My Top 10 Essential Style Tips

My style tips offer up suggestions for you to cultivate your own personal style. There is no one-size-fits-all here. My style relies heavily on the classics with some modern flare. Perhaps your style is a bit more edgy. The beauty of fashion is that it allows us to create the perfect compliment to how we wish to be seen in the world, through our own personal expression of style. Sometimes, as we mature, our tastes and needs evolve, and finding the right balance between comfort, elegance, and trendiness becomes key. Here are my top ten essential style tips for women over 40 to help you feel confident, stylish, and fabulous every day.

1. Invest in Quality Basics

Quality basics form the foundation of a versatile wardrobe. Think classic white shirts, well-fitted jeans, tailored blazers, and timeless little black dresses. These pieces can be mixed and matched effortlessly, ensuring you always have something chic to wear. This white blazer I am wearing is very similar to the Veronica Beard version but for a fraction of the price. The quality is as close as I could find without spending $700 on the VB one. My Benaar Lauren blazer comes in at $165. It is a classic and timeless piece. My jeans are a straight leg, high waisted pair by Paige. I am wearing the Cindy in the color legendary in a 30″ inseam to give me a longer leg. These are designer jeans but I will have them for years to come, and they are a go-to pair in my closet.

Choose your staples wisely and while you will pay a bit more, (pro tip: Paige jeans can frequently be found on consignment) you will have these pieces for a long time, plus you won’t be spending money each season on one-off, trendy items.

2. Embrace Tailoring

Well-tailored clothes can make a world of difference. Whether it’s a blazer, trousers, or a dress, having pieces that fit your body perfectly will enhance your silhouette and boost your confidence. Don’t hesitate to visit a tailor to get that perfect fit.

I cannot stress this enough. Any style icon who embraces a classic look is always going to wear tailored pieces. That’s not to say you can’t hop on a trend and wear an oversized sweater or an oversized coat, but these pieces really never look as aesthetically pleasing as well tailored pieces do.

Let’s take this look below as an example. I’m wearing a more tailored white tee and a fitted blazer. Now, we have to be mindful not to confuse tailored with overly tight clothing. You can see from my tee shirt that it has a fitted appearance, but I still have room in it to move freely without accentuating my stomach. My jeans are more fit at the waist and hips then slightly flare out, creating an elongated leg with some added width on the bottom, balancing out my shoulders.

I love well fitted shirts and blazers and am very picky on this. When I look back on photos of myself from my 20s, when the oversized, grunge look was popular in the mid- to late 90s, I shutter. I looked like I borrowed clothes from someone three sizes larger. Coincidentally, that was the last time I ever fully hopped on the “trend bus.”

3. Play with Colors and Patterns

While neutrals are essential, don’t shy away from colors and patterns. Bold hues and interesting prints can add vibrancy to your wardrobe. Experiment with different combinations to find what complements your skin tone and personal style.

This is probably one of my favorite tips. I will often pair a striped blouse with a patterned flat or mule. Stay in the same color family to achieve balance, but don’t be afraid to mix patterns or colors.

4. Accessorize Thoughtfully

This is my number one rule for fashion: accessorize. And this is probably the area of my closet that I invest the most in. From shoes, to handbags to jewelry, I love how one or two pieces can instantly elevate a look and take it from basic to chic.

Accessories can elevate even the simplest outfits. Invest in a few statement pieces like a bold necklace, elegant scarf, or a stylish handbag. Remember, less is often more, so choose accessories that enhance your look without overwhelming it.

This look is one of my go-to outfit formulas: a button down and jeans. By simply adding a large belt, a chunkier necklace and a handbag that coordinates, my look is instantly elevated.

On another note, my blouse and jeans are both from Holley Girl and my subscribes can enjoy 15% off their purchases using code KELL15.

5. Comfort is Key

Looking good shouldn’t come at the cost of comfort. Opt for fabrics that feel good against your skin and shoes that you can walk in all day. When you’re comfortable, your confidence shines through, making any outfit look better.

If you look at any of the photos above, there is not one instance of me being uncomfortable. If belts aren’t your thing, don’t wear them. You will be self-conscious the entire time. Statement jewelry not your thing? Opt for small pieces and layer them to create a similar effect.

