Style For Our Fabulous 40's And Beyond
January is my birthday month, and here I am celebrating those “middle years” of my life. While I might not be rocking the same outfit that I once wore in my 20’s (and a good thing, I suppose), there is a new sense of freedom in my style choices as a woman at the tail end of my 40’s. For me, style is so much more than just getting dressed for the day or an evening out. Style is an art – a way of expressing who I am and how I move through the world. And most importantly, feeling confident whilst doing it. So to celebrate our fabulous 40’s (and beyond), I’ve curated a collection of stylish pieces to take you from weekday to weekend, and an evening out. Plus, the “complete the look” essentials for your effortless style wardrobe.
FOR THE WEEKDAY
Getting dressed during the week can feel repetitive – how many days in a row can I wear the same sweater and jeans? We’ve all been there. This is where a curated collection of versatile pieces comes in to bring style and comfort to weekday dressing. Let’s start with statement pieces... the Vanessa Bruno Sven Coat is made from a wool-blend, so it’s perfect for winter weather and is cut to wear open or closed. A chic blazer is essential for workday dressing, and the Madeleine Blazer from Annie Bing is a classic, and my personal go-to.
I like to have a few blouses in different colors, prints and fabrics for mixing and matching. The Kissa Silk Blouse from Chufy is made from a super soft silk fabric with a paisley print, and relaxed silhouette. I’m pairing it with Citizens of Humanity's Emerson Mid Rise Jeans, which have a relaxed fit and cropped inseam. Layer the Madeleine Blazer on top with a heeled bootie, like the Dewina Boot from Isabel Marant Étoile, to complete your look.
Another blouse option is the Cotton Crepe Puff Sleeve Shirt from Ganni. It’s made from a blend of certified organic cotton with a structured silhouette, sweet ruffle collar detailing and long puff sleeves. This blouse can also be worn with the Emerson Jeans, Madeleine Blazer and Dewina Boot. Add in the leather Trinidad Thin Stud Belt for a pop of metallic.
And lastly, a crisp cotton classic, the pinstripe Yorke Shirt from Nili Lotan can be worn throughout the year. I like to style it with a lighter wash denim, like the Shelley Slim Jeans from R13. And if you’re living in a warmer climate, the Cece Flats from Aquazzura are a great weekday alternative to boots. The sleek golden sheen and snake print is perfect for elevating jeans and a blouse.
A sweater is an easy, chic winter essential that can be dressed up or down during the week. The Emsalo V-Neck Sweater from LouLou is the perfect cashmere knit and plays well with just about anything. I like to style it with a dark grey wash denim, like the Daphne Crop High Rise Jeans, and a low-heel bootie like the Claire Zip Boots, which are a favorite of many clients.
For a lightweight sweater, I’m loving the Lynette Turtleneck from Nili Lotan. It’s made from a fine cashmere for warmth, but it’s thin enough to use as a layering piece. I'm styling it with the Shelley Jeans, the Sven Coat, and the Dewina Boots to complete the look (and just about any other look - it's a wardrobe work horse).
These two crossbody bags are perfect for work or running errands. The Mackenzie Crossbody in espresso brown has a chic woven leather detailing and wears well with brown and black toned looks. Alternatively, the Neeson Tassel Crossbody from Anya Hindmarch is a classic smaller scale day bag with a woven bow and tassel detailing.
FOR THE WEEKEND
During the weekend I tend to keep my outfits casual and fun, and dressing for the occasion is key. If I’m in New York, I’m bundling up in a puffy jacket, like the Laminar Glazed Ripstop Oversize Jacket from Herno, and lacing up my Campa Boots from Isabel Marant Étoile. I keep my head warm with the chunky wool Ribble Beanie from Mr. Mittens. It's a great way to add a pop of color, especially if you're a neutral lover like me. And for those sunny winter days, the Airdale Sunglasses are simple, yet refined and go well with anything, from dresses to denim.
For weekend base layers, I turn to striped tops and vintage tees. For a subtle rocker look, the Lili Eagle Tee from Anine Bing, paired with the Shelley Jeans and Campa Boots are a great combination. For a pop of print, add in the cashmere blend Kuzanne Scarf from Isabel Marant Étoile. A classic layer that never goes out of style, the linen cotton blend Kaaron Striped Long Sleeve T-Shirt from Isabel Marant Étoile is a weekend staple. I’m styling it with the Shelley Jeans, and when heading out, the cashmere Maeve Wrap is perfect for layering on top.
