Hey Marcia,A dear friend just emailed me to announce that she is getting married this May in Los Angeles (we’re both in our forties). I’m making plans to go to the wedding, and I want my look to be tight and right. Since I hate shopping, could you please give me advice on the latest looks for this spring that would suit a woman of my age. Please help-I don’t want to look like a middle-aged Minnesota Eskimo when I hit sunny California!
Hey Girlfriend!
So you’re forty-ish and fabulous too, huh? You know they say that forty is the new thirty, so confidently embrace your age and the many blessings of your life. You raise a great question, because we don’t all love shopping (really?). Here are the three keys to looking your best at our age; 1. Not too short, 2. Not too low-cut, 3. Not too tight. Aside from that, you can and should take cues from the season’s current fashion trends, because we certainly can’t have you rolling around Cali looking out of place! Just because we live in Minnesnowta, doesn’t mean we have to be fashion-less. At the same time, you don’t have to spend a grip for your spring update. As always, I’d advise you to use the staple pieces that you already have and build upon them. Here is some insight on the current hot spring trends ideas that you might find helpful as you update your spring look for your big trip.
Hot colors-all things pastel
With yellow leading the way, pinks, corals, and various shades of blue are being spotted everywhere. Purchase a top in any of these great colors and pair it with white, khaki, or black slacks (or a skirt) that you already own.
Hot ruffles
For spring and summer, ruffles are everywhere! You’ll find them on clothing and accessories. They definitely freshen up your look without giving you a teeny-bopper vibe. If your shopping budget is pretty small, pass by the rack of dresses and head straight for the blouses. Look for a budget-friendly (maybe sleeveless) ruffled top and a nice belt and team it with a skirt from your closet.
Hot jewelry
To add instant glam and style to your look, opt for dangly chandelier earrings. Another option that gives instant sizzle is turquoise jewelry; choose from necklaces, bracelets, earrings, pendants, or rings.
Hot footwear
It seems that in the shoe department, nearly every style is in style! Platforms, stilettos, gladiator styles, and fringed open toe boots, are all competing for our attention. Here’s a word of caution; whatever style you select, make sure that it’s at least halfway comfortable. Foot pain makes you evil.
Hot outerwear-the cape
Tap into your inner Sherlock Holmes by purchasing an updated or modified version of the cape. It’s the perfect outerwear for that in-between spring weather. Every retail outlet, from the high end stores to discounters has these versatile pieces in every fabric and style possible. A cape would also be ideal outerwear for the plane ride, as it can easily double as a blanket.
No matter what your age, you can rock the latest styles-just don’t try to rock everything all at once. In your twenties you can possibly get away with wearing yellow from head to toe. In your forties, a yellow top paired with white pants, silver hoops and a chunky silver bracelet with yellow accent stones is plenty. As always, we want our inner beauty to shine brightest, with our yellow ruffles coming in as a close second (wink). Safe Travels and Enjoy!
Marcia Humphrey is an interior decorator and home stager who specializes in achieving high style at low costs. A native of Michigan, she and her husband, Lonnie, have three children.
