How to Dress in Your 40s, According to Fashionable Women

While Gen Z is still firmly in the throes of Y2K dressing, those of us who remember the low-slung jeans and crop tops from the first time around are looking elsewhere for some fashionable inspiration. It is a widely known fact that great style is ageless, and some of the most stylish women in fashion are in their 40s, 50s and 60s and have spent a lifetime curating their refined looks while still making current trends work for them.

There are plenty of valuable lessons in figuring out how to build a timeless wardrobe (get ready to take notes) but also how to stay true to your own personal style, as fashion is all about self-expression and what makes you feel good above all else. Having been guilty of buying into a few quick fads and whatever is trending on TikTok, I’m changing to a better approach to shopping, always bearing in mind what will stand the test of time and get the most wear in the future too.

So after looking to some of my favourite over-40 fashion bloggers and influencers for inspiration, I found some reoccurring tips for stylish dressing at any age and for every season. Yes, these outfits work beautifully in your 40s but really they are relevant for any age demographic. From statement silhouettes to classic essenti8als, keep scrolling to see some pointers from the fashion bloggers and influencers who know how to dress fashionably in your 40s, 50s and 60s and are inspiring my wardrobe going forward.

1. GOOD TAILORING IS TIMELESS 

There is a reason that tailoring is known as “power dressing,” and getting the right fit can make you feel incredible. At Who What Wear, we are evangelical about the power of a good blazer, and whether worn as a full suit or paired with skirts and dresses, a well-cut blazer appears in the wardrobes of most fashionable women for its ability to elevate any look. Investing in a good-quality, classic blazer is a shrewd choice. You’ll get wear out of it for years to come.

Style Notes: Basing an outfit on a neutral palette gives the polished look of a full suit without being matchy-matchy.

Style Notes: Add plenty of personality to your tailored look with mismatched accessories.

Shop Tailoring Looks:

2. HEAD-TO-TOE BLACK ALWAYS LOOKS EXPENSIVE 

According to Neiman Marcus, “Women who wear black lead colourful lives,” and there is something to be said about the sense of mystery that an all-black outfit portrays. Elegant, refined and understated, black is a reliable fail-safe for when you want to look put together with minimal effort. Well, if it’s good enough for Coco Chanel…