly?

comfortable?.. perhaps, but ugly!

Here is another letter from one of our readers:

Dear Glam Gals,

Laura

Hi Laura,

We do agree that it can be a challenge to find shoes that are both comfortable and have some style.

If you are trying to update your shoe wardrobe for fall, we have found that there are reliable brands out there like Naturalizers that have styles that can be both comfortable and stylish.

For a casual flat, try crocodile loafer under a pair of wide legged trousers:

Here is a two tone pump that would spice up your boring suit for work

Check out our contest this month for your chance to win a free pair Naturalizer shoes!! Like these cute boots!!

You could be the lucky winner of the boots!

Age-mazing gal we met at Bergdorfs (on the street in NYC part 2)

Well, as you might have heard, I, (JoJami) was in NYC last week when the rain totally blew my plans to visit the Botanical Gardens, however… not one to complain, I decided to check out the shopping!

When in NYC I always love to check out Bergdorf Goodman for just the plain decadence and to check in on what the creme de la creme of society is buying.  With classic labels such as Chanel and Armani surrounding you on one side and the hottest newcomers on the other, the entire experience can really get your creative juices flowing and have you seriously contemplating getting a second job!

Anyway….I digress… what I wanted to share with you was the highlight of my BG experience was chatting with one their sales associates. She was super friendly and looked so gorgeous I had to ask her if her dress was a Missoni!

How old do you think she is?

YES it was but she got it last year! (BTW, She is 52 and a grandmother). She had updated it with a big chunky necklace from Anthropology and the shoes are from Zara.

Chunky necklace from Anthropologie

Gladiator sandals from Zara

Zappos – Fab shoe selection for over 40

The older we get, the pickier we get about the shoes we wear. They have to be comfy for our tired tootsies, but still look cool and stylish too. (not like we’re headed for the senior’s centre.)

Finding the perfect shoe after 40 is tough and that’s why Zappos has been such a hit. They’re  famous  for their huge inventory of sizes, styles, widths (AA-Wides), and super customer service (free shipping, both ways). They’ve even been named one of  the top 30 companies to work for.

Here’s a few of our current favorite styles! ….

Kate Spade Jimi Wedges

Yellow Anne Klein Flats

Pink Sandals from Stuart Weitzman

Ballet Flats to the Rescue…

fashion vending machine for ballet flats

Leave it to my (JoJami’s) niece Abigail to share with me the latest in fashion vending machines!

Have you ever been out late at night in your heels and just find that final walk back to the car can be a real pain!

Here is a vending machine that doles out little ballet flats you can slip on when needed!

Just thought it was amusing and actually really enjoyed the rest of the site too.

It is called The Frisky.com...and I must admit, I think we can all use a little more “frisky” in our life!!!

Can Colorful Shoes Make You Look Young and Modern? Part 1

It’s been a long time since shoe buying has been so much fun. This spring’s shoes are colorful and crazy and many of you have told us you want to buy a pair.

So what’s holding you back? Are you unsure about whether colorful shoes are age appropriate after 40?

If you’ve come close to buying a pair, but turned back from the cash register counter at the last moment because you thought you’d better stick to something neutral and safe, then read on.

Here’s our take on this season’s rainbow of shoes, with ideas for what to wear them with so you look hip and chic!

WEDGES

When you want to go high, but be comfortable, wedges are a good bet. This cute red patent shoe with its striped wedge has a slightly nautical feel to it. So why not pick up on that theme?	This wedge shoe would look great with a navy, black, white or a cheery yellow sundress like this, that is lighthearted and summery.
Electric blue is popular this season, but can be hard to wear because it sometimes comes off as heavy and harsh. This shoe captures the color trend without being overpowering. Love the combination of blue washed snakeskin and a rope wedge which makes this shoe modern and interesting.	One of the easiest and prettiest ways to wear the new blue is to pair it with something white like this tidy linen blend scoop neck dress by Elie Tahari. Add jewelry, like some chunky blue and silver beads, and you are all set.

Can Colorful Shoes Make You Look Young and Modern? Part 2

BALLET FLATS

Ballet flats can be worn with most anything, but we think they look best with walking shorts or capris. These coral beauties from Tory Burch have a classic feel, but the color makes them new and interesting.	Coral looks classiest paired with neutrals like brown, tan, gold and white. This is a great weekend or vacation look. If you love color, you could go one step further and wear a multicolored top with coral in it (i.e., a turquoise-coral-yellow top with neutral walking shorts and coral flats).
Here’s a pretty ballet flat in lavender suede that’s a little more formal with snake embossed leather covered buttons.	Sometimes you just get lucky and find the perfect top to match your shoes. There are so many of these feminine colorful chiffon tops around that it shouldn’t be hard to find one that works. BUT DON’T wear a top like this with these teensy shorts (as if we really had to tell you)! Instead, try putting the top and flats with some great dark denim jeans.

