5 Fashion Tips For Women Over 40

5 Fashion tips for women over 40

As we age, it’s hard to know what to wear. So, today I’m sharing 5 fashion tips for women over forty.

  • Stay away from the junior section!

You shouldn’t dress head to toe “Forever 21”~~or tween clothes for that matter. Even if you have miraculously maintained your skinny figure to fit into juniors sizes, that doesn’t mean you should wear them. Dressing younger than your age can oftentimes make you look even older! The junior department clothes are made for young girls and the quality of the clothes can be poor. Invest in age appropriate, quality clothes.

  • Watch the length of your dresses.

A couple of inches above the knee is as short as you should ideally go. I try to keep mine barely above my knee. In the summertime I might go a couple of inches above my knee as long as I’m wearing a pair of sandals.

  •  Say goodbye to baggy clothes.

Because our bodies are changing we sometimes want to cover up and wear baggy clothes. Baggy clothes are not flattering. Instead, wear tailored and classic pieces like a fitted blazer and nice trousers.

  • Keep the trendy clothes to a minimum.

I love keeping up with the trends but too much at my age can make me look silly (maybe like a blond streak {wink}). Invest in classic clothes and cuts that work for you and your body type. Use accessories to add a trendy look to your wardrobe like bright handbags, big jewelry, scarves and stylish shoes!

  • Don’t wear too-tight trousers or t-shirts.

I think this could be said for any age. I’m not particularly fond of anyone in clothes that are too tight. But if you’re over 40, avoid any trousers or t-shirts which accentuate your bulgy areas. No one likes to see muffin tops around the waist or bulgy areas on our backs. Again wear trousers and shirts that work for your body type.

So what are your thoughts? Has your clothing changed as you’ve gotten older?

Beauty For the Heart~~Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Proverbs 3:13

I know I’ve used this verse before but it’s such a great reminder for us! Outer beauty may fade with age, so if you are more concerned with your outer appearance, you will be unhappy when the wrinkles come (and they will come) and the number on the scale goes up.

True beauty begins with a fear of the Lord. It doesn’t mean we’re scared of Him but that we’re in awe of all the things He has done for us.

That is beauty that will last!

Have a great day!

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    The words in your content seem to be running off the screen in Internet explorer.
    I’m not sure if this is a formatting issue or something to do with browser compatibility but
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    Hope you get the issue solved soon. Thanks

  3. Yeah, same here, all sites on women over a certain age presume that all of us are out of shape. I am over 50 and in great shape. I wear, shorts, bikini, LBDs, mini skirts, skinny jeans, sexy heels, tank tops and have purged my closet from all age appropriate clothing. I will continue to wear what I like and the age appropriate dressing police can kiss my firm and rounded a$$! I also have tattoos and long hair!

    1. Yes you can. I wear them and many people love and copy my sryle. It’s not because last year you were 39 and could… and now you are 40 and can’t. I don’t like those articles. Looks like from 1940!

  4. I’ve been scouring the Internet for ideas for trendy dressing for women in their 40s. All, including your site, assume we are overweight or have failed to take care of our bodies. The fashions promote a frumpy look. I’m 49 and fit. I don’t have a muffin top and I have a nice butt so why can’t I find any advice on how to wear boyfriend jeans for example in a way that makes me look classy? Why can’t I find outfits that show a little leg etc?

    1. I agree! I am also in my late forties and fit. I love to wear updated classics and am tired of the over weight assumption! I try to buy better clothing lines that flatter my figure and look effortless. Excellent fabric and fit is a must! A twenty something may get away with a disposable rayon dress, but women in their forties will not! Cotton, cashmere, silk and soft leathers are a must. Also, to be fit, over forty, and fabulous, one must find a good taylor!

  5. Me too! I feel your pain! I have lived in FL for 20 years now and I still lack a proper wardrobe! Shorts and crops are the HARDEST to find! I have to end up in the jr’s section for many bottoms because with NO mid section (regular rise go up to my boobs) I need low rise, and loose fitting makes me look like a short blob so I need straight or skinny fit. I am 5’3 and 120 a couple years away from the big 50. I get embarassed shopping in jr’s but womens/misses are always cut so high up and look granny to me. I am soooooooo thankful Skinny is back in. I hoping to FINALLY find some clothes this spring.

