40 year old Women - What Not to Wear?

Love that show! Some of the basics they always cover that really do help: purchase a size that fits the largest part of you (hips here for me) and get the rest tailored. Properly-fitting clothes make all the difference. Buy quality pieces: you might find a cheapy pencil skirt (this style looks good on most ladies) that is unlined and will fall apart or pill after a few wearings but spend a few more bucks to get the lined wool blend (love Banana Republic suiting) and you won't regret it. Get fitted jackets to layer over blouses: if there aren't darts (seams) front and back (in addition to the sides, of course) you will look boxy. Mid-hip is a good length on everyone - don't think you can disguise a body part by hanging something long over it - just makes it worse. Get a few basics if you are going through sizes on your way down in weight: black and grey pencil skirts, navy and black slacks, a black blazer in the same fabric as the bottoms. Use blouses and accessories to bring the color in. No skirts more than one inch above the knee, wear heels (pumps or boots) with everything, wide leg pants make you look taller if they fit well. Dark wash trouser denim is office appropriate in some places. Layer camis under thin blouses, consider a control garment as well if you have "rolls" to smooth. Great fitting bras make a ton of difference - a lot of people recommend Nordstrom for a fitting. TiVo "What not to wear" - they make shopping look way easier than it is though. Personally I don't have time to root around at Marshall's but you can get deals there if you have the time. When you buy the accessories and blouses, look for colors that make you feel confident. I don't believe in overdressing for business casual - people always err the other direction. No long skirts if you are under 5'8". So to keep the budget down choose fewer pieces for the basics. Kohl's has great sales for the tops and accessories and not nearly as hard to find things as Marshall's. As far as matching, go for "neutrals" in your bottoms and jackets (until you are down to size and have the bucks to splurge a bit) and then choose a color you love for the accessories - more important than matching. Shop the pricier stores for looks (Ann Taylor, Talbots, Banana Republic) but buy everything on sale, where ever you can find it, if the quality is good. Hope this helps.

Black pants are a must, they go with anything. Khaki pants if it is acceptable. I would get a few blazers because you can dress those up or down. Button shirts are always good and professional looking. Pull on light weight sweaters as well. I would get basic shoes for now, black and brown and then get more as time goes on. I would start with the clothes first and you can always accessorize later. Good luck and congrats for joining the workforce again!

I'm 44 and have 3 younger sisters who are always happy to tell me what "my age" group should and should not wear. I tend to wear black pants with a solid colored shirt. You can even get t-shirt type material and dress it up with a scarf or chunky jewelry. I also do tank tops with a sweater or blazer. Printed blouses will make you appear bigger than you are, so I stick with solid.

i'm a big fan of Target while I'm at a weight that I won't be (or plan to be at) for long