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My 14 y/o son has coind a term for when we go out shopping, "OPC" = Old Peoples Clothes. Used like, "No mom, don't get that shirt, OPC." My response, "Thanks."
I am 42 and I wear clam pants and kurta tops that are not too big, and make me look good....a good place to get clothes that are decent and do not cost a fortune are at the thirft store...yard sales....and flea markets....however Kohl's does have nice clothing that does look too old and it also depends on your taste in clothes and what you really like....if you are happy in it go for it...as long you are not showing you whole body...you can cover up and still look nice if the clothing is cut right....hope this helps...
I think the best advice for anyone who doesn't know quite what to wear, whether they're in the 30s, 40s, or 50s, etc. is to find someone's style you like and to mimic it until you develop your own personal style.
Also, the big difference between fashion under 40 vs. over 40 is about accessories. When you're younger accessories don't really matter, but after 40 it's all about the accessories as much as how well clothes fit, look, etc.
What do I mean by accessories??? It's not just about jewelry, handbags, shoes, etc. but first and foremost about personal maintenance and good health -- hair, skin, nails, and living well. Ultimately, it's about being polished yet not contrived. That's what "style" is over 40.
I am 43 and have been the same size 4 the last 20+ years so for me it's not about "what I can pull off," it's about being authentic.
I feel like I look ok most of the time. I really try and make sure that what I am buying is not too young, and if I have any doubts, my girls, 16 and 10 are only too happy to clear it up for me!
I have always been a sort of "preppy" dresser - what my mom always called "classic". I feel comfortable in what I wear and feel like I have not thrown in the towel just because I am over 40. If anything, I am more mindful about working with what I have! For the most part, I wear a lot of Charter Club from Macy's, Lands' End, J. Crew, and pieces from Target that look as good as a lot of the more expensive brands. I think the most important thing is knowing what looks good on YOU, and wearing many variations of that look, you know what I mean?
Also, since it has been 3 kids and a few years since I was 20, I have to accommodate the body I really have - not the one I had before, not the one that I WISH I had..the one I actually have. If I find something that fits and looks good, I buy it in several colors, that way I have a formula for success instead of trying to cram myself into pants that are for bodies that have not lived as long as I have...
Coming from CA, with what I consider to be a fairly youth focused culture, I do feel some pressure. It seems that 40 is the new 30...the good thing is that for most part I have always dressed the way I do now, so it won't matter if when I am 50 it is the new 40 - I will not modify my look that much.
Well, probably more than you wanted to hear, really, but I think in simple terms, wear what you feel good in and what looks good on you!
i am 43 and wear what i have always worn-Wranglers or Levi jeans, my favorite custom cowboy boots, pearl snap button down shirts or t-shirts, cowboy hat or baseball hat...that's about it. but then again, i live in Texas
Sleveless tops are iffy....Skirts that are too long. Tops that try to cover the hips, they always make the butt look even bigger. Heavy sweaters, turtlenecks. Again, they just add unneeded bulk to older women.
Avoid all things loose, baggy, shapeless, and elastic. Buy clothes with tailoring.
I think this is different based on body type- not age. My mother is 58 and constantly complaining she can't find the right kind of clothes. She sticks to Lord and Taylor- loves Ralph Lauren... anyway- she is tone, very tall with long legs, and very thin... so, much of the above suggestion does not apply to her. She has a great figure- but doesn't want to wear slinky clothes- as she feels that isn't age appropriate (and I do agree)... but she does want to have flare/pizaz/punch/be shi-shi la-la and look hip... I really don't know WHY they don't have more clothes that apply to this age group of women... something needs to be done.
I have problems finding anything recently too. I think clothing overall takes a down turn in the summer. And recently not to much looks flattering or appealing. I am in between age sets.
Other stores:
I wear alot of White and Black...
Low Rise jeans too..They are way more comfy than high rise jeans. I am 5'8 so I do not like those kinds of pants lol........
I am 43 and dress hip I think. I will never wear polyester ever............
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