What is a baker boy hat?

Before we get onto how to wear one, what exactly do we mean by a baker boy hat? Well, rather than a flat cap, or a baseball cap, the baker boy cap is more rounded and elevated, giving it more height and shape. You can also look for newsboy, breton, fisherman and fiddler caps, which also have that very similar raised crown look.

similar shirt (another option here), wide pants, sneakers, hat, earrings and sunglasses

Why we love them

They are menswear inspired

Because baker boy hats take their inspiration from menswear, they immediately add a touch of the unexpected to your outfit.

They elevate simple outfits

You don’t have to think too much about the rest of your outfit because the hat adds style for you. Even if you’re wearing the simplest of looks like your favorite jeans and t-shirt, a baker boy hat instantly elevates your style and adds a talking point.

They’re a conversation starter

We bet you get lots of people telling you they like your hat. They’re a conversation starter and make you feel more confident.

You’re in good company

You’re also in great company when you wear a baker boy. While she isn’t quite in the 40+ bracket yet, we’ve spotted Blake Lively often wears a baker boy, as does Janelle Monae, and Katie Holmes.

Psyche @economyofstyle above tops off her green co-ord outfit with a rattan baker boy hat, and matches her headwear to her sandals.

Recreate her outfit with this similar green coordinates, sandals, hat and belt.

The best baker boy hats in stores now

Let’s show you some examples of the most stylish baker boy hats you could choose in stores.

For a true classic, opt for a gray felt baker boy like the Isabel Marant cap (below).

Isabel Marant Evie Wool-Blend Newsboy Cap

The Eugenia Kim cap (below) features a little bit of bling thanks to the chain detailing.

Eugenia Kim Sabrina Wool Newsboy Cap

If you have a glamorous style personality, then the sparkly baker boy (below) is for you. Keep the rest of your outfit pretty simple.

Ruslan Baginskiy Embellished Baker Boy Cap

Mixing black and white is always timeless and the monochrome cap (below) has done this for you. You might want to add this to one of your black and white outfits.

Ruslan Baginskiy Baker Boy Cap

You can wear baker boys for any season. Choosing a linen blend like the MANGO cap (below) can be a great way to wear your cap into the warmer months.

MANGO Linen-Blend Baker Boy Cap

Add a pop of color to your outfits with the red cap (below).

CRAGGIHATS Berker Boy Hat

A hat can also be a great way to add texture to your outfit like to cord cap (below) with button detail.

accsa Newsboy Cap

Checks are a fantastic print for a baker boy cap. We love the herringbone print on the hat below.

Comhats Merino Newsboy Hat

Or, opt for a bolder, more colorful check like the newsboy (below).

Hatful Memories Newsboy Cap

Another option with a chain for you now, this time in a stylish black print.

INOGIH Baker Boy Hat

Outfit ideas for your baker boy hat

So, now that you’ve picked out your favorite baker boy, what should you wear it with? Let’s take a look.

With your favorite jeans

A great starting point for your outfit is to pick out your favorite pair of jeans, and your hat. Then, simply add a T-shirt or blouse and you’re good to go. Below, we’ve chosen to mix the masculine nature of the hat with a feminine blouse. For cohesion, we’ve matched the handbag color to the cap.

Alice + Olivia April Floral Blouson-Sleeve Top – Alice + Olivia Missa Crystal Stripe Wide-Leg Jeans – LAUREN Ralph Lauren Leona Espadrille Sandals – Aimee Kestenberg Aura A-Line Shoulder Bag – Kendra Scott Chandlier Huggie Earrings – Eugenia Kim Sabrina Wool Newsboy Cap

Eileen @eileenternullo above opts for a maritime inspired outfit with her cap and striped sweater.

Get her look with this similar sweater, jeans, sneakers, hat, earrings and sunglasses.

With cargo pants

Cargo pants are particularly on trend this season and go really well with baker boy hats. Wear with a camisole and denim jacket.

Ronny Kobo June Denim Jacket – Theory Animal-Print Jacquard Tank – Alice + Olivia Olympia Mr Baggy Cargo Pants – Franco Sarto Diva Kitten Heel Pumps – Aimee Kestenberg Aura A-Line Shoulder Bag – LAUREN Ralph Lauren Tartan Hoop Earrings – Isabel Marant Evie Wool-Blend Newsboy Cap

With sailor pants

Sailor pants are another great pairing for baker boy hats. Below, we’ve also added a sleeveless trench coat.

J.Crew Étienne Oversized Shirt – COS Sleeveless Trench Coat (similar here) – Alice + Olivia Narin High-Rise Stretch Flare Crop Jeans – Bzees Everly Strappy Sandals – Cole Haan Go Anywhere Tote – Shashi Hailey Drop Earrings – Hatful Memories Newboy Cap

with black pants and a graphic print top

Black pants are a classic that go with everything, including your baker boy caps. For added drama, wear with a graphic print sweater.

Alice + Olivia Oscar Saceface Double Knit Pullover Sweater – Alice + Olivia RMP Back Zip Bootcut Pants – Söfft Carleigh Heeled Sandals – Madewell Soft Grain Shopper – LAUREN Ralph Lauren Tartan Hoop Earrings – CRAGGIHATS Berker Boy Hat

Fonda @savvysouthernchic above keeps the rest of her outfit simple and elevates her style with her baker boy hat.

Steal her look with this similar sweater, jeans, boots, hat, earrings and necklace.

with Blazer dress and slim pants

For a glamorous evening look, wear your baker boy hat with a blazer dress and slim pants.

Alice + Olivia Esther Embellished Cotton Blazer Dress – BOSS Slim-Fit Jeans in Comfort-Stretch Denim – Franco Sarto Diva Kitten Heel Pumps – Cole Haan Go Anywhere Tote – Shashi Hailey Drop Earrings – INOGIH Baker Boy Hat

with ruana

A great look for transitional weather, pair your baker boy with a ruana or poncho.

UGG Tasman Ruana – Misook V-Neck Soft Knit Tank Top – Good American Good Legs Crop Skinny Jeans – Anne Klein Suri Suede Boots – Madewell Soft Grain Shopper – COS Organic-Shaped Pendant Necklace – Comhats Merino Newsboy Hat

With a sleeveless dress and t-shirt

Do you have a sleeveless dress in your closet? Update it by wearing it layered with a t-shirt underneath, and top off with your cap.

Theory Boxy Striped T-Shirt – Staud Ellison Knit Pleated Midi-Dress – Tory Burch Howell Court Sneakers – Cole Haan Go Anywhere Tote – Kendra Scott Chandlier Huggie Earrings – Ruslan Baginskiy Baker Boy Cap

similar tee, dress (another option here), tights, boots, bag (another option here), earrings, hat and sunglasses

With maxi skirt

A maxi skirt is a great way to add drama to casual looks, and you can up the style stakes by adding a baker boy cap.

Polo Ralph Lauren Julianna Cashmere Cable-Knit Sweater – Alice + Olivia Rye Tweed Slit Maxi Skirt – Söfft Carleigh Heeled Sandals – Madewell Soft Grain Shopper – LAUREN Ralph Lauren Tartan Hoop Earrings – accsa Newsboy Cap

with full skirt

For a preppy take on the baker boy trend, wear with a polo neck top and full skirt.

J.Crew Vintage Rib Polo T-Shirt – Alice + Olivia Earla Lace Midi-Skirt – Tory Burch Howell Court Sneakers – Madewell Soft Grain Shopper – LAUREN Ralph Lauren Tartan Hoop Earrings – MANGO Linen-Blend Baker Boy Cap

Your baker boy cap outfits together in one capsule

similar dress (other options here, here and here), sandals, hat, earrings, necklace, sunglasses, backpack

Below, you can see the outfits from above together in one capsule. You can see you can wear the clothes, shoes and accessories in different ways to create many more looks.

shop the outfits and baker boy hats below:

Has this article inspired you to add a Baker Boy cap to your closet and your outfits? Or are you already wearing one? Let us know in the comments below.

Continue reading:

1. 10 Essential Fashion Accessories Every Woman Should Own
2. How To Wear A Hat – The Ultimate Guide
3. The Best Shops On Etsy And Other Brands For Contemporary Jewelry

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The post How to wear this season’s trendiest hat: the baker boy hat appeared first on 40+ Style.

Are designer scarves worth it?

Because designer scarves are truly timeless and transcend trends, they’re a great investment. You can wear a designer scarf year after year. And, of course, buying a designer scarf is a more cost-effective way to wear your favorite designer without investing in top-to-toe, high-end brands.

Which brand is famous for scarves?

Hermés and Dior are famous for their iconic silk scarves, while more recently, Burberry checks and Alexander McQueen’s skull print have become instantly recognizable.

Do you want a neck scarf or an oversized option?

When thinking about your designer scarf of choice, consider whether you want to wear your scarf indoors or out, and whether you are looking for style alone or you want to combine that with warmth.

What material to choose?

This will come down to the look and feel you want. Choose wool and cashmere for cool weather or silk, satin, and linen blends for indoor wear or warm months.

Abi @stealmystyle40 above opts for a classic black scarf with her monochrome outfit.

Recreate her outfit with this similar scarf (another option here), dress, moto jacket, boots and bag.

Do you want an iconic print or something different?

If you want your scarf to be instantly recognizable as a designer scarf, then look out for one of the best-known prints. But, if you wish to quiet luxury, you can choose something more unexpected. Either way, you’ll find a favorite in this article.

Are you buying a designer scarf for yourself or as a gift?

We think scarves make fabulous gifts for women. You’ll need to consider what colors and outfits your recipient loves to wear.

The best designer scarves for women

Let’s look at the most stylish and best designer scarves for women we’ve spotted in stores now.

Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen’s skull print scarves are famous, but we also love the designer’s solarized scarves, inspired by photography’s light exposure techniques. The result is beautiful, graphically printed scarves that will add a modern touch to any outfit.

Alexander McQueen Solarized Silk-Cotton Scarf

Burberry

One of the most iconic prints you can choose is the Burberry check pattern. This looks fantastic worn against your block color winter coats or with your trench coat.

Burberry Giant Check Print Wool & Silk Scarf

We also love the Burberry oversized rose print scarf (below), which will bring a beautiful bloom into the cold winter months. Wear on either the red or burgundy side to change up your outfits.

Burberry Rose Jacquard Wool-Silk Scarf

Prada

Like a work of art, the Prada scarf (below) features a romantic floral print. A great way to update your weekend or workwear.

Prada Crepe De Chine Jacquard Scarf

Dries van Noten

We love Dries van Noten for its modernist aesthetic. The two-tone scarf (below) is hip, minimalist and comes in a lovely silk shade.

Dries van Noten Raving Rose Silk Foulard Scarf

Ferragamo

We love the print on the Ferragamo silk scarf (below), which is a fabulous way to transport yourself on vacation without going anywhere at all.

Ferragamo Palazzo Feroni Print Silk Square Foulard

For dramatic flair, you can’t beat the picture scarf (below), which gives a fresh take on leopard print.

Ferragamo Leopard-Print Silk Scarf

Missoni

Missoni’s geometric pattern is instantly recognizable and is fantastic for adding a touch of bohemian flair to your outfits.

Missoni Chevron Stripe Wool Blend Scarf

Moschino

If you love a glamorous look, the Moschino is a great go-to. The silk scarf (below) would look great with your jeans and blazer outfits.

Moschino Leopard Chain Print Square Silk Scarf

Dolce&Gabbana

Instead of a statement necklace, wear the cherry print skinny scarf around your neck. You can also wear it instead of a bracelet or tie around the handle of your handbag to create different looks.

Dolce&Gabbana Cherry Print Silk Skinny Scarf

The Dolce&Gabbana print scarf (below) would also add a fantastic pop of color to your winter outfits.

Dolce&Gabbana Maiolica Print Cashmere-Modal Scarf

Mulberry

If you like a subtle, luxurious designer look, then Mulberry is a fantastic choice. It is made from a wonderfully soft cashmere and has the discrete Mulberry logo in the corner. We love the cobalt blue shade of the Mulberry scarf (below).

Mulberry Embroidered Logo Fringe Trim Cashmere Scarf

Saint Laurent

The Saint Laurent logo is interwoven into the silk and wool scarf (below) like a pattern. It comes in a choice of three lovely autumnal shades.

Saint Laurent Grand Allover Logo Silk & Wool Scarf

Polo ralph lauren

For a preppy look, Ralph Lauren is a fantastic brand to choose. The wool blend scarf (below) will keep you cozy on cold winter days and would look beautiful worn with a cream or white coat and tan boots.

Polo Ralph Lauren Patchwork Plaid Recycled Wool Blend Fringe Scarf

Faliero Sarti

Faliero Sarti’s scarves have interesting prints that are sure to prove to be talking points. If you love New York, then the Manhattan print is for you.

Faliero Sarti Manhattan Printed Wool Scarf

We also love the ombre scarf (below), which has the feel of a modern artwork.

Faliero Sarti Dania Wool-Blend Scarf

longchamp

We love Longchamp’s bags for travelling, and the medallion print scarf (below) would add a polished look to your travel or weekend wear too.

Longchamp Logo Medallion Cotton Blend Fringe Scarf

etro

Etro is known for lovely prints, the the silk scarf (below) is no exception. Perfect to add interest to an otherwise neutral outfit.

Etro Floral Print Square Scarf

We love the colors in the red and blue scarf (below) too, which is a lovely blend of modal, cotton and silk.

Etro Floral Modal-Blend Scarf

Givenchy

The silk scarf (below) features the designer’s signature motif, and will look fabulous as part of a monochrome outfit.

Givenchy 4G Monogram Silk Square Scarf

versace

Versace is the epitome of glamour, and there’s no mistaking who designed the silk scarf (below). Wear with your neutral tops and let your scarf be the star of your outfit.

Versace Barocco Silk Scarf

Loewe

Loewe’s logo print scarf (below) is an alpaca blend so it’s very soft. It features a tassel trim and will be perfect to add to your winter wardrobe.

Loewe Anagram Alpaca-Blend Scarf

Kate Spade New York

You can also look at mid-range brands as well as top-tier designer houses to give you a designer look. Kate Spade is a great choice if you like a romantic look.

Kate Spade New York Rose Garden Oblong Scarf

coach

The COACH scarf (below) is great to add a pop of color to your outfits. You could wear for work, or with your jeans and a white shirt.

COACH Signature Logo Square Silk Scarf

tory burch

The Tory Burch scarf (below) has a gentle sheen which gives it a luxurious finish. It comes in a choice of soft colors and is big enough to wear over your shoulders as a shawl too.

Tory Burch Diamond Dot Jacquard Wool & Silk Traveler Scarf

Acne Studios

Houndstooth is a print that doesn’t date, so you can wear the Acne Studios scarf year after year.

Acne Studios Vadik Houndstooth Knit Scarf

Isabel Marant

The Isabel Marant scarf (below) features a stylish graphic print and comes in a soft wool and cashmere.

Isabel Marant Alette Wool-Cashmere Scarf

Toteme

Toteme’s scarf gives a large but subtle take on the designer trend because you have to have the scarf open to see the full name, but it still has a lovely pattern while wrapped.

Toteme Ps24 Monogram Wool Cashmere Scarf

Dolce&Gabbana

Dolce&Gabbana Maiolica Print Cashmere-Modal Scarf

Pleats Please Issey Miyake

Issey Miyake is known for geometric shape bags, and is also taking a textural approach to scarves like the semi-sheer scarf (below). Wear wrapped around your neck, or drape over your shoulders and wear with your eveningwear.

Pleats Please Issey Miyake Semi-Sheer Shibori Scarf

Valentino Garavani

Take a walk on the wild side with Valentino Garavani’s panther print scarf. Brighten up your winter neutrals, or wear with other bright shades.

Valentino Garavani Panther Cashmere-Wool Stole

Rani Arabella

Whether you’re an equestrian or not, the polo print scarf (below) will add flair to any outfit.

Rani Arabella Cashmere and Silk Polo Printed Scarf

Jane Carr

Crafted in cashmere and with a subtle tonal design, the Jane Carr scarf will add a softness to winter looks.

Jane Carr Heroes The Wave Carre Cashmere Scarf

Barja

The colors in the Barja camo print scarf (below) look fabulous together and you can alter how the print looks depending on how you wear your scarf.

Barja Purple Camo Print Cashmere Scarf

Do you have a favorite among these designer scarves for women? Or do you already own one? What designer brand would you move love to add to your closet?

shop the best designer scarves here:

Continue reading:

1. How To Wear A Scarf And Style Scarves Different Ways
2. The 10 Best Designer Handbags You Can Definitely Afford
3. The Best Gift Ideas For Women Over 40

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Feature image by Abi @stealmystyle40

The post The best designer scarves for women to get wrapped up in style appeared first on 40+ Style.

What are the warmest gloves for women for winter?

Jess @elegantlydressedandstylish above (read her style interview here) opts for a classic, elegant pair of black leather gloves that will always be on trend.

Check out this similar blazer, pants, booties, handbag, necklace, earrings and gloves.

When choosing gloves, you want to make sure you’re cozy. So, what are the warmest gloves for winter that you can choose? Look for wool and fleece options. You can even choose heated gloves if you really feel the cold.

what winter gloves won’t make your hands sweat?

If you need warmth but you want to ensure that your hands don’t get sweaty, then choosing natural materials like wool and cashmere is a good idea.

what material should your gloves be?

This is going to come down to preference and practicality. We love wool and cashmere options if it’s not raining, or leather if you need a pair to keep out wind, rain and snow.

Do you need waterproof?

If you need a water resistant or waterproof choice, then leather is a great option. Or, you can choose synthetic materials that are specially designed to keep the rain out.

Smartphone compatabiilty 

If you want, or need, to check your phone while out and about, then choose gloves that are touchscreen compatible.

what brand is best for winter gloves?

