No matter your body type is, or how hot and sexy you look; there are certain things that don’t flatter anyone over the age of 40. Think of it this way, just because you can get away with it, doesn’t mean you should! Dressing your age doesn’t mean covering up completely, wearing loose and unflattering clothing, or not wearing outfits that reflect your creative self and personality. It means dressing in a way that will show class, maturity, as well as personal style. Here are some examples of what to avoid.
For Women:
Low-cut blouses that show too much cleavage. This may appear to be sexy but is in fact, quite trashy. A confident women does not have the desire to expose too much of herself to the world. If you can’t find a the cut that will work, wear a camisole underneath.
Tight clothing. This is not only uncomfortable, but it also reveals areas of your body you may not want to show. Dressing one size up will still showcase your figure, without your looking like you’ve been forcefully stuffed into a sausage casing.
Dresses and shorts way above the knee. Keeping the hem just above or at the knee will keep you from looking like you are trying too hard. You want to avoid wearing a skirt that will reveal you cellulite butt!
Stilettos with laced socks. I’m not sure this is cute passed age five.
Fifteen-year-old’s dresses. If you shop in the juniors’ department, you may want to stop. Most of the styles are for younger women, and many items are not the right fit for mature women.
Overly distressed or decorated jeans. Jeans with too many holes, studs, or appliqué’s are a younger look you should avoid. A classic dark-wash, straight-leg jean is not only more comfortable but a versatile look you can dress up or down. When you wear this type of jean, you’re allowed to be bold with your top.
Swim wear with a thong bottom. Unless you have butt that looks like it’s been photoshopped, this garment may not be flattering at any age. Stick with a moderate rear coverage bottom, and you’ll avoid funny stares.
Half-blouses, T-shirts, or anything that shows your belly button. I believe this was a popular look in the eighties, and mostly worn by anorexic teenagers and body builders wanting to showcase their six-pack abs. Today, however, this look in not only history, but in your 40s it’s just flat-out wrong! Make sure your top reaches at least the top part of your bottom garment. Showing your belly button is tacky, and showing anything else bulging over your pants is not flattering at all.
Obnoxious animal prints. When worn appropriately, animal prints showcase your fun and adventurous side. Avoid wearing two different patterns together (top and bottom), especially if they’re a different color and patterns that are too heavy, bulky, and large. Always pair an animal print with a solid for a subtle, sexy look.
For Men:
Fifteen-year-old’s tennis shoes. A pair of athletic shoes can reveal a lot about a man. First, athletic shoes should be worn at the gym, the beach, or for a quick errand. High-top shoes are best left to teenagers and young adults. Although they show a young man’s funky style, in an older man, it may show signs of fleeting youth.
Too much jewelry or cologne. You don’t want to look like a pimp, or a punk, or smell like a gigolo.
T-shirts with exaggerated prints. Bold print, too much print, or outrageous colors give the impression that you are trying hard to hold on to your youth. A classic white T-shirt, or T-shirt with a milder image or logo, always looks relaxed and casual.
Inverted baseball caps. No one should wear this look after first grade. Enough said!
Tight jeans. A very unattractive look even for women. No one wants such an explicit visual of your junk.
Speedos. This bathing suit does not flatter any men, not even male models. Don’t wear them. They are too clingy, don’t leave much to the imagination, and you still decide to wear them, you’d better have a nice pair of legs to go with them.
Tennis shoes on a date or to social event. Athletic shoes are used for just that, athletics. However, a clean pair of Converse accents any well-put-together outfit and shows your creative style when appropriate.
Wife-beaters. Unless you have guns like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, you’re a petty thug, or a crazed tattooed rocker, you should never wear this.
Cartoon or any other animated character ties. I’ve never seen the humor in them. They’re usually loud and not cool. If you still have a Disney fetish, I recommend you get a stuffed animal and hide it deep in your closet!
