Look Fabulous in Your 40s!

Today is all about the 40s....my decade!!  I remember when I was in my 20s thinking that people in their 40s were soooo old, but as I came closer to reaching that decade myself I realized that it's not about the number but about how you feel.  Now I'm almost at the end of my fortieth decade, and even though like most women, I do not look forward to getting older, I am trying to embrace it with a smile & some class!

For me the 40s has meant many things.  I believe I've looked the best I've ever looked during this decade, as my personal style evolved into something that reflects who I am more.  Despite the fact that physically obviously I'm not in as great shape as I was in my 20s (but then, who is?), I do feel like I've come into my own.  I am more confident than I've ever been, and I have found my own style and I know what works for me and my shape and what doesn't.  Would I like to be a few pounds lighter?  Sure I would - but I don't obsess about it anymore.  I've realized that I can look and feel great whether I'm a size 8 or a size 12, it really doesn't matter as long as I am happy and healthy.  And I've received more compliments in my 40s than any other decade - go figure!!

So here are a few of my tips for looking and feeling fabulous in your 40s...

• Find a refined frock.  You want a mature but not matronly look.  More covered-up cuts that fall at the knee or just below are appropriate, but there are plenty of pieces that still have sex appeal.  A form-fitting shape, cinched-in waist, or strategic cut-outs will do the trick.
• Opt for a more subdued yet modern top.  it's a no-brainer: a stark shirt is super-versatile and universally flattering.  Something more complex, however, like a frothy, frilled piece, can be an outfit maker.  But choose wisely; when going for something with detail, pick a solid, sophisticated shade.
• Stick to fine and feminine skirts.  Demonstrate more restraint when it comes to showing leg - but not necessarily with your skirt style.  A full, pleated cut looks sweet and womanly, while a below-the-knee pencil is a sleek standard.  Also, fancy details on a skirt give your look an interesting, high-quality air.
• Consider a well constructed jacket cut.  Whether it's to be worn with jeans or a dress, your blazer or coat should have structure.  Shapes that emphasize the hourglass look stylized and sophisticated. A roomier, boxier cut will easily go over any outfit.

My choice for someone who looks fabulous in her 40s is the amazing Cate Blanchett.  She is an extreme talent, stunningly beautiful, and has a fantastic personal style.  She manages to look both graceful and hip, and her eclectic style choices are evident in some of the images below.  She really does pull off how to look amazing in this decade.  Some women look as though they're trying too hard.  It's a big mistake that many women make during this decade, because they still want to look youthful and hip, but many times they get it wrong.  Cate gets it right and is a great example of how to look on-trend but age-appropriate in your 40s.

Look fabulous in your 30s...

Continuing my fabulous at every age series, today I'm covering the 30s....oh how I remember those days well!!  For me the 30s was the time when I felt more confident with who I was, started to finally make peace with my body, and really found my style evolving.  I was happy to experiment with different looks, and rather than be a slave to fashion and all the latest trends, I went with what worked for me.  I also discovered the art of accessorizing, and loved being able to completely change the look of an outfit by changing up the accessories.  So, for the ladies who are entering their 30s or are still in that wonderful decade, here are some tips for you.

• Go for a dress in a new silhouette.  Whether it's below the knee or above, revealing, roomy, or in between, pick a shape that's interesting and unique.  Try contrasting shades, metallics, and pops of brights.  The idea is to look cool and confident. Move beyond the super-slinky and girly stuff.
• Your shirt should have an edge.  It can be a crisp button-up silk blouse, or a simple tee, but it should have a fresh twist.  Neat ruffles, a prim scarf-tie, or a bit of ruching can turn a basic into something bold.
• Seek out skirts with style.  Though it's a feminine signature, a skirt doesn't have to be mumsy!  Look for pieces that are either sharp and severe or soft and subtle.  A sculpted pencil shape with a high waist is seriously sophisticated but not stuffy, while a swingy, short skirt adds attitude.
• Top off your look with something striking.  Your coat or jacket is an integral part of your wardrobe, so pick a piece that makes a statement. A trim, architectural jacket can be just as dramatic as a bold animal-print coat.

My pick for a woman who looks fabulous in her 30s is the beautiful Kate Winslet.  Not only is she supremely talented as an actress, but she has evolved so much since her 'Titanic' days.  She finally seems comfortable in her skin and seems to have embraced her curves, and her confidence is evident in every photo.  Her style is simple and streamlined, elegant and polished.  

Looking fabulous in your 20s...

Yesterday I started my piece on looking fabulous at every stage in life....so today I'm going to start by covering the 20s.  I remember those years well, and even though I hadn't fully evolved my style, I did experiment with lots of different looks, including the trends of that era which included big shoulder pads, big hair, and....well, everything was BIG!  After all, it was the eighties!!  But that's what the 20s are all about - it's about youth, and experimenting and being able to get away with almost anything!

