15/06/2025

ON SUNDAY JUNE 15, 2025 theSunday Special VIII

well-tailored trousers or dark denim. Trade the oversized sweatshirt for a crisp button-down, a cosy knit or a structured jacket. If you love comfort, opt for soft, EUHDWKDEOH IDEULFV LQ ÀDWWHULQJ FXWV WKDW R̆ HU HDVH ZLWKRXW VDFUL¿FLQJ VW\OH ,W LV all about striking that balance of feeling good in your clothes while still looking intentional and age-appropriate. Don’t try too hard It’s not uncommon for people in their forties to experience a bit of a style identity shift, sometimes even bordering on what could be called a midlife fashion detour. There is often a strong urge to prove that you’ve still “got it”, but this can sometimes lead to choices that feel forced or out of sync with who you are today. Think overly ÀDVK\ FRORXUV FODVKLQJ SULQWV RU IDVKLRQ forward trends that may have worked in your twenties, but now feel like a costume UDWKHU WKDQ D UHÀHFWLRQ RI \RXU SHUVRQDOLW\ Instead of trying to replicate your younger self, let your style evolve with you. Embrace individuality with thoughtful colour combinations and modern pieces WKDW KLJKOLJKW \RXU FRQ¿GHQFH DQG SHUVRQ ality without going over the top. Bold does not have to mean brash. Experiment with WUHQGV LI WKH\ VSHDN WR \RX EXW DOZD\V ¿OWHU them through a lens of sophistication and self-awareness. Oversized silhouettes always look cool A V ZH JURZ ROGHU FRQ¿GHQFH RIWHQ IROORZV and there is no better way to express it than through pieces that embrace volume DQG GUDPD 7KLQN VWDWHPHQW VOHHYHV ÀRZ ing midi skirts, bold-shouldered blazers and chunky knitwear that commands attention. A well-cut oversized blazer can instantly elevate jeans and a tee, while a billowy maxi dress can make a casual lunch feel like an occasion. And if you’re not quite feeling that FRQ¿GHQW \HW" /HW WKH RXW¿W GR WKH ZRUN Throw on a structured coat with exagger ated shoulders or a complete, twirl-worthy VNLUW DQG \RX¶OO ¿QG \RXUVHOI ZDONLQJ WDOOHU standing straighter and carrying a little H[WUD ÀDLU LQ \RXU VWHS Turning 40 is not about giving up on VW\OH ,W LV DERXW UHGH¿QLQJ LW :LWK WKH right approach, dressing up can become more rewarding and enjoyable than ever. This chapter of life brings self-assurance, PDWXULW\ DQG D UH¿QHG VHQVH RI VHOI DOO RI ZKLFK FDQ EH UHÀHFWHG LQ \RXU ZDUGUREH Now, rediscover what works for you and FRQ¿GHQWO\ VWHS RXW

Dressing up after 40

T IME is a strange construct. One moment, you are 25, with the world at your feet and a bright future. Then suddenly, you wake up and you are 45. Your neck feels a little stiff and your evening plans revolve around staying in and watching your favourite TV show.

BY HANNEF ESQUANDER

WKH UHPDUNDEOH DELOLW\ WR SXOO DQ RXW¿W together and add instant polish. It is a timeless, essential wardrobe, favoured by style icons and everyday dressers. Investing in a high-quality, classic blazer is a wise decision at this stage of life. It adapts to your evolving style, HOHYDWHV HYHQ WKH VLPSOHVW RXW¿W DQG PRVW importantly, makes you feel put-together and powerful. No trend-chasing required. Embrace colours Colour can lift your mood and refresh your look, especially after 40. As our skin tone and hair change with age, some colours may no longer suit us the same way. Even if you have had your colour analysis done before, it is worth considering an update session to discover shades that truly complement you now. Choosing the right colours can brighten your complexion, ERRVW \RXU FRQ¿GHQFH DQG EULQJ D IUHVK vibrancy to your wardrobe. Do not be afraid to play with colour, whether deep burgundy or canary yellow. It does not have to happen overnight. You can slowly start incorporating pops of colour into your everyday outfit via accessories such as scarves, belts and handbags. Dressing after 40 is about embracing change and showing up with FRQ¿GHQFH DQG MR\ Proportions matter One of the keys to dressing well in your forties lies in understanding propor tions. As your body changes, so should your approach to styling. Start by asking yourself what you want to highlight. Is it your waistline? Do you love the look of a shorter hem? Or are you curious about experimenting with new silhouettes but unsure where to begin? It is important to love ourselves, now more than ever, but we all have parts of our bodies that we feel insecure about. Ask even the most perfect supermodel in the world; there must be one part of their body they’ll complain about. As you enter

your forties, this is the perfect time to get reacquainted with your body and embrace VW\OHV WKDW WUXO\ ÀDWWHU \RXU VKDSH 6KRZ R̆ WKRVH NLOOHU OHJV DQG FLQFK WKDW ZDLVW If you decide to cover your arms in poofy sleeves or wear a high-neck sweater, that is okay too. F DVKLRQ GRHV QRW EHORQJ WR D VSHFL¿F age. It is about feeling good in your skin DQG H[SUHVVLQJ \RXUVHOI ZLWK FRQ¿GHQFH 7KH ULJKW EDODQFH LQ DQ RXW¿W FDQ PDNH DOO WKH GL̆ HUHQFH DQG LW VWDUWV ZLWK NQRZLQJ Over the years, sportswear has taken over casual fashion. From a sleek pair of sneakers to an oversized hoodie, you can JLYH \RXU HYHU\GD\ RXW¿W D ODLG EDFN ÀDLU with these sportswear-inspired pieces. But relying too much on this aesthetic in your 40s can easily miss the mark. Instead of ORRNLQJ H̆ RUWOHVVO\ FRRO \RX ULVN YHHULQJ into gym coach territory. Why would you wear your yoga pants to the supermarket? And you definitely cannot wear your sneakers to that wedding this weekend. Consider smart casual staples for ev eryday wear that feel just as comfortable but more put-together. Swap joggers for what makes you feel your best. Sportswear is for sports

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