Josephine @chicatanyage above (read her style interview here) adds a splash of color with her burgundy gloves.

Recreate her outfit with this similar sweater, pants, sneakers, beret and gloves.

We bring you lots of our favorite brands below.

Best winter gloves for women in stores now

Let’s take a look at the best winter gloves for women that we’ve spotted in stores now. Take a look and see if you have a favorite.

leather gloves

A pair of leather gloves is a timeless, elegant choice that won’t date. J.Crew’s Italian leather gloves look and feel like a classic pair of leather gloves, but they have a heart-shaped tech finger that means you can check your smartphone. They come in a choice of 7 colors.

J.Crew Italian Leather Tech-Touch Gloves

With cashmere lining, the Amazon gloves (below) feel lovely against your skin and they come in a good choice of colors. Reviewers say they are super soft, warm and beautiful.

QNLYCZY Leather Gloves

We love the horsebit detailing on the Nicoletta Rosi cashmere-lined gloves below. These would make a great gift for yourself or a loved one.

Nicoletta Rosi Horsebit Cashmere Lined Leather Gloves

The zips on the AllSaints gloves (below) add a point of difference and little “toughness” to otherwise ladylike gloves.

AllSaints Zadie Leather Zip Gloves

If you’re a fan of neutrals during winter, then tan leather is a great option. Combine with winter whites and creams for a stylish, chic look.

Saks Fifth Avenue COLLECTION Cashmere-Lined Leather Gloves

The two-tone COS gloves (below) have a modern feel, and we love the combination of red and brown. There are more ideas on how to wear red here.

COS Cashmere-Lined Color Block Leather Gloves

Patricia @patriciaafricaiglesias above (read her style interview here) always looks chic. Her black leather gloves match her boots and are a stylish way to finish her outfit.

Check out this similar sweater, coat, skirt, high boots, bag, headband and leather gloves.

cashmere gloves

We’re a fan of cashmere for coats, scarves, hats, loungewear, and gloves. The cuffed gloves (below) come in 5 colors and have tech touch features to allow you to check your phone without taking them off.

J.Crew Cashmere Tech-Touch Gloves

Soft pastels look beautiful in winter. The Nordstrom gloves (below) feature a deep cuff and soft cashmere to make braving the elements a more luxurious experience.

Nordstrom Cashmere Gloves

faux fur trim

Faux fur is a great way to keep out the elements, whether you wear around your hood, on your boots or your gloves. The faux fur cuff on the UGG gloves (below) should stop any cold drafts from blowing around your wrist. Plus, they’re insulated and water-resistant.

UGG Faux Fur Trim Quilted Gloves

Best winter gloves for women – wool

Wool is always a classic choice for your gloves. We love the subtle Ralph Lauren branding and cable knit design of the tan gloves (below). Perfect for the classic style personality.

Polo Ralph Lauren Wool-Blend Cable-Knit Gloves

A pair of black gloves in wool will always be on trend. The Rag & Bone gloves (below) are 100% wool and allow you to swipe your phone while wearing.

rag & bone Addison Wool Gloves

Heattech gloves

Uniqlo is a fantastic go-to for warm basics in cold weather. Look for the HEATTECH range. The Uniqlo gloves (below) are timeless, understated and warm.

Uniqlo HEATTECH Knitted Gloves

touchscreen gloves

The North Face is a good place to start when looking for cold weather clothing. The North Face gloves (below) are stretchy for a good fit and they feature grippy palms and touchscreen-compatible fingers.

The North Face Etip Touchscreen Gloves

Fleece lined

For extra warmth, look for gloves that are fleece-lined. The isotoner fleece gloves (below) come in a huge choice of colors and have great reviews. Wearers say they are of great quality and value.

isotoner Fleece Gloves

Another good fleece-lined choice are the Fenely cable knit gloves (below). They come in 13 colors and wearers say they are super soft and warm. Reviewers do say the fingers are long, so think about whether that will suit your hand shape.

FENELY Cable Knit Wool Fleece Lined Gloves

Emms @beautifuleveryday_uk above opts for classic black gloves to go with her cozy outfit.

Get her look with this similar plaid coat (another option here), jeans, boots, gloves, scarf and turban.

thermal

If it is really cold where you are, then a thermal choice is perfect. The thermal gloves (below) are a good choice if you’re exercising outdoors.

SIMARI Thermal Gloves

cable knit

The faux suede palm grip adds a stylish touch to the cable knit gloves (below). They come in a huge choice of colors so you’re sure to find a favorite.

C.C Unisex Cable Knit Anti-Slip Gloves

Waterproof gloves

Wool gloves are great for staying warm, but if it’s particularly rainy or snowy where you are, they can get wet and keep your hands wet in the process. A waterproof pair like the quilted gloves (below) will keep you dry.

Carhartt Quilts Insulated Breathable Gloves

Best winter gloves for women – Heated gloves

If you tend to feel the cold, then a pair of heated gloves are definitely worth thinking about. The heated gloves (below) have temperature control so you can alter it to suit you and the weather.

Riomza Electric Precise Temperature Control  Heated Gloves

tartan

Barbour’s tartan gloves look stylish and cozy. We love the combination of the tartan and faux fur.

Barbour Ridley Tartan Gloves

Monogram gloves

To add a designer touch to your outfit, the Tory Burch gloves (below) feature the designer’s monogram in the fabric and hardwear.

Tory Burch T Monogram Jacquard & Leather Gloves

Studded gloves

If you have a rock chick personality or you want to add a bit of an edge to your outfit, the studded gloves (below) are perfect.

Seymoure Kelly Studded Leather Gloves

Fingerless gloves can add a stylish element to your outfit when the weather isn’t too cold. Plus, they’re great for working from home when you need to type!

Portolano Cashmere Fingerless Gloves

Terri @glammas.closet above (read her style interview here) adds a pair of subtly-studded gloves to her outfit.

Steal her look with this similar coat (another option here), booties, handbag, earrings, hat and gloves.

Best winter gloves for women – Bow detail

To add a romantic touch to your cold weather outfits, the Kate Spade wool gloves (below) are perfect. Ideal to wear with other pale colors, or to “soften” your black outfits.

Kate Spade New York Bow Detail Wool Gloves

Convertible mittens

If you prefer to have access to your fingers rather than touchscreen gloves, convertible mittens are great. You can just pop the mitten over your fingers when you’re cold.

COACH Metallic Logo Convertible Mittens

shop the best winter gloves here:

Continue reading:

1. How To Wear A Scarf And Style Scarves Different Ways
2. How To Look Fashionable In Winter – Which Of These 14 Ways Do You Use?
3. The Best Gift Ideas For Women Over 40

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Feature image by Patricia @patriciaafricaiglesias

The post The best winter gloves for women to keep your fingers toasty warm appeared first on 40+ Style.

Depending on the tights you choose, they can add warmth or color, cover blemishes, make your legs look longer and slimmer, or add an extra dimension, texture, or pattern to your outfit. Whether you’re looking for classic or something a little bit different for work or a party, we have you covered.

Why you should show off your beautiful legs

For many women over 40 their legs are true assets. Apart from the knees, they are not prone to aging so quickly, and it can add a lot of sex appeal to your outfit. Therefore, the general advice for many women over 40 is to show some leg for a hip and youthful appearance.  Although this is easy in the summer, it can be challenging if you easily get cold. Tights are a perfect solution, but how to wear tights and still look hip and youthful?

What to look out for when buying tights

Before we get to our favorite tights and outfits with tights, what do you need to look for when choosing your tights?

1. denier

The higher the denier, thicker, warmer, and more opaque your tights will be. So, if you want your legs to show through your tights, opt for a lower denier, and if you want a look more akin to leggings, go higher.

2. what occasion will you wear them for (dressy or casual) 

You’ll want your tights to suit the occasion. Sheer tights tend to be dressier, and black opaques are more casual.

3. color

Melissa @melissabultburns above shows how you can wear your tights with a skort.

Get her look with this similar sweater, vest, skort, tights, boots and handbag.

As well as black tights, you could choose a colorful pair for an on-trend look.

4. size

Of course, you need the right size for your tights, and sizing differs according to brand. You’ll find a size chart on the website or the back of the tights to find the best size according to your weight and height. If you are between sizes, then go up a size.

5. special features

Are there any special features you want from your tights? If you want longevity, then reinforced toes are a good choice. You can also look for tights that offer the benefits of shapewear by streamlining your silhouette.

Types of tights

There are a vast array of tight styles you can choose from.

Opaques

We really like opaque tights for their versatility, and you can get them in any color these days. With the color-blocking trend still going strong, you can really play with the color of your tights and make it fun. If you want a more conservative look, then go with the color of your shoes or skirt; the Wolford opaque tights are good ones. Great neutral colors to own would be black, grey, brown, and navy. Do not wear opaques in nude, and make sure you create a nice balance with the colours in your outfit.

The Wolford tights (below) are 80 denier, so nice and thick to wear during cooler months. Reviewers say they are soft and luxurious.

Wolford Matt Opaque 80 Denier Tights

For a purse-friendly choice, the No Nonsense tights (below) have thousands of good reviews, and they come in a choice of colors, so you can choose a pack that has two different shades.

No Nonsense Super Opaque Control Top Tights

colorful tights

Colored tights are particularly on trend this Fall. Look out for shades that you can wear day-to-day like burgundy or navy.

HUE Super Opaque Control Top Tights

Wolford Velvet de Luxe 66 Tights

Catherine @notlamb above (read her style interview here) shows how you could add a pop of color under your maxi dress with the tights you choose.

Check out these printed dresses from J.D. Williams and Marella, similar tights and flats from Amazon.

Sheer tights

Sheer tights look best in (barely) black or very see through nude. Take a leaf out of the Princess of Wales‘ style book. She wears tights in a modern yet classic way.

Wolford Fatal 15 Denier Tights

Hanes Control Top Reinforced Toe Silk Reflections Panty Hose

Tights that look like skin

If you don’t want to go for a very sheer black, then choosing tights that look like your skin color is the way to go for thin denier tights. Choose a pair in the closest shade you can find. Nude tights are a good choice if you don’t want the look of tights, but you want to cover blemishes or the look of varicose veins.

Natori Ultra Bare Sheer Tights

nude barre Footed Opaque Tights

You can see a look from the catwalks and from Kate Middleton above.

Fishnets

If you want to up the sex appeal even more then this is always a consideration, but be sure to keep the rest of your outfit very classy. I would stick to black or nude only for fishnets.

Natori Fishnet Tights

WEANMIX Fishnet Tights

Eugenia @theeageofgrace above (read her style interview here) shows how one option is to match your fishnets to the rest of your outfit.

Steal her look with this similar dress, coat, tights, high boots, crossbody bag and sunglasses.

Control top tights

You can use your tights like shapewear and look out for a pair of tights with a control top. The SPANX tights (below) have built-in tummy, thigh, and butt shaping.

SPANX Tight-End Tights

Natori Suede Control Top Pantyhose

Textures and patterned tights

Flower patterns and printed pants are very much the trend right now and you may want to incorporate this trend with your tights. However, do so with care. You want to ensure your outfit still looks classy.

Take a look at our round up of Fall accessory 2023 trends for more inspiration.

MeMoi Antwerp Sheer Diamond Tights

EVERSWE Floral Fishnet Tights

Make sure that the pattern blends in with your outfit and it can look great. Here is how I wore my floral printed tights.

similar moto jacket, skirt, tights (another option here) and booties

Footless tights

Combining the feel of tights and leggings can be a good choice if you want to wear socks with your tights, or perhaps you want to wear your tights as warm layers under your jeans or pants but you don’t want them to show.

MANZI Run Resistant Control Top Opaque Tights

Hanes Blackout Xtemp Footless Tights

FLeece-lined tights

Fleece-lined tights have been all over social media this year, particularly on Tik-Tok. And, we can see why. They can keep you warm without adding a lot of bulk.

The Normov fleece tights (below) have great reviews, including from wearers saying they are the best tights they’ve owned.

NORMOV Fleece Lined Thermal Velvet Tights

Another well-reviewed choice are the Iserkafe fleece tights (below) which are praised for their fit and thickness.

Iserkafe Fleece Lined Tights

Carmen @carmen_gimeno above matches her tights to her sweater dress.

Recreate her outfit with this similar sweater dress, coat, tights, sneakers, bag and sunglasses.

Knee highs

Knee highs can be great under trousers and some long skirts. Follow the same guidelines as for tights. Of course you should never be able to see the end of your knee-highs.

Mila Marutti Thigh High Tights

shop more tights here:

What to avoid?

• Flesh-coloured opaque tights. These are very aging and generally don’t give you a flattering look. Some designers feel that you should avoid flesh-colored tights altogether, although we believe that very thin and natural sheer tights can look very nice with the right clothes. And the right nude tights can be great to cover blemishes.
• Never show your reinforced toes of tights and knee highs in shoes.
• In fact, avoid wearing tights with sandals altogether.
• Don’t wear socks over tights. That should be left to the teenagers. But you can always layer footless tights under your pants and wear them with socks.
• Any runs and holes. If you’re worried about this, then choose higher-denier tights.

These were my guidelines on how to wear tights in a nutshell. Use them as rough guidelines only, and use your own creative flair to create a great look! Below are a few tights that you can buy online now.

Outfits with tights

Have you chosen your favorite pair of tights? What should you wear them with? Below, you’ll find outfit inspiration with tights.

With ankle booties

For a modern look you can wear casually during the day, pair chunky ankle booties with tights in the same color.

Apparis Jay Faux Leather & Suede Moto Jacket – COS Printed Roll Neck Dress – La Canadienne Conner Boot – COACH Tabby Leather Shoulder Bag – AQUA Graduated Oval Hoop Earrings

With a shorter dress

If you’ve pushed all your shorter dresses to the back of the closet, then a pair of thick opaque tights with the look of leggings can be the perfect way to wear them. Keep the chill at bay with a longer coat.

Free People Victoria Flared Wool-Blend Coat – Marie Oliver Velma Cotton-Silk Twill Wrap Minidress – Tory Burch Lee Radziwill Petite Leather Double Bag – NAOT Ethic Ankle Boots – Chan Luu 18K Gold-Plated & Citrine Earrings

With your evening wear

Given that party season falls into the cooler months (for most of you), going bare-legged can be too chilly. Look for a pair of tights that has the same elegance as your dress or skirt. A pair of sheer black tights will usually work.

Ginger & Smart Beloved Wrap Midi-Dress – Rockport Total Motion Pump – Cult Gaia Eos Box Clutch – Chan Luu 18K Gold-Plated & Citrine Earrings – Achillea Large Soft Pashmina Wrap

With knee high boots

A pair of opaque tights and knee-high boots is a classic winter combination that will keep you looking stylish and warm. Choose tights in a similar color to your boots.

Free People Victoria Flared Wool-Blend Coat – AllSaints Margot 2-In-1 Ribbed Crew Neck Midi Dress – Vionic Vienna Inessa Stretchy Pull-On Tall Boot – Tory Burch Lee Radziwill Petite Leather Double Bag – Chan Luu 18K Gold-Plated & Citrine Earrings – COS Rope Chain Necklace

Nikki @40notfrumpy above opts for sheer black tights, and matches her boots to her bag.

Check out this similar sweater, vest, skirt, tights, knee high boots and sling bag.

With your summer dress

Add a pair of tights, boots and a cozy jacket is a great way to continue wearing your thinner dresses during the cooler seasons.

Apparis Jay Faux Leather & Suede Moto Jacket – Mango Floral Wrap Dress – Vionic Vienna Inessa Stretchy Pull-On Tall Boot – COACH Tabby Leather Shoulder Bag – AQUA Graduated Oval Hoop Earrings

With your workwear

Stay warm at work with a pair of opaque or sheer tights. We’d avoid anything too ‘sexy’ like fishnets for work. Instead, keep your look professional with plain tights and a pencil skirt.

Elie Tahari The Natalyia Houndstooth Moto Jacket – Kobi Halperin Linden Sequin Embellished Blouse – Generation Love Chantel Cotton-Blend Tweed Midi-Skirt – Rockport Total Motion Pump – Longchamp Le Pliage Top Handle Document Holder – AQUA Graduated Oval Hoop Earrings

As a layer

You don’t even have to show your tights in your outfit. If you think your pants or jeans won’t keep you warm enough, pop a pair of tights underneath.

Elie Tahari The Natalyia Houndstooth Moto Jacket – ZAFUL Cropped Turtleneck Sweater – PAIGE Genevieve Flared Jeans – Longchamp Essential Large Cotton Denim Tote Bag – AQUA Graduated Oval Hoop Earrings

To winterize your peep toe booties

Do you have a pair of peep toe booties you love? Then you can keep wearing them by adding your tights. Just make sure the seam on the toes isn’t showing.

ZAFUL Cropped Turtleneck Sweater – Misook Striped Cable Knit A-Line Midi Skirt – LifeStride Alita Heeled Sandal – Longchamp Essential Large Cotton Denim Tote Bag – AQUA Graduated Oval Hoop Earrings

Just a peek

A fun way to wear your tights is to just let them peek out from under your pants. Opt for fishnets and wear for an evening out or dinner.

Cinq à Sept Jamila Bouquet Embellished Crepe Blazer – Kobi Halperin Linden Sequin Embellished Blouse – PAIGE Leenah Velvet Wide Leg Trousers – Bandolino Kirsten Mary Jane Pumps – Cult Gaia Eos Box Clutch – Chan Luu 18K Gold-Plated & Citrine Earrings

tights outfits together in one capsule

Below, you can see the outfits from above together in one capsule. You could change the formality of the outfits by changing the tights you wear with them. For instance, a pair of sheer tights and heels with the white dress or the turtleneck dress will give them a look more suitable for the evening.

shop the outfits with tights below:

Did we cover everything? What are your tips for wearing tights?

