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!
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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. |
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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. |
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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). |
Nicole wrote us recently with this style question about this outfit she found at Saks:
photo: Saks
She had a few questions:
- Q- Do you think this is age-appropriate for women over 40? –We think that the overall idea is very chic. The top is perfectly acceptable, however the leather skirt is too short for women over 40.
- Q – I like the colors, but do you think they are too blah? – The green leather skirt does give the outfit its “pop” of color. So no, we do not think it is too blah.
- Q – What do you think about the bag? — The bag looks fine with this outfit. It could be a good neutral for spring. Personally, would like to see something of a higher quality.
- Q – You did the blog about beige dresses. What about bags in this color or crème? Do they work? –A beige bag is very safe and practical. If you’re on a tight budget it would be an excellent choice, since it would go with virtually everything in your closet. However, beige as an accessory can be boring and we find a colorful handbag can really cheer you up. So, you should have one that is neutral and one that is colored that you love and adore! You do not have to spend a lot on a handbag as long as iit looks high quality.
Notes: We really like the shoes and the layered necklace too!
Recently, we wrote a blog post called What NOT to Wear After 40…and put up a photo of these shoes.
We were surprised to get several emails from gals who loved these wild shoes and had no problem wearing them regardless of age. This got us thinking…. where does one draw the line when trying to decide what is fun to wear and what is foolish to wear after 40?
Our take on these shoes is that while they are fun and new, they are definitely loud and may look foolish, not fun, on most women over 40. Although the style is fashion forward and the high heel does have a hidden platform, which makes it doable, the kicker for us is the hot purple color combined with shiny patent leather, which makes it too trendy for most. The wide strap also adds a baby doll feel.
But all that being said, if you have a big dramatic or creative streak in you, you might be able to pull off these shoes, if you wore them with a simple outfit like a sleek black top and pair of black wide legged pants. Make these shoes your statement piece and don’t junk up your look by adding all kinds of other trendy bits like, i.e. an animal print belt with these shoes would send your image into a fashion tailspin.
We mentioned you really have to have a certain drama to your coloring as well to pull this look off. For example, if you have a fair skin tone and very dark hair and eyes, or dark skin, and a dramatic aura, this might work. If you are blonde and light skinned, these shoes won’t fly because the contrast is so great, they’ll make you look cheap.
For those a little less bold, you may want to try shoe in black patent leather, instead of purple, or you might also want to look for a less bright shade of purple shoe in suede or leather. Choose one without the ankle strap if you want to look as tall as you can.
Curious about where we draw the line between fun and foolish when it comes to 6 other new fall looks. Read On……
1. Extra Wide Legged Pants
Fun or Foolish? |
 Our Pick |
You could mop the floor in the pants on the left. We don’t want to take the fun out of fashion but these pants are on the extreme side.
Our Pick
These high-waisted Diane von Furstenberg pants are a better choice because they have a more gentle flare which is very flattering on most body types and balances out any over 40 body which is usually starting to widen through the middle. The hot pink window pane pattern adds a touch of femininity to the men’s wear feel.
2. Bright Bold Prints
Layering and bold prints are in, but the combination of the two on the left looks busy and tacky. This look is too playful for a 40+ look unless you are Carrie Bradshaw, (but isn’t she starting to look a little silly in some of her zany looks anyhow?)
Fun or Foolish? |
 Our Pick |
Can you believe this is the same dress? What an improvement! Leave a busy patterned dress alone by dumping the vest and belt. Much more beautiful and age flattering!
 Our Pick Too! |
Here’s another bright, bold Diane Von Furstenberg dress. It’s called “The Clooney”. Again, if you are going for patterns stick to classic style that is simple and let the pattern shine. This knock-out number has a geometric pattern with an art deco feel, which is a hot trend this fall. |
3. Short Sleeved Suits
 Fun or Foolish? |
 Our Pick |
JoJami saw this Nanette Lepore suit (on the left) at a local boutique, but didn’t have time to try it on and was thinking of going back to do so. But when she saw it here she realized it has a lot of problems. It has too much going on. This jacket is trying too hard to be different and the lace top is an added extra that’s just not needed. On an over 40 gal it would look plain granny like.
Our Pick
We prefer this Isabel and Nina double breasted wide shawl collar suit. It’s got a real Jackie-O quality to it – sophisticated and clean – and the neckline is so elegant.
4. Wild Animal Prints
 Fun or Foolish? |
 Our Pick |
Animal prints are fun but don’t have to roar so loud that you look like you are wearing a costume. The zebra inspired skirt on the left is cutesy if you are twenty but, cutesy is not the way you want to look.
Our Pick
We vote for the look on the right. Simply add a touch of animal print to an accessory like a handbag or belt and you look so much more sophisticated. It’s the difference between fashion Victim and fashion Victory!
5. Fashionably Full Skirts
Fun or Foolish?
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 Our Pick |
The combination of this ruffled blouse with puff sleeves and very full pleated skirt makes this young model look a little older than she is, and that’s fine because she is so young to begin with. But put a prissy school teacher look like this on a gal 40+ who has extra curves at her middle, not so perfectly taught arms, and a mature face and she’ll look like an old biddy.
Our Pick
If you like a fuller skirt, try one that is a little more refined. This Ralph Lauren box pleated wool herringbone skirt is easy and comfortable to wear and always looks classy. Top it off with something more relaxed like a black turtleneck and great suede jacket in a gorgeous shade of majestic purple. This shot of color will give your face life.
6. Chunky Platform Shoes
 Fun or Foolish? |
 Our Pick |
Clunky and funky, these top heavy shoes (on the left) with their baby doll strap would look better on your teenage daughter.
Elegant, classic with a modern twist these Tory Burch Pumps look great and the stacked heel makes them a lot more comfortable for tootsies too. Love the gold hardware!
