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.
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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…
Style Notes: This year, the statement blouse is really having a moment.
Style Notes: Black tailoring doesn't have to look business-ready. By looking out for elegant silhouettes and adding sleek accessories, it can feel high-fashion too.
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3. DOPAMINE DRESSING IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA
So now you've mastered head-to-toe black, it doesn't mean that timeless dressing has to be boring. In fact, statement prints and acid brights are the ones we come back to time and again—just ask leopard print and Barbiecore. Celebrate the joy in dressing up by embracing (and even clashing) different colours and prints for a look guaranteed to turn heads for all of the right reasons.
Style Notes: Textures, charms and colour? Why not!
Style Notes: Bold colours can help bring a little sunshine to even the most overcast day. Just pair a bright shirt with clashing trousers and add equally fun accessories.
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4. INVEST IN SMART OUTERWEAR
Having timeless outerwear like denim jackets and trench coats in your arsenal might actually be the smartest purchase you can make this season. As we're now in summer, coats might not seem like an obvious choice, but as soon as the sun sets, layering is key, and some of our favourite influencers have already cottoned on to the versatility of the easy light jacket. Wear oversized and undone over your favourite summer dress or linen shirt and trousers.
Style Notes: A camel trench is versatile enough to wear with anything your wardrobe from mini dresses to wide-leg trousers.
Style Notes: Take a scroll through Frann's feed and you'll find smart tailored coats in just about every neutral colour. Anything that gets the French stamp of approval must be chic.
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5. PLAY WITH TEXTURE
One of the easiest style dilemmas to solve is how to make a simple outfit feel a bit more special. The answer? Introduce different textures. Pairing the unexpected adds a point of interest—think fine knits and satin skirts, tweed jackets and denim, or teddy jacket against a suede bag, anything that feels good, looks good too.
Style Notes: Texture mixtures can be subtle like this teddy, suede, pinstripe and silver trainer combo.
Style Notes: Erica Davies is such a go-to for these fun textural and print combinations. She will inspire you to play with your wardrobe!
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6. OVERSIZED SILHOUETTES ALWAYS LOOK COOL
Big sleeves, big skirts, big shoulder pads and plenty of attitude… With age comes confidence, best showcased in voluminous dresses, skirts, jackets and knits that bring the drama. And if you aren't feeling your most self-assured, fake it to make it. In a big dress or power shoulder, you can't help but walk a little taller. Fashion forward, and not to mention comfortable, oversized proportions are the secret weapon of some of the most stylish women in fashion, and everyone should have an outfit in their wardrobe that acts as a sartorial pick-me-up.
Style Notes: An oversized biker like this doesn't need over-accessorising. Keep jewellery to a minimum and the rest of the look simple to let the jacket do all of the talking.
Style Notes: Grece's full kilt is proof that you can't go wrong with a big skirt and a refined knit.
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