Fashion Trends to Look for in Your 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s
The essential pieces to don for every decade of your fashionable life from style expert Jacqui Stafford's new book, "The Wow Factor: Insider Style Secrets for Every Body and Every Budget"
Invited to more upscale affairs than when you were younger? Source a few standout cocktail dresses that flatter your figure in shades other than yawn-worthy black. Pair with statement accessories like killer heels and a great clutch.
Still into whiskering, fading, acid-wash, or rips? No, no, no, and no! Give them to your little sis and replace with a bootcut, dark-wash pair that you can just as easily wear to the office on casual Friday as you can with a sexy animal print.
You really can’t beat a beautifully tailored pair of flat-fronted charcoal or black pants to pair with a crisp white shirt and heels for work. Dress them down for weekends with a snug tee, a cropped denim jacket, and ballet flats.
Preggers? Sorry, but there’s absolutely no excuse to drown your growing baby bump in oversized, shapeless muumuus. Pieces in fabrics like formfitting stretch jersey will grow as your baby does and ensure that you look stylish pre-, during, and post-pregnancy.
Flattering on most body shapes, a fitted menswear-inspired shirtdress is a fuss-free way to look boardroom ready in a cinch. Pick a solid shade and pair with statement earrings and a bold cuff.
Little is more versatile than a tailored, fitted blazer. A slim-lapel, single-breasted blazer can be worn as part of a suit for day. For night, just push up the sleeves and add jeans and heels.
Less-than-perfect legs? You can still embrace above-the-knee skirts or dresses easily if you wear them with dark, opaque tights. Match your shoes to your hosiery and your legs will look miles long.
The simplest way to add a youthful touch? Invest in eye-catching boots or pumps to turn the plainest outfit into a style statement. Just be wary of heel width: Chunkier heels help thicker calves look slimmer, while kitten heels and skinny stilettos look best on thinner legs.
Now you know for sure which trends work for you. You’re going for quality over quantity, and using light-reflecting, age-defying color to your advantage.
Instead of super trendy colors, add visual interest with varying textures. Think leather, crocodile, patent, fur, or vinyl—all fresh, unique ways to keep a monochromatic
outfit looking one-of-a-kind.
Light-reflecting, softer shades worn close to your face—like pinks, ivory or pale lemon—will help brighten your complexion and bring welcome luminosity.
Feel that your neck is aging you? Go for shirts in pale shades, like ivory or white, with stiffer funnel collars. Avoid wearing a shawl around your shoulders to hide your neck.
You have enough gravitas to pull off strong accessories without having them wear you. An oversized statementpiece like a cocktail ring or a bold necklace keeps your
style looking fresh without looking fashiony.
The biggest mistake women make in their 60s? Getting trapped in a style rut. Tame cutting-edge fashion trends by embracing just a touch—a ruffle here, an embellished trim there…
Belts are basically ageresistant. Whether it’s a glossy patent leather or an embellished fabric, a belt (nipped over a slim-fitting cardigan, or worn with a tailored pant) defines your waistline and adds a finishing touch to the simplest look.
Not your granny’s sweater twinset. Wear a fitted cardigan with your favorite pants. Go for ones with interesting trim or unusual buttons that add a fresh twist on a classic item.
A tailored overcoat in a bold, solid shade is a quick way to lend a youthful look to your outfit. Go for coats that hit at the knee, the most flattering length for most women.
A must-have accessory for the sixty-and-over set. Look for glasses with skin-flattering frames and lenses: a tortoiseshell is universally youthful-looking.
