" Unique as a fingerprint .... every piece tells a story "     

FAB at 40 

Big Changes 

Still get a little confused about what you should be wearing ?
One of the most challenging fashion aspects for women over 40 is how to dress for the changes that are occurring.
Sure we still feel 18 but we cant really get away with clothes for that age group anymore.
It's quite scary at first, the idea that we may indeed be growing frumpy.
Maybe your becoming an empty nester, divorcing or starting a new job.
If your body is changing, so must your wardrobe.
Even if you are in the best shape of your life your body is physiologically changing. 
The best way to deal with the changes is to refresh your image.
Look around you and be inspired .... try new things .... make time for yourself.
Often were just in to much of a hurry and end up going for safe and easy.
Have a day exploring Fashion.   Try things you normally wouldn't .... experiment.
Take along a really good friend. The one who will tell you truth and whose opinion you rate.
Listen to your spirit and the mirror !   Trust in what you see.
Accessories like shoes, bags and jewelry are the quickest way to update your look.
Try not to hang on to your old favorites for dear life ....you need to let go of past mistakes to make room for new adventures!  
Sometimes it can seem like there's nothing about for you,  just shops crammed full of teenage gear.
Don't give up, trust me there are plenty of fresh, current looks that can work for you.
Think about catalogue shopping or buying online if your town has little to offer or your short of time.
Then you can try them on at home in front of your own mirror , with your own underwear and shoes. Easy.

Once you have decided what to wear never doubt yourself , Fashion is about self-esteem. 
Confidence is definitely the key and a big smile always helps too.
If you're dressed fabulously and feel wonderful, no one will doubt you for a second.
Here at Artwear we enjoy designing with you in mind.  So you are not alone in your quest for real fashion.
 
A few thoughts. 

• Be unpredictable.
• Get a full length mirror and place it near the front door.
• Stand straight and be aware of your posture.
• Let the very young think (mistakenly) that dressing sexy means you have to bare all.
• Focus on shoulders and legs as they are the slowest to age.
• Avoid over baggy clothes and look for pieces that give you shape.
• Lighten up.   One tip is to always wear a bit of white close to the face. 
  Soft colors such as pale pink, white, beige and ice blue, bring light to the face.
• Don't try to dress too young .... It makes you look older.
• You cant wear the same colors you did in your 20s,  experiment by trying on different shades. You'll know it when you see it instantly.
• Look at mature television and movie actresses you admire and emulate their look.
• Choose classic shapes.  Shirtdresses, trench coats and jeans are eternally youthful in spirit.
• Show your sensuality with luxurious fabrics such as silk, leather and cashmere.  Choose rich colors like wine, chocolate and plum.
• Wear black. It always looks great, especially when textures are mixed: leather, crocodile, patent, fur, vinyl . 
  If in doubt, go for black and white. Eternally elegant, modern chic.
• Please no fussy, frilly evening wear. Go for tailored instead.
• Go for unfussy minimalist, functional designs and details. Zips are far more youthful than aging gold buttons.
• Don't trade style for comfort. Shop for wearable, updated shoes. Wear stretch fabrics whenever possible.
• Always buy great fitting underwear !   
  ( Here is a surprising statistic. Did you know that 70-80% of women are wearing the wrong size bra?  ) 
• Handbags are often a dead giveaway to your age.   Have fun trying funky colors and unusual shapes. 
  Find a bag in a good proportion to your size.
• Office dressing ... don't think you have to wear skirt suits to look professional and mart.  
  Some skirt suits can be very aging.  Trousers are generally much more youthful.
• If you are still wearing glasses, why not try contact lens?  
  You can have excellent peripheral vision and at the same time, ease, comfort and convenience. 
  Not forgetting to mention a younger look.
• So don't worry about the "must have"  trend of the moment.  
  Instead, find a beautiful print or a unique piece of jewelry, look at your accessories differently. 
  Try wearing pearls as a belt or a eye-catching broach on a hat.. 
• Have fun and don't be afraid to experiment. By now you have some sense of what your style is. 
• Celebrate who you are and develop your very own signature look.
  

Fashion tricks that can help camouflage problem areas.

• Too heavy .... Avoid clothes that are too tight and revealing.   Don't wear shiny materials.
  Dressing from head to toe in one tone gives the illusion of a slimmer figure and looks chic. 
  Wear low-rise trousers and jeans which sit lower and don’t cut into your sides and tummy.
• Large breasts  .... Celebrate your cleavage but don't get carried away. Nothing should cause the eye to linger to long. 
  Avoid things like big lapels, short sleeves,  tucked in tops etc.
  Deep - V necked tops break up the chest area.
  Think of drawing the eye downwards with longer-length jackets or skirts and  trousers with interesting details.
• Small breasts .... Halter neck tops and dresses work well, they show off the shouldered and makes a sexy substitute to a cleavage.
• No waist  ....  Accessories are a must !  Wear jewelry and scarves that draw the eye to the top or center of the body.
  Add jackets and pieces that will give you shape but nothing with pleats or gathers.
• Empire line dresses draw attention to busts and gently skim stomachs. 
  Choose longer length blouses you can wear open over your clothes.  
• Wide hips .... Don't cinch anything at the waist or tuck in tops. 
  Keep all details away from the hips.
  Wide leg trousers are more flattering.   
  Try shoulder pads and kitten heels instead of flat or chunky footwear.
  Softly flared handkerchief hems help disguise a larger bottom half.
  Again Jewelry works well as it brings focus higher up . 
• Large legs .... Don't like showing your legs then opt for a long tiered skirt.
• Petite .... This seasons cropped jackets are perfect as they wont swamp you.
• Too thin .... Wear prints with bold horizontal lines, bright and contrasting colors.
  Bias - cut dresses will make your body look more shapely 
  Shoulder pads will tailor the torso and encourage clothes to hang better.  
  Be creative with layering. Lighter colors on the bottom half make your bum look more curvaceous. 
• Wrinkled neck .... A lushly printed floaty scarf  draped like a movie star, always looks chic. 
  Stand-up collars are great and invest in several fitted black polo necks! They are indispensable.
• Thinning hair ....Visit the hairdresser for a fresher updated look.  
  Choose a cut with layers to add body and movement and some delicious lowlights to  blend away grey. 
  Make sure you have it trimmed regularly to keep it in optimum condition and use a gloss spray. 
  Try some of the many new products available for extra body. 
  Love your long hair ?  Don't think you have to cut it all of.  A chic ponytail always looks smart and youthful ( Quick and easy too ).

Relax and enjoy your own body, 
never be afraid of it, or what others think of it.

It's the most amazing instrument you will  ever own.  

Fashion is just one part of how the world perceives you.
Put much more thought into your spiritual nourishment, personal relationships and reading repertoire, than your wardrobe.
An inner peace and glow will never go out of style.

And finally, Aging is a case of mind over matter. 
If you don't mind, it really doesn't matter .... honestly !

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