When it comes to fashion in your 40's, for me it's no different to any other age. Fashion should be fun and you should wear what makes you feel good. Part of that fun is putting outfits together and over the years I've formed quite a few fail-safe options that I rely on again and again.
Styling outfits in your 40's is all about one thing for me: Proportions. When getting dressed, ask yourself what you want to draw attention to. Do you want to cinch in your waist? Maybe you a fan of a shorter hem line? Or you might be keen to try and embrace new shapes but don't quite know where to start? Fashion is for everyone, and it's important to understand your body shape and dress in a way that makes you feel happy and confident.
Over the last few years, I’ve been trying to live more sustainably and although a large part of my job is spent researching trends, scrolling through new-in pages and writing about hot new collections, I don't actually shop that much. Shocking, I know! That’s mainly because I truly believe in creating a capsule wardrobe full of favourites you can wear all year round, as well as trying to get as much usage out of your wardrobe as possible.
This winter, my wardrobe consists of sweater vests (I'm currently on the look out for a vintage oversized version in navy FYI), which I’ll be layering over shirts and leather leggings, printed midi dresses teamed with oversized blazers, and matchy matchy knitted co-ords. As a Fashion Editor in her 40s, these are the outfits I rely on as the temperature drops and the chill sets in. Practical yet stylish, timeless yet with trend-led details, they’re my cold-weather go-tos. Plus, they can be easily dressed up or down with a simple change of accessories. What’s not to love?
Of course, our favourite influencers are also dab hands at pulling an outfit together, offering us new and stylish ways to wear what's most likely already in our wardrobe. Scroll on to discover my 6 favourite outfits that work for those of us in the 40-something bracket, plus all the pieces you might need to help recreate them.
1. THREE PIECE TAILORED SUIT
Style Notes: Previously reserved just for workwear, tailoring is now a firm favourite amongst the fashion set. Try a three piece like Alexis, wear a blazer and trouser combo or mix and match entirely: I love a waistcoat or blazer with straight leg slouchy denim.
Shop the look:
I've spotted this blazer all over instagram.
Style with the matching trousers.
This looks so premium IRL.
2. KNITTED CO-RD + KITTEN HEELS
Style Notes: I just love a co-ord. Perfect for those days when you can't think what to wear (yes stylist's have them, too) they're comfy, chic and so flattering. Not to mention cosy, too, Style them now with a knee-high flat boot now, sandals come summer and heeled mules in the evening.
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I'm obsessed with how soft this two piece is.
I'm sold on the elasticated waist band and the wool fabrication.
Emma's mules are such classics.
3. SWEATER VEST + MIDI DRESS + CHUNKY BOOT
Style Notes: Now we are in the throws of winter, I love to style my dresses with an added layer, whether that's with a roll neck underneath or a sweater vest over the top as seen above. I'm also always up for mixing sheer feminine pieces like this dress against a chunky masculine boot.
Shop the look:
Size up for a slouchy fit.
The nipped in waist is perfect if like me you're not a fan of a boxy silhouette and wait to show off your waist (or create the illusion of one).
I can confirm these are as comfy as they look.
4. CHUNKY KNIT + LEATHER TROUSERS
Style Notes: I honestly find leather one of the pieces that goes with nearly everything in my wardrobe. From leggings to culottes, they never fail to add some polish to an outfit. Not just for evening either, I often find myself wearing my cropped leather trousers with trainers or, like Tracey, a cowboy boot and trend. Add a chunky knit and you're good to go.
Shop the look:
Look at this 100% wool jumper and it will last you for years.
This is one of my favourites trenches on the high street right now.
This easy, barrel-leg fit is hard to find on the high street but COS has nailed it.
5. HEAD-TO-TOE CHOCOLATE BROWN
Style Notes: When it comes to wearing head-to-toe colour, channel Franny and try various shades from the same family. Tonal outfits always look so chic and chocolate brown is one of the colours of the season. Win win!
Shop the look:
How beautiful is this satin midi? Make sure you check out the back, too...
Yes it's an investment and yes it's going to work with everything I already own.
Isabel Marant does some of the best suede boots. Case in point, this stunning pair.
6. ROLL NECK + DRESS + KNEE HIGH BOOTS
Style Notes: You want to wear your wardrobe all year round, right? Of course you do. So take inspo from Erica and style a printed dress with a roll neck underneath. Not only is it practical, but it's also a great way to ease colour blocking into your wardrobe.
Shop the look:
Blue is a great choice if you want to try brighter colours but aren't a fan of reds, pinks and oranges.
I can confirm these roll necks are a great fit.
The super soft leather creates a beautiful slouch around the ankle.
Next Up: 10 Key Boot Trends That Will Take Over In 2023
This post was previously published and has since been updated.
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