5 Tips For a Hot Style Life After 40

I find as I age, I am becoming more bold with my style. For one thing, I NEVER accessorized. Now I feel naked without at least one ring on my hands, I am totally into necklaces, and I have been known to wear a scarf now and then.

I am also discovering clothing styles that work for me. I feel my most sexy in jeans, tank top and a blazer, but I also love dresses. Classy but sensual dresses.

Silver & Grace guest post author, Heather Claus, is here to tell us how to embrace our own unique styles after age forty. And feel totally hot!

Has your style life flagged over the years? Have you gone from having style several times a day to only once or twice a month? Worse yet, has your style life become nonexistent?

One thing is for certain, 99% of women over 40 will say that the year that they looked and felt their absolute best is behind them.

I say that’s a shame.

You deserve style each and every day. You deserve the sashay in your step, the smile on your face, and the appreciation from those eyes you want to see filled with admiration.

So, let’s stand up and say, “YES! I will take back my style life!” It’s easier to do something about that than you might think.

I’ve heard the excuses:

“My body isn’t what it used to be.”

“A stranger with grey hair and wrinkles looks out of the mirror at me.”

“I have a lot going on, and I don’t have energy to spend on frivolous things.”

I ask you, what is LESS frivolous than looking good and feeling great about yourself? Not a whole lot.

As far as that body and face you have, well, it may not look like the one you had in your twenties, but it’s what you have to work with. Besides, great style has nothing to do with how you look – it’s all attitude, baby! Even Coco Chanel agreed:

Nature gives you the face you have at twenty; it is up to you to merit the face you have at fifty.
~Coco Chanel

So, are we in agreement? We’re NOT giving up our style life without a fight? GOOD!

Here are a few ideas to spice up your style life, right now:

1. Pretend you just bought it

Remember when your relationship was new? You looked for excuses to spend time together… Well, why not bring the spark back? Grab one of your exes hanging there in the closet, and look with new eyes. Try it on with a dozen other outfits – find new combinations and ways to wear it that will bring the fresh back.

2. Act on your moods

Gosh, you used to do style for now reason, now you wait for an event? “Bah,” I say! Do style whenever and wherever you want! Feel like getting a bit dressier today? Do it! Want to wear fire engine red? Go for it! There is no reason in the world not to have some afternoon delight!

3. Head to a “toy store”

When was the last time you brought in a little outside help? I bet you used to be more adventurous. Just because you’re older doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun with toys! Toys come in a variety of models and prices, from the quick, cheap and dirty (Claire’s Boutique), to the quirky (Etsy), to the serious eye-candy unless you have major bank to spend (think David Yurman or Omelle). Pick the toys that suit your mood and your budget to liven up your style life.

4. Slip into something a bit more comfortable

You’ve probably heard that pain in the name of fashion is acceptable. I happen to agree – to a point. The fabulous news is that it’s not required. You can have an amazing style life in your casuals, too. Stilletos are super-sexy, but quirky flats are stylish too, and give you a pulled-together look while running errands, heading to yoga, or taking the kinds (or grandkids) to the park. Always keep in mind afternoon delight from #2.

5. Appeal to all the senses

Sight is a big part of a style life, I’ll admit, but there are certainly other options. Pamper yourself with some amazing bath products, luxury fabrics that feel silky smooth against your skin, scented oils and perfumes, the rustle of taffeta (there is actually a word for that sound: it’ called scroop), and even a spicy curry dark chocolate. Yes, think of your style life as expanding to more than just the closet. Flirt with the possibilities!

So what’s holding you back? You know you used to love it. Bring back the passion and excitement. Fall in love again. Have a style life your friends will envy!

More information!

I’m Heather Claus, and I love style. I didn’t always, but once I learned I knew anyone could, so I taught. Register at 365DaysofStyle.com for weekly style lessons, fashion giveaways, and daily style resources – and don’t forget our FREE 12 Simple Separates guide – it’ll show you how to turn 12 simple separates into 80 Easy Outfits! *smiles*

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