Summer Style Over 40

My Dilemma

I noticed it a handful of years ago. I could not find a pair of shorts that fell past upper thigh. Everything was short, short, short. I thought it was a passing thing, and I told myself next summer would be easier. Nope. All the shorts were short, short, short. So, I began to default to dresses and skirts for summertime with a few pairs of chinos sprinkled in. Shorts were for around the house only.

Recently, a friend of mine and I were lamenting the problem of the “too short” shorts, and she said I should create a catalog of pieces for women over 40. So, I did!

Your Shopping Catalog

Click here to shop the catalog. Not only does my catalog contain shorts in a variety of lengths from 5 – 9,” I also include tops, pants, skirts, dresses, sandals and sneakers to give you a well-rounded selection.

Most of the pieces in this catalog are relaxed and casual. However, many of them can be dressed up with a cute jacket or the right shoe and accessories. Message me if I can help you decide which of these pieces are right for you. I can do a personalized shop for you, too.

Guidelines for Over 40 Summer Style

As you know, I’m not much for rules. However, a few general style guidelines are helpful. Determining what is “age appropriate” is difficult to pin down. As I’ve discussed over the years, it depends on the person. What works for one may not work for another for a variety of reasons. It mostly comes down to what works well on your body and how you feel when you wear it. If it feels too young, it is. Donate it.

Here are my guidelines for summer style over 40.

Simplify the Look

Often, the fussier the piece, the more youthful it appears. This includes ties, zippers, ribbons, appliqués, ruffles and flounces. However, there is always a way to wear things you love. When wearing a “youthful” piece, keep the rest of your outfit streamlined and classic.

Longer is Classy

This goes for shorts, dresses and skirts. For skirts and dresses, just under the knee length is a flattering place to stop. The nice thing about this length is you don’t have to worry how high it rises when you sit down. It will fall just above your knee when you sit, which is perfect. Choosing the right length for shorts depends on your height and proportions. Generally, try to keep shorts to a length of 5” or longer. Longer shorts can be hemmed to the right length for you. Better to buy too long and get them altered than to buy too short.

Wear Flattering Colors

The colors you wear over 40 are especially important as our body colors begin to soften with age. While it was once easy to experiment with all the colors of the rainbow, find colors that make you look vibrant and energized. If your default is black, try navy. Add color pops to your neutrals.

If you are unsure about your most flattering colors, I can do a custom color analysis for you. Your custom color fan is one-of-a-kind, and it’s a helpful shopping tool and a great companion at the makeup counter, too. Contact me to get your color fan!

Play in Accessories

Accessories do a great job telling your story. They are your personality pieces. Be thoughtful about your choices, and invest well here. If accessories have been an afterthought, put focus here this season. A great shoe/sandal, a nice handbag and well-chosen jewelry take your look to the next level.

I’m Here to Help

If you are not sure what to buy this season, message me. Together, we will edit your wardrobe and make sure the pieces you buy are the ones you truly need.

Have fun shopping the catalog, and let me know what you buy!

Note: Some, though not all, of the links in the catalog are with affiliated retailers, who pay me a small commission for your purchases. This is always appreciated!