What Would You Wear At 40?

[ 31 March 2008 ]

“I confess, when I shop with my 19 year-old daughter, I am so envious of the style choices she has. PLEASE do women like me a favor! How can a forty-something mom build a style without large expense (we are paying for college you know) which will look new and fresh but appropriate for our age. Remember, we don’t have the great bodies we did at your age. Classic but unexpected. Flattering. Age-appropriate but FUN! What do you see yourself wearing at 40?

People often write to me saying that they’re x age or y weight, what do I think they should wear? It can be hard to answer questions like that, because I don’t believe that just because you’re not young or thin (the theoretical ideal), that you should have some kind of boring style prescription. I think dressing in a way that makes you happy is the most important thing, & when you’re being told what you can & can’t wear, the fun gets sucked out of it pretty quickly.

This email was different. She asked, “What do you see yourself wearing at 40?” — a much better way of phrasing things. It made my brain whirr. Of course, what I’ve come up with is my style, & therefore not necessarily suitable or even something you can picture yourself in. But it does give us a jumping off point!

Here’s what I came up with.

What I'll wear when I'm 40
(Product information)

A simple outfit with a splash of purple. This would be great for a day off, shopping or walking my Dachshund!

What I'll wear when I'm 40
(Product information)

40 year old Gala on her private jet. Oh yes. Secret spy woman with colour-coordinated accessories!

What I'll wear when I'm 40
(Product information)

Black & white & super-chic. I absolutely adore this outfit. It’s just not quite the sort of thing I can pull off yet.

What I'll wear when I'm 40
(Product information)

I think older women look so amazing in black & white. It’s so clean, & it makes them look clear-headed, intelligent & successful.

While it can be easy to feel like you’re being left out of the fun trends that your daughter is slithering into, remember that as a woman, there are a lot of things you can pull off that younger people can’t. As we grow & mature, our presence expands, & our whole way of being changes.

So as a grown woman, don’t feel limited. Think about it — while it may not be in your budget, the real high-end fashion houses make clothing for women who are your age. Not young whippersnappers! If you need some inspiration, look at fabulous women your age & see what they’re wearing. Think about Coco Chanel, Lauren Bacall, Diana Vreeland, Nicole Kidman, Iman, Julianne Moore, Kate Spade… !

I imagine that when I’m 40, my style will have evolved quite a lot. I probably won’t be so keen on super-short skirts or sleeveless tops. I envision a huge closet full of obscenely beautiful things — great coats, fabulous shoes, delicious handbags. I will probably have moved past my obsession with shoes that have springs & platforms! I can’t even begin to imagine what my hair would be like… I will probably still have a penchant for black worn with a splash of colour, & unusual jewellery.

This whole thing reminds me of “Warning” by Jenny Joseph.

When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat which doesn’t go, and doesn’t suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals, and say we’ve no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I’m tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick flowers in other people’s gardens
And learn to spit.

You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat
And eat three pounds of sausages at a go
Or only bread and pickle for a week
And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes.

But now we must have clothes that keep us dry
And pay our rent and not swear in the street
And set a good example for the children.
We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.

But maybe I ought to practice a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.

What do you think you’ll wear when you get older? Make a Polyvore set & link it in the comments if you’re feeling really creative!


Super-love & cupcakes,
Gala <3


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Comment

  1. Totally agree with you re: older women looking AMAZING in black & white. For that reason, I adore the 3rd & 4th outfits. In fact, I wish I could pull them off now! But I’m afraid I’d look a little too playing-dress-ups-in-mothers-closet! :D x

    <3 Felicity · Mar 31, 11:24 PM · #
  2. gala u amaze me! love all of those outfit choices! can stuff like that be purchased if i live in new zealand? are they overseas sites that you get those pics from? ahhh…espec loving the second and last one. i would totally wear those now! xxxxx love to you

    <3 Melly · Mar 31, 11:32 PM · #
  3. What I’ll wear when Im 40:

    *amazing expensive jewellery trinkets I have collected from my vast exotic travels around the world that jingle as I walk

