Finding Fashion in Midlife

Finding fashion that works in your late 30s and 40s is all about pivoting from passing trends to pieces that prioritize flawless fit, comfort, convenience, and confidence. It is the perfect time to build a capsule wardrobe of elevated basics while adding personal touches that reflect your vibrant, evolving life.

Your late 30s, 40s, and 50s are a beautiful transition period. Your body changes, your lifestyle shifts, and your personal wardrobe can too! Instead of feeling restricted by outdated “rules,” this is an empowering era to redefine your look.

Setting Your Intention

Okay, this isn't yoga, but is the purpose behind what you are about to buy or wear? Is it just a piece of clothing you need to run around in? A one-and-done item or a statement piece? I know this sounds like a ton of work and too much thought, but clothes aren't cheap, and knowing what and how you are going to wear something eliminates future stress in planning.

The Three C's of Clothing:

For me, outfit selection often comes down to my "Three C's."

1. Comfort: Is what I am wearing comfortable for the tasks planned? Can I sit, stand, or walk in the item without worry of "clothing malfunctions" or feeling distracted by the itchiness of the fabric or uncomfortable fit? If it's not comfortable for the intended use (back up to the first point), for me, it's a no-go.

   
   

2. Convenience: Does the item need a lot of care? Like, does it need ironing, steaming, things that are outside of my normal throw it in the wash or take to the dry cleaner realm? If so, it's likely a no. I don't personally have the patience or time to mess with the extras.

   
   

3. Confident: After I set my intention, I ask myself the first two C's. If the piece passes, I move on to "How does this make me feel?" If any internal alarms go off, it's a no. Oftentimes, I will actually try on gowns (pageant gal), high-end pieces, etc... with no make-up, messy hair, and generally look like something "the cat dragged in," If I can feel good in the item looking like that, it's a yes! Confidence comes from your most natural state and is then built upon by the extras.

   
   

3. Assess Your Foundations

What are your go-to, never-donate pieces? Identify them and assess them: are they still in good shape? Do you need a re-order? Do you like it so much that you buy it in different colors? Do you have neutrals to mix and match on busy days or to make travel easier?

Asking yourself these questions can be a real time and stress preventer.

4. Have Fun with Trends

You do not have to abandon trends altogether. The trick is to mix two classics with one "of-the-moment" piece. Add a pop of color near your face with a bright silk cami, throw on a trendy faux-leather moto jacket, or experiment with bold accessories to show your personality. Have a pair of fun heels? Use it to elevate the look.

Dress for YOU!

At the end of the day, how you dress should be about you. I think of fashion as functional pieces of self-expression. I don't pay attention to age-related stereotypes ("too old to wear that"), I pay attention to all of the above and live accordingly.