Here are some pointers for 20s dressing.....

• Pick a fun frock!  Ultra-feminine, lighthearted, colorful, and flirty are the qualities to look for in a dress, whether it's for night or day.  Don't be afraid to show a little skin here and there, but remember to maintain a level of decency girls!  If your dress is revealing on top, make sure the hemline is a little longer.  If it's short, the silhouette should be more restrained.
• Try a top with personality.  It could have loads of ruffles, highlight your decolletage in a strapless cut, or even be a washed-out rocker tee - as long as it's interesting.  We all know the youthful set loves jeans, which go with every sort of shirt and blouse, so let your top set the tone for your look.
• When it comes to skirts, think sweet or sexy.  Twenty-somethings can pull off charming pouf, pleated, and bubble-hemmed skirts.  If you have the body for it, go for minis, tight or full.  Either way, your top should be toned down when your skirt is special.
• Experiment with jackets and coats.  Wear a tailored blazer over a floaty frock, a sleek leather bomber with a breezy, floral blouse, or a girly, princess-cut coat atop skinny jeans and a tank.

My pick for how a twenty-something should look is the lovely & talented Carey Mulligan.  Not only am I a huge fan of her work (An Education is one of my favorite films), I am also a huge fan of her style.  She manages to look fresh and young, and has an eclectic style that exudes radiance and youth.  

Fashion mistake number 5...

The last of the massive fashion mistakes is number 5.....having outdated hair and makeup! 

You might have a closet full of clothes in all the right colors that are stylish, modern and age appropriate, but if you get dressed in the morning, look in the mirror and still see your grandmother, you can blame it on your hair and makeup.

Nothing ages a woman more than an outdated hairstyle and makeup!

You know your hair is stuck in a time warp if it's too perfectly coiffed and as stiff as a bird's nest, it's so long and shapeless that it hangs down droopily and sad looking, it's flat and dull as dishwater, colored in a solid jet black or platinum blonde, or have an 80s perm!  You also know it's outdated if no one ever compliments you on your hair - ever!

Outdated makeup is even more obvious.  Overtweezed brows, heavy contoured cheekbones, blue shiny eyeshadow, frosted everything, visible traced lip liner, mud brown or mauve lips that make you look like you've got one foot in the grave.....get the picture?

You might think the solution to an outdated hairstyle is to simply run out and get the latest cut, but I caution you about doing this.  As I always say, "it's all about the hair", and it's something you should put time and effort into before making the decision for a drastic change.  Women are very sensitive about making any changes, however slight, to this very personal feminine accessory. 


Flip through magazines, study hairstyles, think about your hair texture and be realistic about what type of style will be flattering and manageable for you.  If it's a hairstyle that is a lot of maintenance,
will you give up after a few day's and revert back to your old, comforting 'do'?  Think about your face shape and what would be a flattering look for you.  Find a good hairstylist whom you trust, and talk to him/her first to get advice and feedback on what would work for you. 

And remember, that modern hair needs to move!  If there's a gale force wind and your hair still doesn't move, it's not good!  No matter what length you decide on, layering is always a good idea so that it can move.  It should be soft and shiny, and if colored should be multi-dimensional.  Warmer tones always flatter the skin tone more as we age, and going lighter one shade never hurts either to
soften things up.  Jet black hair on a mature woman is aging, so steer clear of this big no no!

Your makeup should follow suit.  Less harsh, more natural is the goal.  Concealer, minimalfoundation (there are some great tinted moisturizers out there now which I love),  a little blush, a neutral eye and mascara.  Gently touch up your brows to frame the eyes and make you look fresh and
youthful.  And remember ladies, if you are going to have a bold or smoky eye look for a night out on the town, keep the lip neutral.  If you're going to have a bold lip like red, then keep the eye makeup simple.  It's always one or the other - never both!  They key is to look like yourself, just a more enhanced version and not like bozo the clown!

Hanging onto outdated hair and makeup is like looking at an old photograph.  It may have been a
wonderful moment in the 80s, but the reality is we will not look that way again.  Time marches on
and if your hair and makeup don't change with the times you're going to look physically and mentally frozen in the past.

Don't be afraid to change your look - most women feel truly liberated when they find the courage to do this.  Look at yourself in the mirror and ask yourself "am I looking the best I can or am I
holding onto the past?"......only you can answer that question and make the decision to start the
journey to reinvention.  It's not as hard as it sounds.....





If you look like any of the above outdated images then ladies there's a serious problem!!  Start thinking about making the changes to look like this!  See below...