Many women feel that once they cross the age of 40, they cannot dress fashionably anymore. However, that is far from the truth. With the right styles and fabrics, women over 40 can look stylish, elegant and graceful. The key is to choose outfits that flatter your body type rather than blindly following trends.
Ethnic Wears
Ethnic wears like lehengas, salwar suits and kurtis are extremely versatile options for women over 40. They come in a variety of fabrics like cotton, silk, chanderi, georgette etc. You can opt for solid colors or prints depending on your preference. Stay away from heavy embroideries and embellishments. Light embroidery along the neckline or hemline looks classy and elegant.
Cotton and silk lehengas with short cholis can be paired with dupattas for a graceful look. Straight cut or A-line lehengas are more figure flattering at this age. Salwar suits with straight pants highlight your legs while hiding problem areas around the tummy. Go for kurtis in flowy fabrics like georgette or chiffon. Pair them with leggings or churidars for a fusion look.
Western Wears
You can still wear western outfits like dresses, gowns, skirts etc. after 40. Stick to knee-length, midi or maxi dresses in wrap, fit and flare or empire waist styles. They cinch at the waist to enhance your curves. Monochrome dresses in black, blue, grey look very elegant. You can even layer dresses over shirts or leggings.
Pencil skirts that hit below the knee along with a smart blouse or shirt make perfect office or formal wear. Denim skirts paired with t-shirts and jackets have a casual vibe. Maxi skirts and dresses in flowy fabrics like chiffon and georgette make great evening wear options.
Tops, T-shirts & Pants
Solid color t-shirts in cotton, linen or silk fabrics look stylish yet understated. Pair them with jeans, palazzos or skirts for a trendy look. Opt for V-necks, boat necks and square necks rather than very deep U neck t-shirts. Tops with unique necklines, puffed sleeves, embroidery along the hemline, etc. elevate basic t-shirts.
Well fitting jeans including skinny jeans work well when you cross 40 provided you pair them right. You can tuck in t-shirts or layer long cardigans over jeans. Cotton palazzos with neutral prints and colors can be paired with kurtis, tunics and t-shirts across seasons. Linen or silk pants in solid hues also make great choices.
The Accessories
Scarves, stoles and dupattas can take any outfit from basic to fabulous. Use them to cover up problem areas like upper arms or to add an element of grace. Metallic shoes and bags also lend a stylish touch. Jewelry pieces like danglers, hoops, bangles and cuffs in silver, gold and fashion jewelry further help glam up mature women’s outfits.
The most important accessory however is your confidence. Carry off those greys with pride and walk with your head held high to look truly fashionable after 40