What To Wear After 40, 50, 60

WHAT TO WEAR AFTER 40, 50, 60

What to wear after 40 becomes a huge question around 45. Some of my petites start asking that around 39. A sign it’s a time to start re-evaluating your closet is when you go to try a new style then regret the purchase cuz you lost your nerve and were afraid people might think the item was too young for you?

After 40, 50 and 60, it gets confusing to know which trends will work. It feels easier to stick with the same old pieces rather than try something new and embarrass yourself later.

Then there’s the cute trendy dress you tried on in the dressing room that felt fresh and exciting… “I can do this!”

Rip goes the tag…

But as soon as you step out the door, those doubts start creeping in.

Do I look like I’m trying too hard? . . . Do I look stupid?

It can be tricky to know which trends work! LONG gone are 20’s when we could wear almost anything and somehow make it work or not care.

Have you ever browsed your favorite store and wondered: At what age is this not appropriate anymore? Will this style look good on me? Can I wear this color? Could I pull this off or would people think I should stop sharing clothes with my teenager?

Your age isn’t defined by a number.

“Your lifestyle and energy does. I’ve met many women in their 50s who are in amazing shape and can pretty much pull off any outfit. What’s appropriate for one person can be very different for another.” Marissa Webb, Designer

As you get older, you can get bolder in different ways. Not only that but as we age, we get to edit and invest in higher quality.

The following are quick tips you can use to edit and refresh your closet.

What to wear after 40 – You’re gaining confidence and starting to edit

• It’s time to start investing in few stand out items like an embroidered evening coat you can wear for years to come or designer suit, gorgeous lining, clean seams, elevated quality fabric that doesn’t pill and keeps it’s shape.
• Start editing out things that are overly ruffly and frilly. The feminine puff sleeves are in right now, so make sure it looks fresh and sophisticated instead of girly.
• Avoid too matronly like shapeless suits in pastel colors. 
• Keep a little edge by combining a few currently cool pieces like a croc bag, embellished heels, a leather blazer with more classic styles.

What to wear after 50’s – Dress to express yourself and camouflage as needed. 

• Accentuate your personality. 
• Splurge on statement pieces. A chunky necklace or signature cuff has more impact than a string of pearls or tennis bracelet.
• Dress for impact. Monochromatic outfits are always a wise and ageless choice. They look decisive and dramatic.
• Keep casual current Look for coordinated pieces in fabrics that layer and travel well. Try a chunky watch, leather sneakers or cashmere hoodie. Just remember to scale. If you are fine boned a huge watch will look ridiculous. You need to scale to what would be “chunky” for you.
• Play with color: Your skin and hair changes as you age so now is a time to adopt a spirit of play and find the shades that work best for you currently.

What to wear after 60 – It’s Time to splurge

• Elegance becomes you. Feel free to splurge, it’s time!
• Look for modern cuts. You want keep the cut of your pants and jackets trim and of the moment. Items that are too loose lean towards Frumpsville.
• Go for guilty pleasures a little shine can flatter your skin. Tasteful luxe looks that are not overdone i.e. fur trim or brocade is right for you now. (Those are great accents not head to toe or risk looking caricature.)
• Cover when you have to. You know if you can still show off those legs or not. Keep your arms toned or wear a chic wrap or elbow sleeves. 
• Tanned skin tends to look slimmer and hide dimples better.

How did this post land with you? I’d love to know, please share your comments below!

Want to take this a step further and work with me to take your style to the next level? Apply for a Style Clarity & Confidence Strategy Session HERE to learn about how I work with my private clients to create a personal style and closet they love.

Due to a high volume of calls requested I can only take a limited number per week. If I am not able to meet with you, I do my best to send you a free resource via email.