  6. Hi, I am 55 years old, 5’6″ tall and weigh 112 pounds. I eat normally but am unable to gain weight. I find it incredibly frustrating trying to find age appropriate clothing. I’m a “teenage” size 8 or “adult” 6, but most shops that stock affordable clothing suitable for 40+ women only go down to a size “8” (which hangs on me like a sack). I so often see pretty tops, jumpers, dresses etc that I would love to buy but they are always too big for me. I end up buying clothing from the teenage stores and hope it doesn’t look too young on me. Even trousers are a problem as I have skinny legs, no bum and slim hips. I live in slim fit jeans, either dressed up or down and am too scared to branch out into anything else. It is quite isolating as friends and acquaintances all tell me “you’re so lucky you’re so slim, you must be able to wear anything”!!! Do you have any suggestions where I can buy affordable clothing that ship to countries outside of the States? Or any suggestions on what is “safe” to buy from the teenage stores? Thanks 🙂

  7. Cyndi,
    I agree with everything in this article except for one thing. I think you can shop cheap stuff in the junior’s section if you’re just playing with uber-trendy accessories. Every now and then I buy little inexpensive things that cheer me up and make me feel a bit hipper… but I know these are not investment pieces. I’m talking about cheap knit berets in fun colors or cheap watches for travel and things like that. Of course, I am quite boho… and I’m also a hat freak. Tina – found you through your Pinterest page.

  8. May I say, this was a refreshing post to me, Michelle. With so many folk in this world reading from strange translations of God’s Words written by man, it was good to hear someone talk about the Authorized KJV as being the only true Living Book. It is, and if anyone does a study of the Holy Bible they will be amazed at how wrong these translations are today….leaving out words, changing meanings, etc….to God’s Holy Bible. I love this link and blog of Cyndi’s and you will too. She is one of the best I know about giving fashion advice to us all! Enjoy her blogs !! Friend in Christ, waiting on His return for us, Kerri

  9. I am in 6 days 60 yrs. old. I love my skinny jeans and they do look good on me. now for tops I am a 38D ,so I find appropriate tops with always half link sleeves. And I love to wear my stilettos.

  10. Hi!!! So glad I found ur site! I think u have a good taste in clothes.
    May I ask what kind of pj u wear?? I’m going to get a replacement pj that I got for mother-in-law (around 45 yrs old) last yr for Xmas (since it was too big and I found out that material isn’t that great – I got the same pj in diff color which I returned later). I’m thinking hard… She likes black but they don’t offer solid black color unless I buy the same exact material, which I don’t want to do…tho the design is pretty! They offer plaids and stripes and sort… Oh btw I’m talking about VS flannel pj if u are familiar… I want to stick to that coz they accept returns no matter what and it is extremely soft but the fabric is very good! It is thin but still keeps u warm. Anyway I want to get her that because she gets night sweats. Even though I know she likes the color black, I do want her to look pretty in her pj. But I don’t wanna overdo it by giving her something that doesn’t suit her…(age-wise, in the way that doesn’t flatter her figure and style). If you have any suggestions let me know! Thanks in advance.

  11. Hi there came across your website. Noticed the Bible verse ! Awesome. I was wondering thoe, the Proverbs 3;13 Is talking about wisdom. It talks about ‘she’ this is talking about wisdom, not a woman. You do know this? Wondering if you did. I read out of the AKJV 1611. I feel that it is the only true Living Book. What do you read out of? I think it is awesome that you put this on your website. Best of everything this world has to give. Most of all I hope you are saved and know the Lord Jesus Christ as your savior. Take care and thanks again

  12. Hi Shopaholic!
    Will you let me know what you think of our online dress shop? http://www.lmflmf.co.uk
    It’s all about shopping by your body shape but would be interested in getting your view as to what you perceive the age range of our target market to be, based on the dresses and brands we sell. And also if you would buy, and if not, why? 🙂 Thanks!

