Continuing our series on 5 ways to look fashionable over 40 this spring….
Question # 5. Beige… Boring?
The color beige seems to be everywhere this spring, but I’m afraid to try it because I think it will wash me out. Do you think beige is too much of a blah color for women over 40? …Judy
Hi Judy,
Beige may suit you depending on your coloring. It’s true that after 40 our skin and hair tends to fade and we can become washed out, so beige doesn’t always look so good, but with makeup and hair coloring you should be able to beige well if it has always looked good on you before.
If you are still uncertain whether you ever looked good in beige perhaps you’ve just never found the right shade of beige or nude as it I now being called. Cool ash and pink beiges suit women with cool undertones. Warm peach and golden beiges are better suited to women with warm (yellow) undertones.
No
Nice style, but this beige is nearly white and washes her out.
Yes
Keep in mind, a tan always helps make you look better in beige. A touch of white or black with beige can also spice it up, as can accessories.
Absolutely Not
A lethal combination – beige against washed out skin plus an ugly sandal.
Continuing our series on 5 ways to look fashionable over 40 this spring….
Question# 4 Michelle Obama Style
I really admire our new first lady’s style and I’d like to emulate her look. What’s a quick and inexpensive way to get Michelle Obama style? …Carol
Hi Carol,
Michelle’s unique style has been a smash hit with women for many reasons. First Michelle loves simple classic styles which are universally flattering, and always look age appropriate after 40. The first lady also favors wearing bright colors – a refreshing and optimistic change from black , black, black. And most interesting of all, she chooses to accent her wardrobe with bold jewelry and accessories which really adds a modern twist. Al this, plus the fact that she’s very comfortable mixing a little high priced with lots of lower priced fashions, make her a style icon everyone wants to copy.
The easiest way to get Michelle’s look is to purchase a simple shift dress in a bright color. Michelle loves pink and fuchsia judging by this famous floral gown she wore, and the wonderful shift dress she graced on the cover of Vogue.
Yes
We picked out this cute shift dress with jacket that we could easily imagine her in. If you don’t like pattern, any bright colored shift would do. You might even pair it with a cashmere sweater as he first lady often does and add a bright pin at the neck or some great earrings or a thick belt.
Don’t know where to start to look. Shift dresses are everywhere, but you may want to try J. Crew, one of Michelle’s affordable favorites.
Continuing our series on 5 ways to look fashionable over 40 this spring…………….
Question # 3 Safari Look after 40
How can I tap into this spring’s Safari look without appearing like I’m wearing a costume? …Jan
Hi Jan,
If you’re a midlife gal, you know how many times this trend has been around the block. It probably won’t be the first time you’ve worn this style, if you opt to buy into it this spring. To make sure you don’t end up looking like an adventurous boomer going on your first African safari, you will want to remember these things.
No
Forget this head to toe one color safari outfit, or you will look like you are wearing a costume. Take a look at this first (boring) outfit and you’ll see exactly what we mean.
Careful!
Now this second outfit definitely has more of a fashion feel, but beware…One of the biggest mistakes we see women over 40 making is buying a long skirt which makes them look matronly. Unless you are very tall with super skinny legs, avoid long skirts.
Yes
This is a better way to interpret this trend. Choose one good piece as your safari focal point. We love this very original leather safari jacket. It’s been teamed up with wide leg white pants, not matchy, matchy beige pants or matchy-matchy leather pants. This gives it a more modern feel. Great heels elevate this outfit from a rustic Indiana Jones look, to sexy high fashion look.
Continuing our series on 5 ways to look fashionable over 40 this spring…..
Question # 2 Neon for Spring
I’m 52 and just bought a cute yellow neon clutch for spring. My sister says I look silly and that neon is passé. What do you think? ……. Susan
Hi Susan,
You are right that neon is a hot trend this spring, but we’d have to agree with your sister that it is not the most flattering look for a gal over 40. Why? …
No
First of all neon is super bright, and in shiny patent leather, electrifying. That much contrast against mature skin and hair can look rather harsh, and frankly, tacky. Secondly, neon really works best when used with clothing and accessories that have a “sporty” feel. Neon says casual, not classy.
Yes
If you like neon you’d be better off with something like this
yellow neon tote. It has a sporty feel, is rimmed in black to tone it down, and is better suited to casual occasions like a trip to the beach, or the book club.
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.
 |
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| No
Stay away from styles that are too clunky and junky. Wedges, straps, buckles, zippers… too much going on here for gals over 40. |
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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!
 |
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 |
| No
Metallics are hot, but these are too just too bright to be classy. |
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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!
