TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

TBO > Life

Summer trends for the fashionable and 40-plus

ADVERTISEMENT

By CLOE CABRERA | The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 2, 2011

Ladies, please pay close attention to my next sentence.

You can wear the latest fashion trends no matter your age.

Don't let your biological clock stop you from rocking skinny jeans, tank tops, asymmetrical shapes, white pants, ruffles and more.

There are rules, but not as many as you might think. It's more about finding wearable, modern clothes that fit your lifestyle and figure, says Kit Stewart, owner of Kit's Well-Heeled & Well-Dressed, a women's boutique in South Tampa.

"Once you hit 40, you've developed your own sense of style; you're more confident in who you are and how you dress," says Stewart, 62, who has owned and operated her boutique for more than 16 years. "You're more concerned about how to make the latest trends work for you. Older women want to be stylish, but they want to be comfortable, too."

Women in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond have never looked better, healthier or younger, she says. And they want clothing that reflects that.

"Women are taking better care of themselves," says Stewart, whose customers range in age from 18 to 80. "They want to dress sexy and fun, but it's more of an elegant, age-appropriate sexy. Where younger women's styles are all about trends, older women have been-there-done-that, and now they want their clothes to reflect how they look and feel about themselves. You just have to know what looks good on you and what doesn't."

It may seem as if your favorite stores are packed with teenage clothes, but you can still find fresh, current looks that work for you without making you look as though you raided your teenage daughter's closet.

Don't be afraid of this season's bold colors, Stewart says. Purples, electric blues, reds and yellows can add a pop of color to any neutral outfit. A bright bag, shoes or a belt can liven up your outfit and give it a younger feel. Wearing color close to your face can also make you look and feel younger.

And the over-40 set doesn't have to rule out skinny jeans. Yes, skinny jeans. Just go for a pair that's barely boot-cut and make sure they're a dark wash with no distressing, holes or blinged-out back pockets.

Look for jeans with built-in support, like "Hello Skinny," which are designed with special stitching and heavier denim to lift you up and suck you in in all the right places. Jeans that fall just below the natural waistline make the body look longer, Stewart says.

High-waisted pants are good for women over 40; but beware of the unflattering "mom jean" look, and the dreaded "muffin top," when belly fat spills over a too-snug waistband. Choose a pant with a comfort waist, tummy-control and stretch fabric that provides extra coverage, especially if you're wearing white.

"No one wants to wear white pants and show the world what they have on underneath," Stewart says.

This season's peasant skirts work well on women of all ages. Look for skirts with color and patterns that fall below the knee. Peasant skirts also can help camouflage lower-body issues with their fullness. And the longer length is great for women who don't want to show too much leg. Similarly, this year's trendy cropped pants are great for women who no longer want to wear shorts or capris.

Asymmetrical looks aren't just for young whippersnappers. The off-the-shoulder styles are sexy without being too suggestive. If you're feeling extra-daring, allow a decorative bra-strap to peak from beneath for a fun, sexy look.

Asymmetrical blouses also help hide problem areas around your midsection. Look for light, structured fabrics instead of those that cling.

"You don't have to show a lot of skin to be sexy," Stewart says. "Clothes should fit properly; not too tight and not baggy."

Layering is a good way to wear flirty tops. Pair a tank top with a scoop-neck top with ¾-inch sleeves, or, if you're no longer comfortable baring your arms, wear a sleeveless top under a crochet shrug or fitted jacket.

Accessories are a great way to make a statement. Bold, chunky jewelry, cocktail rings or layers of necklaces can express who you are. So long as the jewelry is light in weight, it can be ageless. But remember to keep your proportions in mind; the bigger the person, the bigger the jewelry.

"There really is no age limit for looking stylish," Stewart says. "Don't be afraid to try new things. Try the trends and adapt the ones that work best with your personality and body type. And above all, be confident."

ADVERTISEMENT

Coupons and Deals

Games, Puzzles & Trivia

Advergaming and Branded Media