At 40 or 50, women possess a unique sense of self-assurance and confidence, allowing them to fully express themselves through fashion. This stage in life is marked by unapologetic individuality, as women are no longer constrained by societal expectations or trying to conform to certain norms. With this freedom comes the ability to invest time and effort into personal style, using clothing as a means of self-expression.
As we mature, our wardrobes become a reflection of our personalities, allowing us to convey messages to those around us. In this sense, fashion becomes an empowering tool that enables women to showcase their unique character and flair for any occasion.
Street Style Ideas Over 40
Street style has evolved beyond its initial association with casual wear and oversized clothing. Today, it’s considered the most fashionable and expressive aspect of fashion. This versatility stems from its origins in paparazzi photography, capturing celebrities and models on their way to various events. As a result, street style is remarkably relatable and adaptable. Practicality plays a significant role in this aesthetic, particularly when it comes to shoes.
Comfortable footwear is a staple, as individuals prioritize functionality over style while navigating cobblestone streets or busy sidewalks. Emulate this approach by prioritizing comfort without sacrificing fashion. Layering is another crucial element in street-style ensembles. As you’re likely to encounter unpredictable weather conditions, dressing in layers ensures you’re prepared for any scenario.
Whether braving windy days or sudden spring showers, the ability to shed or add layers as needed is a must-have skill. One fundamental rule of thumb: gowns are best left for formal occasions and red-carpet events. They don’t belong on city streets, where functionality and comfort reign supreme. If you want to embody street style, avoid extravagant evening wear in favor of more approachable, everyday attire.
31 – Stay Breezy in Maxi Dresses
When it comes to warm weather and outdoor gatherings, three staple dress types stand out for their versatility and practicality: maxi dresses, tiered dresses, and their ability to seamlessly transition from casual to dressy. Whether you’re looking to make a statement or simply prioritize comfort, these styles offer a perfect blend of style and functionality.
30 – Keep it Casual with a White Blouse and Jeans
While striving for a stylish and chic look, you don’t necessarily need to reach for a dress. Instead, opt for a pair of casual boyfriend jeans and a shirt that can be styled in a variety of ways. The key is to keep the overall aesthetic light and effortless. Start by pairing the jeans with a light-colored blouse, but leave it slightly unbuttoned to add some visual interest. Then, complete the look with a light-colored shirt underneath.
To add a touch of sophistication, pair the outfit with a beige blazer that complements the light colors on top.
29 – Casual Yet Chic with a Chanel Lookalike Blazer
Give your outfit a stylish boost by revamping a pair of blue jeans you already own. To create a chic ensemble, start by pairing the jeans with a crisp white shirt from your wardrobe. Next, look for a Chanel-inspired blazer in a shade that suits your style – these come in a range of colors and offer a classic, sophisticated touch. Complete the look with some statement layered jewelry pieces to add depth and visual interest.
If you want to take it up a notch, consider investing in blue washed denim jeans ($144.68), a light blue Chanel-like blazer ($74.99), and a black clutch ($21.93) for a polished, put-together appearance.
28 – Pair Loose Cotton Based Top and Bottoms
For the third effortless yet stylish street style look, we turn to a remarkably straightforward ensemble that relies on just two essential pieces of clothing. The beauty of this combination lies in its versatility, with a good chance you already have these items in your wardrobe. To create this chic look, pair loose light blue pants with a loose navy blouse top, allowing the simplicity and elegance of these pieces to shine through.
27 – Match Your Brown Shoes to Your Purse
While casual street style often relies on effortless combinations of pieces, what truly elevates an outfit to the next level are thoughtful pairings of accessories. This can be as simple as coordinating a scarf with a handbag or as subtle as matching shoes to a tote. In this case, the focal point is the harmony between the light brown shoes and bag, creating a sense of cohesion that adds visual interest and sophistication.
26 – Match Your Belt to Your Bag
When it comes to creating a polished and sophisticated look, pairing your belt with your bag is an essential element. By combining these two accessories, you can create a cohesive and stylish outfit that exudes confidence. In particular, we recommend pairing a grey wide leg pant ($28.36) or a grey longsleeve top ($24.67) with a brown cross body bag ($150.62). This combination not only creates a harmonious look but also adds a touch of elegance to your overall ensemble.
