As we get older, our style can evolve or change. But that doesn’t mean we have to abandon it completely. I love getting dressed just as much in my late 40’s as I did in my 20’s and 30’s. Choosing my style over 40 has given me a chance to refine my wardrobe, have fun with current trends, and build polished outfits without overcomplicating it. This post is going to be a practical collection of tips, wardrobe staples, and easy outfit ideas.
For more style tips, here are a few more posts to check out.
Tops to Wear with Wide Leg Jeans
How to Wear Statement Necklaces
Best White Sneakers to Wear with Dresses
Style For Women Over 40
The same principles apply to style over 40 as it does to any age. Finding clothes that fit well, balanced proportions, and mixing classic pieces with a few current trends is key.
The Best Wardrobe Staples for Women Over 40
Well-fitting jeans
Denim styles are all over the place which is great because we have so many options to choose from but it can be daunting to figure out a classic pair that goes with the most outfits. I always recommend starting with a medium wash straight leg pair of jeans as your baseline. Something not too skinny or not too wide so they can be dressed up or down. Nothing distressed or with any rips as they can make the jeans look more trendy and not as timeless.
Blazer
Whether it’s a statement piece with chic gold buttons or something more simple, a blazer is always a closet essential. Avoid a style that is too oversized or too cropped as they can look more trendy. A regular style that hits around the hips is the best option. Another feature I like to look for with my blazers are ones that dart in at the waist. I find it looks the most flattering and creates a nice shape.
White button-down
A button down shirt is one of the first pieces I would recommend buying for your closet. Start with a simple white or cream blouse and slowly add in striped options over time.
Knit sweater
A simple crewneck sweater is a closet must have. There are honestly too many variations, styles and fabrics to choose from so just go for what you personally prefer. Opt for a solid color so it is more versatile and be sure you have one that is nice and thin so you can layer it easily if you want. A thin crewneck sweater is also what I love to drape over my shoulders with certain outfits and chunky sweaters would be too bulky to do that.
Midi dress
I always gravitate towards a simple midi style dress. It feels classic and comfortable, easy to style anytime of the year. Often a midi dress is easy to wear on it’s own, but also looks great styled with a jacket or blazer.
Quality flats
As a die hard heels lover, I’m surprised at my current intense love for flats. But here we are. Maybe it is after all those years of wearing super high heels that I feel my feet have earned a rest. Either way, I am thrilled that ballet flats are trending heavily at the moment. There are so many chic options available and a style to fit everyone’s taste and budget. I personally like them worn with jeans or trousers when I don’t want to wear heels or don’t want to go the sneakers route for comfort. My first choice will always be a pointy toe because it never goes out of style and instantly looks chic. But a simple soft round toe ballet flat is always going to be timeless too.
A great bag
You don’t have to spend a ton on a bag but it’s important to choose something sturdy with a timeless shape. Either a tote bag or top handle bag is best for everyday and will work best with a variety of casual or professional outfits.
The Best Style Tips for Women Over 40
When it comes to building a great wardrobe with the best pieces, it’s best to always start with the classics. Items that are the foundation of putting together outfits. They may not always be most exciting to shop for but they will allow you to get dressed easily while still always looking stylish.
Prioritize fit and tailoring
Take the time to find pieces that fit well and if necessary get them tailored.
Investing in quality basics
It’s fine to follow current trends once you have quality basics in your closet. Classic pieces never go out of style so be sure to invest in ones that will stand the test of time. I like to think of my wardrobe basics as a mini capsule wardrobe.
Using accessories to update a look
If you do want to embrace different trends or update your look, adding different accessories can be the perfect way.
Embrace color
Neutrals are great but it’s fun to add pops of color into your wardrobe to showcase your personal style.
Choose comfortable-but-elevated shoes
Comfort and style can exist together so you don’t have to sacrifice one for the other. I love fabulous shoes so I seek out styles that look chic yet are still comfortable to wear.
Easy Outfit Ideas for Women Over 40
Blazer with jeans
Outfit details: Jacket | Shirt | Jeans | Shoes | Bag | Belt (similar) | Sunglasses
Outfit details: Jacket | Jeans | Shoes | Bag | Sunglasses | Earrings (discount code: MAREE20)
This is an outfit combination that works for any age. A gorgeous blazer or cropped jacket with a classic pair of denim will never go out of style. It’s an easy look to repeat year after year while always looking modern and current.
Stretch Twill Pants with a White Blouse
Outfit details: Shirt | Pants | Sandals | Belt (similar) | Bag (similar) | Sunglasses | Necklace (similar)
If you want alternative option to traditional suit trousers, try a stretch twill pair of pants. They still have a crisp, clean look to them but in a fabric that is a tad more smart casual yet not unprofessional. Pair it with a white linen blouse to embrace a lighter weight fabric for the warmer weather. If you don’t want to wear open toe shoes, go for a chic pair of neutral ballet flats.
Black Pants with a Striped Blouse
Outfit details: Blouse | Pants | Sandals | Bag | Sunglasses | Necklace (discount code: 15MAREE) | Earrings (discount code: MAREE20)
I’ve had a classic pair of black pants in my closet since my early 20’s. Nothing with added details or elements that make them look too trendy. Clean lines in a classic shape will always be timeless. Adding a crisp striped blouse instantly elevates the look.
Floral Midi Skirt and Tank
Outfit details: Tank (similar) | Sweater | Skirt | Shoes | Bag (similar) | Necklace | Sunglasses
A billowy floral midi skirt is the quintessential piece for spring and summer. It’s easy to style with a simple white tank so the skirt becomes the focal point of the outfit. Pull in some of the colors with a statement necklace and leave the rest of the accessories neutral and timeless.
Black Blazer with Jeans
Outfit details: Blazer (discount code: MAREE15) | Turtleneck (similar) | Jeans | Bag | Shoes (similar) | Sunglasses
The perfect black blazer is hard to find but this may be it for me. It’s effortlessly oversized without being too much. A great piece to wear to work but I also love how easily it can be styled with more casual looks. Definitely a splurge but it’s a piece that you will own for years and it will always look modern.
Sweater Dress with Boots
Outfit details: Dress (similar) | Boots | Bag (similar) | Sunglasses
I always like to choose knee high boots over ankle boots when I’m wearing them with midi or maxi skirts. Even if the skirt or dress looks long enough to cover the top of the ankle boot, it’s better to not have any gap or skin showing so there is one continuous line from the top to the bottom of the outfit.
Printed Blouse and Wide Leg Jeans
Outfit details: Blouse (similar) | Jeans | Shoes (similar) | Bag | Sunglasses
A simple printed blouse and jeans is one of my go-to outfits for almost every season. It always manages to look pulled together with very little effort. You can definitely dress this up with accessories and heels if preferred, but also looks great worn with simple flats and subtle jewelry.
Classic White Tee and Jeans
Outfit details: Tee | Jeans | Shoes | Bag (similar) | Belt (similar) | Sunglasses
So boring but still so necessary. A simple v-neck t-shirt or crew neck t-shirt is something you will wear year after year. It’s good to have a wide variety of styles to choose from but I prefer to have them all in neutral colors. You may think a v-neck white tee isn’t that exciting but with the right styling and accessories, it can look so much more chic and interesting than you may think.
Comments