    *great dashes of red including the most perfect matte red lippie ever

    *massive soft luxurious pashminas &scarves

    *shiny power high heels with metallic finishes& awesome boots

    *some beautiful musky &spicy signature scent

    *perhaps some sort of locket that encloses locks of hair from lovers past

    & a skip, smile & wiggle that comes with the wisdom, confidence of a woman who has lead an amazing inspiring life so far

    may try polyvore when I get home from work..

    xxoo

    <3 cookie · Mar 31, 11:32 PM · #
  4. I just did this set. I’ve always imagined myself going all up and down town meeting my clients and showing them my Web Designing Ideas while I try to keep up to my busy schedule. I would also need an outfit that could stand any climate and wouldn’t be too uncomfortable to wear.

    www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=11…

    <3 Juls · Mar 31, 11:43 PM · #
  5. oooer this Polyvore caper is awesome! I put mine over at heavyanchor.blogspot.com

    It’s a little older than 40. For some reason I think when I’m 40 I’ll be supported by my fantastically rich husband and attend charity dinners. Hmmmm.

    I’ll just wear a lot of pearls!

    <3 Emma · Mar 31, 11:59 PM · #
  6. Felicity — Yeah, there are definitely some looks that are hard to wear as a young woman!

    Melly — Most of that stuff is from net-a-porter.com, which is an American site but they do ship internationally… so there’s no reason why you couldn’t own it, as long as your credit card could handle it!

    cookie — From what you’ve described, I’d love to see a set!

    Juls — Très chic!

    Emma — Fantastically rich husband eh? That’s so retro ;D

    <3 Gala · Apr 1, 12:09 AM · #
  7. Haha – that pink outfit is totally Lady-Penelope-FAB!

    When I am 40, in the distant (cough) future, I will still be rocking my inescapable blonde hair, round face and big laugh; I will still be “cute”! I will have a 14-yr-old and an 11-yr-old. (Mon Dieu!!) I will have a kick-arse haircut and a fit strong flexible active body. I will wear fresh pretty eye makeup, diamonds (somewhere! somehow!) and a serious Rolex-style watch. I will wear colourful clothes that flatter the life out of me, lots of sunblock in summer, and off-duty cleavage. I will still be wearing dresses-over-pants and lots of fun colourful layers in winter. I will not try to be something I’m not (ie unlined and stretch-mark-free) – I will dress to enhance and express my sparkling personality. Bring it on! :)

    <3 Nadine · Apr 1, 12:23 AM · #
  8. Gala,I love the poem Warning! I have it saved. :)

    When I am 40 I want to be fabulous looking with a dash of eccentric. Lots of skirts(gypsy styles maybe) and I’ll still hopefully have my collection of large dangly earrings. I also hope my look will elvolve into something a little more clean cut though.Most days now I’m still rocking the lazy colllege student look,lol.

    <3 Mandy · Apr 1, 12:30 AM · #
  9. Not when im fourty, but maybe when im 60…

    Big- Bold – Modern Jewellery
    Chanel ‘Coco’ purfume
    ‘Investment Peices’ as apposted to badly made fashion items (which im trying my best to start buying already)
    Heidi Plaits wrapped around my head

    <3 J · Apr 1, 12:43 AM · #
  10. Here is mine!!

    www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=11…

    <3 Shoes Mend Hearts · Apr 1, 12:44 AM · #
  11. Given that I’m already past the 40 mark (twice 21, thanks :) ) I can tell you that it is HARD to buy clothes if you’re a Plus size. There are shops (in Wellington, New Zealand) that sell plus size but few and far between e.g. Zebrano (very expensive), K & K (moderately expensive, Ballentynes (known as Classic Clothing in the South Island of NZ – reasonably priced but it does cater a lot for the retired set). To get cheaper you go Sara (Ezibuy – VERY young and too young for moi) or Farmers (ditto for the same issue, but definitely improving) or The Warehouse (definitely on the improve)but you do take pot luck with the quality.