Continue reading:

1. How To Look Fashionable In Winter – Which Of These 11 Ways Do You Use?
2. How To Wear Dresses In Winter To Be Cozy And Chic
3. How To Wear Leggings Over 40 – A Complete Guide With The Best Leggings And Tops And Shoes To Wear With Them

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Feature image by Melissa @melissabultburns

The post How to wear tights in a chic way appeared first on 40+ Style.

One of the best places to find all these unique designers is on Etsy. So, you’ll see our Etsy favorites first. Read on for other stores and brands to find the best jewelry for women over 40.

Why wear contemporary jewelry

Choosing a modern piece of jewelry is a great way to update your look, to make sure you look hip after 40, add interest to a plain top or dress, and add an edge to your existing outfits.

Great jewelry also changes your outfits from day to night, giving you lots of versatility.

Best contemporary jewelry

First, our list of some of the best shops and designers we found on Etsy for contemporary jewelry.

Zojanka

Zojanka is a great place to look for scarves, brooches, and contemporary necklaces.

We particularly love the knotted rope necklaces in bright shades, like the necklace (below), which would look stylish worn over a white shirt. .

Zojanka Rope Statement Necklace

Floti

I love my clay necklace from Floti, seen here and here and I’m tempted to get more color combinations. The ceramic necklace (below) is perfect to wear over plain tops.

Floti Ceramic Necklace

Redpaperhouse

The jewelry in RedPaperHouse is simple, geometric and super effective at adding that pop of color and bit of hipness to any outfit.

RedPaperHouse Honeycomb Geometric Wooden Laser Cut Necklace

naturametallum

Minimalist, industrial and sculptural jewelry, we love the interplay of the different materials at naturametallum.

naturametallum Aluminum Necklace

Pevalekart

PevalekArt creates very arty jewelry using a variety of materials that will add an arty vibe to your looks. The contemporary necklace (below) is ideal to add a pop of color to your favorite little black dress.

PevalekArt Contemporary Statement Necklace

Nada Kalmoni

Nada Kalmoni creates handmade African-inspired jewelry made mostly from African fabrics and West African recycled glass beads. These necklaces are perfect to add a pop of color to your outfit. Ideal if you love a bohemian look.

Nada Kalmoni Chunky Fabric Necklace

More of the best jewelry online

cult gaia

If you want to add an unusual, on trend element to your existing outfits, take a look at Cult Gaia. Wear the hoop earrings (below) with your white outfits, or to match the colors in a print top or dress.

Cult Gaia Sanura Hoop Earrings

karine sultan

Karine Sultan creates sculptural jewelry in gold or silver. The cuff bracelet (below) would look good with your sleeveless tops and dresses. We also like the Alice statement necklace.

Karine Sultan Free Form Cuff

PANCONESI

PANCONESI is the ideal place to look for sculptural earrings, like the gold earrings (below), making it the perfect brand for you if you have an architectural style personality.

PANCONESI Gold Crystal Stellar Earrings

Jenny Bird

Jenny Bird has caught the eye of plenty of celebrities with her contemporary jewelry, including Michelle Obama. She specializes in creating lightweight, statement jewelry like the mixed metal necklace (below).

Jenny Bird Le Tome Sofia Disc Choker Necklace

COS

We love COS for it’s timeless, yet contemporary clothing designs. But don’t also forget to check out its accessories if you’re looking for the best jewelry websites.

COS Oversized Link Drop Earrings

Massimo dutti

Massimo Dutti creates stylish clothing designs in natural materials. It also features contemporary jewelry, like the statement necklace below, which would be the perfect way to update a block color dress.

Massimo Dutti Gold-Plated Choker Necklace

Anine Bing

ANINE BING is the ideal place to find both timeless clothing and trendy items. Chunk chain link jewelry like the link bracelet (below) is particularly on trend right now.

ANINE BING Oval Link Bracelet

bocar

When searching for the best jewelry stores online, don’t forget to check out Amazon, which has brands like Bocar. The multi-strand necklace (below) comes in a huge choice of colors, so you should find a shade to match your outfit.

Bocar Multi Layer Seed Bead Necklace

AllSaints

AllSaints has an edgy vibe with its clothes and its jewelry. The necklace (below) has an industrial look that would be ideal if you love a minimalist style, or have a rock chick style personality.

AllSaints Enola Two Tone Necklace

Chico’s

Chico’s has everything you need to put together an outfit, including a good range of jewelry. We love the idea of wearing the bib necklace (below) over white outfits during the summer months.

Chico’s Beaded Bib Necklace (matching earrings here)

Anthropologie

Anthropologie has a great selection of jewelry that is quite delicate, but still very contemporary.

Anthropologie The Petra Drop Earrings

Argento Vivo Sterling Silver

Argento Vivo Sterling Silver creates jewelry that manages to be contemporary and timeless. If you have a party or event this summer, it’s a great brand to take a look at.

Argento Vivo Sterling Silver Mixed Metallic Linear Drop Earrings

ettika

Ettika creates trendy jewelry, ranging from more delicate necklaces and earrings, to statement pieces, making it one of the best jewelry designers on our list for versatility. The raffia drop earrings (below) are perfect to go with your summer dresses.

Ettika Raffia Drop Earrings

missoma

Missoma prides itself on creating recycled gold and silver jewelry. Each piece is handcrafted, responsibly sourced, and designed at its in-house studios in Notting Hill, London.

Missoma Enamel Haze Paper Clip Chain Necklace

open edit

Open Edit is your go-to if you’re looking for an inexpensive piece of jewelry to update your look for a season or two.

Open Edit Double Twist Stretch Bracelet

Poppy finch

Poppy Finch takes a traditional material – pearls – and creates contemporary jewelry that brings them up-to-date.

Poppy Finch Hourglass Cultured Pearl Drop Earrings

Jennifer Zeuner

Growing up in Puerto Rico, Jennifer Zeuner had a first-hand view of her father’s clothing factory, which inspired her to create her own brand. Her jewelry is inspired by her own style, which she describes as spiritual, with a twist.

Jennifer Zeuner Julia Bracelet

shop the items above here:

I’m sure that there are many more fantastic designers there that I have not yet discovered, so please let me know your favorites on Etsy, as well as the best jewelry stores online that you’ve found.

Continue reading:

1. Jewelry For Work To Elevate Your Office Outfits
2. 10 Essential Fashion Accessories Every Woman Should Own
3. The Best Accessories And Popular Jewelry For 2023 To Add Polish To All Of Your Outfits

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The post The best shops on Etsy and other brands for contemporary jewelry appeared first on 40+ Style.

Ana @mrsamericanmade above (read her style interview here) opts for drop earrings and a pendant that could easily be worn with all of your work outfits.

Recreate her look with this similar top, pendant necklace, drop earrings and smartwatch.

What to think about when choosing your own jewelry for work

Below are some pointers to consider when selecting the jewelry you will wear for work.

1. Your office environment

It goes without saying that some industries are different to others. Your office might be particularly funky so you can wear any jewelry you want, or maybe you have practical reasons you can’t wear dangly earrings, for example.

2. Wearing a watch

Even if you don’t tend to use a watch to tell the time in these days of smartphones, you can still add a watch to your work look as a piece of jewelry. That way, even if your office isn’t somewhere you would wear a lot of jewelry, you can still add some to your outfit.

3. You (probably) don’t want chandelier earrings

While I think a statement necklace can add a stylish element to your work look, you probably want to avoid big, heavy earrings for the office.

4. Avoid too noisy jewelry

I would avoid stacked bracelets or a jangly necklace that will make a distracting noise as you move.

5. Emphasize areas that will be seen

For example, if you do most of your work on a conference call, you could wear a statement necklace or just some subtle stud earrings.

Let’s look at some specific jewelry ideas to use for work

Now that you’re thinking about what you usually wear to work and whether you want to add more to your work outfits, let’s take a look at some specific pieces of jewelry you could choose.

hoop earrings

Hoop earrings are a timeless classic that you can wear for work or play. Fonda @savvysouthernchic above wears a pair of hoops with her sunny yellow outfit.

Get her look with this similar blouse, blazer, pants, flats, necklace and earrings.

Bony Levy Katharine 14K Gold Huggie Hoop Earrings

Stud earrings

Starting with the classics, no matter what the dress code (if any) at your office, a pair of stud earrings will almost always be okay to wear.

COACH Halo Pavé Stud Earrings

A statement necklace is good to add some impact

A statement necklace can be useful to add interest to your work looks, and to create harmony. You could wear your necklace over your white shirt or a silk top.

Fibban Chunky Link Chain Necklace

Karine Sultan Alice Statement Necklace

FARIS Jobu Chain Link Necklace

You can layer your necklaces

If you want to make a statement but you don’t feel you can wear a big piece of jewelry, you could always wear a layered look and wear several delicate necklaces layered over each other. Choose difference lengths so you can see them all. Also take a look at how to layer jewelry.

Eileen @eileenternullo above opts for a layered necklace and hoops with her stylish blazer and wide leg pants.

Check out this similar blazer, pants, pumps, bag, collar necklace and earrings.

AllSaints Freshwater Pearl Layered Necklace

Think about shape

You can create harmony in your work look by matching the shape of your jewelry to any prints on your outfit. For instance, if you are wearing polka dots, you could choose round jewelry, or for stripes, you could opt for a linear jewelry look.

Ted Baker London Scarl Sparkle Bar Pendant Necklace

A monochrome look

You can wear earrings in the same color as your top. For example, if you’re wearing a white shirt, you could team this with white earrings.

Madewell Stone Collection Drop Earrings

Wearing color

For a harmonious look, you can think about matching your jewelry color to the rest of your accessories. For instance, if you’re wearing red shoes, you can choose a red necklace.

BOCAR Statement Acrylic Necklace

JOY IN LOVE Block Heel Pump

Gold or silver generally works best

If you ever aren’t sure, then gold and silver will always work with everything.

Dawn Lucy @fashionshouldbefun above (read her style interview here) chooses a chunky chain necklace and a bag from Strathberry (similar item here).

Check out this similar dress, sandals, necklace (another option here) and earrings to complete the look.

Monica Vinader Guiding Star Pendant Necklace

Pair a watch with a bracelet

If you usually wear a watch and want to add more impact, then add a bracelet in matching metal to the same wrist.

Tory Burch Robinson Leather Strap Watch

& Other Stories Duo Chain Station Bracelet

Don’t forget about brooches

If you wear a blazer for work, a brooch can give you a different look day-to-day.

Jess @elegantlydressedandstylish above (read her style interview here) wears a brooch on her lapel.

Get her look with this similar top, blazer, pants, pumps, handbag, drop earrings and brooch.

EVER FAITH Austrian Crystal Orchid Flower Petal Brooch

Borrow from menswear 

Lots of workwear looks tend to take inspiration from menswear. Think about your crisp white shirts and work pants. So, why not take it a step further and add a pair of cufflinks to your shirts or blouses.

Ltvystore Rhinestones Cufflinks

stackable rings

If you tend to work with a keyboard, your fingers will be on show, so rings are the perfect jewelry if you want people to notice.

SOKO Moto Set of 3 Stacking Rings

Matching sets

If you want to make sure you look put together, then you could go matchy matchy with a set of jewelry designed to go together.

CLASSYZINT Disc Jewelry Set

Adding an edgy element

If you want to add an edge to your outfit, you can do so in a subtle way. A pair of ear crawlers are almost as subtle as studs, but they add a little element of urban style.

Madewell Stone & Crystal Ear Crawlers

What jewelry do you usually wear for work? Let me know in the comments below.

shop some of the items above here:

Continue reading:

1. Classy Business Outfits For Women Over 40 – Your Work Capsule Wardrobe Sorted
2. Work Outfits For Summer To Keep You Stylish And Cool
3. The Best Laptop Bags For Women To Stylishly Carry All Your Work Essentials

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Feature image by Dawn Lucy @fashionshouldbefun

The post Jewelry for work to elevate your office outfits appeared first on 40+ Style.

White boots on the catwalks

White boots are still very much favored by designers when putting together their runway looks. Jill Sander and Balenciaga both team white boots with midi dresses.

Jil Sander – Balenciaga – Coperni

Best white boots

Before thinking about how to style them, let’s take a look at the most stylish white boots you can choose.

Troy @thethriftanista above (read her style interview here) wears her white boots with a denim jumpsuit and on-trend belt bag. Note how she rolls up the hems of her pants to show off her boots.

Recreate her outfit with this similar denim jumpsuit, booties and belt bag.

Now onto some specific white boots you could choose…

Dream pairs

If you’re looking for a classic, minimal style of white boot that is purse friendly, the Dream Pairs boots (below) could be ideal. They have a relatively high heel so you may want to save them for days you won’t be on your feet too much. The block heel makes them easier to walk in than skinny stilettos. They come in white or a good choice of neutrals and red, and reviewers say they get lots of compliments when they wear them.

DREAM PAIRS Chunky High Heel Ankle Booties

Cushionaire

If you want to combine two trends in one – the white shade and chunky lug soles – then how about the Cushionaire Chelsea boots below? You could wear with your jeans, or you could bring a little “toughness” to your summer dresses outfits. They have a memory foam insert to make them more comfortable to wear.

CUSHIONAIRE Sasha Chelsea Boot + Memory Foam

Chinese laundry

Another option with a chunky sole, but this time with a heel. The wide heel of the ankle boots below will help you distribute your weight and balance to make them easier to walk in than many other heels. Reviewers say they are super comfortable and don’t feel like you are walking in heels.

Dirty Laundry Lisbon Ankle Boot

Skechers

Another big trend recently has been the lace-up, hiking style boot that you can wear day-to-day rather than just for walking. You could tuck your skinny jeans or leggings into the Skechers boots (below) or wear with your dresses and skirts.

Skechers Combat Boot

White lug sole boots

The pull-on lug sole boots (below) come in a choice of neutral shades. You can opt for white or cream, both of which are an off-white shade rather than bright white.

Ruanyu Lug Sole Platform Ankle Boot

Zip boots

The big zippers on the ankle boots (below) give them a bit of a vintage feel, while still being very modern. If you like a smaller heel, these could be a good option as the heel is just under two inches. Reviewers say they are comfortable and fashionable.

IDIFU Ring Zipper Ankle Boot

Peep toe booties

If you’re choosing your booties for warm months, then opting for a bootie-sandal hybrid could give you the look of boots while keeping your feet cool. The peep toe booties (below) give the look of boots while being summer appropriate. Reviewers say they look great with jeans, and most say they are very comfortable.

J. Adams Maddie Peep Toe Bootie

Cole haan white booties

A pricier option for you, but the Cole Haan booties (below) should be an investment that you can wear year after year. One reviewer even said these are the nicest boots she has ever owned, while another said she liked them so much, she immediately bought a second pair.

Cole Haan Tahoe Featherfeel Chelsea Boot

What to wear with white boots

Did you find a favorite pair of white boots among the recommendations above? Or do you already have a pair in your closet? Let’s take a look at some styling ideas…

White boots outfit with classic black pants

Black pants go with absolutely everything. You can wear any of the white boots above with a pair of black pants. For a classic, yet edgy look, you could opt for a menswear-inspired stripe shirt.

Zadig & Voltaire Tais Raye Tag Stripe Cotton Graphic Shirt – Theory Treeca Double Knit Ankle Pants – J. Adams Maddie Peep Toe Bootie – BOSTANTEN Leather Shoulder Bucket Bag – Tory Burch Miller Huggie Hoop Earrings

Wide jeans

Fonda @savvysouthernchic shows off a good way to wear your white boots with straight jeans. Opting for jeans that fall just above your boots is a flattering way to style them.

Steal her white boots outfit look with this similar blouse, jeans, booties and earrings.

Or, you could choose a pair of wider jeans like the wide pants jeans (below).

COS Short Sleeve Striped Cardigan – 7 For All Mankind Dojo Wide Leg Jeans – DREAM PAIRS Chunky High Heel Ankle Booties – BOSTANTEN Leather Shoulder Bucket Bag – ZENZII Acrylic Resin Teardrop Cutout Earrings

white combat boots outfit with Utility pants

For a casual choice, utility pants are a good alternative to jeans, and are a firm favorite of Jennifer Aniston. Utility pants can go particularly well with lug sole, Chelsea or hiking boot styles.

Theory Hooded Drape Blazer – COS A-line T-shirt – Wit & Wisdom Ab-Solution Utility Pants – Skechers Combat Boot – BOSTANTEN Leather Shoulder Bucket Bag – Tory Burch Miller Huggie Hoop Earrings

how to wear white boots As part of a monochrome outfit

Black and white always goes together beautifully. You can keep your outfit monochrome or add a pop of a bright color like red. Greetje @no_fear_of_fashion above (read her style interview here) opts for an all neutral outfit and adds some subtle color with her green earrings.

Check out this similar top, blazer, pants (another option here), boots, handbag and earrings.

Urban CoCo Open Front Blazer – COS Gathered Midi Dress – DREAM PAIRS Chunky High Heel Ankle Booties – CLUCI Hobo Bag – Tory Burch Miller Huggie Hoop Earrings

how to wear white ankle boots with Your summer dress

Your white boots can go beautifully with any of your summer dresses, particularly midi or maxi dress choices. You could choose to dress up with sleek, heeled boots. Or, you could opt for a pair of casual lug sole boots.

H&M V-neck Tie-belt Dress – DREAM PAIRS Chunky High Heel Ankle Booties – CLUCI Hobo Bag – Tory Burch Miller Huggie Hoop Earrings

how to wear white ankle booties with White jeans 

White jeans are a great option for the summer months, and you can team with white boots. Wearing the same color jeans and boots is a great option for making your legs look longer. Jess @elegantlydressedandstylish above (read her style interview here) chooses white jeans and cream boots.

Get her look with this similar top, moto jacket, jeans, booties and clutch.

Made By Johnny Tunic Top – Wit & Wisdom Ab-Solution High Waist Ankle Skinny Jeans – Ruanyu Lug Sole Platform Ankle Boot – BOSTANTEN Leather Shoulder Bucket Bag – Ufraky Acrylic Necklace and Hoop Earring Jewelry Set

With a sleeveless trench

If you need a little extra coverage but you don’t want to add too much warmth, a sleeveless coat could be a good choice.

Wantdo Lightweight Sleeveless Trench Coat – H&M Ribbed Modal-blend T-shirt Dress – IDIFU Ring Zipper Ankle Boot – BOSTANTEN Leather Shoulder Bucket Bag – Ufraky Acrylic Necklace and Hoop Earring Jewelry Set

For an evening out

You can dress up your white boots for an evening out with a maxi dress like Wendy @fashionoverfifty.wendy above who shows off a white boots outfit with a red dress.

Recreate her white boots outfit with this similar maxi dress, booties, belt and sunglasses.

Karen Millen Geo Jersey Print Wrap Midi Dress – DREAM PAIRS Chunky High Heel Ankle Booties – Chrysansmile Top Handle Clutch Handbag – Tory Burch Miller Huggie Hoop Earrings

With leggings

White boots are also a great choice to dress up your leggings. Wear with a tunic or a mini dress worn as a top.

River Island Long Sleeve Wrap Minidress – Zella Live In High Waist Pocket 7/8 Leggings – IDIFU Ring Zipper Ankle Boot – Chrysansmile Top Handle Clutch Handbag – Tory Burch Miller Huggie Hoop Earrings

White boots outfits together in one capsule

Below, you can see all of the white boots outfits together in one capsule. You can change around the different clothes and accessories to create plenty of different looks.

You could, for example, wear the shirt tucked into the wide jeans; the asymmetric tunic with your leggings; or You could wear the white blazer over any of the dresses.

shop some of the white boots outfits above here:

more white boots here:

Do you already have a pair of white boots? How do you style yours? Let me know your best white boots outfit ideas in the comments below.

Continue reading:

1. Best shoes with arch support – comfortable walking shoes to walk in all day!
2. The Best Plantar Fasciitis Shoes For Women Over 40
3. The Best Sneakers For Plantar Fasciitis That Are Comfortable AND On-Trend

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Feature image by Wendy @fashionoverfifty.wendy

The post White boots outfit ideas: How to wear white boots to add flair to any outfit appeared first on 40+ Style.

What to think about when choosing your sun hat

There are a number of things to consider when choosing the best sun hats for you,

What do you need it for?

Are you heading off on vacation? Do you need your hat to travel well? Or do you want your sun hat for when you’re in the garden at home for example?

How wide is the brim?

To protect your face, you’ll want a hat with a good size brim. Plus, as an added bonus, wide brim hats tend to add a touch of glamour.

Dawn Lucy @fashionshouldbefun above (read her style interview here) matches her hat to her bag.

Recreate her outfit with this similar top (another option here), shorts, sandals, tote, sun hat and necklace.

How about one with extra sun protection?

Just as you can get clothing specially designed to protect you from the sun’s harmful rays, you can get hats with a UV rating. If you’re particularly worried about keeping your face protected, looking out for a hat with built-in UV protection is a good idea.

Your face shape

Just as you would choose any other style of hat to match your face shape, whether it is for a wedding or to keep you warm in winter, you should choose your hat to flatter you. Take a look at how to choose a hat for your face shape

best sun hats for women

Now, let’s look at some of the most stylish, well-recommended hats you could choose this summer.

Beach hat

The beach hat below comes in a good choice of colors and prints, and should keep the delicate skin on your face protected while you relax on the beach. It has UV protection and a stylish wide brim. Reviewers say it offers superb sun protection.

Coolibar UPF 50+ Brittany Beach Hat

Foldable hat with an SPF

One of the problems with a hat when you’re heading off on vacation is how do you pack it? Or do you have to wear it on your journey? Opting for a foldable hat means it will pack in your suitcase and still look great when you get to your destination.

For more travel essentials, also look at these stylish travel clothes.

FURTALK Wide Brim UPF 50 Foldable Floppy Hat

fedora

A fedora can add a little edge to your outfit as it takes inspiration from menswear. So this can create a lovely juxtaposition if you team it with a feminine dress like Sandra @lapecosapreciosa above

Check out this linen dress, sandals, fedora, handbag and sunglasses.

Lanzom Fedora Beach Sun Hat

Bucket hat

Bucket hats are particularly on trend now, and can lend your outfit a youthful feel. The bucket cap (below) has UV protection and is designed to be packable so you can pop it in your luggage. It comes in a huge choice of colors and reviewers say it’s the perfect beach hat.

Somaler UPF 50+ UV Packable Bucket Cap

Sun protection straw hat

A straw hat is always a timeless choice for the beach. The hat below features a wide black band and there’s also a velcro band so enable you to adjust it to your head size.

Verabella Packable Sun Hat

Sun visor

If you are concerned about protecting your face, you don’t necessarily need to opt for a full hat. The visor (below) comes in a vast array of neutral and bright shades so you should find one to suit your favorite vacation wear.

San Diego Hat Company Ultrabraid Large Brim Visor

Floppy hat

A big, floppy hat will never go out of style and will add more than a touch of glamour. Suzette @suzettepetrov above looks beautiful in her hat and matching bikini.

Recreate her look with this similar two-piece swimsuit (another option here), sunhat and sunglasses.

You could also try the floppy hat below. It rolls up and should pop back into its original form. Reviewers describe it as the best hat ever.

Lanzom Wide Brim Floppy Foldable Sun Hat

Muryobao

I also like the wide brim hat (below) with the stripe detailing on the brim. Reviewers say its a great option for the money. Although some said it does crease so this is a good choice if you don’t want to pack it.

Muryobao Wide Brim UV UPF 50 Summer Hat

Wide brim bucket hat

If you like the style of a bucket hat but want to ensure that the brim is wide enough to cover your face, then the wide brim bucket hat (below) could be the right choice for you. There are 13 different colors, and reviewers say it is a good choice for sun protection.

Somaler Wide Brim Bucket Cap

Wide brim panama

Another choice that takes its inspiration from menswear but looks fabulous on a woman is a panama. I think the J Crew hat (below) would look great with a maxi dress or palazzo pants.

J.Crew Wide Brim Panama Hat

havana hat

If you love the look of a panama but want a slightly smaller brim, the havana hat below looks great. Carelia @carelia_medich above (read her style interview here) looks beautiful in her classic, stylish outfit and hat.

Check out this similar striped tank, skirt, sandals, sun hat, straw handbag, earrings and sunglasses.

Sunday Afternoons Havana Hat

Hiking hat

If you’re planning on some serious walking and you know you’ll be out in the sun for a while, then a hat especially designed for hiking will be a good idea. The outdoor hat (below) should keep the sun (or rain) off your head.

You might also want to take a look at the best shoes for hiking to finish off your outfit.

Ordenado Outdoor Waterproof Sun Hat

JACQUARD KNIT hat

If you want a hat that is a little out of the ordinary, then COS is a good place to take a look. The knit bucket hat (below) can be worn down or with the brim folded to give a different look.

COS Jacquard Knit Bucket Hat

stripe hat

Another choice from COS is the striped option (below) which would look good worn with your shorts and t-shirt or your black summer dress.

COS Crochet Paper Hat

Oversized hat – best sun hats for women

Sheree @shesheshow above looks fabulous in her very wide brim hat which he cleverly matches to the stripes in her dress (and the chairs!). She is wearing a dress from Coldesina Designs, sun hat from San Diego Hat Company and sandals from Tara Grinna.

Anthropologie Oversized Floppy Straw Hat

Polka dot hats

You don’t have to opt for plain colors when you choose your summer hat. You could always opt for a playful print. I think the Anthropologie hat (below) would look great with a floaty white or red summer dress.

Anthropologie Greenpacha Kona Bucket Hat

Foldable brim

For a hat that you can alter the way the brim folds up, the Scala medium brim hat (below) is a good choice. There are cords on the inside that you can tie to make it fit well to your head.

Scala Medium Brim Cotton Hat

Wallaroo hat company

For a classic choice that comes in a great choice of colors, including bright shades and pastels, try the Wallaroo hat company option below. Women who have worn it say it is sturdy and well made but lightweight.

Wallaroo Hat Company Victoria Sun Hat

Canvas bucket hat

The J Crew bucket hat (below) has a little fringe detailing which gives it a casual edge – perfect to wear with your shorts and t-shirt.

J.Crew Canvas Bucket Hat With Fringe

Capri sun hat

Emms @beautifuleveryday_uk above looks summer ready in her flat-top straw hat and summer outfit, against that beautiful floral backdrop.

Get her look with this similar dress, espadrilles, hat and straw tote.

The flat top of the straw hat (below) from Gigi Pip will add a point of difference to your outfit.

Gigi Pip Capri Short

Rag and Bone fedora

If you are looking for the best sun hats for women and want to invest in a sunhat that won’t date, then the Rag & Bone packable fedora (below) is a deigner choice that you can wear summer after summer.

rag & bone Lexie Packable Wide Brim Fedora

shop the best sun hats for women below:

Tell me about your sun hat recommendations. Can you add your best sun hats for women recommendations in the comments below?

Continue reading:

1. How To Choose A Hat For Your Face Shape
2. The Best Bathing Suits For Women Over 40 – Swim Suits That Make You Feel Fabulous!
3. The Best Sunglasses For Women & Most Flattering For Your Face Shape

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Benefits of sunglasses and why wear sunglasses more often

So, if you’re not already sold on why you should make sure you have the best sunglasses among your accessories collection, what exactly are the benefits of sunglasses for your health and your style?

They protect your eyes from UV rays

Importantly, sunglasses can protect your eyes, and the skin around your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays, helping to prevent eye diseases and skin cancer.

They look great

Sunglasses add an extra element to your style, no matter what you are wearing. Plus, the human eye tends to find symmetry more attractive, and sunglasses can even out your face and give it the appearance of being more symmetrical.

Carmen @carmen_gimeno above looks great in her sunglasses and modern pearl jewelry. Here is a similar pair of sunglasses.

They hide eyebags and wrinkles

If you tend to suffer from bags under your eyes, particularly when you’re tired and/or you have wrinkles around your eyes, simply pop on a pair of sunglasses (oversized works best) and, as if by magic, they’re gone!

They stop you from getting more wrinkles

The delicate skin around your eyes can age more quickly than the rest of your face. Wearing your sunglasses every day can help to prevent wrinkles around your eyes. Plus, as you’re less likely to be frowing, squinting or furrowing your forehead, they’ll help with avoiding too many wrinkles elsewhere on your face too.

Best sunglasses for women

So, now that you’re thinking about what sunglasses can do for you, how do you choose the sunglasses that will be right for you?

Here are a few factors to take into account when choosing sunglasses:

• Get a trendy pair and look out for sunglasses trends
• Choose a pair of prescription sunglasses if you need help with your vision. Especially handy if you need them for driving.
• Choose sunglasses based on your face shape
• Select a pair that matches your style personality.

Or better still, consider all of these factors and make the best sunglasses choice you can. Let’s take a look at all of these elements so you can decide.

Wendy @fashionoverfifty.wendy above opts for a classic pair of aviators. Check out these glasses from Ray-Ban.

best sunglasses trends 2022

I’m sure you have one or more pairs of sunglasses already. But adding a new pair can really update your existing outfits, and give you more choice as you’ll want to wear your sunglasses most days. So, what are the 2022 sunglasses trends? Below are the main ones:

best sunglasses for women – Catseye sunglasses

Starting with one of my favorites – catseye sunglasses are an absolute classic, and they also happen to be very on-trend right now. I’ll move onto choosing sunglasses for your face shape soon, but catseye glasses are universally flattering because they create an upwards lift effect – something that’s important when you consider that gravity takes a downward turn as we age.

DIFF Becky II 57mm Cat Eye Sunglasses

Overized sunglasses

Big sunglasses aways give a glamorous feel. Think about Jackie O in her oversized sunglasses. And, for 2022, they’re very on trend too. 1970s styles are particularly fashionable again right now.

Dorie @seniorstylebible above (read her style interview here) adds an oversized catseye pair to her all-black look. Here is a similar pair of sunglasses.

COACH 53mm Gradient Rectangular Sunglasses

Rimless sunglasses

If you want to be very on trend this year, you could choose a pair of rimless glasses. If you want a prescription pair of sunglasses, you may want to choose a pair with a frame to make sure that the lenses don’t look too thick.

Maui Jim Hikina 62mm PolarizedPlus2^®Rimless Sunglasses

Small sunglasses

Small glasses can be tricky to wear. Plus, you don’t get all the protection benefits as less of your skin is covered. But, if you do want to try this trend, look for styles which give you a little more coverage with the frame.

BP. 59mm Cat Eye Sunglasses

Colored lenses

Kimba @kimbalikes above chooses a pair of brown-lens glasses. Check out this similar pair of glasses from Rad + Refined. You can add a pop of color to your outfit with either your frames or your lenses.

Lanvin Mother & Child 51mm Rectangular Sunglasses

Colorful frames

Choose your favorite color frames. Any color is on trend for 2022, just so long as it is bright. Also, take a look at the accessory trends for Spring 2022 for further inspiration.

Quay Australia Noosa 55mm Cat Eye Sunglasses

best sunglasses for women that suit your face shape

Just as with all other elements of your look, you don’t have to stick to what’s on trend. Instead, think about what is timeless and what suits you best. If you can combine what is good for your face shape with one of the latest trends, then great. But don’t worry if not, sunglasses of all shapes and sizes will always be on trend.

Kim @kimair above (read her style interview here) looks great in her oversized sunglasses. Here is a similar pair of aviator sunglasses.

Sunglasses for round face

A good rule of thumb is to consider choosing a pair of of sunglasses in a shape that contrasts with your face shape. If you have a round face, choosing a pair of round sunglasses will only emphasize this. Instead, look for square and rectangular frames, catseye styles, and you could also choose oversized as anything too small will tend to make your face look larger.

Ray-Ban Classic Wayfarer 50mm Sunglasses

sunglasses for oval face

If you have an oval face, most styles will suit you. But, because of the curves in your face, just like the round face, you will particularly suit square or rectangular style.

Ray-Ban 53mm Square Sunglasses

sunglasses for heart shaped face

If you have a heart shaped face, your forehead will be large in comparison to your chin which will draw down into a point. Contrary to the styles for the round face and square face, the best styles for heart shaped faces actually mimic your face shape. This is because you want the brow of your glasses to look the right size for your forehead rather than looking too small and making your forehead look bigger. Catseye styles will look great on you, as will browline options.

Isabel Marant 58mm Gradient Cat Eye Sunglasses

sunglasses for square face

In the same way you can think about choosing square sunglasses if you have a round face, consider the opposite and opt for round sunglasses if you have a square face. This will soften the angles of your face.

PAIGE Caylen 47mm Round Sunglasses

sunglasses for small faces

If you have a small face, the key is to find a pair of sunglasses that won’t overwhelm you. You could always try the children’s section if you have a real problem finding sunglasses that are the right width.

Ray-Ban Erika Junior 52mm Mirrored Sunglasses

sunglasses for big heads and sunglasses for wide faces

If you have a big head or wide face, you’ll want to make sure that the width of the lenses is sufficient to give you the eye protection you need. If you’re conscious about having a wide head, choosing a thin pair of arms can help as you won’t draw attention to the two outer points on your face.

Quay Australia Next Please 62mm Aviator Sunglasses

Best sunglasses for eye protection

When choosing the best sunglasses for women to protect your eyes, the higher the UV level the better. Look for glasses that are UV 400. Also consider polarized glasses if you are going anywhere beside water as they help to reduce glare. Plus, go oversized as these cover more of your eyes and face.

Tory Burch Revo 57mm Polarized Square Sunglasses

Best designer sunglasses

If you want to add an element of designer style to your outfit, a pair of sunglasses can be a great option as you can wear them year after year and they will never date.

Dolce&Gabbana 56mm Cat Eye Sunglasses

Best amazon sunglasses

If you’re looking for inexpensive sunglasses, perhaps because you want a number of pairs to keep at home, in the car, or take on vacation, Amazon can be a good place to look. Just be sure you look out for polarized choices with good eye protection.

SOJOS Classic Square Polarized Sunglasses 

Best cheap sunglasses

Another good choice when choosing inexpensive sunglasses is the BP brand, which come in plenty of on-trend styles.

BP. Traditional Classic 51mm Square Sunglasses

Best clip on sunglasses

Clip-on sunglasses can look dated. But if you do want an easy option to pop over your glasses, you could try the clip-on glasses (below), which have great reviews. Users say they look like real sunglasses.

CAXMAN Polarized Cat Eye Clip On Sunglasses

Best prescription sunglasses

If you need glasses day-to-day, then when thinking about the best sunglasses for women, you may want to choose a pair of prescription sunglasses to ensure that you don’t have to wear contact lenses and then sunglasses. You could also try photochromic lenses that change from regular glasses to sunglasses in sunlight. Below are some good stores to try.

1. EyeBuyDirect
2. Zenni Optical
3. Nordstrom
4. Liingo Eyewear
5. GlassesUSA

How many pairs of sunglasses do you own? What do you find the best sunglasses for women are? Do you have any brand recommendations?

