For women over 40, the attention-grabbing style rules that applied in years past have changed. The obvious styling that signaled sexy, such as short, tight, low-cut and a heavy use of animal prints may have worked then, but now, can end up creating the look of a cougar stereotype.
For a woman to truly be a sexy, memorable head-turner over 40, new style rules apply and can make you look and feel irresistible during the sexiest years of your life!
Here are my top 3 tips for looking your sexy best:
1. Dress for Your Shape, Not Your Size: This is a time to be educated about your body and learn the style strategies to dress for your shape. Take time to learn about your shape and the style strategies to dress for your body. By dressing for your shape, not your size, you will instantly appear slimmer, taller and feel sexier. This is a style secret of celebrities!
Over the years, Oprah has perfected the concept of dressing for your shape, not your size. She has shown her shape regardless of the numbers on the scale. However, in the examples below, she had a style misstep with these clothing choices that hid her shape.
In the first photo, the shapeless boxy top hides Oprah’s best asset on her pear shaped body, her small waist. In the second photo, elastic gathering causes fabric to billow away from her body to create extra volume.
In the last two photos, excessive amounts of fabric overwhelm her frame and make her appear much larger.
Ahhhhh, this is when Oprah’s style works best, when she dresses for her shape by showing her waist. She draws attention to her waist with shirring accents and belts. By dressing for her shape, she elongates her body, appears more confident and slimmer!
2. Less is Really More . . . Sexy! Show your shape, not your skin. This is a time in life when less truly is more. A woman over 40 can appear sexier by skimming the curves of her body, not hiding in an oversized garment or showing too much in something too tight or too low. This style strategy will show your body confidence, and that’s always sexy!
Mariah Carey is a frequent offender of a ‘More is More’ style philosophy gone wrong. When showing skin, choose one focal point, cleave or legs. Jennifer Anniston usually gets it right but in the example below, the thigh high slit looks hipbone high! A thigh slit can be sexy until it crosses the line of being too high. You can rarely go wrong by showing a peek of your shoulder for a sexy skin-baring look.
3. Undergarments Matter Now More than Ever: Gravity is at work and a good fitting bra counters the effects by keeping your breasts in an uplifted position. This gives you a more youthful appearance and improves posture. The silhouette of your overall appearance is enhanced and creates a sexy appearance. Shapewear can go a long way towards a smooth appearance for an extra boost of body confidence.
Lisa Rinna has frequently let it all hang loose but at 49 years old; a bra goes a long way towards great style. However, not just any bra will do for women over 40. By finding the right bra that adds lift and support, you can instantly take off years and pounds from your body.
Many women avoid wearing Shapewear and prefer to feel more comfortable without it. However, a very light Shapewear can be work to smooth rather than tuck you in. By trying a smoothing strategy instead, lighter weight Shapewear will feel more comfortable and give you a beautifully smooth appearance.
