how to dress when you are in your forties

How to Dress When You Are in Your Forties.

Fashion in your forties is about confidence, elegance, and comfort. Wear clothing that suits your tastes and makes you feel good. Enjoy buying new clothes, but don't neglect to mine your wardrobe for clothing that can be altered to fit your current needs.



Method 1 Choosing Flattering Looks.

1. Get your clothes tailored. Most people can't afford to buy clothes made to their specifications. However, getting less expensive clothes tailored can make all the difference in how they look. If your clothes are form-fitting, you're going to look that much more pulled together. When in your 40s, being able to pull together a professional look is a must.

2. Go for colors that flatter you instead of trendy colors. Trendy colors change every season, but if you pick colors that look good with your complexion, you'll always look fashionable. If you're not sure what your colors are, try on a variety at the store. You'll be able to tell what colors look best on you.

If you're not sure, take a friend with you to help.

3. Be daring with your accessories. Just because you're in your 40s, that doesn't mean you must switch to a boring wardrobe. Jazz up your outfits by trying out things like boots, belts, jewelry, hats, and other accessories.

For instance, a pair of leather boots can add edge to your look, while a fashionable leather belt can dress up some plain jeans.

Scarves look especially glamorous on people over 40. Pick colorful or patterned scarf to brighten up a monochrome outfit. Make sure to pick a breathable fabric that feels good against your skin. Comfort is part of the look.

4. Add some shapewear, if you'd like. Shapewear are garments that go under your clothes to help smooth out your figure. Generally, they are made out of spandex. Keep in mind, though, that these items can be very warm.

It's also a good idea to hide any underwear lines. You can achieve that with shapewear, but you can also pick undergarments that don't show as much, such as lace underwear.

If shapewear isn't your thing, consider adding undershirts to help smooth out lines.

5. Highlight your best features. By your 40s, you should know what your favorite features are. For instance, if you have great legs or muscular arms, don't be afraid to wear shorts or sleeveless tops. Modesty is outdated: show off what you have!



Method 2 Updating Your Wardrobe.

1. Edit your wardrobe. Start by taking out things you haven't worn in years. You're not likely to wear them again. Then, look at the pieces you wear the most. Buy clothing similar to these pieces as you rebuild your wardrobe.

Tailor your old favorites to fit the new you. If you have old suits or nice pants that you love, consider getting the seams let out a bit so you can keep wearing them.

2. Pick higher end fabrics. You may be able to afford better fabrics now that you're in your 40s, and you should choose them when you can. They flatter your body more, and they'll last much longer than cheap fabrics.

Opt for natural fabrics, such as silk, wool, and cotton, and skip fabrics like polyester and acrylic.

3. Go for what feels right. When your in your 40s, you've had a chance to experiment with a lot of styles. Now, you can settle down into your "style": what fits you well, makes you feel fantastic, and is appropriate for your lifestyle. For instance, if you work as a professional, maybe your style is clean and elegant. Focus in on items that fit your style, such as tailored suits, professional shoes, and minimal accessories.

On the other hand, your aesthetic may lean more towards a free-style hippie-type look, if you work from home and prefer to be comfortable. That's fine, too! Wear what you love.

4. Pick up a few designer items. While creating a whole wardrobe out of designer items can get expensive, having a few items can elevate your look. Mix them with non-designer items, and your outfit will look more expensive overall.



Method 3 Knowing What to Avoid.

1. Ditch uncomfortable cuts for clothes that feel good to wear. When you're younger, wearing frills and lace or skin-tight t-shirts is fine. As you get older, you want a bit more sophistication. Go for things that are a bit more subtle. For instance, instead of a lacy, frilly neckline, pick a wrap neckline. Instead of a skintight t-shirt, opt for something like a turtleneck.

2. Keep your looks clean and unfussy. Adding too many items can make you look overdone. In your 40s, you want to look classy, but you want it to come off as effortless. That means editing each look so that you don't look overdone.

For instance, instead of wearing a necklace, earrings, bracelet, rings, and a scarf, just pick 1 or 2 items to complement your look. Similarly, you may want to wear either a tie pin or cuff links, not both.

3. Get rid of worn-out clothing. Young adults can get away with ripped jeans and t-shirts and still look cute. However, as you get older, try to skip pieces that you've worn until they're threadbare. You an still get away with fashionably ripped pieces, but try pairing them with nicer pieces, such as ripped jeans with a nice top