How to Be Stylish in Your 40s, 50s, 60s, and Beyond

I’m less than 2 years shy of sliding into my 30s. I’m not stressed about it (at least not yet) because I’m actually excited about being in my 40s. You’d have to be blind not to realize how fierce women over 40 like Halle Berry, Heather Locklear, Iman, and Helen Mirren are looking these days. To quote Carrie Bradshaw, “Your 20s are to make mistakes, your 30s are to learn from your mistakes, and your 40s are to pay for the drinks” OK, so maybe that’s not exactly what she said and maybe that doesn’t have anything really to do with what I’m trying to say, but just know over 40 is FIERCEEEEEEE (Tyra Banks voice).

So what do you do with all that hot, mature fierceness? I’ve got you covered on some tips on how to be stylish in your 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond!

1. Know what works for your body. This is key. Knowing what works for your body not only helps you look your best, it also saves you time and money by helping you avoid what doesn’t look good on you. You can get tips on what works for your body type by browsing the “Dressing for Your Body” scroll down tab above.

2. Invest in high quality, classic wardrobe staples. Be better than your twenty year old counterparts–stay out of retailers like Forever 21 (yes, I do understand you can still fit the clothes—but trust me on this one). Nothing will age you more than indulging in the trends the “young chicks” wear. High quality, classic wardrobe staples (such as a fitted trench, white button down blouse, great-fitting dark denim jeans, etc.) scream sophistication and will never go out of style.

Splendid Jersey zip-back dress; Alexander McQueen Houndstooth check pencil dress; Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Monday wool-blend jacket; Aquascutum Isabeau puff sleeve blouse

3. Don’t be afraid of color. Your color palette may become more softer as you age, but it doesn’t mean you’re destined for a closet filled with black and grey. Mix in bold colors like purple, red, and blue with your neutrals.

Adam Wool double-breasted coat; Jimmy Choo Candy acrylic shoulder clutch; Milly Raffia cotton jacquard skirt; Halston Astor suede calf boots

4. Always remember that like a fine wine, women get better with age. I hear by the time a woman reaches 40, she just doesn’t really care what other people think (ok, I heard that from Janet Jackson’s ABC interview last week). Having spent most of your teens and early adulthood worrying about everyone else’s opinion, isn’t it grand to be secure in your own womanhood? No amount of Gucci or Luis Vuitton can cover poor self-esteem, so walk with your head held high and work (RuPaul voice).

5. No “mom” jeans. This should go without saying, but tapered jeans with the pleated front aka “mom” jeans are forbidden. Even if you’re “just doing laundry” or “just running to get a few things from the grocery”—there’s just no excuse for mom jeans. If you have some in your closet, I’d say give them to charity, but aren’t the less fortunate already going through enough? Throw them away!

A good universal jean that will work on nearly everybody shape and will never go out of style is a dark denim rinse bootcut (or trouser cut if you have thicker thighs) jean. Dress it up or dress it down, you’ll be wearing those jeans until they start wearing you.