Fabulous After 40: Age Appropriate- Is there such a thing?

How many times have you wandered around a store, finally found something you kind of liked, but ended up frustrated asking yourself, Is this to old? Is this too young? What's just right????

Is there such a thing as age appropriate and how the heck do you know when you find it? The truth is that while dressing after 40 depends partly on your body and partly on your attitude, there are some basic style guidelines you can rely on to make you look modern and fresh. Take a look at these 3 examples.

JEANS

Too Old

The reason jeans have remained a staple in womens' wardrobes for so many years is that the right pair can make your body look goddess-like.

But not this pair! They're stiff, boring and unfeminine. The high waist sits up past the belly button. Instead of complimenting your curves, high waisted jeans will emphasize your tummy and behind, making you look very big and round. To boot, these jean narrow at the leg making the hips look larger. Also the length of the jean is all wrong, exposing your shoes and making you look shorter and heavier. Donate these to some farm hand.

Too Young

Skinny, tight, low cut and flashy. Let's be honest. These jeans are designed for a tight Little twenty-something body. Sure if you have long thin legs and you wear a big belted top that covers your bum over top of these jeans you might be able to get away with this. But for the majority of women over 40 who Carry a Little extra weight, these jeans will make you look like a stuffed sausage on heels.

Also, don't know if you can see that this particular pair features faded kitty cat whisker lines across the crotch area. Meow!... another good reason to stay away from these if you are over 40. The whisker lines will only draw attention to your lower stomach and by trying too hard to be trendy you'll end up looking tarty.

Just Right

The right choice of jeans is something sophisticated and modern. We like these classy jeans with a medium rise that lands just a tad below the belly button because they are really flattering to so many body types. These jeans are clean and simple without fussy distracting details (like cat whiskers! or glitter or embroidery, which by the way ladies, is now out of style) A dark blue wash like this always looks rich and also makes you look skinnier-bonus!

See how the wider flare at the bottom balances out the hips beautifully and the pants length comes right to the shoe. Also, make sure your jeans have some stretch to them, like these do. A little Lycra goes a long way to help get the perfect fit.

TURTLENECK SWEATER

Too Old

Oh come on let's all admit it. You've probably owned one of these at some point and maybe even still have one hanging around in your closet somewhere. It's the classic turtleneck we all grew up with. Beware, because this very conservative style just shouts "Old lady". The color could work if it were another sweater but the cable knit pattern, stiff high neck, looseness at the waist and shorter sweater length all add up to a much needed trip to the Salvation Army.

Too Young

Yes it's new, yes it's modern but it's also a great way to add twenty pounds. The problem with this top, is that first of all the short sleeves are hard to pull off after 40. There's all that jiggly stuff going on when you lift your arm up, right? Don't want to play that up, do you? Plus, cute cute baby doll sleeves do not make an older woman look cute. They make her look like an older woman who is dressing babyish.

Thick, chunky knits like this add bulk for sure, and make you look heavier. Finally the bell shape of the sweater, might make you feel like your hiding that tummy, but in reality it will draw everyone's eye to this detail, and therefore your pooch. Need any more reasons to stay clear of sweaters like this one?

Just Right

This beautiful black turtleneck has a very relaxed classy feel. The cotton modal fabric is lightweight, comfortable and smooth. The neck is still high but softer and the whole top is fitted just enough to skim the body and give a womanly shape.

The length is great because it hits the hipbone,covering up any gap between pant and stomach and it camouflages the tummy. You will never go wrong with a high quality black turtleneck like this.

BOOTS

Too Old

If you really are serious about looking chic and updated, you will not want to be seen in a boot like this. Sure it's practical, but really ladies: Life is too short to be Frumpy. We're sure you can find so meting with just a little more personality. Stop settling and buy something you really love.

Too Young

The magazines may be saying that these rusched boots are current fashion rage, but after 40 it's your job to take a Style stance and just say no to fussy trends like this. These boots are too busy and funky for gals our age. Think of it this way- they're scrunchy and wrinkly so they are going to emphasize the other parts of you that are scrunchy and wrinkly. Do you want to look like an old Boot?

Just Right

This snakeskin boot has just what it takes to look classy with a bit of fun. The heel is just high enough to make you feel sexy but not so high where you feel that you might topple over minutes after you put them on. They're elegant and modern, but subtle. Subtle is the key.

One final tip about Boots: Invest in a quality pair of boots. It shows! If you take proper care of them, they should last 3 or more seasons. Make sure to spray them with a good leather or suede sealer when you first get them, and reapply often. Don't forget to touch up the toes! Nothing worse than great boots where the color has worn out at the toe.