  13. Hi,
    You should check our our online dress shop where you can actually find out and shop buy your body shape! Lots of tips on what looks good and what doesn’t! Plus, everyday women as our models, so you can really get a feel for what the clothes look like! Let me know what you think! We really appreciate some feedback from the women on here!
    Laura

  14. Hi Alicia,
    You should check our our online dress shop where you can actually find out and shop buy your body shape! http://www.lmflmf.co.uk
    Lots of tips on what looks good and what doesn’t! Plus, everyday women as our models, so you can really get a feel for what the clothes look like! Let me know what you think!
    Laura

  15. Shopaholic I absolutely agree with you! I am 41 and have bought blouses from Forever 21. I am really into internet shopping, Shopbop and Boston Proper to name a few and I believe a woman should wear what looks good on her. Boston Proper caters to a wide variety of age groups. Shopbop is for a younger crowd but they have age appropriate clothes too. Regarding shorts if there is cellulite then wear longer shorts but if your legs are toned its okay to wear shorts that sit at the thigh. I have seen so many young women in their 20s with muffin tops. So if you have the body for it go for it.

  16. Follow Romwe Instagram now! Romwe give 20 winners free leggings one day, also there are 600+free leggings to picked!

  17. I say if you are 40+ and still have it, then flaunt it! I am 40, soon to be 41, 5’1″ and weigh 108lbs., plus I’ve had 5 kids. I feel like I look good, even better than some of my teenage daughters’ friends who are overweight and unkept. I wear what I like and like what I wear. If other’s don’t like how I look, it’s probably because they are jealous and maybe they should keep their eyes on their own bodies and stop trying to find fault with mine! I find it very sad that women in my age group are so unhappy and unconfident in themselves that they agonize over wearing shorts or short skirts~seriously, maybe they need psychological help instead of fashion help!

  18. Hello! I have to say that the only clothes I can fit into are clothes at LOVE 21 at Forever 21, I am teeny but tall, and have kept my figure and look younger than my 46 years, but I find other clothes hang making me look older and frail. I have a serious illness, it keep me underweight and that bothers be terribly, looking good keeps my moral up and spending frugally is all I can do. I TRULY would like ideas. I have lost so much confidence in the way I look and yet gained so much confidence as to how God has formed my character, quite a conflict, I want them to even out. God bless you!

  19. I am so tired of the “if I reach a certain age I will look like I am trying too hard”. Spare me. I am 35 and people mistake me for someone in her 20s because of how I do not age much. My friends, co-workers and cousin ranging from 35 to 50 have shopped and have some if not all clothing from the juniors department ranging from Express, Forever 21, H&M, Hollister, etc. After a certain age you should avoid really young and cutesy hair bows, tees with logos or anything so juvenile. If you took the time to go in the juniors department you would see some youthful yet age appropriate clothing that any age can wear. If I had a snap shot of all my clothes you would not think they were teeny bopper clothing but guess what – they are from the juniors department. High low blouses, linen shorts, summer dresses, rompers, etc.

  20. Hi there,
    I live in Florida, shorts capital! I have the hardest time finding shorts or pants in general that are not cut to short in the body part so when you bend over it does not look like I’m a plumer! If you know what I mean (wink,wink) I’m having the hardest time finding clothing that fits and I don’t look like my mother. I’m going to be 50 and I’m having such a hard time finding stylish clothing.( not jr. Department) I’m a hair stylist and so I can get away with lots, but I don’t want to look ridiculous, like trying to be 25. I’m so stuck, because when I try some clothes that are not trendy and young, and I try miss department I feel old! Really, why is the petite department always trying to put women in big flowers? Just because I live on Florida does not mean I want to wear a hibiscus shirt year round. I am stuck for real. I hate shopping for clothes so I end up with shoes, the problem is I need clothing to match alllllll the shoes I have. Haha. Thanks I look forward to your response .

