Over 40 Style

While I was writing yesterday's post, I ran into yet another picture of Miranda Kerr. I love this look, because it's put together so well. A midi length can look frumpy and dowdy, but belted and worn with just the right shoes, it looks great!

Also---can we talk about the accessories? Nude shoes, dark brown belt, and a black bag: this is a trifecta of fashion dont's in one outfit. Rule #1 says your shoes should be darker than your belt. While rule #2 says: don't mix black and brown accessories, and finally, rule #3: your shoes should match your bag. Yet everything matches perfectly, so it may be time to rethink those rules...

I've been wearing a lot of jersey maxi dresses this summer. They're as comfortable as sweats (or a nightgown), flattering and the boho vibe makes it trendy.

A simple, tank style maxi dress is one of the most versatile pieces you can have for summer. As Miranda Kerr shows in the photos above, this basic is also something that can beyond flowy to urban with a change of jackets.

Worn with jeans, khakis or an A-line skirt, a schoolboy blazer is an easy and contemporary way to dress up wardrobe staples. This one, from TopShop, is ideal. Priced at under $100, it has all the right elements (contrast piping, front pockets) without veering into Gossip-Girl cliches.

This particular shade of blue is sure to be everywhere soon. Give your wardrobe an update by incorporating this color now with white, and with gray for the Fall.

If I looked as good as Eva Longoria and Gwyneth Paltrow in short-shorts, I would wear them all the time, especially in this weather...

Now, while both women are almost-but-not-quite 40 (36 and 39, respectively) the difference between them and the rest of us have probably more to do with personal trainers and diets, rather than a few years in age...or at least that's what I'd like to think!

So, with a few adjustments, here are a few outfits to incorporate shorts into something a little dressier. I'd wear something underneath the jacket, and substitute booties with wedges to tone down the look, but keep the long, slim blazer.

For me, the biggest challenge to putting outfits together is in finding tops that go with what I'm wearing. Jeans, trousers, jeggings, capris, skirts---it can be tricky to find the right proportions.

Below, is my ideal blouse wardrobe for warmer weather. The tops are in basic silhouettes that are loose enough to keep you cool, and fitted enough to be flattering. All are under $50.

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Magazines, blogs and look books are coming out with the "What's Hot" for Fall lists, and it looks like the "Marcie" tote by Chloe is still very popular. Other trends are ostrich embossed and bucket bags (which Furla does in one bag), bamboo handles (Gucci) and Orla Kelly's patterned purses.

Here are the originals that are sure to inspire what we'll be seeing in stores soon: