Ever wondered what other stylish women over 40 are buying? Well, wonder no longer. In this article you will find all of the most popular stylish clothes, shoes and accessories that 40plusstyle readers have chosen during the past year.
And, the good news is these are classic styles that are still available now and which will definitely still be on-trend for many seasons to come. Did you opt for any of these styles over the past year?
Below you will find the best buys from 2020 that you will want to wear in 2021 and beyond.
THE MOST popular CLOTHES: tops
The most popular blouses and tops of the year were wrap styles, tunics and those made of natural fibers such as silk.
A wrap style is always a beautiful, flattering choice for all figures, as the v-neck can elongate while the belt can show off your waist.
This style can be a particularly good choice for the hourglass figure, but can also look wonderful on most other body shapes.
A tunic is another classic choice that is a great option for the apple shape, and which can be worn over leggings or skinny jeans.
Asymmetrical styles also proved popular – perfect to add a little “edge” to an outfit.
The cross front style (below) from Gibson is ideal to hide a little bit of a tummy.
GIBSONOOK cross front tunic blouse
A classic white shirt with a twist!The Ming Wang blouse (below) features flattering asymmetry.
Ming Wang asymmetrical button front blouse
The handkerchief hem top (below) from Amazon is perfect for wearing with leggings.
DJT tie dyed handkerchief hemline tunic top
Foxcroft is a good brand to look at when searching for longer tunic tops to go with your leggings or skinny jeans.
If you are investing in a new shirt, you could always make it a silk one to add a touch of luxe to any outfit. This silk blouse from Vince was a popular option among 40+ Style readers.
Polka dots, as featured on this patterned shirt fro Boden, are always in style. You could team with your jeans or a skirt and tights for winter and wear with white pants for summer.
If you are looking to hide a tummy (or even if you’re not) a draped top is always a good option.
most popular clothes: jeans you bought over the year
Finding the perfect pair of jeans can be akin to finding the Holy Grail, but there are some great choices below as worn by stylish 40+ readers.
The Paige Manhattan bootcut style (below) is one of my favorites as they elongate your legs – particularly if you wear with heels.
PAIGE Transcend – Manhattan bootcut jeans
Another good bootcut option is the Hudson baby bootcut (below), which has just the right amount of flare.
Hudson Jeans baby bootcut jeans
If you’re looking for a pair of new skinny jeans, the 1822 butt lift jeans (below) were a popular choice. They would look great for any season and feature an on-trend side slit.
1822 Denim slit cuff butt lift skinny jeans
Another popular stylish clothes brand among women over 40, 50 and beyond this year was Joe’s, which prides itself on having a perfect fit for everyone. There are plenty of high and mid-rise styles designed to flatter curvy figures.
You’ll find more jeans inspiration in this article on how to wear jeans over 40.
most popular Pants
As well as jeans, the pants in your closet can form the basis of a capsule wardrobe. 40+ women have opted for classic styles including slim leg black pants which will go with all of your other stylish clothes.
The plaid print (below) is ideal for both winter and the upcoming spring season.
With many of you spending more time at home during 2020, lounge pants and those with a drawstring waist were particularly popular, like the pair (below) from KUT from the Kloth.
KUT from the Kloth casual ankle pants
Zella’s crop pants (below) were also another popular option for lounging, exercise and weekend wear.
A good alternative to jeans is a pair of cargo pants such as those by Roxy (below). Jennifer Aniston loves her cargo and utility pants.
most popular clothes: Leggings
Comfy yoga pants were also on many women’s shopping lists for 2020, as well as black leggings and edgier leather or pleather leggings.
Zella’s leggings (below) are a popular choice every year. They have more than 7,000, mainly positive reviews on Nordstrom.
Zella Live In high waist leggings
A pair of faux leather leggings adds an edge to a day or evening outfit. Spanx’s faux leather leggings (below) were a popular choice for 2020.
Shorts
Depending on where you are in the world, shorts weather may well be over for you, at least for a few months.
But, if you want to plan ahead, or you are lucky enough to be heading on vacation, it can be hard to find a pair of shorts which isn’t too, well, short.
These shorts by NYDJ are the perfect length.
NYDJ stretch linen blend bermuda shorts
Another good choice are the classic black bermuda length shorts from Liverpool (below).
If you are looking for shorts, also take a look at the best shorts to fit and flatter women over 40.
most popular Dresses
When it comes to dresses, you really can’t go wrong with a classic wrap style, and this was definitely a popular option for 2020.
A true classic, the wrap dress was invented in the 1970’s, and it simply doesn’t date. That’s because this style flatters every figure. For an even more flattering option, you could opt for a wrap style with ruching or draping like the two options below.
Even though this festive season may have been different, plenty of you were still in the mood to dress up – even if you were going no further than your living room.
Jessica Howard sequinned ruched sheath dress
SKIRTS
Asymmetrical style skirts were incredibly popular over the past few months, and no wonder when they are so versatile.
Lyssé handkerchief hem midi skirt
Another popular, timeless option was a pleated style, which many of you wore with sweaters as the weather cooled down.
Jumpsuits
Of course, you don’t have to stick to dresses, and plenty of 40+ women have been snapping up jumpsuits to wear this year. You can wear casually with flat shoes or dress your jumpsuit up with heels.
Eliza J cap sleeve wide leg jumpsuit
A flared leg jumpsuit like the option (below) from Harlyn is a flattering option.
