Style in Your 40s

You’ll find that you’re like fine wine – you get better with age. There’s such a taboo around aging for women, and there shouldn’t be. While everyone basks in their 20s and 30s, there’s nothing wrong with getting older, wiser, and even more stylish. As you get older, you’ll realize that there were a few trends you could get away with during your younger years that might no longer seem appropriate. You might even be tempted to dress younger, but sometimes that can have the opposite effect. There’s nothing wrong with dressing like you’re 40! Your style doesn’t have to diminish in your 40s. From fashion to beauty, here’s how you can master style in your 40s.

Starting with fashion, there are some definite dos and don’ts. First, it’s time to give up those daisy dukes and micro miniskirts. If you were still wearing this style in your 30s, you should consider donating them or keeping them for wear around the house. And as you phase out short shorts and miniskirts from your closet, you should consider adding ripped denim to the list, too. You might think this is an edgy look, but wearing ripped denim past a certain age can unfortunately make your outfit look dated.

Now let’s cover the fashion dos. If you haven’t before, it’s time to play with textures! You don’t need miniskirts to be sexy, so try a leather pencil skirt for a classy look. If you’re dressing up for a night out, try a satin dress. Feel free to play with lengths and add a few asymmetrical designs to your closet. These styles are chic without being “in your face.” You might think style in your 40s is about making sure you’re seen, but you don’t need to be over the top to be noticed and this continues with your jewelry. Instead of stacking your favorite pieces, keep your jewelry minimal.

You’re now ready to stun everyone with your fashion sense, but what about beauty? When it comes to hair, nails, and makeup, there are a few things to keep in mind. Your 40s are the best time to go shorter with your hair. Truth be told, hip or even waist-length hair can make women look older once they’ve reached a certain age especially if they’ve started graying. While you don’t have to say goodbye to all your locks, consider mid-length hair cuts. Think Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie. Awkward! Anyway, these two actresses are perfect hair examples.

As you go shorter with your hair, consider doing the same for your nails. You might want extremely long, dramatic nails, but shorter can often be better. While you can still play around with colors and designs, start getting a trim on those long, stiletto length manicures.

Last, but not least, we have makeup! You might be tempted to cover up your “problem areas” with foundation, concealer, and powder. If you’re dealing with the start of fine lines and wrinkles, you should know that piling on complexion products can exacerbate the issue. Instead, go in with a light hand. In your 40s, a natural look might work best for you. That means using less powders, brow gels, mascaras, and more. If you truly want a more natural look, focus on perfecting your own beautiful qualities. Go in with a lighter hand on your face products. Plump up your lashes with a volumizing serum that thickens and lengthens your lashes so you won’t even need mascara. Beauty in your 40s is all about embracing and enhancing your natural qualities.

Just because you’re in your 40s doesn’t mean you have to give up on style. If anything, all you need to do is tweak a few things. Style doesn’t diminish as you get older. It becomes classier and more refined, and you can still be sexy. You just have to know how to dress the part. And now with these fashion and beauty tips, you’ll bring a new meaning to style in your 40s.