Can Colorful Shoes Make You Look Young and Modern? Part 3

PUMPS

We call these fuchsia peep toe sling backs “power pumps” because they sure let you know who’s in charge.	They are the perfect complement to this belted houndstooth business suit because they add just the right touch of femininity and personality. The key to wearing colored shoes at work is to keep everything understated except for that pop of shoe color. If your workplace is more conservative, a closed toe pump in fuchsia would look great too.
Shiny patent pumps like these in Fire engine red turn up the heat on this black and white graphic dress.	See what a beautiful contrast these shoes are to this eye catching David Meister dress? If the dress was red and white, and you wanted to wear red shoes, it would be nearly impossible to match the red, and if you did it would look too matchy matchy and dated anyway.

Can Colorful Shoes Make You Look Young and Modern? Part 4

SANDALS

Gladiator Sandals are an easy way to update your look, but still look age appropriate. These Cole Haan sandals combine Nike air technology for a super comfortable fit.	Draw on any color in this floaty top and you’ll be sure to have a winning look. The yellow gladiator sandals add some excitement. Just don’t go out and also get a matching yellow purse, jewelry or anything else yellow, or you’ll overdo it!
Orange is another popular color this spring and these Diane Von Furstenberg suede slingback flats look really nice with a summer tan.	They’re the perfect choice for this wonderful billowy silk caftan… not too loud but they make a statement.

Can Colorful Shoes Make You Look Young and Modern? Part 5

CAGE SHOES

The newest must have shoe for shoeaholics! Yes, even gals over 40 can wear cage shoes if you have the right body and attitude. These green cage shoes are a real head turner so you don’t want to pair them with anything else too colorful.

The ideal match would be to wear them with skinny jeans and a dressy, but simple top. There’s so much color and detail in these shoes you want to make sure all eyes are on these works of art!

Petite and Can’t Wear Heels?

Q. Hi Glam Gals! Can you give some advice to a short women who can’t wear heels anymore. Because of foot and knee problems I’m married to flats for life which has me wearing slacks all the time. What’s a girl to do? And being only 5 feet tall makes it even more difficult to look and feel fabulous…Help!!!  Thanks Janine

Hi Janine,

Do you have good legs and slim ankles? If so, you can still wear a shift dress and flats and look FAB!  If not, you should stick with pants, but you can really still have fun with your shoes even if you can only wear flats. Here are some tips:

• Keep colors monochromatic. In other words keep your shoes the same color as your pants ( and top too if you can) and you will appear taller!

• Buy the prettiest flats you can find and create an outfit around them!

• Have you tried low wedges or a chunkier heel? These might offer a tiny bit of height without hurting too much.

• Find a wonderful interesting jacket and keep everything underneath all one color to slim and lengthen. Make sure your flats are simple with this look so as not to take away from the jacket.

• When you see a woman on the street or at the mall who is a similar height and body type, and you like the way she looks, take note of what makes her look good. Better yet, go up to her and ask where she shops! Women love to share their beauty secrets and are always flattered to be asked!

• FIT is super important. You probably already have staggering alteration bills, but don’t forget to keep the sleeves on all jackets and coats altered so they are not too long. The proper fit is half the battle to looking and feeling FAB no matter what your height.

• Finally we highly suggest you check out a favorite site of ours called  The Petite Fashionista. We interviewed blogger  Christa  Jean McLelland and she has wonderful advice for shorter gals. Cheers!

What shoes are they wearing in Italy?

Our friend, voice coach Nicki McClusky was on a recent trip to Italy and shared this fun photo with us!

She had read our post about  age appropriate shoes with cutouts wanted to share with us  shoe trends on display in Venice. Nicki said the Italian women looked fabulous!  “Some of the Venetian women and an older blond gal in Lake Como looked beyond wonderful. You would have loved them and their outfits.”

Thanks for thinking of us Nicki and sending the photo! Looks like patent leather is going to be big this Spring!

Love the patent green half bootie heels, behind the green pumps on the bottom shelf…how stylish!

If you see something cool you would like to share, please send it toinfo@fabulousafter40.com.

Look Fashionable over 40 this Spring

Our post about  How to wear this Spring’s Top fashion trends if you are over 40 was such a hit that we were flooded with questions about other upcoming trends. This week we thought we’d answer a few for you. So here’s: 5 Ways to Look Fashionable this Spring when you are over 40.

Question # 1 Cut out shoes

I’ve noticed a lot of shoes with dramatic cut outs and straps appearing in the magazines. I like them because they are so different and would love to try a pair, but wonder if they are they too trendy because I’m over 40. Also, what do you wear them with? …..Catherine

Hi Catherine,

What you are seeing is really updated strappy sandals that have more of a gladiator or cage feel, as they are also calling it. They’re great for women of all ages. The trick is getting a pair that isn’t too over the top.

