Is it possible to be comfortable and stylish in your 40s?

[Anonymous]

I wish OP came back and told us a little more about her preferences/dislikes. Otherwise we’re all talking in the abstract.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I started using Rent the Runway when I got called back and I'm loving it. I use the monthly subscription and have bought a few pieces I've tried. The rotating wardrobe is really fun!

I think this only works if you are average height. I am petite 5’0” and worry all these clothes would fit poorly as clothes I buy frequently have to be altered.

[Anonymous]

There are some really flattering and comfortable baggy/flowy pants out there right now. The trick is to wear a form-fitting top.

[Anonymous]

Can’t speak for shorties but I can for comfort: I really like stretchy pants and skirts/dresses with a lines and stretch. I got a 3 piece outfit I love from Sexymodest (the long cardigan one in black). No wrinkle material is a must for me, I am done ironing forever.

[Anonymous]

I always find the chicest and most comfortable way to dress for the office is monochromatically . Get yourself a comfortable black cigarette pant (spanx, everlane), black turtleneck, black buttondown, black double brested cardigan and black loafer. You can do the same for navy and camel.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I always find the chicest and most comfortable way to dress for the office is monochromatically . Get yourself a comfortable black cigarette pant (spanx, everlane), black turtleneck, black buttondown, black double brested cardigan and black loafer. You can do the same for navy and camel.

OP checking in -- this sounds fantastic, actually. Do you have suggestions for a warm weather version of this outfit?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I always find the chicest and most comfortable way to dress for the office is monochromatically . Get yourself a comfortable black cigarette pant (spanx, everlane), black turtleneck, black buttondown, black double brested cardigan and black loafer. You can do the same for navy and camel.

OP checking in -- this sounds fantastic, actually. Do you have suggestions for a warm weather version of this outfit?

Linen pants (Athleta has decent ones, Aritzia more dressy), short sleeve button down (square cut in silk, linen, or cotton), sling backs.
Or knee length skirt with a short sleeve sweater, or a thin cardigan over a slim dress.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm in my 60's and stylish & comfortable and I work. Not sure about you.

What’s the point of this post? OP is clearly looking for advice. Are you this mean and snarky in real life?

OP I’m petite and a size 4/6 in pants. Forget about Ann Taylor and Loft. Their quality has gone down over the years. If you are looking for that price point but better quality then try Talbots, j crew and Banana Republic. Otherwise you will have to go up in price to get something better in quality. Mm la Fleur is a good place to start with work clothes. But I find them very over priced for their quality so I only buy from them on sale. They have a store where you can book an appointment. I did this once in the past and it really helped. I really like Ayr for jeans (yes not for work but their jeans fit well and help me not look frumpy during the weekend), Me + EM especially for tops and dresses, banana republic for silk shirts (surprisingly!), L’Agance for blazers, Hobbs for coats, Sezane for almost everything. I used to like Vince and Theory but find that their quality has plummeted. I recently purchased a top from Gaala that I love. I like many of the pants at Aritizia especially their linen pants. If anyone has brand recommendations please do share! OP you will need to go to the tailor. I often go to hem my pants, take out the pockets because they gape and sometimes to shorten the sleeves.

I did a double take as I feel like I could have written a lot this post. We have similar taste and are the same size-- 100% agree about MM Lafleur. A lot of their stuff is machine washable, which I appreciate. I love Boden for sweaters and shirts, but their dresses work better for taller people. Thank you for the tip about BR silk sweaters!

[Anonymous]

You need to understand your proportions and stick to flattering silhouettes and colors while keeping trends in mind.

Even if skinny ankle length pants look amazing on your body, you won’t look stylish wearing them 98% of the time today because they are not in style.

Even if wrap dresses are in style, if you have a menopausal belly, then you won’t look stylish because they highlight the waist.

[Anonymous]

I don’t understand people that don’t have a personal style by this age. Get one. It’s not silly or superficial. It’s important. Figure out how you feel best.

[Anonymous]

I would check out both Banana Republic factory and J Crew Factory. They have a lot of options for work clothes that will be fashionable and comfortable. Please do not get Rothy’s. Try some loafers, either with a block heel or flat loafer. Pick up a few blazers, a pair of dark denim (elastic waist) jeans and a cute pair of sneakers (adidas, new balance retro) for casual Fridays. I also have fabric sensory issues and carry weight in my stomach and have found both of these stores to have comfortable clothing that is office appropriate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I always find the chicest and most comfortable way to dress for the office is monochromatically . Get yourself a comfortable black cigarette pant (spanx, everlane), black turtleneck, black buttondown, black double brested cardigan and black loafer. You can do the same for navy and camel.

OP checking in -- this sounds fantastic, actually. Do you have suggestions for a warm weather version of this outfit?

Agree with this poster’s recs and the idea to dress in muted monochrome colors, and for me a warm weather version of the uniform is the Anthro Collette pants linked above (they make a lightweight slightly cropped version of the pants) with a short sleeved sweater like this: https://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=711809082&vid=1&tid=brpl005689&kwid=1&ap=7&ds_agid=19850534313-&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19858478786&gbraid=0AAAAAD_AT8sGYonwjpg3u7RhpmpbUuFGW&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIudmp8uOijwMVcV1HAR3d4yJaEAQYDiABEgLztfD_BwE#pdp-page-content

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don’t understand people that don’t have a personal style by this age. Get one. It’s not silly or superficial. It’s important. Figure out how you feel best.

OP has a style - but it’s not appropriate for the office, a place she hasn’t worked at for more than 5 years. Her old style doesn’t suit her figure and her temperament. So she is asking for help to find a new one.

I don’t know if you are mean and dumb. Neither is a good look.

[Anonymous]

Just wear comfy skirts and dresses for the office. Add tights if needed. Nice boots. A nice tailored jacket.