Continue reading:

1. Jewelry Trends 2022: The Best Jewelry & Accessories For Spring
2. The Most Stylish Reading Glasses For Women Over 40
3. Trendy Glasses For Women – Choose The Best Glasses For Different Face Shapes

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What are reading glasses

First of all, it sounds like a really obvious question, but what exactly are reading glasses. As you’d expect, they come in handy when you need to read something up close. That may be a book, a magazine, or you may also need reading glasses for work on your computer or laptop. They’re generally recommended for using for short periods of time.

Karen @karensfashiontipoftheday above opts for a classic pair of black glasses.

Check out this similar pair of reading glasses from Tory Burch.

What age do most people need reading glasses

Typically, most people will need reading glasses at some point in their life to compensate for loss of flexibility around the eyes. You may find you need reading glasses somewhere between the age of 40 and 60.

Some women combine their glasses so they can both read with them or use them for long-distrance. Many women have separate glasses for reading, computer use or long-distance.

Misja @misjabeijers above (read her style interview here) chooses a pair of on-trend round glasses. Here is a similar pair of glasses.

What to think about when choosing your reading glasses

So, what should you consider when you look for your next pair of reading glasses?

1.There’s no excuse for a boring pair

Since it’s generally not much that you need to have reading glasses just to read, you may as well have a bit of fun with them.

There are so many fun options for reading glasses so there is really no excuse to opt for a boring pair! Even if you wear glasses just for reading – meaning infrequently – don’t compromise on a plain or dowdy pair. Go young and hip. Choose something colorful or patterned. Let your creativity shine through.

Jodie @jtouchofstyle above (read her style interview here) matches her glasses to her outfit. Check out this similar pair of transition glasses.

2.You can wear them alternatively

Of course, you can wear your reading glasses in the traditional way, but there are also some stylish, unusual ideas you could try. You could, for example, look out for reading glasses that look like necklaces, and wear them around your neck as a stylish accessory until you need to use them. Continue reading for some examples.

3.They don’t have to be expensive

If you need glasses only for reading rather than for distance, you’ll be easily able to find a pair of stylish yet inexpensive readers that work well. This means you can keep a pair wherever you need one, or experiment with different styles and colors.

4.You will want to wear them in public

While you may be tempted to think it doesn’t matter what your reading glasses look like, as you may be wearing them mostly at home, there are definitely occasions when you will want to wear them out – what if you need to read the menu at dinner for example? So, it’s definitely worth choosing a nice pair, or different pairs for casual and formal days.

Claudia @glamupyourlifestyle above (read her style interview here) wears a pair of on-trend round glasses. Check out these similar glasses from EyeBuyDirect.

5.Your prescription

Obviously, one of the most important factors with any new glasses is whether they are properly suited to your eyesight. Unlike glasses that you wear all-day everyday, or because you are short-sighted, you can pick up reading glasses in different strengths anywhere from online to your local drugstore. If you aren’t sure what strength you need, you will need a diopter chart which will give you a good guide.

6.What color to wear?

The color of your glasses can make a big difference to the overall look of your face and outfit. They can brighten up your face and create a more modern feel to your overall look.

To create different looks on different days, or match any of your outfits, you could choose a set of reading glasses like the 5-pack of glasses from Amazon (below). Reviewers say they are well-made, comfortable and come in a good range of colors.

Kerecsen Patterned Reading Glasses

7. What you are using them for?

Again, a potentially obvious question. But what are you really using your reading glasses for? Is it because you want to read or because you are using a computer. If it’s the later, you could look out for blue-light blocking glasses to lessen the glare of your screen. Nikki @midlifechic above chooses round glasses. Here is a similar pair of reading glasses.

Aimee Kestenberg Stanton 55mm Square Blue Light Blocking Glasses

8. Your own individual style

Just because they are practical, that doesn’t mean your reading glasses can’t also be stylish. When looking for the most stylish reading glasses for women, choose a pair to suit your style personality and to add a little edge to your outfit. Dayle @artfulcitystyle above (read her style interview here) opts for a pair of multicolor glasses that suit her vibrant style. Here are round reading glasses you can get from Amazon.

9. Do you want multiple pairs?

If you use your reading glasses frequently, you have a habit of losing them, or you want to make sure you have a pair to go with all your favorite outfits, maybe you might want to buy a number of reading glasses.

The pack of glasses (below) are blue-light blocking so would be ideal for working on your laptop. Reviewers say they are comfortable, stylish and sturdy.

Gaoye 5-Pack Blue Light Blocking Reading Glasses

Where to buy stylish reading glasses?

So where can you buy the most stylish reading glasses for women? Well, the good news is there are plenty of options if you ever find yourself without a pair, or you just want to update your look.

Amazon is a good option to try as you can get packs of reading glasses in different colors and styles (more of those later). You could also look at Target, Etsy, Walmart and Anthropologie, EyeBuyDirect, Warby Parker, Peepers, Zenni, and Nordstrom.

Catherine @notlamb above shows off a pair of glasses that are flattering, since these have a slight catseye style and go up at the corners, that helps to draw the eye upwards (read her style interview here). Check out this similar pair of tortoise glasses from Warby Parker.

Let’s look at some of the different reading glasses options online.

target

You can get pretty much anything you need from Target, whether you’re looking for fashion or furniture. It’s also a great place to look for glasses. You could choose a classic style like the rectangle reading glasses below or opt for a brigh color.

ICU Eyewear Screen Vision Rectangle Reading Glasses

etsy

Etsy is a great place to shop if you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary that you know everyone else won’t be wearing. They have all sorts of interesting reading glasses to choose from in on-trend shapes and shades. I also like looking at Etsy for contemporary jewelry.

NYFifthAvenue Premium Reading Glasses 

walmart

You can pick up everything from your groceries to your garden furniture at Walmart, and while you’re doing your shopping, you can pick up a spare pair of reading glasses.

Equate Lily Rectangle Reading Glasses

anthroplogie

Anthropologie is a good go-to for stylish clothes that you won’t see everyone else wearing, and the same is true for their glasses selection. You’ll find on-trend square and flattering catseye reading glasses like the ones below.

Anthropologie Oval Reading Glasses

Eyebuydirect

An online glasses superstore, you can find any kind of glasses you want at EyeBuyDirect, whether you’re looking for reading glasses, glasses for distance or sunglasses.

EyeBuyDirect Instant Crush Round Eyeglasses

warby parker

Warby Parker is another specialist online glasses store that should have any type of frames you need. You can even choose five frames and try them on at home to see which ones suit you best.

Warby Parker Camila Eyeglasses

peepers

A family company, Peepers began with the aim of finding upbeat eyewear. There’s a big choice of blue-light blocking readers that are ideal if you’re working or looking at a screen.

Peepers Take It Easy Blue Light Eyeglasses

zenni

If you admire the style of Iris Apfel (you can read her style profile interview here), then Zenni is definitely the place to look for your readers. They have a special Iris Apfel collection which was designed by the style icon to celebrate her 100th year.

Zenni What’s New Pussycat Eyeglasses

THE MOST STYLISH READING GLASSES for women TO CHOOSE

Let’s take a look at some more of the most stylish, recommended reading glasses you can opt for, including affordable options from Amazon, and reading glasses that look like a necklace. Lisa @madamehall above (read her style interview here) chooses a pair of catseye glasses and adds a pop of color with her red lipstick.

Check out these similar studded eye glasses.

Four pack reading glasses

If you want a multi-pack of glasses, the set of 4 glasses below come in a classic black, vibrant red, pink and print. Wearers say they are lightweight, durable and stylish.

JAWSOCK 4 Pack Blue Light Blocking Reading Glasses

Folding reading glasses

If you want to make sure you always have a pair of reading glasses, a foldable option could be a good idea (even as a spare pair) as you can pop them in your bag or your pocket.

Success Eyewear 2 Pair Compact Folding Reading Glasses

Round reading glasses

Reading glasses are typically narrower in style than your regular glasses. But, you could also think about a pair of round glasses for an on-trend look. The 5-pack of glasses (below) come in a good choice of colors so you should find options to suit your coloring and your style.

NORPERWIS 5 Pairs Reading Glasses

Rimless reading glasses

If you need reading glasses, but you don’t want it to be very obvious that you are wearing them, or you don’t want them to detract from other elements of your look, you could opt for a pair of rimless glasses. Reviewers like the 3-pack of glasses (below) as they are narrow enough to allow you to look up from your reading and see longer distance over the lenses.

FEIVSN 3-Pack Rimless Reading Glasses

Striped reading glasses

If you can’t decide what color you would like, you could always choose all the colors! A striped pair of readers will add an impact to any outfit. Wearers say the striped glasses (below) are light, comfortable and have accurate magnification.

SOCTICK 4 Pairs Reading Glasses

Print reading glasses

As well as thinking about block color glasses, you could also add interest to your outfit with a pair of print glasses like those worn by Lydia @birabiro above (read her style interview here). Here is a similar pair of cat eye glasses.

EYEGUARD 4 Pack Reading Glasses

Light blocking reading glasses

When looking at your phone, tablet, laptop or the television, a pair of light-blocking glasses will help to ease eye strain. The 2-pack of glasses below comes in a good choice of colors, including the neutral shades below which are both very on-trend.

livho 2 Pack Blue Light Blocking Glasses

Kate spade reading glasses

I’m a big fan of red glasses for adding color to your face. You could try the Kate Spade glasses (below) which also help filter out blue light.

Kate Spade New York Misa 49mm Blue Light Blocking Reading Glasses

Cat eye reading glasses

Choosing a pair of catseye glasses can help draw the eye upwards which can help to give the illusion of a more contoured face. Given that we all face the effects of gravity as we age, a catseye style is often very flattering for women over 40.

Kate Spade New York Emilia 52mm Blue Light Blocking Reading Glasses

Green reading glasses

Another funky option for you, the green glasses (below) will add some color to your look.

Quay Australia Blueprint Blue Light Blocking Glasses

magnetic glasses

If you frequently take your reading glasses off and on, you might want to make sure you have them with you at all times. The design of the reading glasses below means you can unclip them and hang them round your neck, then using the magnets to fasten them when you want to put them back on your nose.

CliC Magnetic Reading Glasses

Reading glasses that look like jewelry

Perhaps you just need your reading glasses for reading a few words on a page, like a restaurant menu. In that case, a pair of readers that you can use casually, simply holding them up when you need them, could be best for you. When you’re not using them, they look like a stylish necklace.

You can take a look at more reading glasses that look like necklaces at the Neckglasses store.

Neckglasses Catherine Pendant Glasses

Here is another option from LUFF below if you prefer a more simple design to wear around your neck.

LUFF Necklace Reading Glasses Portable Hanging Neck Type

Cases for your reading glasses

To give your reading glasses longevity, you’ll need to make sure you protect them from any breakages. Below, you’ll find some cases that will fit your chosen pair.

hard shell case

A hard shell case will offer the most protection for your glasses. Reviewers say the magnetic closure case (below) is solidly made.

Ron’s Optical Hard Shell Magnetic Closure Eyeglass Case

clamshell cases

If you have several pairs of reading glasses, you’ll need several cases.

Raylove 3 Piece Clamshell Eyeglass Cases

patterned cases

The cases (below) come in a huge range of colors and patterns so you should find a set you like.

AVOedge Patterned Hard Magnetic Closure Glasses Cases

Reading glasses holder

Perhaps you don’t want a case to take out with you, but to pop on your bedside table or your desk. Reviewers say the glasses holder (below) which comes in a good choice of colors and prints to suit your decor, is both stylish and functional.

Fintie Plush Lined Eyeglasses Holder with Magnetic Base

Reading glasses storage organizer

Do you have lots of pairs of glasses and sunglasses? If you have a collection of stylish reading glasses for women, you may want an organizer like one of the options below to make sure they are easily at hand when you need them.

autopark

AUTOARK Leather 12 Piece Eyeglasses Storage

mdesign

mDesign Stackable Storage Organizer Box Holder for Glasses

Reading glasses accessories

To keep your glasses to hand, you could choose a chain like one of the choices below, so you can wear them around your neck.

Reading glasses chains

AllenCOCO 18K Gold Plated Eyeglass Chain Strap Holder

Reading glasses straps

OSGP 10 Pcs Glasses Strap

Do you need reading glasses? What style and color do you usually wear? What do you think the most stylish reading glasses for women are? Let me know in the comments below.

Continue reading:

1. Edgy Style: How To Give Your Outfits A Bit Of An Edge
2. The best sunglasses for women
3. Trendy glasses for women
4. Latest accessory trends

shop more stylish reading glasses for women here:

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That’s why you’ll want to make sure you choose a modern, up-to-date pair that matches your style. Let’s take a look at trendy glasses for women you can choose and the best glasses for different face shapes.

Why you need to choose a great pair of glasses

Given that your glasses are right there, front and center on your face, they’re an integral part of your look and you should treat them as one of your main accessories.

While glasses, obviously, serve a practical purpose, they can also be the perfect way to instantly update your look from season to season, and are a great way to add some color to your face or add a little bit of an edge to your overall look.

Glasses are a key accessory

When you are a glass wearer, this is one of your main accessories. It will be one of the first things people notice about you, so make sure that you choose a modern up-to-date pair (or pairs) that matches your style. Great glasses are not to be underestimated as an excellent tool to enhance your style.

Eyewear can completely change your look and, depending on the frame, can make you look and feel sexier, more youthful, more professional, etc… The wrong pair can can certainly have the opposite effect.

What’s more, it’s fun to experiment with different types of glasses and be a bit edgier one day, or more romantic the next, for example.

When it comes to glasses, women over 40 may like to pick glasses that do not age you.

trendy glasses for women – What glasses to avoid

So, what should you avoid when choosing your glasses? Let’s start with what not to do. It’s easy to end up with glasses that look dated, particularly if your prescription hasn’t changed for a few years.

Remember! As always here on 40+style, feel free to disregard any of our guideslines! Some women ignore these and look amazing. However, if you’re not sure what to do, these are simply guidelines that will help you make your own choices.

• Avoid boring or outdated frames;
• Frames that droop, and therefore create the illusion of gravity going down; you’ll want to do the opposite;
• Half moon glasses;
• Coke bottle lenses – try to get the thinnest pair of lenses you can so they don’t stick out around the frames.

What glasses to choose?

Onto what to look out for! You should think about using your glasses to add warmth and softness to your face, to flatter your features and suit your style:

• Translucent colors are often better than hard metals, and they are very on trend right now.

Versace 54mm Cat Eye Optical Glasses

• Focus on upward lines. As we get older, everything tends to drop, so defy that trend with your eye glasses;
• In general, the top of the frame should be at the bottom of your brow.
• Translucent colors are often better than hard metals;

Tiffany & Co. 52mm Cat Eye Optical Glasses

• Think about eyewear as a way to add color and hipness to your style;
• Get glasses that suit your face shape. More on that below.
• In general, the top of the frame should be at the bottom of your brow.
• Pick a color that flatters you.

Burberry 52mm Rectangular Optical Frames

Jodie @jtouchofstyle above (read her style interview here) opts for a pair of pastel frames that go with her outfit.

Here is a similar pair of purple eyeglasses from EyeBuyDirect.

Which color to pick?

In general, when looking for trendy glasses for women, it’s best to pick a color that looks good with your hair rather than focus on your eye color. A multicolored frame like a tortoiseshell often looks good because it incorporates several colors into the frame, which will suit many women.

Also think about your skin tone. Think about cooler or warm tones and the contrast levels in your face.

Below are some rough guidelines when it comes to choosing a color that suits your hair.

• Grey hair: Adding more color like red or turquoise brightens up your face and would look really good. Also take a look at the best colors to complement gray hair.
• Blond hair: Go for lighter softer colors like white or translucents. Or you could opt for a bright shade to contrast with your hair.
• Red hair: warm browns or turtoise shells are a good option. Be more careful with yellow tones.
• Brown hair: brown, burgundy or turtoise shell are good options.
• Black hair: black will look great on you or go for a bright color.

Jess @elegantlydressedandstylish above (read her style interview here) opts for a pair of glasses that work tonally with her hair and outfit. Check out this similar pair of glasses from Zenni Optical.

best online trendy glasses for women: Where to buy glasses online

You’re used to buying pretty much anything you need online. But how about your glasses? While you may traditionally go to a high street opticians, it is possible to buy a great pair of glasses online.

You don’t need to get your eye test and glasses from the same place. Provided you have a prescription, you can order your glasses online. Plus, many glasses stores now offer the option of trying a few pairs at home and selecting the ones you like or a virtual try on. Online glasses options to try are:

1. Amazon
2. Nordstrom
3. Warby Parker 
4. EyeBuyDirect 
5. Peepers
6. Glasses USA
7. Zenni Optical
8. Liingo Eyewear
9. DIFF Eyewear
10. Etsy
11. Overnight Glasses

Angela @angelamashelle above is wearing a pair of blue light eyeglasses from Peepers.

Eyeglass trends 2022: Trendy glasses for women

I’m going to move onto some timeless ideas for choosing glasses for your face shape in a moment. But, first, let’s look at some of the general trends to look out for.

Every year, there are of-the-moment eyeglasses that will work well to update your looks. For 2022, the main trends are below.

Dayle @artfulcitystyle above (read her style interview here) is wearing a pair of lip-shape glasses from Zenni Optical.

For more inspiration take a look at Spring 2022 accessory trends

Trendy glasses for women: Cats eye

It’s great that catseye styles are very on-trend at the moment, as they’re incredibly flattering for all face shapes, and they work particularly well for older women. This is because while gravity may take hold as we get older, catseye glasses sweep upwards, giving the opposite effect.

Miu Miu 53mm Cat Eye Optical Glasses

Thick rims

Thick rimmed glasses have been on trend for a few years now, and they definitely aren’t going anywhere for 2022. Big frames, and big rims are very much in style at the moment. Just remember that if you do opt for a bigger frame, you may need to go thinner with your lenses to make sure they don’t stick out from the frame.

Oakley Side Swept 49mm Square Optical Glasses

Delicate wire rims

Just as thick frames are a big trend, so too are thinner frames for 2022. So, if you are worried that your glasses overwhelm your face, or you want a different look on some days when your glasses aren’t the accessory you notice first, you could try tinner frames.

Ray-Ban 53mm Metal Optical Glasses

Clear or pastel

This is another trend that has continued from last year, so perhaps you already have a pair of clear frames. Opt for transparent or pastel options for an on trend look.

Dolce&Gabbana 53mm Cat Eye Optical Glasses

Aviators

Aviators can be a tricky style to wear because, just as catseye glasses can draw the eye upwards, aviator styles can draw it downwards. However, having said that, they can look great on most face shapes as there are lots of aviator styles in slightly different shapes. Jennifer Aniston loves her aviators.

Quay Australia Front Row 46mm Aviator Optical Glasses

Small and round

You can see that there are plenty of different trends so you should find a style to suit you. Just as large grames are on trend, so are small round ones. Dayle loves her round sunglasses and has this style in lots of different colors and prints.

EyeBuyDirect Disco Round Turquoise Eyeglasses

wooden

You’re probably more used to seeing wooden arms on sunglasses, but they’re also very on trend for glasses this year.

EyeBuyDirect Everglades Round Black & Wood Eyeglasses

glasses for face shape: Selecting the right frames for your face shape

I’ve already talked about balance when choosing your glasses, and the concept of balance comes up again here. Glasses frames should balance your face shape, not mirror it.

This means that if you have a round face, wearing round frames will just make your face look rounder. You don’t need to go in the opposite direction and pick chunky square frames, but you need to choose a style that balances your natural face shape.

Carine @catoinamsterdam above (read her style interview here) opts for a timeless pair of black catseye glasses. Check out these cat eye glasses for a similar look.

Glasses for round face

To balance the fuller, circular nature of round face shapes, opt for boxier frames that add more dimension.

Rectangular glasses are perfect for a round face. Look for glasses with angular lines which will add sharper, more distinct lines to your face, creating balance. But, be sure to steer clear of round or oval styles, which will only add extra fullness to your face.

Tory Burch 52mm Rectangular Optical Glasses

Oakley Side Swept 49mm Square Optical Glasses

VERSACE 54mm Optical Glasses

Glasses for oval face

Oval shapes are very lucky, because your long narrow faces and soft lines make finding frames easy—if you have an oval face, you can wear just about anything!

The key to oval faces is to keep frame size in mind: Petite faces look best in smaller frames such as half frame glasses and smaller square shapes.

For longer, broader oval shapes, try sporting fuller rectangular glasses and oversized wayfarers.

Eugenia @theeageofgrace above (read her style interview here) chooses a pair of rectangular glasses. Here is a similar pair of glasses from Tory Burch.

It’s important when looking for oval face glass shapes to stick with frames that have distinctive angles in order to combat the soft, delicate nature of an oval face. A small pair of round glasses, for example, is one of the few shapes that is unlikely to suit you.

Prada 54mm Rectangle Optical Glasses

Oakley 45mm Rectangle Optical Glasses

Dolce&Gabbana Rectangle Optical Eyeglasses

Glasses for square face

Square and rectangular faces call for frames with soft angles and circular lines.

Balance boxy jaw and hairlines with big round sunglasses a la Jackie O, classic aviators, or smaller round sunnies like popular 70s-era styles.Vintage-looking cat eye glasses are perfect for softening square faces and adding a bit of playfullness to a harsh lines. Typically, think frames can also look great on square faces.

EyeBuyDirect Celebrate Cat Eye Clear Silver Rose Gold Eyeglasses

Tiffany & Co. 54mm Butterfly Optical Glasses

EyeBuyDirect Orbital Cat Eye Matte Pink Eyeglasses

Glasses for heart shaped face

Frames for heart and triangle faces need to balance a pointed jawline and naturally draw the eye upwards.

Offset a sharp chin with upswept styles like stylish cat eyes, butterfly shapes, and other styles that are pointed slightly at the temples. Oval glasses can also work well to balance a heart shaped face as can trapezoid styles which are wider at the top than the bottom. You can also look out for rimless styles and rectangular frames.

Heart and triangle shapes can play around with oversized and smaller frames as long as you keep proportion in mind.

EyeBuyDirect Harmony Cat Eye Matte Gold Eyeglasses

EyeBuyDirect Mariposa Cat Eye Eyeglasses

EyeBuyDirect Jasmine Cat Eye White Eyeglasses

Glasses for diamond shape face

A diamond shaped face is characterized by your full cheeks and narrower forehead and jawline. If you have a diamond shape, you’ll find that many glasses shapes will suit you.

Try a semi-rimless or rimless style or an oval shape with a strong line across the brow. You could also try fun frames like a horn rim or cat eye to give the illusion of your forehead having a little more width. Round styles will also look good on you to balance out the angles in your face shape.

DIFF 50mm Small Round Optical Glasses

EyeBuyDirect Gem Cat Eye Red Gold Eyeglasses

EyeBuyDirect Irvin Browline Black Eyeglasses

Glasses for small faces

Elizabeth @timeless_styling above (read her style interview) chooses a pair of round black glasses, choosing trendy glasses for women that are both on trend and timeless. Check out these similar round eyeglasses. You can see that there’s a lot going on in her outfit in terms of prints and accessories, but it all works tonally together.

Just as your clothes can overwhelm you if you are petite, your glasses can overwhelm your face if you have a small or petite face. If your face is particularly small, you may need to look out for glasses specifically designed to fit a smaller face. Or, you could always look for children’s glasses which come in plenty of different on-trend styles nowadays and may fit you better. You will probably find that glasses with a smaller frame work better for you. Oval, rectangular and cateye styles will work well for you. Take account your overall face shape, and then choose glasses that are more in proportion with your small features.

EyeBuyDirect Deco Cat Eye Black Gray Eyeglasses

COACH 53mm Oval Cat Eye Optical Glasses

EyeBuyDirect Small Chillax Round Red & Floral Eyeglasses

Glasses for long face

If you have a longer face, you’ll find you can wear many frame styles so you can experiment with trendy glasses for women.

Glasses work well for longer faces in general as they visually draw lines sideways across your face, helping to balance the vertical angles of your face. To help you break up the length of your face, you’ll want to choose frames that are on the larger side. Bold glasses and shapes will work well for you.

Just avoid rectangular, narrow shapes as these can make your face look longer. Styles to look out for are square glasses, thick frames, aviators (Jennifer Aniston is a big fan of this style), and two-tone glasses which can be good at drawing the eye widthwards.

EyeBuyDirect Viento Aviator Warm Tortoise Eyeglasses

Tom Ford 54mm Blue Light Blocking Square Optical Glasses

Gucci 54mm Optical Glasses

Do you wear glasses? Which of these trendy glasses for women do you like?

Continue reading:

• The best reading glasses for women
• Latest accessory trends
• The best sunglasses for women over 40

shop trendy glasses for women here:

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While it may be tricky to find truly cheap designer bags (depending on what your definition of cheap may be), it is certainly possible to choose a top designer bag that you can use for many, many years.

Do you need a designer handbag?

That’s a relevant question and the short answer is no. Of course not. There are plenty of cheaper bags that will do the job just fine. Shops like COS or Marks and Spencer often have very stylish bags for a fraction of the price of a designer handbag.

On the other hand, you may love to own a designer handbag, simply because it makes you happy or gives you a feeling of luxury.

Another benefit is that designer handbags can last for a long time! Sometimes they even become investment pieces.

Recently, there have been rare Hermes bags which have sold for millions of dollars, and Chanel pieces have been auctioned for upwards of $250,000.

Now I’m definitely not suggesting you spend quite so much, but if you would love to own a designer bag, you will find some of the best designer handbags to choose from below.

Think about cost per wear of the best designer handbags

First, what should you consider when choosing a designer bag?

I’m definitely someone who believes in buying less and wearing it more.

Especially when it comes to handbags, I’d much rather have fewer quality pieces and wear them more often, but in different ways, than purchase lots of cheap, low-quality, throw-away styles.

When it comes to buying designer bags, you are likely to get much more use out of them when you compare them to your clothing.

If you choose a classic style, you can use it everyday if you want to for years to come. So, I would think about how often you are likely to use your bag and for how long for rather than just considering the initial cost.

You may like to read this piece on how to do more with less.

How to afford the luxury bags you like

If you would like to invest in branded bags, there are 5 ways you can think about doing so:

1. If you have your heart set on a particular brand, you could look at what the most affordable bag option is.

Perhaps you would be happy with something smaller or in a less luxurious fabric to get the brand you like. For example, if you’ve always wanted to own an Alexander McQueen piece, you could always choose a phone case rather than a large bag.

Alexander McQueen Skull Phone Case With Chain

You can choose a bright shade so your designer mini purse is sure to be noticed, or opt for a classic denim like the Givenchy pouch below.

Givenchy  Logo Denim Travel Pouch

2. Look for discount designer handbags or those on sale

Take advantage of the big sales such as the sales you find on Nordstrom.

3. Consider second hand

Do you mind if your bag is new? If not you could consider websites such as TheRealReal and FARFETCH where you can be sure that you are getting an authentic bag.

4. Think about cost per wear rather than initial cost

Even if it costs more now, are you likely to wear it more and keep it for longer than you would a high street bag? It’s a different way to think about owning cheap designer handbags.

5. Consider what designer means to you when thinking about the best designer bags

Are you happy with a Michael Kors bag, for example, or does it have to be Dolce & Gabbana?

Discount designer handbags

If you choose to go down the route of looking for discount designer handbags, you will find that Nordstrom usually has handbags on sale.

You could also look at:

1. TheRealReal which has pre-loved, authentic pieces.
2. Rue La La which is an online sample sale with free membership.
3. FARFETCH – which has a pre-owned section as well as regular sales.

I know “affordable” is a relative term. And, many of these bags are still expensive.

But, I’ve chosen the bags below either because they are a luxury brand which doesn’t cost so much as the higher-end brands, while still offering a classic, quality style.

Or, because they are bags from the top-name brands, but they are at the more affordable end of what they offer.

For more inspiration look at this piece on handbag trends 2023.

Accessible luxury handbag brands

Okay, this might seem like an oxymoron, but the popularity of “accessible luxury” or “casual luxury” brands is growing.

These give you a feeling of luxe, and a designer label, without the same price tag as the likes of Chanel, Hermes, Bottega Veneta or Gucci, for example.

Below are some of my favorite accessible luxury handbag brands

1. Best designer tote bags: Tory Burch

If you are looking for a designer handbag that you will definitely get lots of use from, a tote is the way to go.

You can use this everyday to fit all of your essentials in. Plus it will give any outfit an instant lift and feeling of luxe.

One of my own favorite brands for tote bags is Tory Burch. If you choose a timeless neutral shade, you’ll use it for many years to come and it will go with everything in your closet.

Tory Burch McGraw Leather Tote

Of, course you could also opt for a Tory Burch crossbody bag in an equally timeless style.

Tory Birch Mercer Pebbled Leather Crossbody Bag

2. Most popular designer handbags: Michael Kors

Michael Kors is, arguably, the man best known for making the “it” bag affordable.

You can still have a designer brand, with the brand name spelled out in shiny gold capitals, without too much outlay.

Plus, his are definitely the kind of investment pieces that won’t date, so you can wear them for years to come.

Michael Kors Carine Large Logo Satchel

3. Popular designer bags: Kate Spade New York

Kate Spade New York was another designer who was a trailblazer when it came to introducing the notion of affordable luxury.

At the time, the market was dominated by really high-end options at one end and high street bags at the other end. She cleverly pushed her brand into that gap.

Depending on what you choose, you can get a Kate Spade handbag for around the $300 mark, or even lower if you choose nylon instead of leather.

I love her totes, but also the shoulder bags and evening bags.

Kate Spade New York Knott Colorblocked Pebble Leather Tote

A textured bag is always a good idea as it adds an extra dimension to your outfit. Great both with black outfits as well as colorful outfits.

Kate Spade New York Katy Tweed Medium Shoulder Bag

4. High end bag brands: COACH

One of Michael Kors’ and Kate Spade’s big rivals is COACH, which is also built on the idea that designer handbags don’t have to mean taking out a second mortgage.

COACH is a good option if you are looking for designer leather bags.

There are plenty of classic, and more on-trend pieces (yet still with a timeless quality).

I particularly like the slouchier pieces, but there are more structured options too if you prefer a more classic style.

COACH Willow Colorblock Leather Shoulder Bag

5. Marc Jacobs

At one point the Marc by Marc Jacobs line was the go-to for affordable pieces while the main The Marc Jacobs line was more expensive.

Now, to save confusion, that has been incorporated into the main Marc Jacobs brand, but you’ll still find handbags at varying price points.

You’ll find everything from classic totes to on-trend crossbody styles. Some have subtle branding while others have “Marc Jacobs” splashed across them.

Melissa @melissabultburns above opts for an iconic mini tote bag from Marc Jacobs.

Marc Jacobs The Small Tote Bag

6. Rebecca Minkoff

New York-based brand Rebecca Minkoff is one of the new kids on the block, having been founded in 2005.

Her bags are known to be more fashion-forward than some of the more classic styles on the list, so you’ll find plenty of on-trend shapes and fabrics.

But also so many classic options that definitely won’t date, no matter how long you use them.

I love the comfort of a backpack and this designer backpack is super stylish and affordable too. Great for travel and every day use. Check out the various versions of this backpack.

Rebecca Minkoff Julian Backpack

You could also look at a hobo bag for your day-to-day essentials.

Rebecca Minkoff Darren Leather Shoulder Bag

7. Ted Baker London

Founder Ray Kelvin named Ted Baker London in 1988 after his alter ego – a man he described as an “intrepid aviator, all round sportsman and the consort of princesses and Hollywood beauties!” The women’s range was added in 1995 and, while I’m not sure what the women’s alter ego is (perhaps you can make one up), it features bags that are classic enough to be used year after year, but which all have a little twist.

Ted Baker London Kaelyin Mini Studded Baguette Bag

8. Kurt Geiger London

With its first store on London’s iconic Bond Street, Kurt Geiger London, prides itself on combining the aspirational with the affordable. You’ll find Chanel-esque quilting and tweed as well as slouchy totes, classic crossbody styles and clutches.

Kurt Geiger London Mini Shoreditch Leather Crossbody Bag

9. Vivienne Westwood

I don’t know about you, but I always think of Vivienne Westwood in the category of other big-name designers rather than as an “affordable luxury” brand.

But because she straddles so many price points, you can definitely find a Vivienne Westwood bag you can afford.

The heart statement crossbody bag (below) features Vivienne Westwood’s unmistakable orb emblem.

Vivienne Westwood Louise Crossbody Bag

10. Fossil

Best known for making well-designed watches, Fossil bags are also definitely worth a look. You’ll find plenty of classic handbags in black, taupe or tan as well as more colorful options.

Fossil Jolie Hobo

Now for some top designer handbags

If you really love the aesthetic of a particular brand, you don’t have to go for what you may consider being “second best”.

You can think about purchasing in the sale or perhaps opting for a different fabric or size rather than the really expensive options.

I’m going to finish my top designer bags rundown with some more affordable choices from the bigger name brands, as well as some that you may just want to dream about owning.

1. Best designer crossbody bags: Burberry

Best known for its iconic trench coats, Burberry handbags have just as much timeless appeal, which is to be expected from a brand established way back in 1856! Choose a check style if you want to ensure that your bag is easily recognized as Burberry.

Burberry Note Leather & Vintage Check Crossbody Bag 

2. See by Chloé

Chloé is a French luxury fashion house, but the See by Chloé label offers a more affordable in-route to owning one of its pieces.

See by Chloé Mini Hana Leather Bag

3. Gucci coin purse

Okay, this is a small option, but it is half the price you would expect to pay for a regular-size Gucci handbag.

If you’re looking for a designer piece you can just pop your credit card and lipstick into for a night out, this could be a style you use for many many evenings to come.

Gucci GG Marmont Chain Wallet

4. MCM

If you love the idea of a monogrammed logo bag but you want something a little different, how about choosing a bag from MCM? The brand’s signature logo-printed material, called Cognas Visetos, features on many of its bags.

MCM Visetos Original Pouch

5. Mulberry

Just like Burberry, Mulberry is a British luxury fashion house renowned for its classic styling. You’ll find plenty of styles that will definitely stand the test of time.

Mulberry Mini Alexa Leather Satchel

6. Bao bao Issey Miyake

Bao Bao Issey Miyake bags are instantly recognizable because of their triangular shapes. So if you want to be sure that everyone knows you are carrying a designer bag, this could be a good option.

Bao Bao Issey Miyake Lucent Metallic Tote

7. ferragamo

Starting off as a shoe designer, FERRAGAMO moved into luxury handbags too. Bags tend to be pricy so you may have to downsize and get one of their stylish wallets.

FERRAGAMO Double Gancio Leather Wallet on a Chain

8. Moschino

Moschino is known for its colorful, often eccentric designs, so if you’re looking for a designer bag that is a little out of the ordinary, this could be the brand for you. Monochrome is a big trend for 2023 as are colorful handbags, and the bag (below) encapsulates both of these trends.

Moschino Logo Belt Leather Shoulder Bag

9. Stella McCartney

If you prefer faux leather rather than real leather, then a great place to look for your new bag is Stella McCartney. The bag below are a big trend at the moment while also being timeless.

Stella McCartney ‘Falabella – Shaggy Deer’ Faux Leather Foldover Tote

10. jimmy Choo

Jimmy Choo may be more famous for his shoes, but the brand’s handbags are equally glamorous. The satin bag (below) would be perfect for your dinners and events in years to come.

Jimmy Choo Bonny Satin Top Handle Bag

A handy way to search for a designer handbag

If you aren’t sure what brand you want, but you know you want a designer piece that will give you quality and longevity, a good way to browse is this nifty feature I noticed on Nordstrom.

It allows you to search for designer handbags under $1,500.

What designer handbag would you love to own?

shop some of the items above here:

Continue reading:

1. Best handbags and purses for spring
2. The 20 Best Handbag Trends This Fall – Which Bag Do You Pick?
3. 5 Types Of Handbags You Need In Your Closet
4. Latest jewelry and accessory trends

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What is a crossbody bag

First of all, exactly what is a crossbody bag and how does it differ from other bag styles you could choose?

A crossbody bag pretty much does exactly what is says on the tin. It is a bag with a long shoulder strap so you can wear it across your body, keeping your hands free.

Rena (above) wears her crossbody bag with a denim jacket and maxi skirt.

Get her look with this similar crossbody bag, lace top, denim jacket, skirt, boots and belt.

Reasons to choose a crossbody bag

1. You want to keep your hands free

There are plenty of reasons you might want to keep your hands free. Perhaps you’re out and about running errands, or you’re shopping and want to be able to browse without having to carry a bag in your hand. A crossbody is the answer.

2. You’re traveling

Because you can wear it across your body, a crossbody bag tends to be more secure and convenient if you’re traveling or sightseeing. You might also want to take a look at the best travel purses for some stylish, security conscious choices.

3. You’re wearing a casual outfit

Of course, you can use a crossbody bag for a more formal occasion, but this style really comes into its own as part of your casual everyday wear. If you aren’t sure what bag to carry with your jeans, t-shirt and sneakers outfits, a crossbody could be perfect.

A crossbody is timeless

Some bag styles come and go with the seasons. For example, I’ve seen one-strap shoulder bags that you carry high on your arm come into fashion in the 1990s, go “out” again and then come back on trend this year. However, a classic crossbody is truly timeless, making it a good investment.

Sandra (above) mixes the classic style of a crossbody with two current handbag trends – reptile textures and the circular shape.

Check out this similar crossbody bag from Brahmin, top, blazer, jeans, sneakers, earrings, sunglasses and head wrap.

the best crossbody bags

Which cross-body bag should you choose?

Let’s take a look below at some crossbody handbags for daywear, evening, for traveling and, as many of you will soon be heading into the summer season, some crossbody styles especially designed for warmer weather.

Everyday crossbody bags

Sally (above) opts to wear her crossbody bag from Gucci with an easy-breezy maxi skirt that would be ideal for sightseeing on a vacation or staycation.

Complete her outfit with this similar top, skirt, sandals, necklace and sunglasses.

Let’s take a look at some more options you could choose…

the marc jacobs

Marc Jacobs’ leather crossbody (below) is perfect for casual outfits as the contrasting strap lends this style a slightly sporty vibe. Plus, you can always take the strap off and turn it into a crossbody for evening.

The Marc Jacobs Leather Crossbody Bag

tory burch

The McGraw range at Tory Burch has a classic feel with a slight bohemian edge because of the tassels.

Tory Burch McGraw Leather Crossbody Bag

nordstrom

When looking at the brands you might choose from, don’t discount own brands like Nordstrom. The Phoebe leather crossbody (below) is an absolute classic and comes in a choice of neutrals, pastels and brights.

Nordstrom Phoebe Leather Crossbody Bag

rebecca minkoff

To add a bit of rock chick edge to your look, how about choosing a crossbody with some chains and studs like the Rebecca Minkoff option (below)

Rebecca Minkoff M.A.B. Leather Bag

kurt geiger london

Reptile textures as featured on the Kurt Geiger crossbody (below) are particularly on trend right now, while also being a very timeless option.

Kurt Geiger London Richmond Croc Embossed Leather Crossbody Bag

madewell

Another of Nordstrom’s brands, Madewell is a good option when looking for classic style that won’t date like the tote-crossbody hybrid (below).

Madewell The Small Transport Crossbody Bag

allsaints

A good mid range option that feels a little edgy while still being classic enough to go with any style, the AllSaints leather crossbody (below) can also be adapted to carry as a shoulder bag.

ALLSAINTS Kita Leather Shoulder/Crossbody Bag

coach

COACH’s courier bag is a satchel style that should suit your perfectly if you like a preppy look.

COACH Courier Leather Convertible Bag

longchamp

Classic and classy, the Longchamp Le Pilage (below) is one of those bags that is likely to get better with age.

Longchamp Le Pliage – Cuir Leather Crossbody Bag

for evening

While a crossbody tends to be a style you think about for daytime, there are plenty of options which would look beautiful worn for evening, or for a more formal occasion.

Marina (above) teams her crossbody with a classic black suit and a pop of orange.

Steal her look with this similar bag, top, blazer, pants, sandals, earrings and necklace.

coach

The chain detailing on the COACH crossbody (below) adds a luxe look to an otherwise simple style.

COACH Crosstown X Leather Crossbody Bag

nordstrom

Another chain detail option for you, Nordstrom’s crossbody has a metallic sheen which makes it perfect for evening.

Nordstrom Bianca Faux Leather Wallet on a Chain

kurt geiger london

Adding a bit of bling to your bag, as shown on Kurt Geiger’s embellished bag (below), will elevate even the simplest of outfits.

Kurt Geiger London Small Shoreditch Embellished Leather Crossbody Bag

whiting & davis

Featuring a mesh texture and metallic hardware, the Whiting & Davis bag (below) is available in a range of metallic shades and neutrals.

Whiting & Davis Mesh Crossbody Bag

olga berg

To add a bit of fun to your outfit, how about a bag in the shape of something else, like the Olga Berg camera bag (below).

Olga Berg Madelyn Camera Clutch

for travel

Because you keep your hands free, a crossbody is perfect for traveling, walking or running errands.

Melissa (above) opts for a crossbody which would be perfect to keep your phone in while walking the dog.

Get her look with this similar crossbody bag, sweater, jacket, jeans, sneakers and sunglasses.

botkier

A good size for keeping your essentials in, Botkier’s camera bag (below) has a range of sections to keep you organized.

Botkier Chelsea Leather Crossbody Camera Bag

tumi

Tumi is a good brand to look out for when choosing a travel bag. Its range tends to come in wipe-clean materials, to have a number of compartments for your travel essentials and to keep security in mind with zip top closures.

Tumi Voyageur Ruma Nylon Crossbody Bag

dagne dover

Water resistant and lightweight, Dagne Dover’s compact crossbody is ideal if you just need to take a few essentials out with you.

Dagne Dover Micah Water Resistant Neoprene Crossbody Bag

tory burch

Complete with Tory Burch’s signature logo, the two-tone strap adds an element of distinction to the neutral crossbody (below).

Tory Burch Perry Bombé Leather Mini Crossbody Bag

hedgren

If you need a shoulder bag that is a bit roomier, the Hedgren shoulder bag (below) comes in a choice of classic colors.

Hedgren Sustain Ellie Water Repellent Shoulder Bag

travelon

Low-key but stylish, the Travelon crossbody (below) has a number of anti-theft features to help keep your valuables safe.

Travelon Anti-Theft Courier Saddle Crossbody Bag

baggallini

Baggallini is another brand that is well recommended as a travel bag. The everywhere bag (below) is a particularly good option if you like a bag with lots of compartments to keep everything in its place.

Baggallini Everywhere Bag with RFID

for summer

Of course, you can carry any type of bag you want with you, no matter what the weather, but there are some colors and styles which particularly lend themselves well to warmer weather.

Kristen (above) is wearing a romper from Amazon along with an on-trend rattan bag.

Complete her look with this similar woven crossbody bag and wedge sandals.

ted baker london

The combination of the pale shade and rattan styling make the Ted Baker bag (below) perfect for summer.

Ted Baker London Janiya Faux Leather & Woven Rattan Crossbody Bag

tory burch

Another rattan option for you, the Tory Burch bag (below) combines textures to stylish effect.

Tory Burch Eleanor Wicker & Leather Phone Crossbody Bag

kate spade new york

For a pop of color during the warm months, a coral shade would look lovely worn with the whites and neutrals in your closet.

Kate Spade New York Locket Leather Flap Crossbody Bag

kelly wynne

If you don’t mind showing the world what you have in your handbag, you could opt for a clear version like the Kelly Wynne bag (below).

Kelly Wynne Clear Mingle Mingle Mini Crossbody Bag

amazon

Round rattan bags like the one from Amazon (below) have been on trend for a number of summer seasons. This one is well reviewed from women who say they like the print lining and it is well made for the price.

XMLMRY Handwoven Round Rattan Bag 

Do you already have a crossbody among your bag collection? What are your own recommendations for the best crossbody bags and brands?

Continue reading:

1. 5 Types Of Handbags You Need In Your Closet
2. The Best Tote Bags To Fit Everything You Need Every Day
3. The Very Best Travel Purses For Vacation And Everyday Use

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Feature image by Sandra

The post The best crossbody bags that are both practical and stylish appeared first on 40+ Style.

Below, we round up the best winter gloves for women to choose this season, as well as how to wear gloves as a stylish accessory.

Let’s look at how you to wear gloves and how they can elevate your style.

How leather gloves for women are made

Gloves are made from leather that has been prepared by specialist tanners as it has to be rolled and stretched many times to make sure it has the flexibility to move with your hand. The leather is either cut out with scissors after tracing the pattern out, or stamped out with a tang, a hand-shaped cutter, where you can cut several pairs at once.

There are between three and eleven separate pieces that make up a glove. There is the front and back piece, plus the thumb, but you may also have fourchettes, that are the leather strips that run between the fingers, and on higher-end gloves you should also have quirks.

The quirks are the triangular or diamond shaped pieces of leather at the base between the fingers, that link the front and back panel, and the fourchettes together.

Why is there a difference in price when searching for the best winter gloves for women?

Lower price gloves are usually sewn inside out so the seams are hidden, and more expensive gloves trend to have the stitching on the outside. Outer stitched gloves are either stitched by hand, or by a machine that mimics hand stitching. Either way, it is a highly skilled job to create them. They may have silk, cashmere or thermal lining; some even have fur.

These elements all add to the cost and it takes one highly skilled craftsperson a whole day to make just one pair of gloves, when they are totally handmade. The price of a pair of leather gloves ranges from around $15 to $34,000, if you have an unlimited budget.

Erika (above) finishes off her outfit perfectly with a pair of black leather gloves.

Recreate her outfit with this similar pair of leather gloves, coat, scarf, boots, tights, beret and handbag.

Fits like a glove: how to find out your glove size

A glove should fit snuggly, hence the term, “fits like a glove.” To discover your glove size, measure around the widest part of your hand, in inches. E.g. 7. 7.5, 8, 8.5 etc. and this is your glove size. Some manufacturers offer small, medium, large etc. but do check sizes and go down a size if you are between, as leather gloves will stretch over time.

Catherine (above) perfectly matches her gloves to her tan handbag.

She is wearing a coat similar to this one from Marks & Spencer and a beret from Amazon. Complete her look with this similar pair of knit gloves, jeans, bag, boots, scarf and sunglasses.

Gloves are the perfect accessory for women over 40!

I think that the idea of the right glove is really good for 40-plus women who want to downplay certain things, too. If you’re self-conscious about your arms, an elbow length glove (or longer) could help downplay your insecurities about your arms and boost your confidence. And the super cool wrist length glove is fun, fashionable and a great way to hide veiny hands or age spots when we’re having one of those days.

Nordstrom lambskin leather gloves – Alepo genuine sheepskin leather gloves – Elma leather gloves – FEIQIAOSH super-soft leather winter gloves

Top 10 warmest gloves for women

Before taking a look at some of the major gloves styles on the catwalks for winter 2020, let’s take a look at some of the best reviewed, warmest and most stylish gloves you could choose in stores now.

The best winter gloves for women: Warm gloves to choose

If you are looking for a pair of warm gloves that still allow your fingers plenty of movement, as well as being able to check your smartphone without taking them off, you could try the winter gloves from Achiou (below).

They have plenty of good reviews on Amazon, with one reviewer saying they even cope well with Michigan winters. They come in a range of dark neutrals and autumnal shades.

Achiou winter knit gloves

Warmest gloves for women

I’m a big fan of Uniqlo for warm base layers. You’ll see I feature Uniqlo’s heattech thermal tops in this article on the best thermals for women over 40.

Uniqlo women function gloves

Warmest winter gloves

A traditional looking winter knit will never go out of style. You could definitely wear these Luther Pike Seattle gloves for many winters to come without them being “off trend”.

They have a thinsulate lining to keep your hands cozy. Reviewers say they are soft, warm and cozy. One reviewer described them as excellent gloves for a Vermont winter.

Luther Pike Seattle knit winter gloves 

Best gloves

If you’re looking for the best gloves for this winter – either for yourself or as a gift – I really don’t think you can go wrong with a pair of classic leather gloves.

The cashmere-blend lined leather gloves (below) come in a huge range of colors, so you could choose from soft neutrals, or opt for a bright pop of color like orange or pink. Reviewers say they are soft and supple.

WarMen cashmere & wool blend lining leather gloves

Best heated gloves

If you always have really cold hands and you know you’ll be outside for a while, these battery heated gloves (below) could be the answer. They should keep your hands warm for hours (depending on which heat setting you choose).

One reviewer whose hands are always freezing cold as she suffers from Raynaud’s syndrome, says the Velazzio heated gloves (below) provide huge relief for her.

VELAZZIO Thermo1 battery heated gloves 

Cold weather gloves

Made in a traditional cable knit style, the CC gloves (below) have a faux suede palm for an anti-slip grip (so they could be good driving gloves). Plus, they are touchscreen compatible.

C.C cable knit gloves

Best winter gloves for women

With retro styling and button detailing, the Alepo knit gloves (below) not only look good, but they should keep your hands nice and warm as they have thinsulate lining. They come in a choice of neutrals, pastels and brights.

Alepo winter wool warm gloves

Best cold weather gloves

A touch of faux fur is always a stylish option for winter. Waterproof and windproof, they should keep your hands cozy even in rain and snow. Reviewers say they kept their hands warm in New York winters and at -10C.

accsa winter waterproof glove

Best touchscreen gloves

Another touchscreen compatible option for you. These gloves from Alepo (below) are modern enough for you to be able to check your smartscreen without taking them off, but they are beautifully retro styled, so should be perfect if you love a classic style.

Alepo winter gloves with sensitive touchscreen finger

Best women’s gloves

What could be more timeless than a pair of classic black leather gloves? The cashmere lined gloves (below) from Nordstrom have plenty of positive reviews. One woman even described them as “perfect in every way!”.

Nordstrom cashmere lined leather touchscreen gloves

Gloves that are currently on trend

Designers like Gucci, Chanel and Balmain made gloves look really sexy and possible to wear daily for this season. They have become more like a fashion accessory such as a good pair of shoes or the perfect necklace, instead of part of just outerwear I drop off at the coat check when I arrive at an event.

We saw 5 main glove trends on the runways for fall and winter 2020: the elbow-length glove, the wrist-length glove, the colored glove and the patterned. Let’s check them out in more detail.

The wrist length glove

A classic, easy-to-wear style, the wrist length glove is a wardrobe staple. Designers featured wrist-length gloves in neutrals, pastels and brights. Erdem offered a unique take on the wrist-length glove by giving it a metallic effect.

Patricia (above) looks super stylish in her black wrist length gloves, which she matches to her beret.

Steal her look with this similar pair of leather gloves, blouse, pants, pumps, beret and belt.

Chanel – Erdem – Marc Jacobs

How to wear the wrist length glove

The wrist length glove is sexy and edgy.

Try a pair when you’re in the mood to add a little punch to your outfit. A fun, bright leather that doesn’t necessarily match your outfit adds a unique touch to your outfit.

The elbow length glove

Also known as the opera glove, the above-the-elbow glove enjoyed their greatest vogue in the late 19th century and the years running up to World War I.

They were also hugely popular in the 50s. Who can forget the image of Marilyn Monroe in those long pink gloves while starring in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes?

Elena (above) looks incredible in a pair of long velvet gloves.

Steal her look with this similar pair of gloves, jacket, pants, booties, handbag, head scarf and sunglasses.

Valentino – Valentino – Fendi

How to wear the long length glove

Long length gloves are definitely having a resurgence right now. Add a pair of glamorous over-the-elbow length gloves to a party outfit for evening wear.

Or, you can use your longer length gloves to take your daywear to the next level. For example, if you have a jacket with shorter or three-quarter length sleeves, you could wear your longer gloves underneath to add both warmth AND style.

• If you have a short sleeve top or sleeveless dress you’d love to wear, add a long glove to your look instead of a long sleeve undershirt. The look is fresh and sexy.
• If you’re planning to wear a couture length (three-quarter length) sleeve, a long glove with a little slouch updates the look. If you want to thin and lengthen the arm, choose darker, richer glove colors or a matching color to the sleeve to lengthen your arms.

Colored gloves

Colored gloves are a great way to add some color to your outfit and there were definitely some beautiful pairs on the runways.

Judith (above) wears a pair of cobalt blue gloves which she matches to her hat.

Check out this similar pair of gloves, jacket, jeans, hat, boots, scarf and sunglasses.

Chanel – Miu Miu – Gucci

How to wear a colored glove

You can add colored gloves to evening or daywear. You can pt to go for a look where you match your coat or outfit to your gloves or add a pop of color to your neutrals.

You can also color clash and create some unexpected combinations. For example: wear orange gloves with burgundy or red gloves with burgundy.

Patterned gloves

While we’ve definitely seen wrist-length, elbow-length and colored gloves in previous years, the patterned glove was something of a micro trend for 2020.

