The kind of top you choose as a woman over 40 can completely change the silhouette and appeal of the outfit you are wearing. Different lengths, necklines, fabrics, textures, and patterns can all determine whether or not your outfit is appropriate and chic.
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Styling goal
Overall, our styling goal is to look leaner and slimmer.
Meanwhile, we want to look feminine but without compromising comfort.
This guide will help you decide what kind of tops you need to wear in order to achieve the aesthetic that you are aiming for. You will also learn what to avoid so that you don’t end up wearing something that is unflattering and unsuitable.
Classic white t-shirt
Every closet needs a staple clothing item that can go with almost any outfit you put together. The classic white tee is a comfortable essential that every woman over 40 should have.
The choice of the neckline is important when searching for a basic t-shirt. V-necks are helpful with elongating your torso and drawing more attention to your face. A crewneck is good for those with a smaller chest and wide shoulders.
The most important issue that comes with a white tee is making sure that the shirt is completely opaque. With white shirts, the color of your bra can sometimes be seen if you go with a cheaper option.
You may not want to spend more than a small amount of money on a plain white tee, but it is necessary in order to prevent any embarrassing wardrobe malfunctions. A solid and dependable fabric will be worth the money since this shirt will be a key item in your closet.
Casual flannels
Flannels are an excellent style choice for casual outfits. You can wrap them around your waist during the summer, and layer them during the fall and winter. Some people also choose to button them up fully, which would look excellent with a pair of jeans.
Flannels are comfortable and guaranteed to keep you warm. You can get them lined with fur to ensure that even the harshest winds will not matter. The long sleeves also provide ample protection for your arms.Â
As you age past 40, comfort should be an important quality to look for when you search for casual wear.
Flannels are soft and made of dependable fabric.Â
Peplum tops
Peplum tops are very flattering for women of any age group, because they can instantly make you look feminine without being revealing.
The main reason you will love these tops after 40 is because they really give you nice waist definition, whether or not you have a natural waist or not.
Peplum tops are also very versatile and can be styled with any jeans or pants in your closet, so you can look put-together in under 10 minutes!
Button down shirt
Button down shirt is a classic style that women of any age should have in their closets. When you are over 40, you will find these shirts are an important part of your wardrobe because how versatile they are.
Not only they can be your work outfit staples, but you can easily dress them up for a night out, or dress them down for a casual weekend outfit.
Loose-fitting crop tops
Although some crop tops can be seen as revealing, that issue arises when the top is form-fitting and usually shows a large amount of cleavage. With loose-fitting crop tops, you can keep everything covered up while also wearing a cute top.
When you are older than 40, it is important to make sure that you aren’t wearing a shirt that would be inappropriate or suggestive. It is also important to make sure that the crop top is not too short (especially without a tank top underneath), as some are cut just below the chest and can show a lot of skin.
Crop tops can be paired with anything high-waisted to create an hourglass silhouette. With a loose-fitting crop top, you can leave open space for your upper stomach, which is great if you have wide ribs.
Wrap tops
Wrap tops provide plenty of flexibility. You can tie or wrap this style of top in many various ways, making it several different shirts in one.
Staying in perfect shape past the age of 40 is a challenging task. Wrap tops are incredibly forgiving since you can tie them loosely and leave room for any bloating. You can also strategically place the knot so that it conceals your stomach.Â
With a wrap top, you get to decide where the tie goes.
That means that you can create your own silhouette with just one knot.
The best option is to wrap and tie the knot at the smallest part of your waist to create an hourglass shape.
Subtle prints
If you want to add more interest to your closet, incorporate prints.
The key to wear prints is to make sure you don’t overdo it, because less is more, especially when you are over 40.
Subtle prints are not only easy to style but also can make you appear more youthful.
Animal prints
Animal prints can be very flattering for women over 40, because it is bold and powerful.
Over the years, there have been different trends with animal prints, but they have also become a classic to stay that women of any age should try.
Since animal prints are a statement piece, the best way to wear them is to pair them with neutrals.
Geometric patterns
Geometric patterns are a great option for those who love prints and patterns.
Because they have an artistic look, they can make your outfit look more interesting and unique.
On the other hand, mixing patterns is a skill that must be learned, so it is something you need to be careful with.
One bold pattern is just enough to create a statement piece that makes your outfit stand out from others.
Pop of colors
Even the trends have been focusing on neutrals, colorful tops still remain a top option for women over 40.
The reason is simple.
Colors brighten our complexion, and they can make your outfit look more feminine.
The easiest way to wear colors is to go with a one pieces, such as a dress, or jumpsuit.
But of course, you can wear a tonal outfit using colors from the same family, if you are wearing separates.
Fitted turtlenecks
Turtlenecks are a fantastic top for layering. You can wear a solid-colored turtleneck with button-ups, cardigans, blazers, jackets, and even tank tops. With so many styling options, it only makes sense why this would be ideal for your closet.
The fabric around your neck will also cover most of your neck, so if you have a short neck, this can be quite unflattering. Also, turtlenecks tend to push up your skin and create a double chin if you don’t have an extremely strong jawline.
Wide strap tops
Tops with wider straps can be a great option for women over 40, because they can provide more support for your chest.
On the other hand, spaghetti straps were very popular during the 2000s and 2010s, but the trend has faded.
Satin tops
Satin or silk are the type of fabrics that naturally look rich, so they can make you look expensive on a budget.
When you are over 40, quality is more important than quantity, so investing in a few high quality satin or silk tops is a great option.
The key is to keep your satin or silk top wrinkle free, and follow the proper caring instructions to make sure they maintain the expensive look.
Structured tops
Tops with a structure, such as tweed tops, can be quite flattering for women over 40.
Because these fabrics are thicker, they naturally have a rich look, which means you can easily look polished without having to spending much.
Choose bodysuits wisely
Bodysuits have become increasingly popular over the past few years. They are ideal for a clean, tucked-in look that looks sophisticated and classy.
You can find bodysuits with sleeves and more appropriate necklines that will still give the same sleek effect that bodysuits are made for. Meanwhile, any bodysuit that shows a lot of skin and has many cutouts should be avoided.
Avoid ugly sweaters
Although the idea of wearing an ugly sweater may be cute and quirky, it is not the type of sweater you want to go for. Flashy sweaters are only aging and unflattering, especially on someone over the age of 40.
Sweaters should not be off-limits, but this type of sweater definitely should be. These types of sweaters are typically associated with grandmothers, which is not the look you are going for. These sweaters are also usually oversized and chunky, making the person who wears them look bulkier than they actually are. This trend may be fun for the Christmas season, but it should stop there.
Avoid too revealing
Use caution whenever you are showing too much skin. Instead of wearing a lace bra top, wear a lace top, which still makes you look feminine, but without being revealing.
Recently, it has become a trend to wear sports bras and bralettes as crop tops. This idea is very revealing and usually worn by younger generations. It is definitely not a classy look and can not be worn for anything formal or business attire.
Wearing a bra as a top shows a lot of skin. It is also very obvious that you are just wearing a bra, which isn’t very flattering or elegant in any way.
This version of a topic should definitely be avoided by any woman who has a larger bust since there is a greater chance for spillage and inappropriate cleavage.
Avoid flimsy fabrics
The other side of a structured top is thin and flimsy tops such as thin jersey knits.
These tops tend to cling to your body, which is unflattering to most women, and especially when you are over 40.
Therefore, even if you are choosing casual tops, go with thicker fabrics. Not only will they last longer, but also they will make you look more expensive.