    I liked all the outfits that you showed here but most of us have appalling upper arms so the sleeveless white dress might be a challenge… :)

    When you reach 40 you assume you’ll be all “sorted” – have pots of money, have an amazing wardrobe. I had an amazing wardrobe at 19!!! At 42 I can assure you it doesn’t always happen: you’re lumbered with kids, a mortgage, elderly parents to keep an eye out for. At 19 I was living at home, paying really low board and just having a ball spending all my wages on CLOTHES.

    What you will likely do at 40 is dress for your shape and budget :) simple as that! Clothing manufacturers are definitely perpetuating the MYTH that YOUTH is BETTER!

    (me goes off to sulk…)

    <3 Jenny · Apr 1, 12:48 AM · #
  12. WOW! I would wear all of this stuff now and I’m 22. You go Gala!

    <3 Renae · Apr 1, 12:54 AM · #
  13. =) love this kinda thang…

    www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=11…

    www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=11…

    www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=11…

    went a little crazy and fun. dont know if all would be nice at 40…
    but cute! =)
    xooxox

    <3 Samantha · Apr 1, 01:06 AM · #
  14. I just printed that poem and stuck it on the fridge.
    My daughter will roll her eyes at me..haha!

    <3 amy · Apr 1, 01:13 AM · #
  15. for the press conference announcing that another of my best-sellers is getting turned into a movie. (ahem)

    www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=11…

    with a gorgeous lady on my arm!

    <3 nico · Apr 1, 01:31 AM · #
  16. im hoping that intense science fictiony type garb will be all the rage by the time im 40.

    however, if this doesnt happen im going to be a real Mrs. Robinson type.
    really sexy and sophisticated with a flirtacious smile, a wiggle in my walk and an infectious, luscious laugh.
    my heels will be high, my hair will be long and my clothes will be black with statement pieces that pop with colour.

    whee!

    <3 michelle. · Apr 1, 02:00 AM · #
  17. I’ve just turned 40 and I wear variations of what I’ve always worn. I still wear sleeveless tops (hurrah for yoga!) but am not fond of overly short skirts.

    I’ve kept a lot of the clothes I wore in the late 80s/early 90s and am wearing them again, although in a slightly less grungy way.

    I don’t feel old, so I don’t dress old!!

    <3 Rosa · Apr 1, 02:14 AM · #
  18. Something tells me I would be a soft fairy of a woman with a continued disregard for matching my colors and styles properly :]

    This is my first polyvore, I hope it works!

    http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=1155692

    <3 bri · Apr 1, 02:15 AM · #
  19. i made this… i guess is tom boy-ish but i guess ill feel comfortable wearing this… im a marine biology student, so i guess the frist outfit will be the dressier version even though the shoes are flats (i cant stand heels), i guess i could wear it in a congress, or a meeting and the second is more lab-friendly. The glasses are actually similar to the ones i own, and i feel pretty comfortable with them, so i guess ill have the same taste for glasses.

    www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=11…

    <3 susana · Apr 1, 02:44 AM · #
  20. I’ll probably dress at 40 the way I dress now!
    But when I’m significantly older, I’d like to dress like Rosalind Russell in Auntie Mame: www.viewimages.com/Search.aspx…

    Also, thanks for mentioning Diana Vreeland! I adore her…have you read her book “DV”? It’s my favorite!

    xoxo

    <3 'Becca'lise · Apr 1, 02:57 AM · #
  21. Eeek! This is my very first attempt at Polyvore! I know it’s still quite “young”, but I was totally going for something very youthful & casual anyway. I also wanted it to be something that I think I could feel as equally comfortable in now, as I would as my 40-year-old NYC trophy wife self. ;D

    www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=11…

    x

    <3 Felicity · Apr 1, 03:21 AM · #
  22. bri — How do you not carry a bag? Where do all your things go?!

    ‘Becca’lise — I LOVE Diana too! DV is a great book, very inspiring. I have pictures of her up all over the place!

    Felicity — That is totally lovely!

