Life begins at 40?

This year, myself and a few of my friends turn 40.  It got me thinking, does life begin at 40?
Well there's lots of research to say that it doesn't, and lots to say that it does. I'm not going to go into too much detail right now but by the time we're 40, our life experiences should have cemented who we are and what we want. The financial security that most of us should have at this age gives us the freedom to make the choices we want to make and live the life we want to be living.

There are, of course, some amusing articles around that prefer to focus on the physical effects of middle age.

As English/American writer, Helen Rowland, stated:
   
“Life begins at 40 - but so do fallen arches, rheumatism, faulty eyesight, and the tendency to tell a story to the same person, three or four times.”

Very funny, it gave me a chuckle but I'll look to the positives, thanks!

So, what does turning 40 mean to our wardrobes?

In our teens it's pretty much about experimenting, I don't know about you but I had a blast! I was a goth and a new romantic in my teens, and probably went through loads of other "fashion stages" too.

Our 20's give us a change in that we've probably finished studying and have started working. Still able to experiment but with more cash, and possibly having to conform to dressing professionally.

Most of us should have settled into our "style" in our 30's. We may start popping out babies in this decade which means huge body and life changes, this is a whole subject to be tackled on it's own!

But what about our 40's? Personally, I don't want to look old and frumpy but I also don't want to look like mutton dressed as lamb! Stylish clothes that fit well is the key here, I feel.
Knowing your body shape along with it's flaws and assets is vital, but  here are a few tips to get you going anyway:

Clothes that are too big/baggy can make you look overweight or frumpy, make sure your clothes fit! (I always get spotted by the people I don't want to be spotted by when I sneak out in my trackies and oversized hoodie, and I always regret it!  It really is just as easy to put on some jeans and a nice top, unless you're working out or are sick!

Don't be a fashion victim. Choose elements from a trend that you like rather than going "all out" and running the risk of looking like a teenager.  I love my leopard print ballet flats, but I only wear them with plain, simple clothing. 

Try and add a little colour.  Black and dark colours on the bottom half can be slimming but try to add a little colour elsewhere as we can start to look more drained as we age.

Keep it simple.  Don't pile on the fuss, keeping it simple can make you look incredibly stylish.

Make Up and Hair.  Make sure that your make up and hairstyle are updated.  An 80's perm can ruin a well put together outfit!

Be yourself.   Make the most of who you are and what you've got (unless you have a health issue that requires change).  An inner confidence will shine through and give a glow that make up and beauty products can't.  I'm a great believer in "beauty comes from within".  Age gracefully, it looks so much lovelier than surgical enhancement.

I have always admired the style of Kristen Scott Thomas (51) and Carla Bruni Sarkozy (44), they have impeccably good taste and always look so completely stylish.

On a final and very fitting note, I would like to wish my lovely friend, Lyndall, a very Happy 40th Birthday!
xxx