25 – Go Bold with an Unusual Green Top
Take a simple outfit and elevate it to street-style status by making one key adjustment: the color of your top. For instance, if you’re in the mood to wear jeans with a blouse, start by swapping out the usual choice for something unexpected. This contrast will make the bold top shine even brighter when paired with neutral white jeans.
24 – Go For a Classic Black and White Look
While there’s certainly nothing wrong with embracing an old-school classic, it’s also possible to put your own spin on timeless pieces. Even when sticking to a simple black and white color palette for a street-style outfit, there are plenty of ways to add some personality. Take the size and fit of your blazer and pants, for example. In this particular look, a sleek and streamlined approach has been taken with slim-fitting pants and a corresponding slim-cut blazer.
However, it’s also possible to create a completely different vibe by opting for wide-leg pants and a boxier-style blazer instead. The key is to find the combination that works best for you and your personal style.
23 – Spark the Look Up with a Bright Red Heel
One of the most timeless combinations is a classic black and white pairing, but this time, swap out the usual black pants for a crisp pair of white jeans. The real showstopper here is the unexpected pop of bright red on the shoes, adding just the right amount of colour to elevate the overall look. Remember, street style is all about striking a balance between bold and understated, so be sure to apply that burst of colour with restraint for the perfect effect.
For inspiration on incorporating red heels into your wardrobe, [read here](insert link here)!
22 – Layer a Variety of Denim Clothes
Layering is a key component of streetstyle, and it’s often achieved by combining similar pieces with subtle variations. One way to do this is by mixing and matching different denim items, taking advantage of the wide range of colors and finishes available. For example, pairing a jean shirt with jeans that have slightly distinct color or finish can create a visually appealing contrast.
To elevate the look, add a grey oversized blazer on top, which provides a sophisticated touch while still maintaining the relaxed vibe of streetstyle. Try combining the following pieces to achieve this effortless look: a grey oversized blazer ($34.55), mom jeans in large size ($30).
21 – Don’t Be Afraid of Ripped Jeans
Forget about the notion that ripped jeans are only suitable for a certain age group. Instead, they can be the perfect way to exude confidence and youthful energy. When it comes to street style, women over 40 can pull off this trend with ease. To create a timeless look, pair ripped boyfriend jeans with a classic black turtleneck sweater. The combination is both stylish and versatile, making it an excellent choice for any occasion.
For the perfect pairing, consider the following items: a simple yet elegant black turtleneck ($27.78), boyfriend jeans with a distressed touch ($55.99), and a pair of white cat eye glasses ($13.40) that add a touch of sophistication.
20 – Downplay Rugged Ripped Jeans with Pastel Colors
In contrast to the previous look, it’s equally possible to subvert the rugged charm of ripped denim. A clever way to do this is to pair the bottoms with a pastel-colored top, creating a visually striking combination that embodies the essence of street style. To further elevate this ensemble, consider incorporating additional pieces from the links below: [insert link]. Alternatively, explore these Jumpsuit Outfits for Women Over 50 for more inspiration.
19 – If You are Getting an Oversized Blazer, Go Classic with Plaid
If you’re considering oversized clothes, don’t let the unconventional style intimidate you. Ripped jeans are just one example of how a bold fashion choice can pay off. When selecting an oversized blazer, finding a classic print like black and white plaid can provide a sense of comfort. This timeless combination is hard to go wrong with.
When shopping for inspiration, consider pairing grey boyfriend jeans ($57.00) with a matching grey and white plaid blazer ($79.00).
18 – Match the Flaired Silhouette of Your Shirt to a Bag
The rise of mini purses has led to a proliferation of innovative bag shapes, with the half-circle bag emerging as a stylish favorite – particularly when finished in woven fabric. To complement this purse’s unique silhouette, opt for tops that share its airy, effortless charm. The same flowing aesthetic can be carried through to jewelry choices, creating a cohesive look from head to toe.