    <3 Gala · Apr 1, 03:31 AM · #
  23. This is great! I used to always dread growing up because I wouldn’t be able to wear cute things anymore. But I think by the time I do reach forty, I might not even care to wear cute stuff. I think women who dress elegantly are stunning! Especially very simple, b&w outfits accented with nice (colorful) accessories. =)

    <3 sora · Apr 1, 03:35 AM · #
  24. You are absolutely right! For some reason there are plenty of lists out there on things a grown woman “shouldn’t” wear, but people forget it goes both ways.

    Personally, I’m looking forward to getting out of my 20’s! My style is not very young and some people will no doubt think I’m dressing up or trying too hard, if I show up to a first time meeting wearing what I’d like to wear. I often dress down for important first impressions.

    <3 eyðimörk · Apr 1, 03:42 AM · #
  25. This is a fun article. Love the poem.

    <3 Annie · Apr 1, 03:52 AM · #
  26. Gala – wonderful post. As a woman over forty, and one who caters who lots of likewise customers, I’d like to concur that many dresses are just too sophisticated for a younger woman, so those of us who are older get to enjoy them!

    Basically, as Jenny mentioned, you dress for your body (I don’t usually worry about budget because if you’re careful and clever you can dress well on any budget). Most of us at forty have figure flaws so we need to work around those, and highlight the bits that are best.

    Everything everyone says is true: go for classic pieces that are good quality. I find fit is all important too – the easiest way to look bad in something is if it doesn’t fit. Don’t over look second hand and vintage. There are amazing pieces out there for everyone if you look.

    <3 Nicole · Apr 1, 04:08 AM · #
  27. I hope to god I don’t become a 40 year old soccer mum who wears trackies and sneakers… EVERYWHERE.

    I started to make a polyvore, but I couldn’t find the right look I was aiming at. So I’ll just tell you.

    I too envision blacks, whites, and grey. To me, they SCREAM class and elegance. Beautiful coats. Turtle necks. A big pair of wayfarer sunglasses. And I imagine my boot fetish will not have tamed any.

    I envision an audrey hepburn type look. Now theres a woman oozing classic elegance.

    <3 Katrina · Apr 1, 04:20 AM · #
  28. For when I’m finally become the jet-setting superstar architect that I’m in the process of becoming!!

    I have a feeling that i will always love bright colours, plus how cool are those glasses, I’m in love with dkny.

    www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=11…

    <3 ashleah · Apr 1, 04:40 AM · #
  29. I’ve come up with two sets that I can see myself wearing – I have a very curvy, Nigella Lawson sort-of figure, though I can only hope I look half as fantastic as her at 48!

    This would be my out-and-about in London, shopping and meeting friends outfit: www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=11…

    And this my meeting clients and lecturing outfit: www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=11…

    I love those green shoes, but for standing around for ages and running around the city those fab Oxfords would certainly be kinder to my feet.

    <3 dinah · Apr 1, 04:53 AM · #
  30. Lovin’ all the polyvore sets that people are showing us! I might not have the body to wear the gorgeous clothes, but what I do have is the bling :) There are advantages to being in your 40’s: you have good quality jewellery! Yeehaa….. I have the diamond studs (40th birthday pres), I have the diamond ring (engagement ring – a good size cluster)... the topaz earrings…

    I liked what Nicole said and agree: if you can afford 1 or 2 good quality pieces then you can dress well. I like clothes that last. AND: in your 40’s you’re not afraid to wear things that are more than 1 year old!!!!

    <3 Jenny · Apr 1, 05:01 AM · #
  31. I would dress like that!

    www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=11…

    <3 nookie · Apr 1, 05:23 AM · #
  32. i sent this link to my mum, i LOVE taking her shopping, she’s a beautiful mature lady & i wish we could go on big fabulous shopping sprees together!!

    <3 Natasja · Apr 1, 05:46 AM · #
  33. www.flickr.com/photos/middleag…

    this lady has a wonderful, fun sense of fashion. she proves that you dont need to dress down when you grow up! i’d like to dress like her when i’m 40.

