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I am going to be 40 soon, come and tell me what I should be wearing.

71 replies

KhloeKardashian · 16/08/2013 11:49

As I leave my 30's behind, what should I be wearing in my 40's?

I am size 20 and I have large norks, and an hour glass/pear shape figure.

OP posts:
QueenCadbury · 16/08/2013 11:56

Genuine question but do you feel that you need to change what you wear? I am also about to be 40 but haven't plans to change what I'm wearing.

missbopeep · 16/08/2013 12:02

The same as you were when you were 39.

guanosoup · 16/08/2013 12:12

I would wear whatever you want to!
Age is only a number, and nobody else either knows nor cares about that number. Being comfortable in your own skin is the most attractive quality about people, no matter their age or gender.
Have a happy birthday! Grin

KhloeKardashian · 16/08/2013 12:31

But, but, but! You have ruined my justification for new clothes, shoes, accessories, bags and style update.

I have made a start, I got some lovely structured handbags from M&S. I got a M&S collection nude blouse to start me off.

OP posts:
KhloeKardashian · 16/08/2013 12:42

here is the blouse

I am considering teaming this with a black belt, and leaving it loose when my tummy is swollen.

OP posts:
missbopeep · 16/08/2013 12:59

why do you have a swollen tummy- are you PG? or planning to be? :)

KhloeKardashian · 16/08/2013 13:01

Grin I have GI issues, and suffer bloating and once a month it gets worse.

OP posts:
chicaguapa · 16/08/2013 13:26

I would strongly recommend a personal shopper session at Debenhams/ House of Fraser/ John Lewis for a wardrobe update to celebrate your 40th. Not because you need to change what you wear, but it will satisfy your desire for a new wardrobe. Grin

vitaminC · 16/08/2013 13:31

I recently turned 40, too. The only noticeable difference in the way I dress from 10 years ago, is the fabrics I buy.

At 30, I bought mainly quality items, but I could mix and match them with cheaper, lower-end pieces. These days, the cheap stuff quickly looks scruffy or frumpy, so I've started paying more attention to the fibres used, and going for natural fibres (cotton, linen, silk, cashmere, angora...) wherever possible.

My body shape and colouring are still the same, so I still buy what suits me, rather than the latest high fashions, but then I've always had a fairly classic, elegant style, rather than trendy.

I do pay more attention to hair, make-up and general grooming as I get older, however. Any budget increases are likely to be spent on massages or facials, rather than lots of clothes Smile

LaTrucha · 16/08/2013 14:00

I have just turned 40. At work I wear smart dresses, cigarette pants, blouses, knee-length skirts.

At home I wear maxi dresses, jeans and tshirts.

Then, I did when I was 20. If anything now I am bolder in what I wear. I always used to wear wide-leg trousers for example because I wanted to cover up. I never would now. I also wear shorter skirts.

Also, I don't buy anything I don't really like. I used to buy things because they were useful or cheap. Now they have to be useful but striking, preferably cheap and I have to love them.

williaminajetfighter · 16/08/2013 14:45

OP I'm the same size as you and an hourglass shape with heavy bottom and very sexy, stumpy legs! So I have recently made the decision to give up on trousers as they were never really flattering. I read an article with Kirstie Allsop who pretty much has the same body as me, but less chubby, and she said she too never wears trousers and goes for lots of dresses cinched at the waist. Hear, hear!

I invest in lots of good quality dresses, always with a waist and from places like Jaeger, Hobbs and sometime Monsoon to ensure good quality because cheap stuff just doesnt work as one gets older - firm fabrics required! Avoid Primark, New Look etc! Then I invest in loads of M&S tights in black, navy, green and some good pumps and boots. A few thick belts in brown and black and voila - a daily uniform.

Weekends I tend to go for the same but more casual, eg. dresses or long tunics from the White Company which last well and are very flattering and good quality leggings!

Now that I'm past 40 I try to spend more on shoes, scarves and good jackets as well as bags. Makes all the difference in the world.

I've also found that muted colours are best rather than buying brights or too many patterns. Stick to neutral clothes and then use scarves for colour if desired. My body is just too big to cope with loads of pattern!

Reading this back it sounds a bit smug but not meant to. It's a bit hit and miss to determine what works, but I've come to the conclusion that: quality neutrals is the way to go and 'less is more'.

HahaHarrie · 16/08/2013 15:10

I would love a personal shopper/style consultant at one of the big department stores. Do you feel pressurised into buying? I wouldn't be keen if they said, 'this is your new look' and I not like it but feel obliged to purchase.

valiumredhead · 16/08/2013 15:10

The same as when you were 39Grin

Where whatever you like!

valiumredhead · 16/08/2013 15:11

WearBlush

Flo56 · 16/08/2013 15:48

I would love to be 40 again! Envy If you wear a lot of black, it might be time to start weaning yourself off because it can be very ageing. Other than that, I really don?t think you need worry. But do treat yourself to some new clothes to celebrate and I second those suggesting a personal shopper.
I suffer from periodic bloating too (IBS related) and I?m not sure if that blouse you're linking is the answer. Hard to be sure without seeing it but I think it might just make your tummy look bigger (or cling if it?s a man-made fibre). I find what works best for me when I have a bloating attack is actually something a bit more fitted but with ruching around the tummy (e.g. wrap effect). It's an old Trinny and Susannah tip and I think they were right; it kind of tricks the eye.
Enjoy your birthday!