I'm all about cozy sweaters, and to mix things up from what I wear during the week, I bring in pops of color and print. The Tarot Diana Pullover Sweater from Raquel Allegra is my current favorite. Style it with the Shelley Jeans and the shearling-lined Ball Star Sneakers from Golden Goose. Yes, shearling lined! The ombre Drussell Sweater from Isabel Marant Étoile is another favorite for adding some color.
Pair these sweaters with a relaxed cotton twill pant, like the Shon Pants from Nili Lotan. The uniquely curved silhouette is extremely comfortable to wear and adds more flair than a regular chino cut pant. When I’m needing a medium-weight jacket to throw on before heading out the door, the Harveli Coat from Isabel Marant Étoile fits the bill. It’s made with an oversized cut and the hues play well with everything in your wardrobe. Trust me, you'll be wearing it on repeat.
FOR EVENINGS OUT
When it comes to dressing up, I’m all about looks that make me feel comfortable and also sexy, whether it's playing with florals or mixing in some menswear inspired tailoring. A printed dress is a wardrobe essential and the Nubia Maxi Dress from Chufy just arrived and it's top of my wishlist. This beautiful floral-inspired printed dress gathers in the front and back with a tie belt at the waist. I’m pairing it with the metallic Clarita Sandals from Alexandre Birman, and Mai Wrap Coat for added warmth.
Alternatively, the Diane Dress from Raquel Allegra in a neutral chocolate brown is ultra flattering. The draped detailing, off-center slit and open v-neck make this dress sexy and one you’ll easily be able to wear for multiple occasions and seasons. For a pop of print, I’m pairing this dress with the leopard Ilora Heels from Pedro Garcia and the crystal bow Rochelle Clutch from Loeffler Randall. For an added layer over the dress, the 90’s Blazer from Smythe has a mens tailoring with a subtle black pinstripe. And it's a perfect one to wear during the week with jeans, a turtleneck, ballet flats or boots.
I’m all about a dressy trouser for evenings out. They look sleek, modern and ultra sophisticated. The Nautical Culottes from Smythe have a high rise and flattering A-line silhouette with brass button hardware and a cropped hemline. I’m styling these pants with the Catus Gold Bow Sweater from Madeleine Thompson and the Clic Clac Leopard Clutch.
Alternatively, you can style these pants with a flowy printed blouse, like the Ponferrada Lelis Top from Maria Cher. And to complete your look, add in the Helen Boots from Golden Goose and the floor length Lilac Cardigan from Madeleine Thompson for an extra layer of warmth.
And it’s not an evening out without a few special pieces of jewelry and a spritz of my favorite perfume. Take your look up a notch with the Midnight Dancing Earrings from Isabel Marant Étoile. And a spritz of the No. 9 Perfume Oil from Maison Louis Marie is my go-to before heading out the door.
FOR COMPLETING THE LOOK
You can't go wrong picking accessories in neutral tones and prints with natural textures. Scarves are on heavy rotation at the moment and I’m loving these ones from Jane Carr… the cashmere Chalet Square is a two-toned square scarf hand knotted with fringe detailing. To add some print to your look, the Medley Square is 100% silk and features floral, camo, check and leopard designs. And for a simple, go-with-everything option, The Luxe Scarf from Jane Carr is made from pure cashmere and can be worn as a wrap, a blanket while traveling or around the neck. I always have mine in my bag.
For an edgier everyday boot, I turn to the Campa Boots that lace up the front with a treaded sole. For an easy slip on western style, the Dewina Boots are just enough of a heel. For a more casual style that’s super comfortable, the Valeria Sheepskin Boots are made with natural sheepskin and wear well with denim, pants, and even skirts and dresses.
Aside from boots, timeless black flats are a wardrobe essential. The Maia Flats from Aquazzura are made from a supple leather with cut out detailing and a feminine pointed toe – the perfect shoe for workdays into the weekend. I love chic heels that dress up anything from denim to dresses. The Clarita Heels have been part of my wardrobe for years. The Isla Heels from Pedra Garcia add some glamor with the triple crystal bands and satin fabric.
A classic handbag never goes out of style, and the Moon Hobo Bag from Vanessa Bruno is just that. It features a soft quilted design with an adjustable gold chain in a warm chocolate hue. As I get older, I want to keep things as simple as possible, and the Porte Mobile L helps me do just that. A wallet and smartphone holder in one, this chic clutch will last for years to come. The pair of sunnies I don’t leave home without are the TK-3 from Oliver Peoples. The season-less design makes them suitable for everyday wear.
I know I’m not alone when I say that fashion doesn’t have to end at midlife. Style is for every age and stage of life. And once you find your style, it's very empowering. With the wisdom that comes with being around a bit, so too does knowing what works and what doesn't, and looking effortlessly put together and comfortable is a great feeling. And if you need help with that, that's what we're here for.