    <3 KK · Apr 1, 05:59 AM · #
  34. Awesome choice of outfits there! Can I just speak, well, on behalf of me by saying there really are sooooo many hot as hell 40 year old women out there thesedays, most of whom seem to be more stylish and with it than their daughters!

    To quote a DJ friend of mine when discussing women ‘I try to find the hottest girl in the club and then ask for her mother’s number… I’m more into the mum’s…’

    <3 Robin Hosking · Apr 1, 06:17 AM · #
  35. I would look at Marlene Dietrich (OK, like I always do): she had her biggest moment when she was around 40, and later was dubbed “the sexiest grandmother in the world”.

    So: sharp-tailored clothing, fitted but not actually revealing, focusing on my best assets (legs, wrists, neck area), in sensual, high quality material. Menswear inspired suits and coats, feminine just-below-the-knee dresses. Rich colours. Heels. Wonderful lingerie!

    I don’t like to wear much jewelery, but a few pretty bracelets would be nice, and a looong pearl necklace for evening dresses.

    Red lips, but very discreet make-up apart from that (I find older women with a “make-up mask” creepy). Long hair, worn in a wild bun.

    <3 Theremina · Apr 1, 06:38 AM · #
  36. Such a lovely post!!

    And I’m going to send “Warning” to my mum :)

    <3 Natalie · Apr 1, 07:26 AM · #
  37. its really hard to think about what I will dress like when I am 40 since at the moment I change my mind a lot. I’d like to think that I will live somewhere amazing like Paris or New York.

    www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=83…
    This set feels like me since its all about neutral tones and playing with volumes and textures, which is what I usually love to do.

    www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=11…
    On this set I kinda was inspired by Diane Lane’s character in Unfaithful and how she that touch of naughtiness among the conservative.

    I’d like to think that your style itself just becomes more refined as you get older rather than completely changes. I would like to think that I will be come more confident and lady like as I get older….knowing me I will look like a crazy old cat lady….

    <3 ruby · Apr 1, 07:38 AM · #
  38. I’ve known exactly what style I am going to have at 40 for years. Since I was 14, I think.

    When I hit 40 I am magically going to turn into Lulu Guinness as seen in a magazine article once. She was wearing high heels, red lipstick, a dress covered in gold glitter, and had short dark curly hair. It was amazing. I was just like “Wow! She looks fantastic! Clearly the way to combat aging is to get even more eccentric as one gets older, and wear even more glitter! Sounds like a plan.”. But I don’t suit gold so we’ll make that glitter dress purple, or black, or silver.

    I tried to Polyvore it, but they were all out of glitter-covered purple dresses :(

    <3 Lady Julianne le Fay · Apr 1, 08:02 AM · #
  39. Oops! I forgot to add:

    You see, I couldn’t start wearing purple at 40, with a red hat that doesn’t go and doesn’t suit me, because I already do these things now, and I’m only 21. So glitter is the future!

    <3 Lady Julianne le Fay · Apr 1, 08:05 AM · #
  40. Great article :)

    Loved the poem – it made me giggle! Where did you find it?

    <3 mica · Apr 1, 08:17 AM · #
  41. Oh, and I just wanted to add, I actually bought my mother a beautifully illustrated booklet with that poem for her 50th birthday!

    <3 dinah · Apr 1, 08:19 AM · #
  42. mica — It’s quite well-known, & when I made the purple outift I was like “ding ding”! I just looked it up :>

    <3 Gala · Apr 1, 08:28 AM · #
  43. Wow! I’m 50 and don’t dress much differently to when I was younger (and much younger even). I don’t want to dress classy/classic/neutral and any figure flaws I have now – I had then :) I can’t see that anyone is ‘too old’ or ‘too young’ for a particular outfit – to me it is all about how comfortable/confident you FEEL. Wear the clothes – don’t let them wear you and remember – age is only important if you are stinky cheese or fine wine!

    Every day is dress-up for me.

    I really enjoyed reading this thread but it made me sad to read that some people consider themselves not ‘enough’ to wear what pleases them (whether that is young enough, old enough, toned enough, eccentric enough).