  21. Thank you I will defenetly try Banana Republic . It can get expencive to have clothing tailored. And generaly expecially pants they are to long and the waist never fits right. If the waist fits they are tight around my bum and if they fit well around that then the waist is huge. I feel like I can’t win. but thank you for your advice. Lisa

  22. Lisa, I’m not sure I have a good answer. I do think you need to have your clothes fit. Baggy is not good. So my thoughts would be to have someone who can tailor your clothes to fit you. I know that’s a pain but it would be helpful. Also, I have a niece who is very small like that and she has a lot of luck with Banana Republic. She tries to shop their sales but their clothes seem to fit her.
    I wish I could be more help! Thanks for stopping by!
    Cyndi

  23. I am 43 and have no idea what to wear. I am 5’2 I weigh 118lb i have a perfect hourglass figure I’m my measurments are 32D 22 waist 32 hip sometimes 33 hip my legs are toned and my bum is very high sitting and round. Even as a young women when I was 100 lb I havent been able to get rid of my bum. The problem is what do I wear the clothes in the petite section are too big the only stuff that fits good as far as jeans are strech because they fit my waist but then they are tight around the legs some. Almost all clothes at Talbalts are too big. So where can I shop without looking too young. I don’t look my age as I have always had extremely oily skin so people have a hard time guessing how old I am but I know I’m 43. No I have had no plastic surgery I’m eastern European the problem is in Europe the clothing is tailored more toward curvy women but in the US not as much so any advice would be greatly apreciated. Do I shop in the womens department and wear really baggy stuff or is there a better place? Thank you

  24. I would love to know of some stores that carry clothes for women of the age 43. It is either to young or to old looking for me. I also can not afford a lot of high end clothing due to being a single mother. HELP!!

  25. I’m confused by the “too tight clothing” , b/c it’s qualified by the idea of not showing any bulgy parts. I’m a size 2, 5″8 endurance athlete: I don’t have any bulgy parts, so at what point would clothing be too tight? Sure it’s too tight if stuff is squeezing out, but I don’t have any squeezy stuff.
    I do wear skinny jeans, but tend to choose close-fitting tops that have maximum coverage. that seems to be less “sloppy” then having looser fitting tops that show too much skin. I keep my skin covered up….with tight fitting clothes. 😉 I’m 44.

  26. I have an exception to the junior’s rule. If you are short-waisted or nearly short-waisted, junior sized pants fit better than those in the misses department. I have just lost 25 lbs. and bought a pair of junior sized jeans to wear right now, while I am still trying to lose weight, and everyone, and I mean everyone, is commenting on how great they look. I am a Coldwater, J Jill, and Chico’s girl. I pretty much exclusively shop there for myself. I tried a few pairs on in the misses department at Macy’s and the crotches were all saggy and just “wrong.” I went to the junior department to find my new go to pair. I may, in fact, change my mind when I lose more (I have 25 more to go), but, for now, it the junior’s jeans for me!

  27. The best way to dress appropriate for your age is to 1) shop at the stores that cater to your age. Chicos, Talbots and if you have a killer body and don’t look too old, Boston Proper. 2) Know your body type and your flaws what looks best on you. I find that if you have a young face, a relatively thin figure, unspotted or lined hands, neck and decent legs you can wear trendier things. Just don’t go overboard. I’m nearly 50 (2 more years) and I honestly don’t look anywhere near 50 – so I’ve been told. Nevertheless, I don’t dress in juniors but I like what is in style. Skinny jeans, maxis and the latest accessories are my trend items. Everything else is classic. I’m slightly overweight now, so I don’t do sleeveless at all, I also don’t wear (never have) shorts or mini skirts. It seems that women who were “hot to trot” in their youth and wore a lot of provocative, revealing clothes have the worse time knowing how to dress as they age.

  28. It’s a tough fashion world for the “over 40” woman. I’m definitely aware of what is too young for me, but sometimes I feel like all I’m left with is “dowdy”. Is there a particular brand or store that caters to the fashion forward over 40 woman?

  29. Cyndi, your advice is good. If you ask me, dressing when you’re in your 40’s is challenging. You don’t want to go with clothes that look too young, but you don’t want to go with clothes that look too old, either! I like your advice about being more “trendy” with accessories and sticking with classic pieces for the bones of your wardrobe.

