The Joy of Dressing Like the Woman You’ve Become

Like everybody, I’d dress up for others, follow trends, and squeeze myself into outfits that had nothing to do with my personality.

But as I’ve discovered myself, learned more about myself, and grabbed on to a version of me that I idolized, I started to dress like her.

And you guys, it is so fun! It’s more than that, dressing up in your 40s is incredibly empowering because it is a way of reinforcing your personality and who you’ve become!

Don’t be intimidated, it’s not about spending more! It’s about finally embracing the woman you are and being unapologetic about it!

If you’re a bit lost these days and could use some style inspiration for your 40s, I’ve got you!

Let’s help you reconnect with your personal expression, so that you dress in a way that feels aligned, elevated, and effortless.

1. Set the Right Energy

Your energy is what helps you pull off a restrictive dress. And when your energy is off, it’s what makes you slouch in the most comfortable hoodie in the world.

So right off the bat, know that you won’t feel good when you don’t pass the vibe check. Take a second, come back to yourself, and treat getting dressed as a ritual.

And remind yourself how you want to feel before sliding into your outfit. Tell yourself: This is how I choose to show up today.

2. Define Your Signature Look

A signature look is something you decide. In essence, it’s how you’d like to be perceived and remembered. It can work as a fallback option on days when you’re completely lost, not feeling yourself, and just don’t know what to wear.

Your style-aware version pre-defines your signature look! So how can you come up with one? You can start with colors and choose a few signature options.

Find tones that reflect your energy and complexion. When in doubt, black is a safe choice. A better option is beige, cream, and gray, which always look elegant and rich, no matter your skin tone!

Secondly, decide on shapes that make you powerful, grounded, and yourself! This is a good reminder to try new things to come up with your style.

For example, I have thick arms, and sleeveless tops make me uncomfortable. Low-rise jeans make me look shorter. Knee-high skirts also make me look short. All of these are a big no for my signature look.

So mine is mid-rise jeans paired with comfortable heels and a top that makes me look slender on the upper body. And lots of accessories. It’s very simple, but it always looks elevated.

If you’re completely lost, close your eyes and think of who you want to be. You want to be sexier, more feminine, or more casual?

Or if you have a favorite celebrity that inspires you, what would she wear? Imitate that!

3. Try Different Styles

Big mistake! You can’t know if it is you until you try it. Putting on different types of outfits, casual or fancy, is a great way to discover your style or add new dimensions to your current style.

So next time you’re in a store, find a piece or a design, especially a fancy, expensive one, and just put it on! You might like it.

If not, it’ll inspire you to move in another direction, help you modify your current style, or just spark some new ideas!

4. Invest in the Basics That Feel Luxe

When I say basics, I mean your jeans, white shirts, and coats. These are the core pieces that you will reach again and again. They deserve more attention than a trendy top you won’t even wear next year!

So spend a little more on these because good basics always pay off. A white shirt that’s crisp and fits you perfectly instantly elevates everything you wear. When you have quality basics, even your “lazy day outfits” look intentional!

5. Choose Quality Over Quantity

I, on the other hand, have fewer pieces and repeat my outfits more often. But you know what? I’m always the one who’s getting the compliments! Why? Because you can’t fake quality. Quality has a way of shining through!

Don’t get me wrong! I don’t care for high fashion. I can’t afford it. But there’s a middle ground between Chanel and Temu. That’s what I’m talking about.

In your 40s, style is about intentionality. Fewer pieces, better fit, and timeless shapes. So instead of hoarding, focus on getting a piece that you can enjoy wearing for years to come.

Think about a quality trench coat. It never gets old. Or a pair of jeans that just makes you look more confident, elegant, and just fancier instead of trashy!

6. Don’t Be a Logo Victim

Speaking of wearing things you can’t afford, here’s what I noticed. Every single person in my circle who is living beyond her means has this one thing in common: they’re walking logos!

In other words, they are wearing the cheapest items from the most expensive stores. In case you didn’t know, these items are designed to attract people desperate for outside approval.

This might sound blunt, but it’s true. Brands are designed to make us crave validation.

It puts you in a spiral, and you constantly have to feed that need, making you keep buying things you can’t afford. Just let go. Don’t fall into this trap! You’re better off wearing something from Zara!

7. Make Jewellery Your Armour

A basic T-shirt becomes a centerpiece when paired with hoops, layered necklaces, and bracelets! Your manicures look more sophisticated when you’re wearing rings and bracelets.

Your tops look more deliberate and intentional when paired with nice earrings. And the great thing about jewellery is that you can’t really mess it up.

Just mix and match different rings. When in doubt, go for small hoop earrings or studs. Depending on your skin tone, focus on silver or gold to make the accessories pop.

8. Focus on Details

Details add more personality to your style. They make your style even more unique. And they’re so fun to try and experiment with because it all belongs to you, and nobody can replicate it. It’s all yours.

A signature scent, a type of fabric texture like silks or linen, or a finishing touch like a scarf that has become your signature look. These details are what make your clothing become your style.

9. Go for Comfy but Stylish Shoes

I mean, I don’t want to be that person who is always wearing Converse shoes. I like to feel a little girly and feminine. On the flip side, I’m 40! I can’t walk in heels all day.

These heeled sandals and slips have been incredible for me! They instantly elevate your look, make you feel more confident without feeling restricted, and can be worn day and night, even to the store!

10. Fall Back in Love With Dresses

There’s something about a dress, especially a simple sundress, that changes how you carry yourself. It’s feminine without trying, soft but powerful.

I’ve seen that in my 40s, I’m enjoying dresses that emphasize fabric instead of cleavage. It’s not about showing off anymore but about ease and emotion.

For example, a beige linen dress in summer makes me feel softer and calmer, and makes running errands feel like an event. And a silk slip, paired with a leather jacket in the fall, makes me feel powerful.

So yes, I think dresses, whatever type it is, are something we periodically should come back to.

11. Upgrade Your Everyday Comfort

And lastly, let’s talk about activewear. We’ve all been through the yoga pants phase, even if we skipped yoga! But activewear has evolved, and it’s no longer just for the gym.

A well-styled crop top with biker shorts can look just as polished as a casual dress. So whether you’re into Alo, Lululemon, or any other brand, invest in a few quality pieces to reflect your personality through everyday comfort, too.

I think style in your 40s isn’t about reinvention. It’s about revelation. Not about trends, but about truth. It’s simply dressing like the woman you’ve become, and there’s immense power in showing up to the world as who you are.