    <3 Elaine · Apr 1, 08:33 AM · #
  44. www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=11… uh I love my outfit :) I wanna be 40 tout de suite. Or I’ll just start wearing stuff like that right now :)

    <3 Kathi · Apr 1, 08:48 AM · #
  45. I’d love to be able to pull this off at 40:

    www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=11…

    <3 stacy without the e · Apr 1, 09:19 AM · #
  46. When i turn 40, i shall sing out loud ALL the time and play play play in my GInormous walk-in ROOM-ROBE :)

    i hope this link works? ( i am but a “40 year old virgin” when it comes to all things URL, links and polyvore!!

    www.polyvore.com/cgi/app#foo

    <3 lulubrownskin · Apr 1, 09:54 AM · #
  47. My mom’s in her mid-40s and I adore how she dresses. She has a pair of pink pants which she wears with black blouses. The bulk of her wardrobe consists of black shirts but she definitely wears a lot of bright colors like yellow, pink, and light blue. Basically, her trick is a neutral top with an interesting design on the top and pair of colorful pants (never too fitted, usually flared and loose.)

    <3 Kat · Apr 1, 10:45 AM · #
  48. The show Lipstick Jungle is a great place to look for fashion inspiration for the 40-ish. I’m guessing you can find it on youtube, but there are also photo galleries on the show’s website.

    <3 Kori · Apr 1, 10:51 AM · #
  49. I always have wanted a huge garden, so here is my day outfit

    www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=11…

    <3 Christy · Apr 1, 11:46 AM · #
  50. Today it is my Birthday. I am one year before 40 now. I think this is a wonderfull age for a woman, cos she dont have all those doubts and fears she had as a teen or a young woman. a 40years old woman is able to be more relaxed – and the sex is better (if she find a man in her age who isnt too tired for it rofl – maybe a younger man is better then…) fashion or style was never a question of age for me. its a question of attitude. if u have an open and creative mind, if ur young in ur thoughts, u can wear whatever u want. ok, its not nice to wear a tiny top or a very short skirt if u have 15 kilos more than 20 years ago – but its always possible to find stylish outfits.
    i wear black boots or heels,jeans (the classic 501), black skirts, scottish kilts (a bit punky, cos i was a punk in the 80ies lol and i love that style for ever!), black tanks and jackets, but also pink stuff or dark red.
    i am a handbag-junkie, so i wear huge handbags as assescoire and big silver necklaces and rings. i always take care of my make-up (i would never leave the house without red lipstick!)
    one of my best friends, a french tattooartist (41 years old) still looks like a sweet wild punk and nobody would think she is over 40.but even if u re a mom and u dont want to wear wild clothes like she does: 40 is no age!!! its never too late to dress in a stylish way! (look at uschi obermaier – she is 60!)

    by the way: i found an awsome webpage about cupcakes :)))
    cupcakestakethecake.blogspot.c…

    <3 Artemisia · Apr 1, 02:15 PM · #
  51. LOVE That poem!
    Also, I imagine I would look and dress a lot like these ladies from The Sartorialist:
    bp3.blogger.com/_qjpwnPW4c1o/R…
    (LOVE her hair)
    bp0.blogger.com/_qjpwnPW4c1o/R…
    bp2.blogger.com/_qjpwnPW4c1o/R…

    That may not be what I dress like when I’m 40, per se, but I really look forward to dressing like these women when I’m older. Long gray hair, crazy dresses and great jewelry.
    That is my ideal.

    <3 Jami · Apr 1, 02:22 PM · #
  52. These are my outfits at 40….I love wrap dresses and can’t wait to pull them off with style!

    www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=11…

    <3 Kelly · Apr 1, 04:39 PM · #
  53. Most of the time I am constantly amazed to see my mother (who is 46) pull some dress or coat to wear her wardrobe from her early twenties when the things i got last year are near fit for the bin. Not just h&m or topshop either, the dress and 2 tops I got in urban outfitters are pretty shabby looking and I wore the tops less than 10 times each!

