Tag Archives: Banana shape

Vertical striped blazer and skinny leg pajama jeans

DSC_0005I usually don’t go for blazers, but I thought this navy and pink striped blazer actually did me justice.  It’s a Ralph Lauren 100% wool blazer with plenty of shaping darts.  I like the vertical striped pattern in front and in back which gives the illusion of added height, the large white buttons down the front as well as on the back cuff/sleeves, the working slit front pockets and breast pocket, and the soft pink lining not only inside the jacket but also in the pockets.  The stripes are actually light pink, not white.

The blouse is Banana Republic 98% cotton 2% lycra/spandex.  It’s got big pearlized pink buttons down the front and on the 3/4 length sleeves.  Well darted/fitted as well, the collar is a littler bigger/wider than I would usually get, but it seems to go well with this jacket.

Mixing dressy tops with with casual bottoms, the pants are – get this – black skinny leg Pajama Jeans!  So comfortable and warm, and they have side stitching that matches the stitching look of the jacket stripes.  They also tuck in quite well to the black leather boots.  All of the Pajama Jeans seem to be hemmed for those under 5’4″, but the skinny leg Pajama Jeans you could probably get away with wearing if you’re a little taller if you don’t mind them being capris.

Over 40 Fashions | women 40+ wearing/sharing clothes we like

Barb Hughes 2013

UPDATE 2020 I NO LONGER OWN THE OVER 40 FASHIONS WEBSITE OR DOMAIN NAME. I finally did it!  Finally was able to change over the old Over 40 Fashions iweb site to a modern site with a lot more functionality and ease of use!  You can now search for styles by category  (tops, bottoms, accessories etc.) and also by tag (body shape and possibly other tags in the future).  Thank you for being so encouraging of my little volunteer experiment since 2009, allowing women of all sizes to show off fashions they like from their own closets.  Women 40+ get to play dress-up, share what works for them, educate women of all ages on what stands the test of time, as well as encourage each other.  Instead of trying to fit into styles/shapes/sizes/trends that aren’t flattering anymore (and were they even flattering back then anyway?), we are showing what DOES look flattering now, what we enjoy, and telling why we enjoy it. If you have arthritic feet and can’t wear high heels anymore..what cute shoes CAN you wear?

On Over 40 Fashions, we share what we like and give our opinions so we can get great new ideas on where to shop to find styles, colors, sizes, and fashions that work for us.  I’m also hoping the fashion industry and advertisers catch on and start using real women 40+ of all shapes and sizes as their models. This is why I say “If you don’t see someone who looks like you as a model, then we need YOU to contribute!”  Plus, tell your friends you’re an international (internet) fashion model – how fun is THAT?

I’m looking for clothing advertisers who want to reach the 40+ female to sponsor/advertise.  I’ve been hosting and honing Over 40 Fashions since 2009 as a hobby and feel it’s to the place where it can make a larger impact.  On another note, I’ve had people asking where they could donate, so I’ve included a donation entry on the paypal button under the sponsor link.  If you feel you’ve learned something new from this site, or want to say ‘thank you’ for the opportunity for women of all shapes and sizes to be seen and heard, feel free to donate a few bucks if you feel so inclined.

I’m so happy for those excited to share this journey.  Please subscribe using the subscribe button on the Over 40 Fashions website so you can get all posts immediately and you don’t miss anything.  Tell your friends.  And please, be a model!

Sincerely,

Barb Hughes, founder and instigator of Over 40 Fashions

via Over 40 Fashions | women 40+ wearing/sharing clothes we like.

P.S.  this may mean some of the fashion ideas that I previously blogged about will only be seen on the Over 40 Fashions site in the future.

Tops designed to flatter women 40+!

pauline covered perfectlyPRACTICAL is the operative word for this new clothing company, and ATTRACTIVE is the operative word for these new tops!  Covered Perfectly is a clothing company started by Pauline Durban, because she couldn’t find clothing that flattered her body.  She wanted tops that covered her arms and that were long enough to go over her belly.  She wanted comfortable soft fabric, and styles that made her feel good about herself.  So she designed a line of tops that ‘covered perfectly’ and made them easily available.

Covered Perfectly launched on May 5th 2013, so this is a brand new company with lovely clothes at reasonable prices made of fabulous fabric (the main fabric is a natural fiber, MicroModal, with a touch of spandex, which is super soft and luxurious and drapes wonderfully).  Pauline listens to the opinions of her customers – by popular demand she’s in the process of adding plus sizes to her collection, which should be in by the end of September.

Check out the Covered Perfectly website and see these gorgeous clothes for yourself.  For our readers at Better Ideas Now and Over 40 Fashions, use the discount code OVER40 and get a discount of 20% off your first order!  You’ll support a women-owned American business making a positive difference in women’s fashion, AND you’ll get fabulous fitting tops at a great price!

Elegant black evening gown

Marilyn black dressMarilyn shares this elegant gem from her own closet:

One of my occupations is going to non-profit auctions, and bid spotting for the auctioneer. I need to look great and have comfortable clothes to move in. This classic black dress always fits the bill.

The beautiful dress I am wearing is an elegant black velvet evening gown. I love how it stretches, flows, and rarely wrinkles. The waistline follows my contour curves nicely. The shoulder straps have cute little roses embellished on them.  I picked it up at a garage sale. The dress is made by “Dress Barn”. Black is my favorite color to wear. It flatters any size woman.

Thanks to Marilyn Burns for sharing!

Book: classic style featuring women 60+

Advanced Style

Young photographer Ari Seth Cohen has captured the fashion sense and confidence of the classic older set in his book Advanced Style.  As a boy, his grandma’s fashion sense, watching classic movies, and taking trips to the library to see pictures of the past enamored Ari.  He was struck by the images of elegant and glamorous times where men and women wore hats, gloves, and dressed up because it was the thing to do.  Advanced Style shows Ari Seth Cohen’s photos of real women, most in the age range of 60-100, many giving advice on how they chose styles that work best for them.

These are great ideas no matter what your age, but are especially wonderful for Continue reading

Comfort takes center stage for casual activities

Here’s a favorite spring/summer look from my friend Lita:

I ALWAYS dress for comfort.  This outfit takes me where ever I need to go:  volunteer work, shopping, gardening or chaperoning for school or church groups.  It is practical, comfortable AND affordable!

100% Cotton, Faded Glory V-neck t-shirt in sage green from Continue reading

Cute fashion with an international flair

This is a wonderful presentation showing women of a variety of ages and shapes modeling adorable clothes from a little shop in Spain.  Enjoy these fresh ideas on how to put together a unique wardrobe with international flair.  The guitar music is enjoyable as well.

The English translation of the page Continue reading

LBD dress – five ways to wear it this spring

Wondering how to dress between the winter/spring season?  Stylist Amy Salinger gives innovative ideas on how to combine the little black dress in your closet with some unique pairings to brighten up your winter/spring wardrobe.  See the video One Dress, Five Ways To Wear It.

An obsession with printed jeans

patterned jeansJeannie W of the blog Gracefully 50 talks about her current favorite fashion -Printed Jeans:

This outfit represents my current obsession for printed jeans.  I feel like they’re a great alternative to blue jeans – which I love.  Because of patterns/colors of the jeans, I chose neutral colors to showcase the jeans.  I know that printed jeans are not for everyone, but it’s a fun way to dress up an otherwise blue jean weekend.