Finally, add some accessories to formalize and freshen up your outfit. You can wear all those stylish, clunky jewelry pieces to really add some flair! Wear a signature jewelry piece like a strand of chunky jade, a stretchy stone bracelet, or dangling earrings depending on the formality of the affair.
Layering these pieces can be fun too.
Here is a woman we met recently. She has on coral necklace that she bought years ago and has layered it with a thin crystal necklace.
 A splash of bright color works well with grey and white! |
 layering necklaces can help spice up an outfit |
Don’t forget your feet! No matter what your size or shape, any woman can have fun with her shoes. Summer is the best time to find colorful heels or embellished sandals. Don’t forget the toes! Look elegant from head to toe by getting a great pedicure. In summer when you’re wearing less clothing, every detail counts!
(Accessories from Nordstrom’s)
Have fun, and stay cool!
Dear Glam Gals
Please advise. I’m a tall woman (1,76 m), inverted triangle with a little tummy. I was given some very long A-line skirts of good quality and would like to shorten them since they are my ideal skirt shape.
I have long, well-shaped strong, not skinny, legs with rounded calves and a tiny hint of X-leg. Which length should my skirts be to look good? I understand that long skirts are not really that fashionable right now and feel that shorter looks more modern.
Thanks in advance – you’ve been a great help since I discovered your site!
Best regards,
Sabine
Dear Sabine,
We agree that A-line skirts are the most flattering for every body type. They balance out a larger top half, and with the extra volume on the bottom, they even make your waist look thinner! Shortening the skirts to the knee is probably the best way to go. That way the thinnest part of your legs will be showing from underneath, and it’s not too short. You don’t want to go too far above the knee, because it will look too poufy, and too long not only shortens your body, but can also be rather dowdy.
However, if you want to try something new this season, you should definitely try a pencil skirt! With your height and figure, a pencil skirt will look really sexy, especially when it hits the bend at the back of your knee.
Good luck!
We’ve recently had a lot of women writing to us to ask us how to wear shorts after 40. Let’s start with what NOT to do:
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Don’t wear baggy cargo shorts. They are better suited to younger gals, and the pockets add extra bulk around your hips and thighs, which we definitely don’t need! |
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Don’t pick a short with pleats. Pleats tend to give you a pooch around your hips, and it’s hard to wear a longer shirt over them without bunching. |
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Don’t choose a style that is too short. Short shorts may be in for the younger set, but at over 40 this look could be very tacky. |
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Don’t choose a style that’s too long. When your shorts hit you below the knee or lower, it will look like you’re wearing capris that shrunk! |
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Don’t buy a short with a cuff around the thigh. This draws attention to the widest part of your leg. |
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Don’t wear a kitten heel or mule with a short. They tend to shorten your leg, and are too formal for this look. |
For an age-appropriate way to wear shorts, try these Dos:
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Do look for a simpler, sleeker line. A straight leg is best, especially when it fitted perfectly to your body. You’ll look taller and thinner! |
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Do pick shorts with a flat front. Most women over 40 look better with a shirt tucked out to camouflage a bulge around the midsection, and flat front shorts is more flattering and less bunchy than pleats under a shirt. |
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Do choose a short right at your, or just above, your knee. Your knee is likely to be the thinnest part of your leg, so you would want to draw the eye there by having your shorts cut off at the knee. |
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Do wear a chunkier heel, wedge, or flat sandal with your shorts. It’s a hipper look and the right formality. |
Sigrid Olsen, artist/designer
If you’re over 40, chances are you’ve bought at least one item of clothing from designer Sigrid Olsen.
Last night, I (JoJami) had a chance to met up with Sigrid, who was one of the speakers at the Smart Talk Series in Wilmington, DE.
Olsen (age 55) said she started out in her career as an artist and morphed onto the fashion scene 25 years ago, heading up her name brand clothing empire. She designed for “real” women, using bright colors and simple classic designs that became her trademark.
However, a few years ago that all changed. With the economy sinking, Sigrid left her business to start fresh. “My company had become so large that I did not get to do what I loved to do, which is creative based.
“I ended up just being the head of my company and doing meetings all day. I had lost touch with my roots and doing my passion which is art…. I am much happier now.”
ISLA beach house
So what does that “now” look like?
Olsen, who lives in Gloucester, MA, now runs a retail boutique, called ISLA Beach house, just a few steps down the road from her home, where she sells her sunny, beach-inspired art, pottery and other unique finds.