17 – Look Put Together in Light Tones with the Right Accessories
There’s nothing quite like the classic combination of beige and pearls to exude a sense of put-togetherness. To create a stylish yet comfortable outfit for women over 40, try pairing loose-fitted beige pants with your favorite white long-sleeve top. The key to maintaining a chic street style aesthetic lies in accessorizing wisely, particularly when it comes to jewelry. A simple yet elegant necklace can instantly elevate even the most basic outfit.
When shopping for pieces to complete this look, consider the following: light brown loose pants ($25.59), white long-sleeve tops ($23.15), and black cross-body bags ($20.17).
16 – Match Beige and Black for an Expensive Aesthetic
The allure of beige is often misunderstood, but when paired with the right pieces, it can exude an air of sophistication. Imagine pairing a beige cardigan with black wide-leg pants and finishing the look with animal print flats. But what truly elevates this outfit is the thoughtful selection of accessories. A layered necklace, reminiscent of Chanel’s iconic designs, adds a touch of elegance and transforms the overall aesthetic from casual to refined.
15 – Pay Attention to Fabric Finish, to Give You the Desired Look
For those seeking a relaxed, on-trend look, this beige-inspired ensemble offers a fresh take on the classic color palette. The subtle difference lies in the fabric finish and fit of the pieces, which come together to create a hip and laid-back vibe. A firm cotton texture and loose, voluminous silhouettes contribute to the outfit’s effortless charm.
To achieve this look, start with a light brown collared shirt ($39.48) and pair it with casual high-waisted white jeans ($32.00).
14 – Dial Down Animal Prints with Beige
When you want to tone down bold animal prints, beige is the perfect neutralizer. Take a look at this outfit where a cheetah-print top is paired with light brown-grey pants, effectively balancing out the boldness. The beige pants’ subtle color acts as a moderator, calming down the overall look and making it more wearable for everyday occasions. Try pairing your favorite animal print top with a pair of beige pants to achieve a stylish and understated look.
13 – Mix a Beige Base Outfit with Any Coat You Like
As we conclude our exploration of beige outfit pairings, let’s take a closer look at this stylish street wear ensemble. It’s a great example of how to make a bold coat work seamlessly with neutral colors. When it comes to pairing bright clothing items, beige is often the perfect choice because it provides a subtle contrast that allows the brighter colors to truly shine. This is in contrast to white and black, which are both extreme neutrals that can sometimes overpower the surrounding colors.
In this case, the mint green long coat ($88.80), office pants in cream ($20.50), and cream crochet sweater ($39.90) come together to create a chic and harmonious look.
12 – Go For All Blue with a Hint of Stripes
When it comes to combining patterns and colors, some unexpected pairings can lead to striking results. Take the classic combination of navy blue and stripes, for example. This timeless duo evokes the image of a sailor and exudes a sense of effortless cool. It’s perfect for creating a casual yet put-together look that’s both comfortable and stylish.
11 – Pair Blues and Checkered Prints Together
The blue checkered print, similar to the outfit above, exudes a sense of refinement and sophistication. This stylish combination is perfect for dressing up, making it an excellent choice for more formal occasions. To elevate the look further, consider pairing the shirt with dark blue jeans and a navy blazer.
10 – Black and White Outfit that Lets Your Remain Comfortable
The pièce de résistance of our casual outfits for women over 40 is a versatile ensemble that effortlessly flatters any body type, height, or personal style. Its magic lies in the timeless combination of black top and pants, which can be elevated with a statement piece of jewelry, such as a bold gold necklace. This outfit’s adaptability makes it an excellent choice for various occasions.
For those looking to add a touch of glamour, consider pairing it with a pair of striking red heels or a crisp white blouse. The options are endless, and we’ve curated some inspiration below.
9 – Match the Textures of a Pleated Skirt and Leather Jacket
When it comes to streetstyle, the key is to experiment with unique texture combinations and bold pairings. The first outfit in this collection embodies this philosophy by pairing a pleated skirt with a glossy leather jacket. To take it to the next level, look for items that share a similar color palette, as this helps to create a sense of cohesion despite the differing textures. Some standout pieces include a grey pleated skirt ($28.36), light beige leather jacket ($139), and women’s boots ($75.
