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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
Look fabulous at 40
It might be time to shake up your style; leave safe and stodgy behind
Blue tank, $14.99; split-front top, $59.99, both Out of the Blue. Dish Paris dark denim, $114.99, Out of the Blue.Chinese Laundry 'Major' wedge, $100, Rooster. (RUTH BONNEVILLE/WINNIPEG FREE PRESS) Photo Store
Ruth Bonneville/Winnipeg Free Press Striped dress with fringe, $210, Melanie Lyne. Michael Kors black patent sandals, $138, Browns. Necklace, $95, Silver Lotus. (RUTH BONNEVILLE/WINNIPEG FREE PRESS) Photo Store
Ruth Bonneville/Winnipeg Free Press Blue tank, $14.99; split-front top, $59.99, both Out of the Blue. Dish Paris dark denim, $114.99, Out of the Blue.Chinese Laundry �Major� wedge, $100, Rooster.
Red satin polka-dot top, $44.99, Out of the Blue. White cardigan by Kersh, $54.99, Out of the Blue. Nine West white snakeskin flats, $110, Rooster. Grey cropped leggings, $45, Melanie Lyne. (RUTH BONNEVILLE/WINNIPEG FREE PRESS) Photo Store
Floral chiffon top, $98, Melanie Lyne. Faux tortoiseshell glasses, $20; Joia black hat, $24.99, both Out of the Blue. (RUTH BONNEVILLE/WINNIPEG FREE PRESS) Photo Store
BY age 40, you are likely solidified in your fashion ways, but have you fallen victim to the other end of the spectrum – are you stuck in style rut? You know, always opting for the tried, tested and true, playing it safe with something simple or assuming you are "too old" to pull off the latest trends?
Well, wake up, sister! Let's face it, your body is changing and so should your style. That means it's high time to refresh your wardrobe with flattering trendy pieces that can work with your basics.
The first bit of advice is to try things on. Don't look at the garment on the hanger and brush it off for one reason or another. You never know how something will look on you until you see it on your body. (Tip of the day: try on a size that fits the biggest part of your body, then tailor to fit the other areas.)
Second bit of advice: leave your fashion comfort zone. Experiment with trends, explore patterns and prints, envelop yourself in gorgeous hues -- you are confident and you definitely have what it take to pull it off.
Most importantly, don't listen to the "you can't wear that over 40" naysayer -- wear what looks good and fits perfectly and you will look fab in your 40s.
Avoid embellishments and bedazzled bottoms. Keep denim simple, clean and, most importantly, devoid of anything that looks like it belongs on the TLC show My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding.
Be wary of the "mom jean." A high waist can leave you looking as if you've wearing the same pair since the '80s, while a low-rise cut is best left for younger women. A medium rise that rests slightly above the hipbone will fit smoothly and likely avoid that unsightly gap at the lower back.
Have fun with prints and colours by teaming your basic blues with a stylish blouse in a trendy cut.
Build on the classics. Create a flawless wardrobe foundation with pieces that have innate style longevity, like a pair of dark, straight leg denim.
If the shoe fits, wear it! A great way to incorporate the latest trends is to do so with a fabulous pair of shoes.
Embrace colour: from bright kelly greens to electric blue and show-stopping red, make adding colour to your wardrobe a style priority.
Why shroud yourself in black when you can look confident and self-assured in white? The key is to invest in classic pieces and tailored cuts.
No one says being 40 means you need to ditch the trends for safe, subdued style. Choose trends wisely by opting for pieces that you can wear with a basic neutral.
Don't spend the summer in unflattering terry cloth -- experiment with colour, texture and cut, and create a beach-babe look that is all your own. After all, being 40 need not be boring.
Stay away from cutesy, girlish sundresses with creeping hemlines. Instead, choose a beach dress that screams sophistication and class -- think l'été in the French Riviera rather than guest spot on Geraldo Rivera.
Myra Gonzales
Myra is a local wardrobe stylist whose love for fashion led to the desire to help the fashionably challenged discover their individual style, empower them to have the confidence to shop on their own and above all, ensure all, her clients feel great about themselves in what they wear. For more information or to book a session with Myra, check out her website at www.mystylesense.com.
Model Tracy courtesy of Swish Model Management.
Photograpy by Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press
Got a suggestion for a future column or a fashion trend worth following? Email Connie Tamoto at connietamotofashion@hotmail.com.
It might be time to shake up your style; leave safe and stodgy behind. Model Tracy courtesy of Swish Model Management. Photograpy by Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition May 19, 2012 E1
History
Updated on Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 12:24 PM CDT: adds slideshow
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