Fashion beyond forty
Oh I’m more than happy to blather on for days on end about my favourite topic – style at any age – even happier when someone else does it for me! Especially when it’s a proper fashion expert. This week, fabulous fashion writer and all-round lovely person, Iain R Webb talks to That’s Not My Age about fashion beyond forty:
Having worked as fashion director of Harper’s & Queen and The Times my readers were looking for fashion that was wider reaching than simply catwalk driven trends.
My best advice would be to take a look at what’s going on at the collections but essentially do your own thing, pick and choose what suits you. Stylish women and designers with any kind of personality and longevity (from Coco Chanel to Dries Van Noten) are the ones who established their look early on and have developed it regardless of fashion’s comings and goings. Sometimes they collide with fashion but more often than not they remain quite sensibly aloof from the madness.
The great thing about being over 40 (ahem!) is that you’re pretty sure of your own style and shouldn’t be too bothered with the need to jump on every trend being pushed by an industry hungry for new, new, new. Let the teen queens, pop princesses and their stylists tear each others hair extensions out over who was first off the mark with ‘nude’ or ‘tribal’!
During my time in the industry I have been lucky to work with many amazingly stylish women. One of the highlights: At Harper’s & Queen I got to style Honor Blackman (the original Avengers action girl) for a 1960s inspired fashion shoot. It was a thrill to work with someone who was so self-assured and down right sexy! I dressed her in leather trousers (I think they were classic Agnes B) and unfussy Chanel-type jackets that reflected her Avengers look. Timeless fashion.
Indulge in those coveted investment pieces. Although you might automatically think investment pieces need to be classic and perhaps a tad boring I actually feel that they should be anything that you REALLY love. Something that you will take delight in forever, regardless of fashions whims. Something that is special. That might be that perfect plain cashmere sweater (if you find one that suits I would recommend the old trick of buying two) or an original 1920s Fortuny evening cape, 1970s Bill Gibb knit kimono coat or a 1980s Vivienne Westwood Nostalgia of Mud sheepskin (check out Kerry Taylor Auctions or any local vintage fashion fairs) – a one-off that will garner you compliments and a little envy whenever you wear it! Enjoy!
For more fashion beyond forty check out ‘In your forties and nothing to wear?’ An interview with J.Crew, creative director, Jenna Lyons, 41, by Lisa Armstrong at timesonline.
Actually, I can’t let this go without sticking my oar in…That’s Not My Age has had a J. Crew preview (the collection is set to launch in the UK, in May at Net-a-Porter) and here are my favourite pieces:
And in true Dries Van Noten-style, I will be wearing the boyfriend fatigue jacket and stripe boat neck dress together. Thank you Iain R Webb!
Iain R Webb’s latest book, Postcards From The Edge Of The Catwalk (ACC Publishing) – a personal photographic portfolio with over 500 images, spanning three decades, ‘I took them all from my front row seat or at parties/events surrounding the international collections brouhaha!’ – is out September/October.
Photos
Dries Van Noten catwalk shots: style.com
Honor Blackman
Polaroid: Cindy Palmano courtesy of the lovely Iain R Webb
Portrait 1: honorblackman.co.uk
Portrait 2: The Independent
Fortuny dress: 20th Century Fashion. Valerie Mendes/Amy de la Haye
PS How gorgeous is Honor Blackman?
Discussion (13 Comments)
The J Crew stuff looks great! I do disagree a little, although I love the post, especially as it touches on what is also my favourite subject. I didn't feel that at 40 I already had my style. I suddenly felt lost in my own fashion wilderness, worrying about whether I could wear certain things or not. Some women might be more self assured but alas not all of us.
So love this post – you always give the best advice too – thank you and yes, how amazing is Honor B? Like J.Crew very much so pleased to hear that they will be in UK too soon (Australia next perhaps?!) x
Good advice. I always worry about the 'mutton dressed as lamb' look now I am a certain age over 40. Must try and feel comfortable with my own style.
Hi there-a really fab interview and I do agree with collecting those investment pieces, I have my treasures that I wouldn't be without!! I also feel more self confident in my clothing styles and choices, I tend to go with what I like and feel happier with my wardrobe now than I ever have.I have virtually the same jacket as the J Crew one, we bought my older son a Zara khaki parka from the charity shop and he said he doesn't like it, so I nabbed it, haha!! Have a good weekend!
Love Dries Van Noten, love J Crew (but not too much of it) and agree to some extent with the marvellous Iain but I do think no rules and feeling free to express yourself is key. I worry about 'investment' pieces as he points out it doesn't have to mean dull.
Mix it up have fun, life is for living and don't worry it is only clothes x
What a great piece. I love the expression about sometimes we may collide with fashion but otherwise remain sensibly aloof from the madness! And yes Honor Blackman is so stunning! x
Honor Blackman was so amazing in The Avengers. I saw her in Eloise and Abélard on stage as well (what a bod!)
I don't believe I came into my true style until I hit 50. Even a few months ago, I would make certain mistakes (usually when trying to step outside of my favourite colours and styles).
You know, I have never worn a dress with a jacket, ever. I wear dresses with coats and I've worn suits to biz meetings, but never a jacket with a dress…
Great post!
I think your advice is quite right- I just wish I would take it more! I know what works on me but sometimes I really want those skinny jeans or aladdin pants to work on me.
it's the same as if you have curly hair you want straight and all those things- I know I should wear long skirts or knee lenth skirts whatever the fashion- high waisted trousers and classic lines- but I love ruffles and girly things. Still i'm getting there and learning to just say no to the things that won't look good on me
Great post! I totally agree that "signature" pieces really help define one's style and don't have to be classic, if that's not your style. Like Looking Fab, I feel as though I've had to shake out and re-define my style periodically, and now feel as though I'm hitting a new stride in my early 50's.
Unfortunately, it feels as though JCrew in the US has been moving toward a younger and younger target customer.
And yes, Honor Blackman is fabulous!
Looking Fab – I know it's easy to generalize and as DP says we all have to 'shake out and re-define our style periodically.' But I think when you get to our age and have been experimenting for years, you have an idea of what suits and what doesn't. Having said that, it's important to keep on trying new shapes and styles.
MDS – I totally agree. Life is for living. Clothes are just clothes.
Sister Wolf – just don't buy two pairs!
DP – Great comment! Love the bit about shaking out/re-defining style. So true.
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Great post TNMA. Love the shots you have chosen to illustrate it, especially the 1st 2.
God solid advice from Ian. Thank you and Honour is very special. Think you will look great in the jacket dress combo. Xxxx