Personal style is a powerful expression of your personality: you are a dynamic woman who is constantly learning, changing, and evolving (both in age and spirit!). And what you wear is a way to express your personality. Are you bold? Are you sophisticated? Are you sporty one day and classic the next? Whatever your style, your forties are about being true to yourself and reflecting that in your style without compromise.
With the right inspiration (and a few pro tips from Stitch Fix stylist Alicia), you’ll be well on your way to dressing in a way that suits your current situation, suits your future—and suits your fabulous 40s.
Our top 5 style tips for dressing in your 40s
1. Find your fit
When you reach 40, you feel confident and comfortable in your own skin. So it’s only logical that confidence and comfort are top priorities when it comes to clothing. Don’t just wear what looks good on you, but above all, wear what you feel comfortable in.
The key to this is a flawless fit. “Pay attention to the fit features that suit you best—elements such as waist height, silhouette, length, and material—so you can ask your stylist for similar looks,” says Stitch Fix stylist Alicia.
Look for garments that fit you perfectly, and if you’re unsure, treat yourself to an experienced tailor (you deserve it!). Clothes always look best when they fit like a glove. Pants, jeans, and structured garments such as blazers and coats are among the items that often require special care when purchased off the rack.
Once you’ve found the perfect fit, you can build a wardrobe of tried-and-true garments.
2. Style risks? Take them!
Whether you want to try a new color or completely revamp your style, we’re all for taking risks. Standing by your style means discovering new things. So add variety to your wardrobe and try something new to keep it fresh and exciting. Opt for a new shade, such as our color of the year 2024: matcha green. Experiment with new patterns (we love horizontal stripes, which, by the way, look good on everyone) or even try a monochrome outfit for an instant well-dressed look. When choosing your clothes in your forties, it’s all about pushing the boundaries of what you think you should wear.
3. Inspiration is all around you.
If you’re experiencing a style crisis or don’t feel entirely comfortable in your clothes, look for inspiration outside your comfort zone. Check out our 2024 Stitch Fix Style Forecast online, observe people on the street or in the office… Inspiration is everywhere, you just have to look for it! Then take your newfound inspiration (maybe it’s a new jean cut or a bold color) and incorporate it into a fresh OOTD that feels authentically you.
4. Confidence is the best accessory.
One of our goals as stylists is to help our customers look good and feel good about themselves. When you feel good, you look good,“ adds Stitch Fix stylist Alicia. She’s right: there’s nothing better than confidence and the daily affirmation ”I am awesome” (because it’s true!). In fact, those are the only words you need to create the reality and style that suits you best. When you walk into a room, the goal is for people to see you first—your outfit is just a supporting role. So focus on your inner radiance, and we guarantee your style will follow.5. Keep evolving
Just like you, your style will evolve over time. Even once you’ve found your style, don’t just think of your clothes as an expression of your personality, mood, and charisma, but as something that can be constantly adapted and changed to suit every stage of your life.
Our top 5 investment-worthy styles for women over 40
1. A chic jacket
Whether it’s a black leather jacket, a neutral trench coat, or a blazer with a bold print, get the most out of your outer layer by choosing a striking style. The key here is to keep the silhouette timeless so that you can still wear the garment when you’re over 40—and beyond.
2. A white sneaker
You’re finally ready to overcome your high heel addiction—yes! Our favorite shoe is a fresh white sneaker…itr goes with practically every look. Whether you’re wearing cropped jeans or a casual knit dress, white sneakers are always the right choice.
3. A crossbody bag
Your 40s can be very stressful. Between motherhood, work, and balancing all other aspects of your life, it’s important to have a practical bag at hand. “For busy customers who value functionality and comfort, a neutral crossbody bag is just the thing,” recommends Stitch Fix stylist Alicia. A crossbody bag is a win in every way: it has room for all your everyday essentials, keeps your hands free, and can be worn effortlessly from day to night.
4. A slip dress
Spice up your wardrobe with a fresh take on the classic little black dress: a new slip silhouette. We think it’s one of the best dresses for women over 40 (or any age). A mid-length dress is extremely versatile, so you can style it with a blazer and flats for the office, a cozy sweater or cardigan for the weekend, and a leather jacket and high heels for after work.
5. The perfect jeans
A pair of well-fitting jeans is your secret style weapon—you can wear them for almost any occasion and feel completely comfortable. If you haven’t found your dream jeans yet, your stylist will be happy to help you choose the perfect pair. Let her know if you want to try new silhouettes, washes, rise heights, and lengths. Not sure where to start? Stitch Fix stylist Alicia has a few ideas: “If you’re looking for comfort and style, straight and wide-leg styles are a great choice to achieve both!”
Let Stitch Fix style you in your 40s and beyond
Want to make your 40s even more fabulous? Take our style quiz and schedule a Fix delivery—then look forward to a selection of stylish clothing for women over 40. Try on your new tops, jeans, and dresses in the comfort of your own home. Keep (and pay for) only what you like and send the rest back. Shipping and returns are always free, and there’s no subscription required. Make this decade your best yet—we’ll make sure you look stylish doing it.