Over 40 Style

I am intrigued by the thought of renting an evening gown. Several years ago, because of my job and volunteer work, I attended one or two black tie events a year. I set aside a significant part of my clothing budget and tried to find a gown I loved, which I never actually did. I spent weeks scouring consignment shops, discount retailers like Loehmann's and the sale racks of higher end department stores only to come up with a so-so dress I would only wear once or twice. The irony is, for the same amount of money, I could have invested in a coat I would have worn for years.

I wish Rent-a-Runway had been around back then. The cost of renting a gown isn't cheap, but the idea of not having to settle for what's on sale, then having to look at those gowns in the back of my closet for years is appealing. More importantly, I would have been able to wear something that made me feel special, and more than any other article of clothing, isn't that what an evening gown is meant to do?

Carrie 1971 LEGGING WITH ELASTICATED WAISTBAND

Writing a blog about fashion and style over 40 causes me to regularly think about how our clothes change as we get older. There are the typical, but not necessarily inevitable, changes to our bodies. We also get to the point when we realize that all the plastic surgery and exercise in the world is not going to fool anyone into thinking that a 45 year old in a tight short skirt is actually 25. (Apologies to some members of the RH of Beverly Hills, New Jersey and New York...)

But for me, the biggest difference is in my priorities. In my 20s, I dressed to impress, to attract, to advertise my personality. Now, when it's all about efficiency, comfort, quality and taste, I try to strike a balance between slipping into a daily cocoon of fleece and jeans while still maintaining everything that is fun and self-expressive about fashion.

If there was ever a perfect mix in an article of clothing, I'd have to say these pants are it. They are made by one of Kate Middleton's favorite labels: Reiss, and while skinny denim leggings are trendy, it is a style that women of all ages can wear. These pants are sexy enough for girls night out, but casual and comfortable enough for brunch the next day. Need more? The name of the pant: Carrie 1971 is all but a sign that these pants are for women in their 40s.

What a difference the color shade makes! Imagine this same outfit; but with light blue jeans and a baby pink shirt...ok, it's Cindy Crawford and she would still look great, but perhaps not as trendy and chic as she does here.

If you don't have a pair of jeans this dark, black denim could also work, and a blouse with deep tones (navy, burgundy, moss green) to pair it with.

Proenza Schouler PS1 MEDIUM LEATHER SATCHEL

$1,515.00
by Proenza Schouler
at mytheresa

One of the most popular posts on this blog, and one that still brings a lot of traffic from online searches was the one comparing the original Proenza Schouler PS1 satchel with a similar one produced by Target. The Target version is gone, but there are several new options available.

MINI Union Jack Satchel Bag

Although I can't claim that I leave people dazzled in my wake and admiringly wondering, "I don't know how she does it!" (*gag*) I still think that a silk blouse and high waisted skirt is a terrific power woman look. (Photo courtesy of Weinstein Company)

Red dresses were popular at this year's Emmy's, showing how flattering the color can be for many women. Try this red-carpet look for day:

See by Chloé Cap Sleeve Lace Tiered Dress

An ideal way to transition your summer dress into the Fall!

If Gwen Stefani is wearing it, it must be stylish! Tartan-inspired plaid is the Fall's hottest pattern. You can layer one pattern over another, as Gwen wears it, or try a more subtle approach by pairing it with basic blacks or grays.