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

[KhloeKardashian]

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.

Love Boden! Their long size suits me ll. also a size 20... Dress looks great on - I have it. The jeans I've never tried. White craft top I love too... Agree with strawberry about the cardigan though.....

Ps.. I'm turning 40 soon too x

SchmaltzingMatilda My colouring is a little like http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=tamsin+authwaite+hair&qs=n&form=QBIR&pq=tamsin+authwaite+hair&sc=0-0&sp=-1&sk=#view=detail&id=6D7BB12B92F3E62A7C242623FD547829F9AA4F6F&selectedIndex=37 Tamsin my hair is a little like her hair in the picture where she is pregnant in the white dress. I am very pale skinned.

I have quite a few Accessorize silk scarfs I used to wear, I can pull out again.

I have had a quick glance at KA pictures thanks, I will have a good inspection now.

StrawberryMojito I thought the cardigan with the top buttons open would work well .

I need to have a look at Next now, thanks.

Tamsin here

Just found this picture imagine Tamsin's highlights on Vanessa that's me

The M&S blouse that Khloe recommended is lovely, I bought it in the blush colour.

Next jeans?

I like this

I would have to do something about the neckline, scarf or something

What do you think of these?

I bought the Boden craft top but sent it back. I have large norks and it wasn't a good look on me. Plus I hadn't properly read the description and discovered when it came that it was viscose which I'm really not keen on.

Khloe sorry it's take so long....touché éclat, in my opinion, is the best under eye concealer there is. I don't buy any thing else (Boing by Benefits has also been recommended here on S and B too but I find it too greasy for under eye but excellent for blemishes,don't use T E for spots will accentuate them). It just makes you look more "awake" I think. I've used it for years.

Once you're over 40, you can wear what you like, if you dare. Corsets and nipple tassles are good. You can dye your hair in inappropriate colours, saying that it's to hide the grey... It's time to try out all those things you didn't wear as a teenager before your body really starts its downward trajectory . Lots of women in their 50s feel as though they have become invisible - menopause and all that, so if anything, try something new!

But you may just look ridiculous tiger.... Are you in your 50s? I will not feel invisible in my 50s, bloody intend to continue at the gym, buy fabulous clothing and look bloody gorgeous thank you v much! Think French, there's no ageism there, they look after themselves and look chic.

The nipple tassles will be pointing south on me, better left to someone younger with smaller boobs.

No nipple tassles for me, but I have dyed my hair bright pink and I still wear short skirts, shorts, short dresses from AX Paris etc. Also still enjoy experimenting with make up. 16 months to go before I hit the big 40, like the other poster said, don't plan on being invisible at 50 either

I turned 40 this year and would echo what others have said, I don't dress differently because I am 40 now. My tuppence worth:

spend more time on putting outfits together.

Be much more aware of your shape, colouring and height and dress to take all three things into account.

When wearing make up a) learn what colours suit you and b) learn how to apply it - both make a huge difference.

Wearing the right size bra makes a huge difference. Nothing is more ageing than saggy looking boobs!

Accessories are your friends! The right shoes, bag and jewelry really "dress" an outfit and I think can be as important as the clothes.

Dh tells me if I look ridiculous . It doesn't happen often, though he did say something when I was wearing jeans that had more holes than denim and didn't realise quite how bad it was. I scrub up quite well though! The work I do involves getting pretty filthy, so my wardrobe has to be practical and hardworking.

I think vintage clothes become harder to wear as you get older. I think you have to be careful not to look like a vintage person wearing the same clothes you might have worn the first time round. I guess that's part of what fashion does; re-invent stuff.

I don't like boots or dress. I quite like the jumper.

Yes, I like the metallic jumper too ... not overkeen on the wedge part of the boots.

OP why don't you look some of us up on Pinterest to see the sort of things were wearing/like for ideas? That's what I do.

I don't buy clothes in M&S because I think it's a bit frumpy. Perhaps try looking in a big department store with lots of concessions to see if there is anything a bit different. You won't have to leg it round loads of shops and can have a nice lunch or cocktail! A big House of Fraser, Selfridges or somewhere like that. You could also book a beauty or make up consultation or treat yourself to some perfume.

If you like Boden then you could go to one of their big town hall sales and save some money - a bit of a scrum but if you know what you like you can get some bargains. Scope charity shop now sell Boden overstocks cheaply too.
I second the good underwear comment.
Have fun shopping. Don't buy loads online, go and try things on and make a day of it.
If you fancy a wardrobe change you could take the things you don't want to a dress agency and put the money to your update. They might have nice bits for you to try too. Good for designer pieces.

I wouldn't discount any shops and do think M&S have nice stuff. I dont think its all bad. Eg yesterday I wore an lk Bennett dress, with Brian Atwood caged sandals and balenciaga giant city bag. Expensive outfit but covering it all was my fantastic £39 M&S shower resistant mac. Definitely not frumpy! There is a lovely biker coat in M&S for a/w that will definitely be winging its way into my wardrobe if it looks good on me.

Agree about M&S gems, have also just had to convince myself not to spend about £70 at boohoo (website). Also agree about the right size bra, according to the gurus on here I need a 28D, am bidding for a bra that size on ebay, will be interesting to see whether it fits.

My very plain speaking GP told me when I go to 40 to lose weight in preparation for the menopause: she said that from 35 we are all heading into the peri menopause, and that extra weight can disturb the hormonal balance as fat cells store hormones, and lead to a very difficult menopause with hot flashes, sweats and lots of trouble.

She didn't give me any advice about my wardrobe, except that I should get a very good pair of supportive shoes, to walk in, and to stop eating so many fat and sweet things.

I think as women we have to be realistic about our health coming up to the menopause, and get in shape for it. Women die from heart attacks just as often as men once we have reached the menopause- this is a great time to reassess your health goals for the next 10 years.

Best of luck.

I appreciate all the help, lots of great idea's for clothing and make up, it has really helped me to look forward after such a horrible time and help me boost my self esteem. I really need it. Thanks