Flo56 · 16/08/2013 16:24

Gah have you already bought that blouse? Sorry. Or are you taking the piss re the structured handbags? Grin

BIWI · 16/08/2013 16:27

You wear whatever you like, whatever suits you and whatever you can afford.

End. Of.

[sick and tired of ageism on Mumsnet emoticon]

Rooners · 16/08/2013 16:32

Oh dear I'm going to be 40 too. I don't think I am ready!

No plans to update clothes though at all, I did wonder if short skirts should be avoided but actually I'm not sure it's necessary.

I think the way to go is to find what suits your shape, what you feel 'you' in, and kind of make sure you are comfortable in it in a style way as well as a physical way iyswim.

Flo56 · 16/08/2013 16:40

Completely agree about ageism on Mumsnet, BIWI. However I don't think it's ageist to re-think your wardrobe/style as you get older. Your body does change.... but not, usually, at 40!

ohN0Whatnext · 16/08/2013 17:09

I don't think being 40 is an issue. Being honest, being a size 20 ages people such a lot. Perhaps it's time to consider adjusting your dress size as there's nothing that can be done about your age.

Drywhiteplease · 16/08/2013 17:43

Apologies if its been said already, but your style won't change overnight, when you turn 40 you don't suddenly become a frump! I should know, I'm well past it what I would say is keep your style and get better quality. Invest on good basic pieces, some quality accessories and tailoring if you like it.

Keep it simple.

Also don't underestimate good grooming and a decent hair cut.

Reassess your cosmetics....your skin changes a bit. Moisturise like you're life counts on it.

Buy some tweezermann tweezers and a magnifying mirror

Touch éclat is your friend.

And...life begins at 40, it is, after all, the new 30!Wink

QueenCadbury · 16/08/2013 17:47

Ah, I see that you're looking for a reason to splurge. Having a birthday is a good reason! I can't help re shape/size but I'd echo what others say about nice shoes/bags etc and re-assessing what colours suit. If you do wear black you may find navy or grey more forgiving.

KhloeKardashian · 16/08/2013 18:07

Yes I bought that M&S blouse, it is quite nice on, thankfully. It goes nicely with my nude M&S nude loafers.

DryWhitePlease www.yslbeauty.co.uk/make-up/complexion/touche-eclat/touche-eclat.aspx this looks good thanks, now what the hell do I do with it?

I have been quite depressed for the latter half of my thirties, lots of bad times, hence the weight gain and looking rubbish. I want to get back into wearing nice clothes and wearing make up. I am going to use the catalyst of turning 40 and a house move for a fresh start.

Do black trousers age you too?

I have know about Boden for ages, and this afternoon I ventured on there. I have in my bag, not bought anything, just things I like the look of, please tell me if these are disasters or not!

Navy Ruby dress www.boden.co.uk/en-GB/Womens-Dresses/Day-Dresses/WH530-NAV/Womens-Navy-Ruby-Dress.html
Camel autumn trench www.boden.co.uk/en-GB/Womens-Petite-range/WE410-CAM/Womens-Camel-Autumn-Trench.html
Indigo wide leg jean www.boden.co.uk/en-GB/Womens-Petite-range/WC113-IND/Womens-Indigo-Wideleg-Jeans.html
Ivory craft top www.boden.co.uk/en-GB/Clearance/Womens-Tops-T-shirts/3_4-Sleeved-Tops/WA402-IVO/Womens-Ivory-Craft-Top.html
Guava wrap jersey top www.boden.co.uk/en-GB/Clearance/Womens-Tops-T-shirts/3_4-Sleeved-Tops/WL749-PNK/Womens-Guava-Wrap-Jersey-Top.html
Rick blue skinny jean www.boden.co.uk/en-GB/Clearance/Womens-Trousers-Jeans/Jeans/WC114-DBL/Womens-Rich-Blue-Skinny-Jeans.html
straight leg jean www.boden.co.uk/en-GB/Clearance/Womens-Trousers-Jeans/Jeans/WC115-ALM/Womens-Almond-Straightleg-Jeans.html
MNK , Chinchilla Pinspot lightweight scaft www.boden.co.uk/en-GB/Clearance/Womens-Accessories/Scarves/AD123-MNK/Womens-Chinchilla-Pinspot-Lightweight-Scarf.html
Shell cashmere v neck cardigan www.boden.co.uk/en-GB/Clearance/Womens-Knitwear/Cardigans/WK825-CRM/Womens-Shell-Fine-Cashmere-V-neck-Cardigan.html
Eucalyptus gathered tunic <a class="break-all" href="//dresswww.boden.co.uk/en-GB/Clearance/Womens-Tunics-Kaftans/Long-Sleeved-Tops/WH488-DGR/Womens-Eucalyptus-Gathered-Tunic-Dress.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">dresswww.boden.co.uk/en-GB/Clearance/Womens-Tunics-Kaftans/Long-Sleeved-Tops/WH488-DGR/Womens-Eucalyptus-Gathered-Tunic-Dress.html

OP posts:
StrawberryMojito · 16/08/2013 19:42

The wrap dress and camel trench are nice,the wide leg jean and the next two tops are horrid, the next few are fine but I really dislike the shell cashmere cardigan, so old fashioned and I can't see the last one, it won't load.

ProphetOfDoom · 16/08/2013 20:04

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