FashBlog.com

Although 40 used to be considered middle-aged or over the hill, today's 40-something women are confident, sexy, stylish and sophisticated. The biggest rule today is that there are no rules. You are only limited by your own imagination and lifestyle. By following a few simple fashion guidelines, there is no reason you cannot be as fashionable at 40 as you ever were.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY.

The number one key to dressing fashionably after the age of 40 is to stay in shape. When your body is in good physical condition, clothes of any kind fit better and look better. Also, when you look good, you feel good, and your positive, healthy attitude is going to reflect itself in the way you carry yourself. Women who take care of their bodies and stay in great physical shape can get away with wearing just about anything. Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated, dewy and glowing. Get plenty of aerobic exercise by walking, running or bicycling regularly to maintain your youthful energy. Do regular strength training with weights to keep your muscles toned and to maintain proper posture. If you want to wear today's fashionably jeans, which are lower cut, do plenty of crunches each and every day to keep your abdominal muscles toned and your stomach flat. Take care that your diet is nutritious. Watch that your diet is not too high in fat, to avoid bumps and bulges that will ruin an otherwise perfect outfit. Eat plenty of green, leafy vegetables and take a vitamin supplement, if necessary, to keep your skin healthy in appearance.

KNOW WHAT FASHIONS WORK BEST FOR YOU AND YOUR BODY.

Too often, when we are deciding what clothes to buy or to wear, we neglect that instinctive voice that tells us what is right. Get in touch with your intuition and listen to it. You know better than anyone what looks good on you, what feels good on you, what works, what does not work. Do not let anyone else tell you differently. If you feel great in something, then it works. If you feel uncertain, then your hesitancy is probably a sign that this particular look is not the right one for you. When the bottom line decision is made, the most important thing is whether you are happy with how you look and how you feel in your clothes. The opinions of magazine editors, fashion designers and salespeople mean nothing if you are not happy with how you look.

IF YOU FIND SOMETHING THAT WORKS, BUY IT IN A RUN OF COLORS.

Many times when we are shopping for just the right look, we come away disappointed. Now and then, we are pleasantly surprised by one or two items that work well, although not splendidly. On a rare occasion, we suddenly encounter that absolutely perfect dress, skirt, blouse, pair of slacks or shoes. You know what I am talking about, that fashion item that makes us feel beautiful, sophisticated, sexy and on top of the world. When you find something like that, do not hesitate. Not only should you buy it, you should buy it in a run of colors and incorporate it into your wardrobe. When a style makes you feel this good, go with it.

AVOID BEING TRENDY FOR THE SAKE OF TRENDINESS.

After the age of 40, it is especially important to avoid being trendy just for the sake of being trendy. Most fads and trends in clothing are fleeting and are better suited to the youth of today. That does not mean you should not participate in the fun. Just be careful that you are not wearing something that is trendy simply because it is trendy. Pick and choose your wardrobe based on what looks good on you. This may mean discarding some trendy fashions as unsuitable for you, not because of your age necessarily, but because they are not best suited to your more mature body type.

AVOID CLOTHING THAT IS TOO YOUTHFUL IN APPEARANCE.

One of the biggest fashion taboos for the over 40 crowd is wearing youthful clothing in an attempt to look younger. More often than not, this attempt to regain a youthful appearance through youthful clothing backfires miserably. Fashions which are designed for teens and young adults are designed specifically with that particular demographic's youth in mind. Those styles are meant to flatter and to show off young bodies. When more mature women try to recapture their youth by wearing these styles, they usually come away looking older, rather than younger. There are many ways to maintain or to recapture your youthful glow and appearance. Wearing clothes that are very specifically designed for today's youth is not one of them. That having been said, do not avoid youthful clothing simply because it is youthful. Judge each and every item of clothing on its own merit, and decide, based only on the appearance of that particular item, and the way it flatters (or does not flatter) your figure, whether it is right for you. When it comes to clothing that is generally not intended for more mature women, be brutally honest with yourself before you decide to incorporate it into your wardrobe.

MAKE THE MOST OF ACCESSORIES.

Accessories are the very best place for a more mature woman to show off her every-youthful spark and playfulness. Maybe you can't quite pull off a micro mini skirt or low slung, hip hugging jeans anymore, but that does not mean you can't pull together a look that is every bit as youthful and fun. If you want to try out some of the newer fashion trends, here is the place to do it. To liven up a more sophisticated style, try trendy belts, scarves, hats, gloves and sunglasses. Fashionable and trendy jewelry will also add fun and flair to your look. Experiment with stylish earrings, necklaces and bracelets. Even trendy boots and shoes can put the finishing touches on a great look, provided you avoid those that are too trendy and are not suited to your particular style.

REDEFINE WHAT IS SEXY.

What is sexy at the age of 20, or even at the age of 30, is not necessarily what is sexy at the age of 40, or what will be sexy at the age of 50 or 60. As we age, we become more mature, wiser, more experienced, more learned, more patient, more aware of our life's priorities, more focused, more determined, and more at peace with who we are. These changes should be reflected not only internally, but in your appearance as well. Sexiness at the age of 40 is something far more subtle and more rich than sexiness at the age of 20. Being sexy at age 40 means more than wearing a short skirt, a low-cut top, a pair of tight blue jeans or a pair of stiletto heels. As you become more comfortable in your own skin, let this show in your wardrobe as well. Wear clothes that fit well, that are attractive, that make you feel good, that make you feel sexy, and that are an outward reflection of what you feel inside. Whatever wear, you should feel proud, confident and comfortable. Now that is what is sexy.

KEEP ABREAST OF FASHION CHANGES.

One of the best ways to keep your wardrobe looking fresh and stylish is to keep yourself informed about changes in fashion and styles. Pick two or three of your favorite over-40 celebrities, those whose style and appearance you admire and who always seem to look great in their clothes. Follow them in fashion magazines and on television to see what styles they are wearing. Many of today's over-40 fashion divas successfully pull off more youthful styles with grace, style and aplomb. Take a look at how they do it, and see what they do differently than a 20-year old wearing a similar style. Watch red carpet events on television, as well as the Style Channel, to learn about fashion trends and tips. Nothing will make your wardrobe look more old, outdated or tired than wearing clothes that have not been in style for years.

BE WILLING TO BREAK THE RULES.

Now that you have learned some of the general rules about fashion over 40, the most important thing to remember is that you have to be willing to break them. Fashion rules are made up of generalities and guidelines. They are based on what works for most women, but not for each and every woman. Although it is generally not a great idea for a woman over the age of 40 to walk out the door in a short, short skirt, that rule depends on both the skirt and the woman. Women like Kim Cattrall and Sharon Stone can pull off a short skirt look, and do. Don't avoid color, and by all means don't stick with a wardrobe of solid black. Be adventurous and be willing to show off your personality in your wardrobe. Learn the basics, keep abreast of fashion developments, know what works best for you, and then be ready and willing to break the over-40 fashion rules when it suits you...and when it works.

Copyright (c) 2005 by Leanne Phillips