Brian Maynor January 30, 2014
January 30, 2014
January 30, 2013
For this demographic the problem isn’t about being comfortable in your ownskin but rather being comfortable in your own clothes. It is often astruggle to find the right balance and if you’re not careful you canmiss the mark entirely. Here are two inspiration boards and ideas onhow to still have fun and flaunt the fact you’re over 40 and fabulous:
1. Aged-up items. When you reach 40 the world expects a lot more from you than it did when you were younger. Along with wisdom, maturity and a sense of self yourclothes are expected to meet a minimum standard of quality and luxury. The type of fabrics actually carries more weight towards meeting thegeneral expectation than the style of the pieces. As you leave your 30s you should also leave the discount store fashions behind. Opt forsilk, jersey, leather and linen over synthetic fabrics.
2. Think young. We’ve talked about the attitude and behavior components of image before, andthey are no less important here. As long as you keep feeling young that youthful energy will shine through no matter what you wear, but it isokay to express it through your clothes. My rule of thumb here is ‘less is more.’ Incorporating one youthful item per outfit keeps the lookgrounded while highlighting the playful piece.
3. Colors count. It is amazing how an outfit can change simply based on the color of thepieces used. Like any skill, the longer you’ve been doing it the better you should be, and color pairing is no different. Children’s clothescome in simple, primary, two-color combos, but by your 40s you should be well versed in tertiary colors and mixing shades with tones forsophisticated palettes.
4. New pieces. Unfortunatelynothing lasts forever, even classic pieces. Over time structure;details like buttons, zippers and stitching along with the general style of a garment change, not to mention our actual bodies. Clothes won’tfit the same as they use to, so you have to account for that with olderitems. If you can have them tailored great, but sometimes it is abetter investment to retire the old item and purchase a new one.
5. Handbags and accessories. Not often thought of as a component to a youthful outfit, accessories andbags are the most identifiable signs of age. Try adding fun vividcolors, shapes and styles to keep your look young.
Life after 40 is considered the prime of your life so don’t let your clothes take that away.
Click on the images below to learn more about the outfit.
I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards athttp://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches inthe Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIANMAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consultingservices. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earthpersonality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations;modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; recordlabels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashionblogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trustedand recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education andtraining as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee,and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows,expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands likeBanana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach isinnovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