    As for clothes that are too baggy or too tight, UGH! This really can be a challenge as our bodies change, can’t it? Reminds me that I need to lose a few pounds. Of course, I’ve needed to lose those same few pounds for about 2 years now. But I really DO need to take them off!

    Speaking of wearing pajamas reminds me of that pajama party at the Opryland Hotel. . . I miss you! 🙂

  30. Great advice! Since I’ve lost almost 40 lbs over the last year, I am rediscovering shopping for cute clothes. But I am also trying to buy the right fit. It’s such a hard thing sometimes. Thanks for the reminders! Blessings!

  31. Cyndi-you are too cute! I love reading your blog! Thanks for the great tips. I am closer to 40 (ugh) than 30 and I have started to feel like I need to dress more age appropriate, yet still be stylish and trendy. I recently have found that I don’t love to shop at cheaper stores, instead am loving stores like, Banana Republic, J Crew, and Ann Taylor loft-clearance section of course!!! I would love to know how your shellac manicure has held up and if you liked it. Are you thinking of doing a review??? Keep up the great blog posts!!

  32. Hey Debbie!
    Pink shoes are definitely allowed! I want to buy colored pants. We can dress our age but still have fun!!
    I don’t want to dress like a frumpy old woman. Wear those pink shoes and have fun!
    Blessings,
    Cyndi

  33. Debbie
    pink shoes are a great fun accessory and perfectly acceptable.
    I too wear capris in the summer and some “short shorts” but only in the backyard when it is really hot

  34. EEEK! I was afraid to read this at first since I just bought an entire outfit today! I was wishing I had read this first but I think I passed…at least I hope so! Are pink shoe allowed? LOL!

    Debbie

  35. Karen we were just talking about that in my office today! I can’t tell you how many people I see shopping in the grocery store with their pajamas on. I have even heard of some churches that encourage people to come in their pajamas~~ that’s crazy if you ask me. Get dressed people!!! 🙂
    Thanks for stopping by!
    Cyndi

  36. Hi Kristen
    Believe me, you can still look hip, cool and chic at 41! Wear lots of color and add trendy accessories and you’ll look fabulous.
    Thanks for stopping by!
    Cyndi

  37. Hey Tammy!
    I think we all can be guilty of baggy clothing but a tailored look does look better. The changing body is a killer!!
    Thanks for stopping by,
    Cyndi

  38. Hey Lori!
    I have a hard time with shorts too and i end up wearing a lot of capris. I read somewhere that bermudas should only be worn by tall and thin women. I’m not in that category and they look horrible on me.
    Casual skirts are great for summer weather.
    Thanks for stopping by!
    Cyndi

  39. There is one more thing – stop wearing jammies and tight sweats to the grocery store!!!! (i’m not speaking to anyone in particular, but the public in general) 🙂

  40. Thanks for the tips…I’ve been wrestling with “how to dress my age” for a while now. I’m, eeck, 41 and have gained some weight the last few years…but I still look young…does that make sense? I long to be the hip, cool, chic looking mom picking my girls up from school or daycare and I definitely don’t want to wear the mom uniform. Just went shopping the other day with my mom and got some cute things…time to wash them up and get them in my closet!

  41. I agree with all your comments.. I have seen way too many women in Jr. clothing that were over 40 and yes, they looked silly, no offense… they are NOT teens any more they are Mom’s and I know they are embarassing their kids…. my Danielle has reminded me, Mom NOT that Tshirt please… LOL!!!

  42. Amen to the “don’t shop in the junior section”! Guilty of baggy clothing due to “changing body”. 😉

  43. When I was younger (say, in college) I wore mini skirts a lot (not minis that are as short as today’s minis !) because I had the legs for them. My legs are still not bad, but at 49 I am not wearing anything more than a couple inches above my knee. The hardest thing to find are good-looking, not-too-short shorts! Bermudas make me look soooo short (I have a long waist and short legs, yay). If you find some good ones, let me know! I have been wearing mainly capris in the summer. Maybe I need to go with casual skirts?