“I like to find new artists and help promote them”, she said with a twinkle in her eye. She is obviously passionate about her new venture!
Not to be one to sit still, Sigrid, found Yoga soon after her “retirement” and now runs her Yoga/Art fusion retreats all over the world.
A self professed “doer” Sigrid Olsen is living her passion and thanks to her creativity we can now bring a piece of her colorful world into ours!
Deborah (circa 2004) in her favorite Sigrid Olsen outfit
A cute story… Deborah tells me that back in around 2003 after having two babies two years apart, she was feeling rather frumpy. She went to Florida and discovered Sigrid Olsen in Burdines and bought a ton of her bright fun clothes.
Deb was so thrilled she even emailed Sigrid to tell her how happy her clothes made her feel, and what a perfect fit they were. Here’s Deb a couple of years later in those same Sigrid Olsen clothes that she wore and wore.
Doesn’t the robin’s egg blue and peach go beautifully with her Spring complexion?
With spring in full swing and summer around the corner, you can’t help but notice all the adorable, crisp white fashions popping up everywhere. Finally, the sun is out and we don’t have to cover up anymore! Here are some from White House|Black Market that we LOVE!
This little white top has just enough of a subtle ruffle to be feminine but not overdone!
A white pencil skirt is a super way to cheer up your wardrobe. You probably already have tops and shoes that will match so you will be good to go with just one piece!
So, after a winter full of long sleeves and long pants, what do you do when your skin is just as glaring white as your new clothes? Many of you have asked us what to do. We say, get a glow – in a healthy way, of course! There are so many tanning products out there that help, but here are two that we can recommend.
For a subtle tan, try a product that is super easy to use, like Coppertone Endless Summer Sunless Gradual Tan Lotion. You just smooth this on every morning and night and your skin gradually darkens (FYI, it does takes a few days to really see the results!).
Can’t wait to wear white and need a quick tan? You can use a self-tanner like Neutrogena Sheer Bodytint for an instant, temporary tan.
These products are all on super sale over at Drugstore.com… not to mention free shipping!
Don’t forget these little tips for suntan success:
- All self-tanners recommend exfoliating the skin first.
- After your all buff, do not use any lotion.
- Pick up some rubber nurses gloves to put on the tanner. That way your hands won’t turn orange!
- Make sure the color is totally dry and developed and then rinse off before putting on your white top, though…if you put clothes on before the mousse or lotion dries, you will have brown stains on the inside of your clothes!
Now you can go out and feel Fabulous After 40!
Dear Deb and JJ,
I usually stop wearing sandals after Labor Day….does this “rule” still apply? If you want to wear a casual skirt the next two months (those of us up north) and it is still too warm for tights what do you put on your feet… especially if you do not look great in ballet flats or you do not feel they are age appropriate.
Just wondering,
L.R, Wayne, PA
Not after Labor Day!
Dear L.R.,
Really the rule is pretty much not to wear white after Labor Day, and that includes any dress, skirt, pant or shoe that is white. However, all your other summer things, including sandals, are perfectly fine. Basically, you want to wear a shoe that is in keeping with the weight and feel of the outfit.
If it is still warm enough in your area to wear a summer skirt or short, then by all means wear a sandal with it. If your summer tan has faded, then make sure to put on some self tanner so your legs won’t look washed out. So basically, put just your white pants, skirts and shoes away and enjoy the rest of the warm weather!
In a recent blog post, we mentioned that when it gets really hot out, a sun dress is a much better option than shorts. So, now with all the Summer sales in full swing, why not pick up a fresh frock to get you through this season!
Here are five fabulous after 40 looks, that we think you’ll love, as well as some great tips on the best way to choose a sensational sun dress that is age appropriate and still chic!
Crisp wrap:
1. Fit: This is a great fitting dress and will work on most body types.
2. Color 
retty on dark or tanned skin, but be careful as it might wash out those with fair skin.
3. Neckline: “V” necks are flattering on almost everyone except those with long necks.
4. Length: At the knee is easy to wear.
5. Fabric: Love this silk fabric. It is classy and can be worn to work, out to lunch or even a casual dinner!
Fun and Flowing:
1. Fit: This is an easy fitting dress and will work on most body types. The empire waist will hide any tummy bulge.
2. Color: This blue will look goon on most!
3. Neckline: These straps have some substance to them and are not too thin. They keep things sexy without showing too much skin!
