How to find your personal style in your 40’s
So in May this year i turned 39! One of the biggest changes for me as i am in my last year of my 30’s, is finding a style that is comfortable yet still looks good. I am going to walk you through how i did that so you can find your signature style in your 40’s.
I recently went through my closet and donated so many things. Some of my clothes i have had since i was in my 20’s and since then so much has changed.
I have had three children and my body has changed, not in a bad way, just different. Even though i am in the best shape of my life right now, my body definitely doesn’t look like it did in my 20’s, and this means some of my clothes make me feel uncomfortable.
In my 30’s i feel like i have lived in jeans and a t shirt, or leggings, and as i enter my 40’s i want to dress differently, but for the body i have. I think sometimes as women we hold onto those jeans from our earlier years and just hope that one day we will fit back into them. But, if we don’t it is ok, we just dress for the body we have today and that is something to celebrate.
One thing i will say is finding clothes these days is harder then i thought it would be. For some reason, stores seem to love crop tops and women with real bodies don’t seem to love them. I feel like i do a little celebratory dance when i see a full length shirt!
I am determined to let this decade be the year i stop chasing trends and missing my old body, and start building a wardrobe that truly reflects how i want to feel, and who i want to be now.
Why your style changes in your 40’s
Around the age of 40 many women go through a life and wardrobe upgrade. I feel that as approach 40, i too want to feel differently and more confident.
You may notice that:
Comfort matters more than ever
You value quality over quantity
You want outfits that work for your real life
You are drawn to timeless pieces
You want to feel put together without spending hours getting ready
Let’s get into it!
One: Define how you want to feel
Before you run out to buy new clothes ask yourself these questions:
How do you want to feel everyday?
What would be your dream wardrobe?
Which style of clothing would you like to try to see how it fits?
What would make you feel most confident?
When you have some clarity on how you want to feel, finding clothes to match will be easier.
Two: Find inspiration
This can actually be so fun.
Create a Pinterest board and save any outfits that immediately catch your eye.
After saving around 50 images you will have more of a feel of what you like.
Notice what colors, materials, and styles you are drawn to. These are all clues in creating your signature style in your 40’s.
Three: Build around timeless basics
Instead of filling your closet with trending pieces, invest in pieces that you can style in different ways.
This could be:
A well fitting pair of jeans
A white button down that fits you so well
Classic blazer
A good quality knit sweater
White sneakers
Comfortable trousers
A quality coat
Boots
A flattering dress
When you have a great basic piece, you can mix and match it with many things for a different style and look.
Four: Know what colors look best on you
I have a habit of wearing black almost everyday. So much so that when i wear other colors everyone will notice!
Lately, i have been experimenting with shades that complement my skin tone. There are many places that offer color consultations, but also uploading a picture to chat gpt with the prompt to help you find colors that suit you works just as well.
You may even be surprised at what colors make you glow!
Five: Let go of trends
I can’t tell you how much money i have spent on trending clothing items that just don’t look good on me at all. We have all been there. Sometimes trending clothes look good on other people, and maybe some look great on you, but you don’t have to buy them all just because everyone is wearing them.
If something doesn’t make you feel comfortable, skip it.
Being authentic is always on trend.
Six: Dress for your lifestyle
Think about the lifestyle that you have. Do you wear gym clothes all day but you never step foot in the gym and then feel guilty about it?
Where do you actually spend your time? Dress for your real life as it will make getting ready easier.
Even if you are a stay at home parent, invest in some good quality casual wear that will make it easier to run around after children but also help you feel good.
Confidence is your best accessory
A common feeling to have once you approach your 40’s is caring less about what other people think, it is so freeing!
Personal style isn’t about following trends, or trying to look younger, but rather about feeling comfortable in your own skin.
Your style should make you feel more like who you truly are and you should feel so good about that.
