5 Ways To Hone Your Personal Style Over 40
Let’s talk about personal style over 40…
Did you have a little mini identity crisis after you turned 40? It’s ok, I won’t tell anyone! Personally I’ve multiple identity crisis’ in the three years since I turned 40, with no signs of slowing down! One of the little crisis’ you may be going through, have gone through, or will go through, is a personal style one. What are you supposed to wear now? Has your style evolution stopped just because you qualify for AAARP? Do you need to start dressing like a Mennonite (no offense, Mennonites)? Is it all Eileen Fisher, all the time? Um, no. I say the opposite. Now is the time to ramp up your personal style, not stifle it…so here are five ways to hone your personal style.
Get Inspired
Take some time to browse through Pinterest, Instagram, TikTok, even some old school magazines to find inspiration for your personal style. Take note of what you’re drawn to, and if you’re feeling especially inspired you can create mood boards, vision boards, Pinterest boards, all the boards! Do you gravitate to classic, edgy, bohemian, preppy? Your personal style should be a reflection of YOU. And remember to consider your lifestyle, personality, and the level of care you’re willing to invest in your clothes, no dry clean only for this girlie.
Invest In Timeless Pieces
Listen, I love a trend as much as the next gal, but now is the time to invest in some classic pieces you can wear for years to come. And just because something is a timeless classic, doesn’t mean it can’t reflect different personal styles! Take for instance the ultimate timeless classic, the LBD, little black dress. If my style is classic, my LBD and how I wear it will be very different than someone who has an edgy style. The same is true for accessories like a classic leather bag. How you would style classic pieces is a great insight into your personal style.
Play With Accessories
Accessories can be an easy (and more affordable) way to elevate your outfits and add a personal touch. Personally, I’m probably known for my big dumb hats, while someone like Luann de Lesseps is known for her statement necklaces (the countess and I in the same sentence, who would have thought), and these little touches can really take your outfit up a couple notches. It’s also an easier, less committed way to test out aesthetics.
Color, Pattern, Texture, Shine
Looking back on TLC’s What Not To Wear, there is plenty to cringe at (why did they always want to make club-wear business casual? ), but one valuable lesson I learned was “color, pattern, texture, shine”. We are not stuck in plain neutrals just because we’re over 40! Experiment, baby! Try colors you’ve shied away from in the past, mix and match prints, add textured fabrics! You never know till you try.
Embrace Comfort And Confidence
You can have the most amazing, perfectly styled fitted outfit on, but if you’re uncomfortable and fixin and futzin with your clothes, you’re not going to look or feel great. Clothes should make you feel better when you put them on, not worse. Pay attention to outfits that make you feel more confident. Maybe you realize the combo of blazer and trousers makes you feel like a bad bitch, take note!
Your forties (and beyond) are a great time to hone your personal style and embrace your bourgeoning fashion sense. By defining your personal style, you can create a wardrobe that shows the world exactly who you are…or at least who you are on that particular day. Babe, you’ve made it this far, have a little fun with your clothes!
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