4. Length: Not too short! This is a good thing…
5. Fabric: This flowing matte jersey knit, will look good from day into evening, and not wrinkle! (Hint: this dress will look best with a pair of Spanx underneath!)
Easy to take on and off:
1. Fit: Just pull this dress over your head, and your ready to go!
2. Color: This pretty print, will look best on those with pink skin undertones. ( summers and winters)
3. Neckline: Very flattering if you have a small to medium chest. These “flutter” sleeves will cover any flab but still keep you cool.
4. Length: If you have good knees, go for this peek a boo shorter look!
5. Fabric: This flowing matte jersey knit, can go casual with a flat shoe, to dressy with a dainty heel or wedge.
Stylish Class:
1. Fit: If you have a pear shaped figure, this is the dress for you! Even in a larger size, this dress flatters and says, Wow!
2. Color: Black and white, is always classic and elegant.
3. Neckline: If you have narrow shoulders this will balance you out.
4. Length: Still tasteful, slightly above the knee.
5. Fabric: All cotton, so it breathes!
Sassy Safari:
1. Fit: More conservative and casual. Be careful of styles with cap sleeves, they tend to look better on those that have arms on the thin side.
2. Color: This wild print will hide figure flaws around the tummy.
3. Neckline: Because it has a collar, it looks good on those with longer necks or if you have a short haircut.
4. Length: Above the knee, but still age appropriate.
5. Fabric: Wash and wear, poly spandex is easy to care for!
There you go. As Diane Von Furstenberg says: “Feel like a woman. Wear a dress!”
After a long cold winter wearing nothing but pants, sweaters and coats, it’s a thrill to be able to slip on sundress and step outside. This season sundresses abound in a gorgeous array of colors and styles. Here’s a rundown of the perfect one to suit your personality and body type.
Short Neck
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If you have a short neck, try a sundress like this that opens up at the collar to lengthen your neck and make you look taller and slimmer. This pretty pink dress works day or night. You can easily change up the look by adding a belt and wedge heels.The 3/4 length sleeves are a great way to hide flabby upper arms and do the trick on a breezy summer evening by the water.
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Pear Shaped
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If you have a pear shaped figure, your hips will be wider than your bust, so to create the illusion of a more well balanced body, you’ll want to play down your hips and build up your top half. This pretty blue 50′s style sundress is perfect for your pear-shaped figure. The wide belt will accent your lovely waist, while the soft pleats float gently over your bottom half. The boat neck widens across the bust and the cap sleeves balance out your hips.
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For Dramatic Personalities
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If you are long and lean, or rectangular and H-shaped with a thicker waist that you want to camouflage, then this cool summer shift dress is a great choice. But of course, not everyone can carry off such a loud pattern. This dress is definitely a statement piece for more dramatic personalities. No need for a necklace or lots of jewelry… just a simple bangle bracelette and a simple stud or hoop earring and you’re good to go.
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To hide a tummy
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If you have a tiny waist or an hourglass figure, don’t go near this loose baby doll style. But, if you have a little tummy to hide this a real winner. The loose flowy front covers things up nicely and the low scoop neck draws attention away from the tummy to the bust. This dress is so flexible it could double as bathing suit cover-up if you wanted to slip something on to go to the store. It’s got a great ethnic vibe, which is very current and hip.
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This empire style dress is also great for gals who have a little tummy to hide. The wide neckline brings attention to your face. The small print will look better if you have fine bone structure. If you are big boned a larger print will balance you out and be more flattering. The sundress pictured here is on the dressier side, since the fabric is crisp and perky! One caution, the border at the hem will draw attention to your legs, so if your legs are on the heavy side, this is not the best for you.
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Show off your Shoulders
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If you’ve been working out to get buff toned arms this is the dress to show them off in. Just add a little bronzer, slip on this canary yellow attention getter and let the compliments roll in. This color will look amazing on warmer skin tones. This dress has a Marilyn Munroe look, but you could tone it down by adding a pretty cropped cardigan. |
Add some curves
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Here’s a great dress to wear if you’re on the slim side and you want to play up your curves. This spring green sundress with white color blocked bands accents you in all the right places. Notice how it actually draws on curves. No jewelry needed at the neckline because there is already a lot happening there, but a great pair of earrings, either silver or gold, would bring this to life. |