Heels for me are not a typical purchase much at my age; however, I do like to wear and look for comfortable and stylish heels that have a lower heel and/or a block or wedge. These Schutz sandals were on repeat for me this season. The bag matches the cork heel, tying my accessories together to create this look.

The days of me suffering for a trend are long behind me. Comfort is paramount when styling my looks.

6. Highlight Your Best Features

Dress to highlight your best features. If you love your legs, don’t hesitate to show them off with a flattering skirt. If your waist is your best asset, choose outfits that cinch at the waist to accentuate your figure. But never ever hide your midsection. Wearing loose and boxy clothes will only make the area you are trying to hide look bigger and more pronounced. Instead, wear layers to hide a midsection. Opt for a tee with a lightweight denim jacket or a short sleeve cardigan. I promise it will be a game changer.

For me, it’s always a belt. I love how it creates some dimension and interest; however, your best area may be your arms or shoulders. In that case, opt for pieces that can showcase these areas.

7. Incorporate Modern Trends Sparingly

Stay current by incorporating modern trends, but don’t go overboard. Select a few trendy pieces each season that align with your style and mix them with your classic wardrobe staples to stay chic and age-appropriate. Avoid anything that is super trendy. And if you can’t help yourself, don’t splurge on something that won’t stand the test of time in your closet. Instead, find a trendy clothing item for a bargain price. This way, if you donate it later on, once the trend has worn off, you won’t feel as guilty.

I never purchase clothing that is holiday specific, even though my social feeds and inbox are flooded with holiday items. Instead, I look for ways to incorporate a holiday look into my classic style. Take for example this sweater. Looks rather non-descript, but it was what I wore for Valentine’s Day. The heart gold snap buttons give a nod to the holiday without having to purchase pinks and reds that wont ever be worn again. At least not for me.

8. Don’t Underestimate the Power of a Great Jacket

This is by far a game changer. A well-fitted jacket can transform an outfit. Whether it’s a classic trench, a leather moto jacket, or a chic blazer, a great jacket can be dressed up or down and adds a polished touch to any look. This is the part of my wardrobe where I invest heavily. This St. John jacket would have retailed for over $1500 brand new. I scored this for less than $100 on consignment.

Pro tip: buy consignment. My all-time favorite designer for coats, blazers and cardigans is St. John. I absolutely love the classic style. I have splurged on items for sure, but the majority of my investment pieces are bought at consignment shops. You’d be surprised what you can find. One last tip, look for consignment shops in more affluent areas where you live.

9. Choose Flattering Footwear

Footwear can make or break an outfit. Choose shoes that are both stylish and comfortable. Kitten heels, wedges, and stylish flats are great options that offer support without compromising on style. As I have gotten older, my back cannot tolerate long periods of standing in uncomfortable shoes.

If I must, I have a secret: I wear my Uggs (because I live in them) to the car and carry my shoes. I have my husband drop me off at the front door or as close as possible to where we are going. I quickly throw on my heels and walk in. Even just wearing your shoes in the car can cause toe and foot cramping. For me, it isn’t worth it.

10. Be True to Yourself

Ultimately, the best fashion advice is to be true to yourself. Wear what makes you feel good and reflects your personality. Confidence is the most attractive accessory, so embrace your unique style and wear it proudly. For me, I feel most confident when my clothes are tailored but comfortable. I rarely wear strapless anything because I am constantly checking to see if something has slipped. So for me, that isn’t a great style choice. But when I find a good strapless piece with silicone lining around, I can be persuaded.

It really just comes down to personal style and choice. What may look great on one person, may not look great on another. Skinny jeans and I were never friends, and while I loved the trend on everyone else, it was not a flattering denim cut for me.

Ready to Elevate Your Style?

Now that you have these essential style tips, it’s time to put them into practice. Whether you’re revamping your wardrobe or just looking for some fresh inspiration, these style tips will help you look and feel your best.

For more fashion inspiration, style tips and advice, and curated finds tailored specifically for women over 40, make sure you are subscribed to my blog. Stay updated with the latest trends, discover how to style them, and find out where to shop for the best pieces. Let’s embark on this style journey together and redefine what it means to be fashionable at any age.

Great style is attainable at any age. To all my fellow over 40 ladies, cheers!