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8 – Wear a Mustard Yellow Head to Toe
While some women may opt for a more subdued color palette in their forties, others may choose to incorporate bright hues into their wardrobe. If you’re looking to add a pop of color, consider opting for muted shades that still pack a punch. For instance, instead of a bold canary yellow, try a mustard hue that adds a touch of sophistication to your overall look. To achieve balance, seek out reserved pieces like a sweater and pants in the same tone.
This will create a cohesive outfit that’s both stylish and mature. Some great options to get you started include: a yellow mustard sweater ($14.00), pair it with some matching yellow mustard pants ($30.00), and add a brown bag ($44.93) for a finishing touch.
7 – Wear a Forest Green Head to Toe
For our latest look, we’re taking a different approach by creating a head-to-toe ensemble that showcases a deep green co-ordinate instead of a bold colour. To avoid overwhelming the overall aesthetic and create visual interest, pairing this outfit with a crisp white blouse is highly recommended. This can be achieved by having the blouse peek out from underneath the hem or sleeves, adding subtle pops of color to brighten up the look.
6 – Mix Three Different Colors Together for a Fun Look
When it comes to mixing three colors, the key is to simplify the process by incorporating at least one neutral shade like black or white. This foundation color helps balance out the other two hues. Additionally, ensure that one of the colors matches your bag and shoes to maintain visual harmony and avoid introducing yet another color through accessories. For example, a combination featuring yellow mustard sweater ($14.00), yellow mustard pants ($30.00), and brown bag ($44.
93) could be a harmonious and stylish choice.
5 – Pair the Colors of Your Top to Parts of the Pattern on your Pants
When it comes to incorporating plaid or checkered pants into your outfit, there’s an easy way to make a statement without going overboard. To start, select a bold and adventurous plaid color that reflects your personal style. Then, pair the pants with a blazer that complements one of the stripes on the pant legs. This is where you can really let your creativity shine by choosing a bright and unique shade that adds an extra layer of visual interest to your overall look.
4 – Try Out a Highwaisted Ankle-Length Pair of Pants
To take your fashion game to the next level, consider experimenting with silhouettes instead of just relying on colors. One way to do this is by introducing a new type of pant style that you don’t typically wear, such as high-waisted pants cut off at the ankle with a wide leg. Pair these statement-making bottoms with a muted color palette to create a stylish and understated look.
3 – Wear a Striped Skirt and Bright Red Coat
When it comes to incorporating color into an outfit, there’s a simple yet effective trick: harmonize the hue of your top with the pattern on your bottoms. This approach ensures a cohesive and visually appealing look. For instance, consider the combination of a striped pencil skirt paired with a bold red coat – the result is nothing short of striking.
2 – Wear Two Patterns Together
As we near the end of our list, the fashion choices become increasingly bold and daring. For those willing to take risks and push boundaries, we’re here to offer guidance on how to successfully pull off unconventional outfits. A key principle is to introduce a neutral element when combining two distinct patterns. This can be achieved by featuring one pattern in a beige or brown hue, while allowing the other to make a bold statement.
1 – Mix Together the Reds and Pinks
As we near the end of our exploration, a vibrant blend of bright hues is sure to catch your attention. While some might view bold colors as a fashion faux pas, we believe that when paired thoughtfully with more structured elements, this combination can yield a truly one-of-a-kind look. To achieve this unique aesthetic, focus on pairing playful colors with controlled forms – think straight-leg pants and classic sweaters or turtlenecks for a timeless yet modern approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do you dress chic at 40?
Confidence is key to exuding a sense of style. While staying on top of current fashion trends is important, it’s equally crucial to prioritize comfort and self-expression. When selecting outfits, consider the fit, fabric, and overall feel – opt for pieces that caress your skin, like soft silks or luxurious cottons. As you settle into what makes you feel confident and at ease, you’ll naturally project a chic aura.
Q. What should a 40 year old woman wear?
Indulge in the comfort of your wardrobe by selecting a few go-to pieces that make you feel at ease. Don’t be afraid to bring a touch of youthful flair to your outfit, whether it’s through a bold hue like green or blue. To add some visual interest, try pairing these bright colors with eye-catching prints – classic cheetah or leopard patterns are great options for adding a playful touch.
