Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Style and beauty

Looking for style advice? Chat all about it here. For the latest discounts on fashion and beauty, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

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:
Flo56 · 17/08/2013 18:39

I?m sorry you?ve been having bad times, Op. Here?s hoping your forties are fabulous!

I was one of the people who said black can be ageing but I was thinking more of when it?s next to your face. (Having said that, I tend to avoid it even for trousers and skirts now but that?s just me.)

Looking at your links: if you?re an hourglass then the Boden wrap dress and top could suit you. Also the wrap top has that ruching which can be good camouflage if you get bloating.
I like the shape of the V-neck cashmere but would the colour wash you out?
The scarf is nice ? again is the colour right for you?
I would say ?no? to the ivory top because I think it would hide your waist.
I?m hopeless at choosing jeans so I?ll leave them to other people!
I like the metallic knit.
I like the flippy dress but a slightly lower neckline might be better for you?
The boots are ok but I think you could do better. What about trying ankle or biker boots?

Completely agree with others that the right bra will make all your clothes look better.

I would go out and try lots of different styles and colours. Experiment and don?t worry too much about making mistakes ? they?re only clothes Grin

Flo56 · 17/08/2013 19:34

Oh and bollocks to the idea that it's all downhill after 50. I will concede that you may need to re-think your wardrobe but that's because the menopause can change your body shape. It doesn't have to be a style graveyard! Agree though about looking after yourself.

EasyToEatTiger · 17/08/2013 20:51

Whatever you wear, make sure your clothes FIT!! Some people go for stretch waistband skirts and slacks which may be very comfortable, but will not do much for fashion. Good underwear is fantastic stuff. I started wearing corsets after I was 40, just so I could have said I tried.

IfNotNowThenWhen · 18/08/2013 09:08

Weirdly, the more "vintagy" and "structured" and grown up, Mad Men type clothes look amaaazing on very your girls, but just have the effect of making anyone over 30, and over a size 10 look frumpier.
I dressed up in a kind of wasp waisted green 1950's style dress and teeny hat for a wedding and I think, while I looked formidable, it put ten years on me.
Currently, 4 yrs shy of 40, I am usually to be found in skinny jeans (I don't have a skinny arse but I don't care anymore like I did at 20!) and a nice t shirt with good jewellry. I have also decided that my streaks of grey are a sign to have caramel highlights Grin. Plus I only buy leather shoes/sandals, and I make sure they fit well. Hobbling is terribly ageing!
As you get older I think you owe it to yourself to make sure you have a good haircut, no doing it yourself with the kitchen scissors. That makes all the difference.
I agree with the poster who said only buy stuff if you love it-I never ever buy anything because it's "useful" anymore, or because it's cheap. And no plastic jewellry, or fabrics that you can't stand near a naked flame in.
So, Concentrate on lovely fabrics, make sure you have a superb bra, wear colours that suit you, get your hair done properly, and don't worry too much about what other people think.
Dress to make yourself feel good. And if that means pink streaks and a Metallica T shirt, then so be it.
Insecurity is for the young and green Wink

alwaysontop · 18/08/2013 16:14

I had a great time at Debenhams personal shopper. Always an eye opener as they dress you in stuff you wouldn't pick out. I was v frank with them. Bought some stuff but you can always return it can't you?
Used to buy Boden but these days find it poor quality and vastly overpriced. Don't let that stop you though the prints are gorgeous!! Have fun!

Mumof3wifeof1 · 18/08/2013 19:10

Look at what the sales assistants are wearing, and if you like what they wear then that makes at least 2 of you so buy it.

Mumof3wifeof1 · 18/08/2013 19:14

Katya Wildman makes the Bombshell Dress which are fantastic dresses for that special occasion and suit lots of curves, have a look at her website.

Drywhiteplease · 18/08/2013 19:23

I agree with what Venus said re weight loss....also exercise is amazing at making you feel good (endorphins or something, also psychologically you feel you're doing yourself some good ).
Easy also is right.....fit is so important. Often women who don't feel confident about their bodies wear clothes that swamp the bits they don't like (my bum for instance) this has the result of making said bit look bigger.
Jeans are a case in point too.....they always feel "snug" when new or washed,they give ...the amount of women in badly fitting jeans you see....doesn't do anyone any favours.
I worked in fashion retail for many years and noticed that well fitted, tailored clothing is so flattering and gives you a shape.
I hate thin jersey ...it clings to everything,emphasises wobble on even the slimmest, it's comfy but not always your friend.

pot39 · 19/08/2013 11:28

I'm curvy.
Some boden styles are really good.
I'd love a katya Wildman dress.
CLothes that fit are essential don't buy things big, they just make you look big.
And try to keep fit. Enhances your mood and makes you feel better about yourself.

KhloeKardashian · 19/08/2013 12:52

Yipee, I got the next delivery today. I ordered the Metalic jumper, the jeans and two plain long sleeved tops. I am going to try them on in a bit.

I appreciate hope that you are trying to be kind re the weight/health comments, they are not being helpful to me. I have been through a terrible time, and I am trying to feel better about myself. I am not going to start eating differently if I am not in a good space to do so, which I am not at the moment. abuse on the street, being bullied by a family member, being spoken to gently as if I didn't realise I am fat haven't worked so far

I think it may help you to understand I can't even walk very well, so the exercise comments are not helping me. I can't run, I can't do a spin class, I can't get down the ladders to swim, or walk the distance to the pool, so please leave the comments about my exercise/ weight I get it you think I don't look good because I am fat

OP posts:
ProphetOfDoom · 19/08/2013 17:39

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

KhloeKardashian · 19/08/2013 22:04

I don't mind you asking, a combination of a car crashing into me and a genetic condition which means healing is more of a challenge. I do physio, it has taken me years to get to where I am. I couldn't even cross my legs for over a year.

Going to check out M&S.

OP posts:
ProphetOfDoom · 20/08/2013 06:35

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

ProphetOfDoom · 20/08/2013 06:45

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

mrsibley · 20/08/2013 07:15

How very rude that you come on here asking for fashion tips and people start preaching about your weight.

Enjoy your shopping and for what it's worth I have always thought khloe was the most attractive kardashian and its bugger all to do with her size :-)

EasyToEatTiger · 20/08/2013 08:57

How lovely to be getting presents for yourself in the post! I am sorry to hear you've been having a rubbish time. It sounds as though it's been a blow to your confidence. I think good underwear is brilliant although I am far too lazy to wrestle into Spanx on a daily basis! I think that fashion is largely about shape, and most of us are not especially good clothes horses without a bit of extra help. I wore the nipple tassles after a mastectomy and reconstruction. What a show-off!

EasyToEatTiger · 20/08/2013 09:00

I love Cressda Bell's scarves www.cressidabell.com/index.php?page=shop.browse&category_id=40&vmcchk=1&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=95 Joanna Lumley wears them!

jimjamspam · 20/08/2013 09:06

Totally agree that buying some new clothes you love will make you feel fab.

If you can get a load from Boden with free returns you can enjoy trying them on at home. They do get slagged off a lot on here but I really like them - they always wash well and I find their dresses very flattering. Just got the bird print tunic through which I think is lovely. Happy shopping and Happy Birthday!

ProphetOfDoom · 20/08/2013 09:21

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

KhloeKardashian · 20/08/2013 11:39

I hadn't found the M&S Find My Style, thanks I will check that out. I haven't tried on the new clothes yet.

OP posts:
LaTrucha · 21/08/2013 07:36

Report back when you have. I hope your new clothes are fab.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread