What’s in for a 40 year old?

[Alexahelp]

So I’m getting a little bit frustrated with my wardrobe at the moment having reached 40. While I still look on the younger end, I’m conscious that my mum clothes of the last five years are becoming really quite dated. What would you say on my five capsule pieces that I should invest in to make myself look a little bit more on trend.

I do love a wide legged Jean anyway and I know that’s part of it - just takes me back to being a skater teen! But as a classic millennial I’m still struggling with moving away from skinny jeans and a big jumper or even worse, a tea dress. Please help me get some inspiration to update my wardrobe! Thanks

High waist, wide leg or barrel leg jeans and trousers.

Other than that, I don't know - following with interest!

Where did/do you like to shop?

It's not all my style but I think brands like Whistles, Cos, Arket, & Other Stories, Zara etc tend to be reasonably "on trend" for our age (I'm 40 too).

As you get older, I think it looks better to have good quality clothing and natural fabrics on. You can always mix the looks up with a silk scarf, neckerchief, some jewellery, a decent leather belt.
I would choose a cream, brown or navy polo/jumper in cashmere or wool, and a slightly oversized blazer. A beautiful quality wrap coat in dark brown perhaps? I like a wide leg flared jean, I think they’re more flattering than just wide. A silk or satin blouse and a nice wool wrap skirt. It doesn’t sound exciting but a capsule wardrobe needs to be versatile.

I think an a-line skirt can look good with many different tops. But I’m struggling to find the exact skirt that suits me. It would be an a-line, knee-length black skirt with an elastic waist that doesn’t flare out too much but also isn’t too straight up and down. Not above knees or mid-calf, knee-length!

M&S Wide leg chocolate brown cords, wide leg jersey trousers in navy & green.

A couple of good quality wool mix neutral jumpers to mix & match. Alpaca, cashmere or mohair are even better for a touch of softness.

A neutral pair of adidas sambas or gazelles will go with all of the above.

Bodysuits in black & neutral can be worn under jumpers. M&S do some nice lace trimmed thermal versions for winter which look great worn on their own if you need to layer up.

Some skirts that sit just above the knee. Check, plaid & burgundy/brown faux leather is everywhere this season. Pair with 60 denier tights (not opaques!) and boots.

sorry, I realise that is more than 5 items!!

Five capsule pieces:
Wide leg jeans or trousers
Cropped jacket
Crew neck loose fit jumper (wool/cashmere/cotton - avoid acrylic!)
Basic quality heavy-weight tshirt
Low heel, pointed toe boots

There

Argh lost half my post.
From there add:

Long wool coat
A-line leather or faux leather skirt
Round neck merino cardigan
Suede slim trainers in a useful colour - brown or burgundy
Slouchy leather/suede shoulder bag

There’s a really useful Instagram account called ‘The Updated Style Guide’ for exactly this question

Eg Updated Style Guide outfit

Thanks for that link - it’s Lydia Tomlinson and her mum. Looks like a great LTK site for updated classic pieces.

Thanks for sharing the updated style guide page, it’s really good

Thanks so much everyone. I do shop at Other Stories, H&M fairly regularly but I’ve defaulted to cheaper stuff and just ready to commit to a proper shop to get myself sorted. Good thing is that a nice coat (not existing mum parka) and new gazelles or similar were on the list.

That insta is really fab!

I would urge you to buy things you actually like and not just things that are on trend.

This is one reason I struggle to find things to buy, I refuse to follow fashions blindly if I don't actually like stuff and it doesn't suit me.