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Fashion In My 40s

Can it really take decades to get your style right? It turns out years of trial and error, learning what suits you, what doesn’t, and what you feel great in can give you the confidence to hit your peak fashionable self in your 40s. Want proof? We met three women who confirm that good style comes with experience…
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GAYLE RINKOFF, Celebrity Stylist & Style Director of The Voice

 

I’m a bit of a fashion chameleon… I adore colour but I can go from Ibizan bohemian chic to Carrie Bradshaw kookiness in a moment. 

My top fashion advice is… If you love it, buy it. Because if you love it, you will wear it.  

I’m really confident about my style… and that has come with age. I’m not afraid to make a statement with my clothes.  

Isabel Marant is my favourite designer... I love the cool vibe of her clothes and will always invest in key pieces from her collection each season. 
 
There are so many things I would never wear… If I were prime minister I would ban pink velour, Ugg boots and bandage dresses. 
 
If I need to feel polished in a hurry… A blow dry and my favourite heels work wonders.  

“I seemed to have a big winter arctic parka and a leather biker jacket but not much in-between. I love how versatile this coat is and know I’ll throw it over jeans and trainers as well as an evening dress.”
Blazer | Isabel Marant Etoile, Knit | By Iris, Jeans | Mother Denim
I’m a big fan of Preen and love wearing colour, so it was an absolute joy when I found this dress in the Preen for Debenhams collection. The leopard shoes give it a bit of an edge.
Dress | Studio by Preen, Shoes | Gianvito Rossi

Lisa Hill, Founder of Little Circle 
 

I only buy items I absolutely love… Regardless of whether they’re a high-end luxury investment or a high street basic. I try to avoid wardrobe ‘fillers’; we all look better in clothes we love, and with that comes confidence. 

In recent years, my style has… Become a bit more extreme at both ends of the spectrum. I love getting glammed-up in a dress or jumpsuit abd some amazing jewellery, and have become much more adventurous with colour and print for a night out. On the flipside, I’m often dressed down on the school run in a denim boilersuit, or ripped jeans, a sweatshirt and flats. 

Zara is my go-to… It never fails to deliver something on-trend and affordable. Plus, Topshop's great because I’m petite – I can always find a great pair of jeans there. 

When it comes to investment pieces… My recent purchases have been from Zimmermann and Ulla Johnson – both brands deliver on pretty pieces I’ll treasure and wear forever. I think handbags are the best investment – Miu Miu is my go-to for a luxe cross-body bag with a point of difference. 

I would never wear… Anything cropped or too tight around the middle. Post-kids, my stomach just isn’t the same. 

I’m constantly getting ready in a hurry… It’s the only way I know. If it’s daytime, I'll scrape my hair back and add some great earrings. For something more formal, I try to think about my outfit in advance to avoid that last-minute scramble. 

I never leave the house without… Black eyeliner. And failing that, a pair of sunglasses helps too.  

I'm often really casual for the school run, so I love the chance to get glammed-up, and what says glamour better than leopard print?
Blouse | Zimmerman, Jeans | Topshop
Post-kids, I would never wear anything too tight around the middle and this Zimmermann blouse gives me coverage.
Blouse | Ganni, Jeans | Topshop, Earrings | Topshop, Shoes | Christian Louboutin

Pip Hodgson, Founder of Chiropractic and Alternative Health Care Clinic 

I don’t take myself too seriously… I try to have fun with clothes. If they fit well and look good I feel more confident. 

My biggest style rule is… Stick to the colours and cuts that work for you. If a trend doesn't suit me, there are always other ways I can update my wardrobe. Also, reveal your arms or legs – never both.  

As the years have gone by, I've geared my wardrobe… Towards better quality pieces that bare less flesh. I have a beautiful Seren London jumpsuit I wore for my 40th last year – it has long arms, long legs, but it's backless, so not too revealing.  

A good pair of leather trousers are my essential… Dressed up or down they're definitely my best investment, and the jogger style is my favourite. And yes, they work at any age! 

Currently I’m into… BA&SH, Claudie Pierlot, Mango and Kooples; all great for grown-up, on trend fashion. 

A little bit of fake tan makes most outfits look better… Particularly if there’s no time for make-up. I also think that glow can take off a few years – well, maybe one – and I’ll take it. 

My secret to feeling pulled-together in seconds is… A good bag and a quick smear of something on the skin – I love the By Terry Cover Expert foundation with a little of the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector on top. However, it's on the days when I'm organised, eat well, sleep well and exercise that I feel the best.  

I don’t take myself too seriously and try to have fun with fashion. These dungarees are on-trend, fit well and make you feel confident.
Leather Dungarees | Claudie Pierlot, Necklace | Marte Frisnes, Knit | Ganni
Over time, I've learnt to gear my wardrobe towards good quality pieces that will weather fashions and don't bare too much flesh. If I'm making an investment it needs to work hard, and this two-piece will be great value for money.
Shirt | ba&sh, Skirt | ba&sh 

With Thanks to The Curtain
Photography | Olivia Foley
Hair & Makeup | Rachel Singer Clark

DISCLAIMER: We endeavour to always credit the correct original source of every image we use. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at info@sheerluxe.com.

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