    There is one gem of a shop near me that sells the most gorgeous things from small european designer houses and everything kept it’s colour/shape/materials still great too…although I am keeping it a secret from everyone till i die, i won’t even tell my bestie. bwaa haa haa.

    anyone else notice that the quality of clothing has gone downhill lately?

    <3 kim · Apr 1, 05:31 PM · #
  54. ps: by the way GALA: i am tattoed all over (arms, legs) ok, i am an inker, so maybe i HAVE to look like that lol – but i swear u, gala, you can wear sleeveless tops whith 40!!! u can be proud of ur tattoo-sleeves, so show it!!! i guess u will look pretty pretty awsome with 40 and with 50 or 60. time is nothing! it passes by so fast. pfft.
    40 is not so old as you think when u re 20. i feel so much better with 39 than with 19!
    u can always create urself new, u will get more and more perfect with the ages – u will get more and more urself.

    <3 Artemisia · Apr 1, 05:53 PM · #
  55. hey, great post. I really like the poem but I discovered something freaky…..
    www.smagglestyle.com used that poem too! But for a “how to dress well at age 60” piece…..
    wierd – maybe you two are on the same wavelength??

    <3 Munkey · Apr 1, 05:57 PM · #
  56. I had never thought about 40, but when I’m an OLDER woman, I’d always thought that I’d wear only gauzy white pants, long shirts, gowns, skirts, and such floaty stuff. With maybe one acceessory, like a necklace, with short hair.

    <3 Liesel · Apr 1, 06:04 PM · #
  57. kim — Yup, the general quality of clothing has gone dramatically downhill over the years. That’s the reason why I suggest spending a little more than ‘normal’ on clothes, because the average or cheap stuff on the high street is often mass-produced & designed to last one season at most.

    I’ve noticed that even in the past couple of years, chain stores like Portmans (which used to sell quite decent quality things) seem to have changed hands or suppliers, & now I wouldn’t touch the stuff in there with a very long pole. It all looks really cheap & badly made now. So it’s not even like you can just rely on the places you used to shop, things change quickly & without notice.

    It’s not just clothing either — people are putting a higher premium on low prices than on good quality, so things are made on the cheap, sold for a pittance & then people are surprised when they don’t last…

    Munkey — Maybe! It’s a pretty popular poem, so I’m not at all surprised!

    <3 Gala · Apr 1, 06:11 PM · #
  58. Gala, this is my favourite post of yours. I would wear those outfits now, and I’m 21! I’ve always wanted to be 26, for some reason, because I pictured 26 as the year I would get to start wearing suits. I love tailored pieces, nice fabrics, deep colours. I think I’ll dress a lot like I do now when I’m 40.

    <3 Ophelie · Apr 1, 08:02 PM · #
  59. you know this just came up right handy to me! I’m not 40 (well, I’m 20 yrs old) but I have a daughter, and I started trying to dress more “appropriated” so people don’t keep picking on be with stuff like “you know, you have a daughter, you shouldn’t wear that skirt..” or “isn’t that dress too childish for someone with a baby?”.

    thanks gala!

    <3 diorama · Apr 1, 08:50 PM · #
  60. when im 40 i want to be sophisticated but have elements of clothing that are still fun.

    www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=11…

    enjoy!

    <3 bunny · Apr 1, 09:32 PM · #
  61. silkandleather.blogspot.com/

    I did various looks: brunch/movies, going to the store, work, and going to a ballet.

    <3 Ariel/thorns · Apr 1, 10:55 PM · #
  62. I’m going to flounce around in hand-painted silks and dye my hair platinum blonde when it goes gray, and have little annoying dogs that I cart around and insist get their own seats in swanky restaurants. I am going to say whatever is on my mind, such as, ‘what in god’s name are you doing with that tweed?’ and I am going to drink until I am giddy and start speaking with angels.

