I am 40-something, and I have long hair. Not longish. Long. As in halfway down my back long. And I have no apologies. This is how I like to wear it, and I’ll wear it this way until I change my mind. There is a lot of truth to the adage that you are only as old as you feel. And that 40 is the new 30. Anytime I get discouraged by the number, I mentally list all the gorgeous celebs who are in their 40s. Jennifer Aniston. Jennifer Lopez. Halle Berry. And then I get even more discouraged because I don’t look anything like them. Ha! Anyway, the rules have changed, and I am thankful for that!
The key to looking stylish and not silly after the age of, oh, 25, is to strive for balance. Wear one trendy item and you can look amazing (provided it suits you!). Wear 3, and you’ve veered off into dangerous territory. You may find this comforting or frustrating, but the truth is that there are few hard or fast rules anymore, but there are a few guidelines. Here, how to answer the question: Am I too old to wear that?
Ripped Jeans
A little rippage goes a long way. A skinny sleek jean with slightly ripped knees works on virtually anyone. A distressed, destroyed jean is a very youthful look, and should probably stop around the time you stop going to music festivals. 30, tops. The older you get, the more refined and classic the look needs to become. At 30, you can still wear the ripped jeans with a trendy little top and funky shoes, but by 50, replace it with a classic tee and simple strappy sandals.
Wear These….
Not these…
Ripped jeans, $30, Boohoo.com
Matched Sets
Fashion is nothing if not occasionally contradictory, and I’m okay with that. It’s a woman’s prerogative to change her mind. After years of telling you to break up your matched sets (they’re not married!), I’m about to tell you how cool they suddenly are. It’s not really my fault. I mean, I just call it as I see it, and they’re cute again. So cute, and also so versatile, because you can wear them together or separately.
Too Young
Too Old
Just Right
Floral Dress
Nothing says warm weather style like a feminine floral dress! The key to pulling this off at any age is to pick a contemporary floral in a sleek or classic style. Prints can be tricky, though. A tiny, ditsy floral can make you look like your baby daughter or your grandmother, depending on the style, and some bright, splashy prints scream matronly, while others are chic and contemporary. One clue? Look at the label, and the model, for helpful hints on who the dress is made for!
Too Young
Too Old
Just Right
The overarching theme here? If you steer clear of extremes, incorporating a few trends into your wardrobe can help it feel fresh and current.
Nada Manley says
I will be 50 in March and totally agree with that. These are guidelines, and I definitely thing that it is a very individual thing. Dress for how you look and feel, and not just a number… My style is not at all classic. That said, some guidelines can be really helpful.
Brenda says
Hello ! I am turning 50 this year and I somewhat disagree with your perceptions of what someone my age should wear . I am very youthful and active being a runner , I’m not ready for the matronly boring “classic “ look that is suggested . I wear jeans with some destruction and small rips and I can rock that look better than most women half my age. Dress in what makes you feel and look good !
Nada Manley says
Thanks for the comment Gloria! You sound like you have amazing style, but I think a great place to start is by choosing accessories that are more fun and that add personality to your classic pieces. For example, for your classic but casual style, you could wear slim white jeans and a silky blouse with a statement necklace and beautiful flats. I love this necklace and it’s so versatile, stylish but classic. https://www.baublebar.com/product/36611-london-statement-necklace?sku=36611 and these shoes, http://www.bodenusa.com/en-us/womens-shoes-boots/flats/a0163-blu/womens-ultra-blue-rowan-slipper-shoes. (Actually, all the shoes on Boden are adorable and I had a hard time picking one.) I hope this helps. Definitely have fun and experiment with accessories, but keep it to one or two statement pieces at a time. Another tip is to make sure should shoes, bag and jewelry are all fresh and not dated or aging. The final tip I have is to try to wear what you have in unexpected ways. For example, if you have a white pair of pants, search Pinterest for white pants outfit ideas and see how you can recreate one of those looks with something from your closet. Or challenge yourself to wear your separates in a new way every time, and not in the same “outfits” on repeat. Does that help? I’m here if you have any more questions!
Gloria W says
I’m both young at heart and looks 65 plus and love classic dressing but find that the way I put them together makes me look older that I want to. Any help you can provide would be appreciated. I love shopping and have closets full of clothes but nothing to wear. Since I’m retired, my style is more on the casual side.
Nada Manley says
Ooh… good question. I think it has a lot to do with the shape you are in, but I think 40 is a safe time to stop, for most women. LOL
galen carpenter says
How old is too old for Daisy Duke jean cutoffs