How to Dress to Look Youthful and Modern

No matter what your style, the shortcut to looking more youthful after 40 is to dress a little sportier. What is sporty dressing, and how can you incorporate this style while still being true to yourself? Let’s take a look.

Short and Bright is Sporty

Trench coats are an excellent staple in any wardrobe, but as they are quite traditional and conservative, they can sometimes make you look old and boring after the age of 40. That’s not the case with this one!

What keeps this trench looking young and hip?…. The bold blue color (primary colors are sporty), the short length  (shorter is sportier than long), and the youthful knotted belt, instead of the typical flat belt. A great addition to any 4wardrobe over 40

Linen is sporty 

Sporty people are active (active=young), so, naturally, their clothes are lightweight, loose, and comfy. If you want to add that dash of youth to your look, try a pair of casual linen pants with a sporty drawstring waistline.

Rolled or pushed-up Sleeves are sporty

Rolling up or pushing up a sleeve adds a dash of sportiness to your look. It sends the message I’m ready for action, which is youthful. Some women who have always been the traditional or elegant types may find it hard to incorporate sporty into their wardrobe because it’s too casual compared to what they are used to. This dress is excellent for those women because, although it is sporty ( shirtdress style, bright color, woven natural belt, and rolled up sleeves), it still looks very “neat and tidy.” (Nordstrom)

Totes are Sporty

One way to add a dash of sporty is with your choice of handbag. Totes symbolize sportiness. What we like about this tote is it is not boring-sporty. Instead of just a plain neutral-colored tote, this one has some personality. It’s great for someone on the creative side who wants to inject a little sportiness ( youthfulness) into their wardrobe.

Sporty Stripes

Certain materials evoke a sporty vibe (cotton, linens, natural fabrics, knits), and so do specific patterns and prints, such as stripes. This fitted top with the deep V-neck is on the sexy side. The stripes, combined with the shorter sleeves, add a definite sportiness (or youthfulness) to the look. The result is sexy/sporty.

Denim is sporty

 The ultimate in sporty is denim. This shirt conveys a sporty message, but not in a rough, teenage way. The smooth, soft wash on this shirt, combined with the streamlined fit, gives it a much more refined, grown-up look. The metal jewelry also kicks it up a notch.

She looks like the ultimate California girl with her sun-streaked hair, natural makeup, sporty aviator glasses, jeans and tees, or short and sexy minis.
Jennifer Anniston is an excellent example of a gal who epitomizes sporty.

Meet the author

Deborah Boland

Deborah, a former Fashion & Lifestyle TV host and Image Consultant, understands the style challenges women face in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. As the founder of Fabulous After 40, she helps women tweak their chic and embrace fashion with confidence—so they always look and feel amazing.

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