No Stay away from styles that are too clunky and junky. Wedges, straps, buckles, zippers… too much going on here for gals over 40.		Yes These Tory Burch gladiator pumps are much more refined and age appropriate.

No No!

Also beware of gladiator sandals that come too high up…. tacky. These are horrible!

No Metallics are hot, but these are too just too bright to be classy.		Yes See how much nicer these toned down metallics are…

… and how great they go with a cute wrap dress like this. The gold shoe is considered a neutral and will elongate your legs!

Is There a Season for Animal Print?

Dear Glam Gals,

Is there a “season” for wearing animal print shoes?  I just bought a pair of Magdesian fabric cheetah peep toe wedge sandals.  But I have been told that animal prints are only for the Fall…even though these are sandals! Can I wear animal print in other seasons?

Thanks,
J

Hi, J!  No – we think animal prints can be worn all year!  The style of the shoe is more important for dictating the season a shoe can be worn in, moreso than the print or the color.  Since sandals are appropriate for the Spring and Summer, you will be fine.  Just watch out for the fabric of the shoe – if it is very shiny, it may only be right for a dressy outfit or an evening out.

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.

Spring Shoes To Go With Spring Dresses!

We recently showed a little sneak preview of some Spring dresses that you will be seeing in the stores soon. When a reader, quickly wrote us…”I love these dresses, can you please show us the shoes that will go with them!” So to follow up on her question, here is our pick for some great new spring shoes!

Last year’s hot trend, the gladiator sandal, is back full force! That means lots of wide straps on everything from flats to heels. Here is a simple strappy brown sandal in a wonderful neutral color that would look good with almost any colored casual dresses, long shorts or even pants.

Bright colors are a great way to make your shoe closet more fun. Love this simple red patent leather ones from Kate Spade.

This snakeskin slingback is the perfect shoe to add a little “wowie zowie” to a simple white dress or pants.

You will be seeing colorful as well as artistic shoes that can add a lot of style punch to an outfit, without sacrificing comfort.

Tweak Your Chic – Part III

Welcome to part 3 of our Tweak Your Chic series, where we show you how a few small accessory updates can take you from Frumpy to Fabulous, instantaneously.

In part 1, we saw how to jazz up a plain brown shirtdress.

In part 2, we made a conservative black outfit look modern and hip.

Now in part 3, we show you how to Tweak Your Chic using a basic gray outfit. Let’s get to the before and afters.

The Look – BEFORE Tweak Your Chic:

This is a great example of how many of us are following fashion “rules” and still look don’t look our best. This gal is dressed basically in a column of color…She’s got a gray sweater, pants and top which is supposed to make you look very slim. Well it works only to a certain point. Her sweater may be gray but it makes her look old and heavy.

The Look – AFTER Tweak Your Chic:

The biggest change we made is we ditched her big bulky “momsy” sweater for a more stylish refined one. Now she looks much slimmer and up to date. Moving forward, let’s take a closer look at her accessories.

Necklace – BEFORE:

This pretty little necklace, is just too pastel and too dainty for this knit outfit..

Necklace – AFTER:

See how much better this bolder chain necklace works. The weight and size of the links is better in sync with the material and this gal’s bone structure.

Silver is more chic and appropriate for winter than peach.

Belt – BEFORE:

A beautiful belt, but not the best choice for this outfit. It would be a better belt for jeans.

Belt – AFTER:

To update this outfit and make it look more chic, we opted to go wider. Good news – a wide belt can really enhance your figure, and on the right body type will be very flattering! Also, if you can find a belt that sits down on your hips, it will create a flattering line, versus a belt that just goes straight across your middle. See how much more relaxed this looks below. The new belt complements the feel of this soft, stretchy knit.

Purse – BEFORE:

We have all seen (or have) this type of purse. It’s nice. It’s very safe, but safe is old and boring. Your handbag is the perfect accessory to have fun with.

Purse – AFTER:

Give yourself permission to buy something colorful. Size matters. Today’s purses are oversized, and have more hardware. Croc is a popular choice.

Shoes – BEFORE:

Please don’t be caught wearing something like this! Sure, you may need low heels for your aching feet but don’t succumb to these clunky boring clodhoppers.

Shoes – AFTER:

Serious about wanting to look Fabulous after 40 and ready to take the plunge? Then, Tweak your Chic with a sexy shoe. Warning…this might mean being a little uncomfortable…but we think it’s worth it. You can also try some high heels with wedges or platforms. Try to stay away from thick straps which will definitely spell dowdy.

THE LOOK – BEFORE

THE LOOK – AFTER TWEAK YOUR CHIC

That’s how you Tweak Your Chic!