Giambattista Valli – Rodarte – Prabal Gurung

How to wear the patterned glove

Just as with colored gloves, you can choose to wear your patterned gloves in a number of ways.

You can go for a matchy-matchy option, or opt to pattern mix, or use your patterned gloves to add interest to an otherwise neutral environment.

Ruched gloves are among the best winter gloves for women

A new trend for 2020 – we saw ruched boots on the catwalks among the 2020 shoe trends, so it wasn’t a huge surprise to also find ruched gloves.

Jona (above) wears her ruched gloves with her faux fur accessories.

Check out this cape from Amazon that you can wear with this similar pair of gloves, jeans, boots, beanie and a Gucci shoulder bag.

Givenchy – Saint Laurent – Balmain

Do you love to wear gloves? What type is your favorite?

Continue reading:

1. All The Winter Essentials You Need In Your Closet This Year
2. How To Look Fashionable In Winter – Which Of These 11 Ways Do You Use?
3. How To Wear A Scarf And Style Them Different Ways

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Feature image by Judith

The post How to wear gloves as a stylish accessory for winter appeared first on 40+ Style.

Let’s examine types of hats and  how to wear a hat so you can look stylish and stay warm (or cool).

How to wear a hat and when

In the past, hats were much more common. There were times when it was considered rude for women to go outside without wearing a hat!

Nowadays, though, rules and expectations are different.

You can certainly wear hats with any outfit you choose, and many bold dressers like The Style Crone and Suzanne Carillo wear them often and with great flair.

And there are virtually no times when women are required or expected to wear hats, but a few times when it will be more appropriate than others:

When you may want to wear a hat

When it’s cold outside: Obviously, if your head is going to freeze without one, pick out a cozy hat!

At Church or other religious places: Plenty of women go without, but hats are still somewhat common for church.

At the races: Do you go to the horse races? If you do, depending on the event and which enclosure you are in, you might like to wear a hat.

At weddings and garden parties: This is a fun time to pick out and wear a fancier hat.

This article from Emily Post has great tips for when women are and are not expected to remove their hats. Some of them surprised me!

How to wear a hat: Types of hats

There are many variations on hat styles, but most of them are drawn from the following basic shapes.

Fedora hat

A fedora is a soft brimmed hat, often made from felt, with a curled brim and creased crown.

This style is drawn directly from menswear and is still worn by men, too. Fedoras are great with tomboyish or androgynous looks, but can also work well with outfits that have feminine elements.

Fedoras were once part of smart menswear looks, but are definitely a casual hat for women. They can be worn as winter hats, too, in milder climates.

Most often, fedoras are pulled down on the head to sit just above the brow line.

NOAKE wool fedora

Nadine (above) looks fabulous in her neutral fedora. You can get a similar fedora hat from Brixton.

How to wear a panama hat

Similar to the fedora, but the panama usually features a higher crown and is made with natural fibers to keep you cool in warmer climes.

Halogen panama hat

Catherine (above) opts for a classic, lightweight panama. Here is a similar panama hat from Rachel Parcell.

Women’s hat styles: Trilby 

The trilby is also similar to the fedora, though it has a shorter brim.

Daesan trilby

Oxana (above) opts for an all-neutral palette. You can get a similar hat from Beechfield.

Wearing a hat: Beret

A beret is a round, soft, brimless hat with a tight band that sits around the head.

Most of us associate berets with the French, though berets have also been a part of many military uniforms over the years.

Berets are generally casual, though certain versions can be quite dressy.

There has been much discussion about the “right” way to wear a beret, but you can really wear this hat however you’d like.

While some prefer to pull their beret down somewhat, others may position the hat so most of it drapes off to one side, some set it toward the back of the head. Experiment to see what looks best to you.

Halogen beret

Patricia (above) matches her beret to her sweater. Check out this similar beret from Amazon.

Hat styles: Cloche

A cloche is bell-shaped and typically made from stiffer, sturdy material, though some are knit and floppy.

Cloches can flare out to have slight brims, but don’t have defined brims like fedoras. Depending on its fiber makeup and construction, cloche hats can be formal or casual.

The bowler can be thought of as a cloche with a brim that curls up on both sides, and many sun hats and floppy-brimmed hats are cloche-shaped with widened brims.

The cloche is a close-fitting hat, and should be worn pulled down far enough that your head fills most of the hat.

Comhats cloche

Alexandra (above) wears a beautiful burgundy cloche. Here is a similar cloche from Amazon.

How to wear a beanie / watch cap

A watch cap is a tightly-knitted hat that’s generally worn in cold weather.

A beanie is basically a watch cap that’s worn toward the back of the head so the top slouches down somewhat.

Currently, the beanie style is quite trendy and you’ll see stylish young women with their hats pushed back and slouchy.

Women over 40 can experiment with this style, but may feel more comfortable in watch caps. Both are casual hats, and can be worn with athletic-wear styled outfits or any casual look.

Woolrich beanie

Kate (above) matches her beanie to her cardigan.

Outfits with hats: Newsboy cap

This style can also be called the Baker Boy, Bandit Cap, Apple Cap, Eight Piece Cap, Eight Panel, Cabbie, Jay Gatsby (from The Great Gatsby), Fisherman’s Cap, Pageboy, Applejack Hat, Lundberg Stetson and the Poor Boy Cap.

Whatever you choose to call it, in most cases, this hat has a brim toward the front of the hat, a round top shape, and a button in the center of the hat.

However, rounded caps with shortened front brims like the one seen here, are often called news boy caps, too.

Most news boy caps are made of wool, but they can be made in just about any material. This is a casual hat style, and works best with menswear-influenced outfits.

Brixton fisherman cap

Mayte (above) opts to match her cap with her sweater. Here is a similar newsboy cap you can get from Amazon.

Bucket

Bucket hats really do look a lot like upside-down buckets, although they also include soft brims.

This is a soft, floppy style of hat and the brim typically has circles of stitching. You’re most likely to see bucket hats on men, but some women’s styles do pop up.

Most buckets are casual, but they can be worn with smart-casual outfits. This will never be a truly formal hat style, though.

Brixton bucket hat

Zdenka (above) wears a cozy, textured bucket hat which matches her pants. Here is a similar teddy bucket hat from Amazon.

Bobble hat

A close relation to the beanie, bobble hats can trace their origin back to sailing, when they stopped sailors heads from being pumped while they ducked under equipment on their boat.

Free People bobble beanie

Alison (above) adds pops of red to a neutral outfit. Get a similar bobble hat from Amazon.

Sun hat

If you live, or visit, sunny climes, it’s vital to keep your face protected, and a wide-brimmed sun hat can be the perfect, stylish, way to do so.

Eric Javis large brim hat

Greetje (above) looks fabulous in her wide-brimmed sun hat. You can check out this similar sunhat from Amazon.

Boater

Originally a hat for women in the 1800s, the boater then became a popular semi-formal option for men.

Nowadays, it’s a stylish option for both!

Frye boater hat

Cari (above) shows that beige definitely doesn’t have to be boring. Check out this similar boater hat from Amazon.

Turban or wrap

Joan Collins often rocked a turban in the 80s. Now, the style is definitely having a resurgence after being seen on the Gucci catwalks.

Home-Organizer Tech twist turban

Sharryn (above) looks very glamorous with her white turban and over-sized earrings. Check out this similar turban/head wrap from Amazon.

Women’s dress hats: Fascinator

Fascinators are a little hard to define, but they’re basically a category of headpiece that has been highly embellished.

Fascinators typically sit on one side of the head and clip into the hair, so some might think of them as hair accessories instead of hats.

This style is quite feminine and works best with dresses, skirts, and other ladylike looks.

Fascinators are formal, and can be worn to events with tie dress codes.

FELIZHOUSE fascinator hat

Judith (above) matches her hat to the stripes on her dress and shoes.

Choosing a hat for your head shape and figure

In most cases, your head shape is the same as your face shape.

As is the case with glasses, you want to select hats that offset the shape of your face, instead of mirroring it.

If you have a round face

A beret will emphasize it because the hat is round, too. Try an angular fedora instead.

If your face is a long oval

A droopy beanie may make it look even longer. Try a newsboy cap instead.

Trust your instincts

You certainly don’t have to follow this guideline if you like how certain styles of hats look with your face and outfits. Trust your instincts.

Use hats to balance

In some cases, you can use hats to balance your curves and proportions. For instance, if you’re a tall, plus-sized woman, a wide-brimmed floppy hat suits your scale and complements your shape. I

f you’re a petite woman, adding a little height with a fedora can look quite stylish. If you’re very curvy, you can reflect those curves with a rounded cloche.

Also take a look at how to choose a hat for your face shape.

For more tips on finding the right hat for your face shape, please check Judith’s expert tips below.

Tips from hat-wearer extraordinaire Judith Boyd

Judith has become a dear blogger friend whom I have met in real life as well! (read my interview with her here).

She adores hats and wears them daily, so of course I wanted to pick her brain on her expertise with hats. Here are her answers to my questions.

How does someone choose what hat to wear with each outfit?

Judith: Hats frame the face and finish off any ensemble. I usually start with a hat when I choose the pieces for an outfit, but you can start with anything.

A dress, suit, pants, shoes or even a piece of jewelry. I then proceed from the starting point considering color, shape, silhouette, event, occasion, mood and weather/season. For me it’s a meditation and an important way to express myself.

If you’re new to hat wearing, allow yourself to be a beginner. It might feel more comfortable to put your outfit together first, and then add a hat.

You could start with something understated and color neutral, like a beret or fedora.

Scanning thrift shops or consignment stores is an inexpensive way to begin. Wear the hat for a short period of time at first, such as out to coffee or a walk in the park.

Just like any new behavior, It takes a bit of practice, but you may notice that you get a better seat at a restaurant or someone may say, “That’s a great hat!”

Before long, it may become a habit and then you are hooked! I was known to tell customers in the hat shop to, “just put the hat on your head and walk.”

It’s not a life long commitment, and you can always take it off and try again another day.

Which kind of outfits suit a head wrap?

I’ve learned over the years that a head wrap can be worn with any outfit.

This viewpoint has been enhanced by the blogs and Instagram sites of women who make or wear head wraps on a daily basis.

A head wrap can be casual or dressy, depending on the fabric. If you’re comfortable in a head wrap and enjoy wearing it, it shows. Which is true for any accessory.

How do you carry off a hat when no one else in your friendship group wears a hat?

It doesn’t bother me to wear hats around those who never or seldom do. I’m confident in my own choices and I don’t need the approval of others to wear what I love.

But then I’ve been wearing hats since the 70’s, and it’s second nature to me. That’s 40 years of practice!

I find that most of my friends accept that this is who I am and that hats are a part of me.

I’m of the opinion that if someone doesn’t like my hat, they won’t approach me or be interested in getting to know me. Why would I want a relationship with someone who feels uncomfortable about my hat?

What are your best tips for other women when it comes to wearing hats?

The perfect fit

Finding a hat that fits is the first step to wearing it. 

The proper measurement to find your hat size is to measure your head circumference at the center of your upper forehead, which is about an inch above your ears.

Are you average size?

The average hat size for a woman is 22 inches. Most hats aren’t sold by size, but it’s helpful to know if your head is small, medium or large.

How to change the size

If a hat that you adore is too large or too small, there are ways to fix that problem. If you are near a millinery shop or millinery supply store, you should be able to purchase hat size reducers, which include foam and felt hat inserts or size adjustable sweatbands.

If your hat is too small, it’s possible to have your chapeau stretched with a hat stretching device.

Break the rules

When I purchase a hat, I don’t abide by rules that consider the shape of my face, which is square.

If I love the hat and the mirror reflects pleasure, it’s mine.

Don’t just look at your head

I do use a full length mirror so as to be aware of proportion and silhouette. Some say that the brim should not be larger than the width of your shoulders.

How to choose the best hat for your face shape

However, there are suggestions that can be considered regarding face shape if you are so inclined:

If your face is round

Choose a hat that has a broad or irregular brim, a prominent crown and vertical design features to balance out the fullness of your face.

If your face is square

Choose an asymmetrical hat to balance the angle of your jawline.

An irregular brim and prominent crown will make your face appear longer and wearing your hat at an angle will soften your face.

If your face is rectangle

Choose hats with full or uplifted brims and avoid high crowns and small brims that make you face look longer.

If your face is triangular

Choose any hat that adds width at the forehead. Asymmetric brims and crowns with some height will draw attention upwards.

If your face is diamond

Choose hats with medium brims to avoid making your forehead and chin more narrow. Wide hat bands help to visually widen your forehead.

If your face is heart-shaped or oval

There are no limitations.

How to travel with hats?

Traveling with hats involves planning. I have a collection of fabric and packable hats that pack easily and retain their shape.

If I have a special occasion in another city, I have been known to send special hats ahead and they are available when I arrive.

How to make sure that hats stay on?

There are times when strategies are necessary to keep a hat, fascinator or headpiece on your head.

There are options available from online millinery supply sites if you don’t have resources in your community. Combs, elastics headbands or hat pins can be used for this purpose.

I prefer round elastic cords with barbed ends, 12 inches in length, which hold a hat in position by placing the barbs into the crown near its edge or in the inner hat band, if there is one.

The elastic is positioned under the hair on the back of the head. My hair is short, so this works best for me. If you have long or medium length hair, you may prefer other options.

How to combine your hat with your hair?

Speaking of hair, which is important to most of us, finding a hat that fits for your style may take experimentation.

Wearing your hair up or down is all about personal preference, comfort level and whatever pleases your eye.

Browsing online images of women wearing hats provides ideas and guidance.

As a passionate hat wearer, I have my hair cut to go well with hats. Not everyone wants to make that commitment!

Matching your hat to your skin tone

You may want to consider choosing a hat that flatters your skin tone, as it’s an accessory that kisses your face.

Starting out with neutral colors and graduating to bold hues after you feel comfortable with headwear is one way to start a small collection.

What about hat hair?

Some women complain about “hat hair” after wearing a hat and taking it off. I wear my hat all day (unless I change hats) once it’s found a place on my head, which is appropriate etiquette for women.

I avoid wearing hats with tall crowns to the theater, which would be the only reason I can think of to take my hat off. I wouldn’t want to block someone’s view!

How to wear your hat

During the time that I owned my hat shop, I encouraged many women to purchase their first hat. I like to wear my hats low on my forehead, and many times tilted at a jaunty angle, usually over the right eye.

I would adjust hats for my customers and they would observe in the mirror the difference a small change could make in how the hat looked on their head.

I would encourage you to pull the brim of your hat lower on your forehead than you think you should, and slowly pull it up from there until it pleases you.

Playing with hats without brims can be managed in a similar manner. Sometimes a hat can be worn backwards or to the side, to create a totally different silhouette. Experiment and have fun!

How to store your hats

I’m a hat collector, and I have many hats. I store my hats in hat boxes when they aren’t in season and display them when in season.

For example, I display my felt hats in fall/winter and my straw hats in spring/summer. I have various styles of hat racks and shelves for this purpose.

I have a number of delicate hats that I keep in hat boxes at all times, so as not to expose them to dust.

Before storing hats in boxes, I clean them with a hat brush (which again can be purchased from a millinery supply site) and store them in tissue paper, making sure that the shape of the hat is protected.

If you’re new to wearing hats, it will be easy to care for a small number and it won’t be complicated.

I’ve discovered these tips as a hat lover over the past 40 years. You may develop your own practices as you explore the wonderful world of hat wearing! Hats have added a beautiful dimension to my life and I hope that you find enjoyment in discovering the art that is headwear.

How to wear hats in summer

While it’s obvious you will want to wear a warm hat to keep you cozy in colder months, a hat is also a summer essential.

What completes a great summer outfit?

That’s right. The light straw hat! Great to shield yourself from the sun and often a stylish final touch to your outfit.

Below are some example of 40+women wearing summer hats. (photographed by Denton Taylor).

More inspiration on how to wear your hat!

Below is more inspiration on how to wear your hat. These photos were taken by Denton Taylor.

Jean

Valerie

Don’t you just love these colors and that very unique hat of Valerie’s? You may recognise her as one of the Idiosyncratic Fashionistas featured before this style interview. Love this picture of her.

Teresa Taylor

Dayle, Shelley and Valerie

3 ladies we have featured before all looking fabulous: Dayle (her style interview), Shelley (her style interview) and Valerie on another day.

Black & White top hat

A red beret

Love the look of this woman. Super chic & edgy.

Black and white mix

Great outfit accessorized with the most beautiful smile.

Vintage style

This couple fits the vintage show so well in their beautiful vintage attire.

Brown beret

A hat can be subtle too like this beautiful beret. Great outfit too!

Jean

And here is the other half of the couple that makes the Idiosyncratic Fashionistas. Jean too embraced color on this day. Read her style interview here.

Shelley

Shelley looking gorgeous on her second day too.

A hat that pops

What better way to add a bit of color than a bright blue hat? Fun!

Elegant cowboy style

A unique look that combines classic elements with a cowboy vibe.

Patricia

Home stylist and artist Patricia Fox, also known as Purely Patricia, looks colorful and happy in this ensemble.

Classic

This couple look gorgeous and classically chic.

Monochromatic

A Chic monochromatic look.

Round hat

Finally this hat is a lovely example of how a fabulous hat can make an outfit instantly more chic and fabulous.

How to you like to wear a hat? Which of these hat looks is your favorite?

Continue reading:

1. How To Choose A Hat For Your Face Shape
2. Cold Weather Outfits To Keep You Warm AND Stylish
3. How To Look Fashionable In Winter – Which Of These 10 Ways Do You Use?

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Feature and interview photos by Judith Boyd

Other photos from Instagram, credited individually

All other hat inspiration photos by Denton Taylor

The post how to wear a hat – The ultimate guide appeared first on 40+ Style.