Harlyn belted flare leg crepe jumpsuit
Sweaters
The most popular sweater styles of the year were those which featured luxurious cashmere or cashmere blends, as well as sweaters styles with asymmetry such as the high-low sweater from Nordstrom (below).
Nordstrom cozy turtleneck sweater
You also loved the drama of the red animal print sweater (below) from Boss. I think this would go with pretty much anything – from your favorite jeans, to wide-legged pants or a pencil or full skirt.
BOSS leopard spot jacquard sweater
COATS
Did you treat yourself to a new coat this winter? Some of the most popular choices snapped up by 40+ style readers are below.
A belted trenchcoat is ideal for heading into transitional spring weather.
Sam Edelman belted trench coat
For a little extra warmth, the Via Spiga trench (below) features a faux fur collar.
Via Spiga water resistant double breasted faux fur collar quilted coat
Jackets
A moto jacket will never date, and plenty of 40+ readers decided to invest in one over the past year.
Popular options were classic black as well as softer color pathways such as taupe, white and pastel shades. Other coat styles that you invested in this year included classic wool options.
BLANKNYC drape front suede jacket
Levi’s faux leather moto jacket
A slightly longer, but equally flattering option is the simple styling of the Anne Klein jacket (below).
Blazers
Another closet staple is the blazer, and classic black or neutral styles as well as more colorful options could be a great addition to your outfits.
No surprise this year that black and white were the most popular choices – given that they go with so many outfits.
Vince Camuto classic notched collar blazer
Cardigans and ponchos
A long line cardigan can be warm AND flattering.
Choosing a longer length style is a great way to add beautiful, lean lines to your outfits if you are petite, or you wish to look taller and slimmer.
Ponchos were also particularly popular this year, as a casual, yet stylish option you can simply pop over any outfit.
MBJ open front drape vest cardigan
Boots
Of course, your choices this year didn’t just feature stylish clothes, but also plenty of shoes and boots.
No matter what length you choose, boots or booties are a stylish winter and fall essential.
You can wear your booties with tights and a dress to transition during seasons, and knee-length styles look beautiful with skinny jeans or dresses.
Chelsea boots as well as cut out styles and leather knee-length boots that will never date were all among the most-bought boots of the year.
Betty Muller Concepts knee high boot
Flats
Many women over 40 start to wear flats more than heels and, thankfully, flats have never been more on trend.
Ballet flats, pointed loafers and d’Orsay styles were all on your shopping lists over the past 12 months.
Badgley Mischka Collection flat
SARTO by Franco Sarto pointed toe flat
Sandals
Whether you are looking for dressier sandals to wear to dinner, or a more casual pair for vacation, these were the styles which were most clicked on during the year.
Naturalizer ankle strap sandal
Sneakers
A pair of sneakers can go with pretty much everything.
They’re not only a perfect option to wear with jeans and a tee or sweater, but you can add a more casual vibe to a dress by pairing with sneakers rather than more formal shoes.
You also chose sneakers which have comfort technology while still being stylish.
Vionic slip-on platform sneaker
HEELS
While heels weren’t a particularly popular shoe choice this year – perhaps because of the nature of 2020 which meant so many people across the world were at home much more than usual – the low heel by Trotters (below) still made it onto the list.
Scarves and wraps
A scarf can add a touch of style to any outfit, while a wrap is a fantastic way to stay warm.
You chose cashmere wraps as well as delicate chiffon scarves.
Nordstrom wool & cashmere scarf
Kate Spade New York silk twill scarf
most popular Bags
Are you a bag person or a shoe person? Maybe you’re both.
The most popular bags of the year were the classic tote style as well as on-trend saddlebag shapes, slouchy styles and timeless clutches.
Thacker leather saddle crossbody bag
JEWELRY
To add the finishing touch to your outfit, how about the drop earrings below from Kendra Scott?
Bra
Wearing a bra which fits perfectly is vital for your comfort and also to make sure your figure looks its best.
The wrong fitting bra can dig in, giving you lumps and bumps you really don’t want, while a perfectly-fitting bra can ensure your bust is where it should be, so there is clear definition between your chest and your tummy.
Many of you opted for the Chantelle and Fantasie bras (below).
Also take a look at the best bras for larger busts.
Chantelle Lingerie t-shirt bra
Pajamas
Did you treat yourself to a new pair of pajamas this year?
Many of you either purchased pajamas for yourself or for a gift, but particularly popular were lounge pants – probably because so many of you wanted to be comfortable at home.
Also take a look at the best pajamas for women over 40.
PJ Salvage jersey pajama pants
Swimsuits
Unless you’re in warmer climes, a swimsuit is probably not top of your stylish clothes wish list right now.
However if you do want to look at a new style, one pieces featuring flattering ruching around the tummy area were the most popular styles of the year.
There’s more inspiration in the best swimsuits for women over 40.
Miraclesuit solid one-piece swimsuit
Miraclesuit one-piece swimsuit
What was your best purchase of the year? I’d love to know about your own most stylish clothes. Don’t forget to tell me in the comments
Continue reading:
- The Ultimate Checklist Of Wardrobe Essentials: Which 28 Essential Pieces Do You Need In Your Closet?
- A Capsule Wardrobe For The Classic Style Personality
- Fall Fashion For Women Over 40: The Most Flattering Trends For Fall 2020
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