What does a chic 40yo Sahm look like?

[Anonymous]

I aspire to be one. Give me a profile/description

[Anonymous]

What NOT to do: "inverse bob" = ugly "I give up" mom haircut; grey hair; ill fitting clothes. Comfortable and presentable works. Brand emblems on a 40 year old, not so much.

[Anonymous]

Wear clothes that look nice and fit you. Don't be overly casual (ie workout clothes when you aren't working out, shorts when you are going out to dinner, etc). Don't wear sweatpants, capris, or free tshirts if you want to look attractive. Get a hairstyle that suits you and is easy to maintain, and ideally works with your natural hair texture. No crocs ever. Find some shoes that are comfortable that are cute so you are not tempted to wear running shoes all the time. Keep your nails nice--if you don't want to go to the salon, you can at least manage clear polish, no?

[Anonymous]

Thanks, but honestly this sounds like a very low baseline. What about the chic part of the equation? My kids are school aged, FWIW.

[Anonymous]

If you are slim and fit, you can get away with dressing the same way you did in your thirties.

For the fall, I like skinny jeans and pair them with flat knee high boots with an interesting detail on them, a layering camisole or tee, and a chunky Vince sweater. I try to add my personality through interesting accessories--love Indian inspired chandelier earrings, layered long necklaces of different sizes, and an oversized handbag like Kooba or Rebecca Minkoff.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you are slim and fit, you can get away with dressing the same way you did in your thirties.

For the fall, I like skinny jeans and pair them with flat knee high boots with an interesting detail on them, a layering camisole or tee, and a chunky Vince sweater. I try to add my personality through interesting accessories--love Indian inspired chandelier earrings, layered long necklaces of different sizes, and an oversized handbag like Kooba or Rebecca Minkoff.

Agreed, I have similar taste, though might sub in an oversized men's watch for the layered necklaces. Black leggings or Ralph Lauren type riding pants are great with boots too if you are slim with a chunky sweater. I like Vince, and Vince knock offs with long sleeve tshirts, a great belt, or a tank underneath.

[Anonymous]

What is your body type?

Those who are thing can get away with 30-ish styles, if you are not, your options are more limited. Leggings, for example, don't look good on people who are not thin.

[Anonymous]

Honestly, I think looking great in your 40s is about looking really healthy with a just a nod to style.

Get a great haircut-- flattering, easy, can be classic, but not too boring.

Take really good care of your skin-- try for a healthy glow.

Stay reasonably fit. You don't have to be svelte, but look like your body has some muscles that you move on a regular basis. So yeah, you may have a rounder belly or some fat on your hips, but you move and act like someone who can bike/run around outside, etc.

Wear clothes that fit and learn what cuts/styles are most flattering. Wear quality clothes-- less is more in your closet. Make sure you're comfortable. Nothing will diminish the appearance of confidence and ease like ill-fitting or uncomfortable clothes. That means don't be a slave to fashion. It's immature. If it's uncomfortable, forget it. There are plenty of beautiful clothes that feel great, too.

Make sure your basics are terrific-- whether they're classic or modern. Then just add a little pizzazz-- a unique or pretty piece of jewelry or a fab pair of shoes. Or not. Don't try too hard.

Be happy with where you are in life-- or at least appreciate your current place as a necessary step along the way. If you do, you won't make the mistake of trying to hold onto your youth in an unflattering way (think clothes that are too trendy, too sexy, hair too long, etc.) or give in to aging too soon.

[Anonymous]

Great boots, shoes and handbags.

[Anonymous]

Sorry but there is no such thing as a "chic" SAHM at 40... get out and get a life

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sorry but there is no such thing as a "chic" SAHM at 40... get out and get a life

Wow. I do "get out" and have a life. I travel extensively, go to museums, have a lot of friends, am educated, interested in the arts, etc. Why would you assume otherwise?

[Anonymous]

Because, duh, you can only "have a life" in much of DCUM-world if you have a $104,000 marketing job. Or a Program Analyst job. You cannot "have a life" unless you punch a clock, OK?

[Anonymous]

Sigh, in the fall I'll be a 40 year old SAHM, and have worn t-shirts, jeans and sneakers since my 20's (except the hours I was at work). I just love being comfortable and I've always been thin so was able to get away with it all these years. Do I have to face the music now that I'm 40?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sorry but there is no such thing as a "chic" SAHM at 40... get out and get a life

Ouch, that's just mean.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sorry but there is no such thing as a "chic" SAHM at 40... get out and get a life

Wow. I do "get out" and have a life. I travel extensively, go to museums, have a lot of friends, am educated, interested in the arts, etc. Why would you assume otherwise?

Chic is paying for your stuff - no handouts.