Every woman has the right to wear those things that she likes and in which she feels comfortable. However, if age is inexorably approaching 40+, you need to study your wardrobe well so as not to look funny or much older than your age. Novate.ru talks about clothes with a “dubious reputation”, which are worth getting rid of as soon as possible, and also offers stylish alternatives.
The topic of the appropriateness of some things in the wardrobe after 40 is very relevant and is often discussed on the Internet. It should start with the fact that all women are very different. For example, Jennifer Aniston, 52, does not hesitate to wear short dresses, showing a beautiful figure and slender legs, and Rooney Mara has always preferred conservative midi-length outfits and trousers, although she is only 36 years old.
However, in the process of choosing clothes, one should focus not only on the advantages or disadvantages of the figure, but also on the general image perception. For example, if we go to an important business meeting in the most prestigious business center of the city, we expect to see as a partner an elegant woman in a stylish trouser suit or an elegant midi-length dress in tandem with classic pumps. But suddenly a 45+ lady in a hot pink blouse, leather pants and leopard-print sandals with a huge stiletto heel comes into the office. What thoughts will rush through our heads at this time? We think something like "why is she dressed like that, because she is no longer a girl." And the impressions should have been completely different. At first glance, we should have understood that before us is a confident, purposeful woman, a professional in her field.
Here's another situation familiar to many: walking down the street, a girl in a short light green dress, stiletto sandals with fluttering blond curls walks with a confident gait. You overtake her, and there … a mature woman who has long stepped over the mark of 50 years. We do not argue that she looks great, but this feeling of inadequacy of the image and age often leads to a stupor and causes the feeling that we have been deceived. That is why all fashion trends should definitely be tried on for your age, height, weight, status and image request, which we talked about above. Now more about clothes that are best avoided.
1. Bright colors and artsy decor
Nobody says that after 40 only dark things should remain in the wardrobe. On the contrary, bright colors bring freshness and lightness to the image, which women of this age need so much. But when choosing clothes, you should definitely take into account your natural palette and the impression that we are trying to make.
Being at a friend's birthday party in a chic yellow dress and coming to work in it on a weekday are completely different things. Think for yourself: such an outfit attracts too much attention and interested glances, which means that it will definitely not work to discuss working moments and think over an action plan for the near future. For business meetings, it is better to choose calm, endearing shades. For example, emerald, dark blue, beige. And if you want to add bright colors to the image, you can do this with a bag, a beautiful brooch or a belt.
As for decorative elements in the form of flounces, ruffles, they also have a place to be. But such outfits are best left for holidays or meetings with close friends when you want to be gentle, feminine and romantic. At the same time, a blouse with a small amount of lace or a bow around the neck is just more appropriate in a business dress code. It can also be worn complete with a midi skirt to an exhibition or theater.
2. Short skirts and dresses
These wardrobe items are only suitable for beach getaways and themed parties. Unfortunately, knees give away age even more than arms or neck, so your main task is to hide them from prying eyes. Leave the mini to your younger daughter or friend, and focus on how to highlight your strengths and hide weaknesses. By the way, a classic pencil skirt will cope with this task once or twice. She favorably emphasizes the forms, but at the same time it does not look indecent - rather, elegant and sophisticated.
3. Tight things
Such clothes have long been included in the list of anti-trends, so at any age they look strange, emphasizing all the shortcomings. The only wardrobe item in this category that still clings to its former popularity is skinny, but they are already gradually fading into the background, giving way to bell bottoms, momma and classic straight jeans.
We advise you to give up tight things in favor of comfortable clothes that fit well and emphasize all the advantages of the figure, skillfully hiding extra pounds in the waist and hips or full calves. Among these wardrobe items, a loose white shirt with which you can create many spectacular images, high-rise trousers that create the effect of endless legs, elongated jackets.
4. Oversize
Oversized things are very tricky, especially at an elegant age. Of course, a loose sweater can easily become the central accent in the image, but it is clearly not worth complementing it with baggy trousers or a denim jacket three sizes more. Remember: there can be only one oversized item in an outfit.
Borrowed shirts from your husband's wardrobe, oversized coats, loose jeans - these and other items can very well become key details of an oversized look. But only if they are in harmony with the rest of your bow.
If you decide to focus on bulky trousers, then complement them with a turtleneck, not a sweatshirt. Fancy wearing a baggy sweater? It will look great with a pencil skirt below the knee or the usual skinny. Oversized should be the highlight of the image and attract attention. Also, do not overdo it with jewelry - nothing massive and defiant, it is better to limit yourself to small earrings and a pair of rings.
5. Clothes with flashy prints
Despite the widespread belief that bright patterns do not fit into a 40+ woman's wardrobe, fashion proves the opposite. However, you should not overuse this and wear clothes with variegated prints, acid patterns, cartoon characters or youth inscriptions. Everything should be fresh and elegant.
Give preference to things with floral ornaments, unobtrusive geometry, light abstraction. Animal prints also have a place to be, but moderate - a leopard-print total bow in the style of Kim Kardashian is not welcome. Choose a pattern that will help hide imperfections (for example, the vertical is able to stretch the silhouette and hide extra pounds), ideally match your appearance and gently show natural attractiveness.
Remember that all restrictions are rather arbitrary. Take note of them, but always create an image in accordance with your own desires and vision of yourself. After all, it is in individuality that true style is born.
Also take on board 10 tips to help you look young, even if the number in your passport says otherwise