    I hope. I’m really sick so I’d like to live that long…

    <3 Victoria · Apr 1, 10:57 PM · #
  63. I’ve always been very t-shirt-and-jeans, but as I approach my thirties and forties, I want to slowly transition into a real vintage look.

    <3 Mikolina · Apr 2, 12:07 AM · #
  64. im going to be a sailor girl when i am older.. with chanel and yellow….

    www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=11…

    <3 tiny donna · Apr 2, 01:24 AM · #
  65. i’m over 40, and i still dress exactly how i’d like to; on my myspace you can see tons of club pictures (yep, 41 year old punk/industrial/goth w/ purple and red mohawk – the profile lies by a decade as part of a long-running joke)

    for day to day wear i tend to do a lot of black and/or primary colors with unusual trim but classic cuts – sarongs as skirts w/ baby t’s; classic a-lines with tons of zippers, etc

    you can dress age appropriate and still have fun no matter what style you choose

    <3 alumiere · Apr 2, 04:00 AM · #
  66. let’s try again shall we?!

    simple cyber gods…please rain down the tech’ stuff on me….i want to show off my “40 look” :)

    www.polyvore.com/cgi/app#1

    <3 lulubrownskin · Apr 2, 05:03 AM · #
  67. This is what I’ll be wearing when I am 40, and a super chic and successful award-winning director who tops People’s power list, while I’m out there kicking ass and taking names 24/7 (with a mile-high studded stiletto heel)... bp0.blogger.com/_qjpwnPW4c1o/R

    <3 eclair · Apr 2, 05:14 PM · #
  68. Hi Gala … THANKS FOR THE GREAT IDEAS..

    I would wear mostly classics – with a touch of crazy – Like my Loveonaleash.com.au Puppy Purses or a red beret! –

    In fact I do as I’m 43 and loving it !! – with three teenagers …

    Do you really have a Dachshund for walking? would you like me to send you a Dachshund Puppy Purse? if so let me know !!

    <3 Donna Lauren · Apr 2, 09:50 PM · #
  69. I thought I’d posted two sets that I’d made… apparently not.

    (1) Casual Weekend wear www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=11…

    (2) Workwear
    www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=11…

    A purple travel agent

    <3 Rachael · Apr 4, 04:16 AM · #
  70. what i’ll wear when i’m 40 –

    www.polyvore.com/cgi/img

    :^)

    <3 Cassaundra · Apr 4, 02:20 PM · #
  71. That diamond ring in the black and white super chic set looks exactly like my engagement ring, only mine was custom-made.

    <3 Fia · Apr 6, 02:30 AM · #
  72. Apparently when I am 40 I will be a tiny old man, but also a very sassy gal. I have no idea what sort of theme this is, but I’d wear it at 40. I’d probably wear it now!
    www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=12…

    <3 Batopus · Apr 8, 07:05 PM · #
  73. HI there,

    As I approach 40 I’ve actually been thinking about style a bit and here are some tidbits I came up with, however it all seems to do with maintenance, which you need lots of as you get older!

    Keep your eyebrows as natural as possible (after too much plucking they actually don’t grow back!)

    Exercise exercise exercise, whatever you enjoy do it regularly and work on those upper arms! And do some neck toning exercises…watch the muscles in your neck flex as you do an exaggerated “e” smile.

    Slap suncream on your face and neck come rain or shine everytime you leave the house.

    Take a vitamin supplement for your hair,skin and nails.

    Spend money on a fab hair cut and hairstyle that suits you.

    At 40 you have to dress for your lifestyle which for lots of women involves young kids with greasy little hands, so buy fabrics and colours that wash and wear well! But always have something gorgeous ready to put on for when you don’t have to be practical.

    Keep your body and mind fit with exercise and meditation and no matter what you wear you will look gorgeous and confident and sexy…at 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 and so on!!

    ps Gala, I have just discovered your site and from one kiwi to another I think what you are doing is fantastic, good on ya mate!!

    <3 spanishkiwi · Apr 9, 11:28 AM · #
  74. pps Forty is the new thirty!!

    <3 spanishkiwi · Apr 9, 12:17 PM · #
 

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