Many of you asked us how to wear Autumn/Winter 2020/21’s bolder pieces when you’re north of 40. And it can be difficult to integrate romantic-style blouses, retro-style blouses and faux-leather pieces into your style. It can feel like everything’s made for a younger audience. But our Personal Shopper has the answers to help keep you looking great through your 40s with confidence.
A double-buttoned blazer
“I’m passionate about fashion and this Autumn/Winter, I want a double-buttoned blazer. But although there are lots on offer, I can’t find the right one. Can you help me?” Carmen, 48 (Spain)
Hi Carmen, great choice. You need to consider a few things here.
- Consider structure:
- Harmonise your colour:
- Blend to good effect
This season these blazers have volume in the shoulders and won’t suit all silhouettes. So make sure the shape doesn’t feel too exaggerated when you’re browsing.
You also need to think about the print and the colour. Soft tones and discrete print sizes will work best as they’re more elegant and easier to combine with other pieces. Think about your colour type (take a look at our blog) as these prints work better in shades of white, black or marine grey for colder tones. And brown, beige or green for warmer tones.
Master the art of balance in your outfits. No stylist can tell you something is definitely not for you if you fall for it. They’ll just say we’ll see how we do it and not rule anything out. That’s why this part is so important.
If your blazer’s a little hard to blend, make up for it with denim, or faux-leather and go for mono-colour, mixed colours and basics in the rest of your look. But definitely avoid blending your blazer with eye-catching pieces, anything too dressy and things like skirts.
Take a look at our tip for Autumn/Winter.
Romantic blouses
“I love romantic blouses with a retro collar, but I look like I’m in fancy dress when I wear them. Are there any that won’t make me look quite so childish?”
Sophie, 42, France
Hi Sophie. I know what you mean. Romantic blouses are great, but they’re not easy to wear. They look great with a simple jumper, but they won’t work with just anyone’s features. Here are my tips.
- Lighten up on tones
- Choose carefully
- Go minimal
- Blend well
Light is essential to bring life to your face. So when you lose a little in your face’s natural appearance over the years, you need to choose lighter tones.
Quality is important, look for pieces made from cotton, or with a high-quality finish.
It’s always the best option where possible.
Combine romantic blouses with casual items like trainers, jeans and hoodies. It can take a bit of practice, but these pieces can soften the look and add a little freshness.
Take a look at our tip for Autumn/Winter.
Autumn/Winter stockings
“I find it hard to choose Autumn/Winter stockings and to combine them well. My legs have always been my strong point. In summer, I love making the most of them, but in winter I struggle and end up overdoing it with Rococo. Can you help me? Thanks.
Sue, 52, UK
Hi Sue, don’t worry, this isn’t an easy one. I’m sure you’re creative and outgoing, but combining styles can be risky. I have some ideas for you.
- Go for a total look
- Go for a total look:
- Put your prints on it
- Introduce some volume
- Take care with black stockings
This packs a lot of punch, especially if you go for the all-black look. You can also choose mini-prints and floral maxi-prints (modernist yes, vintage no). Pairing black with some more creative pieces will introduce minimalism and a sense of containment.
This packs a lot of punch, especially if you go for the all-black look. You can also choose mini-prints and floral maxi-prints (modernist yes, vintage no). Pairing black with some more creative pieces will introduce minimalism and a sense of containment.
You can do a lot with different prints. Large prints provide volume and small ones reduce it.
Thicker stockings will stylise your legs and the less opaque options will add more volume.
Transparent black can be great, but they can give too much of a formal look. Especially for the slightly older ones among us.
Faux-leather look
“I’m having a hard time trying to carry off the faux-leather look. I like it when I see it on others, but then it doesn’t seem to work for me. Why not?
Simona, 54, Italy”
Hi Simona. Don’t worry, it’s something that happens to us all. But there are ways to make faux-leather work for you.
- Start small
- Forget being a rockstar
- Accessorise your look
Introduce it into your wardrobe in small doses, something like a tube skirt is a good start.
It may be that the style of the piece just doesn’t work for you, like with a biker jacket. Especially if there’s a lot of zip going on. Have a good think and look at some cleaner or more feminine-cuts like a peplum.
If you can’t make it work any other way, add some accessories to bring a little street-style to your look.
