How To Dress Well In Your 40s Ageless style tips for the new season

Whistles Thea Coat, £149 John Lewis hooded jumper, £45 Mint Velvet leather pleated skirt, available from October Whistles Rue Chelsea boot, £175

How to dress well in your 40s and still be on trend this autumn

Laura Wood seeks new season style advice from John Lewis personal stylist Kirsty Wotherspoon

Autumn has arrived bringing with it a whole host of wardrobe dilemmas. After a good 18 months of lockdown lounging, exercising, working, and socialising in, ahem, black joggers, ‘out out’ is becoming a thing again and, I don’t know if it’s an age thing, but I’ve kind of lost my way recently, in the fashion sense of the word. So, I catch up with style expert Kirsty Wotherspoon, a personal stylist at John Lewis Edinburgh for 15 years, for reassurance, and the answers to the sartorial questions that are probably on the minds of many a 40something woman.

So, maybe it is still okay for me to wear a mini if I want to… What do you think about the fashion myths

regarding the over 40s? It’s not about styles being right for any age group; it’s about finding the styles that work for you. I would never say that a style is “too young” for a client, I just make sure she looks good in it and that will bring the confidence to wear it well. I would just remind everyone that our biggest critic is ourselves. We put a lot of pressure on ourselves and can get caught

constantly comparing ourselves to others which can make us lose confidence.

What on trend looks/pieces work

on most age groups? A soft, fine leather biker jacket like this lovely one from All Saints (pictured, £319) is classic yet manages to work with pieces in most wardrobes for an upto-date look. And it’s no mean feat but finding and investing in a well-fitting pair of jeans is always a good idea.

Are there any brands instore that work particularly well for over 40s?

I really like Hush (which is exclusive to John Lewis in Edinburgh). Their styles are modern and fun but give enough coverage. Currently they have a combat patterned theme going on which, like animal prints, tends not to date in the same way that floral prints can. A particular favourite is a combat patterned, long pleated chiffon skirt. It looks great with trainers or chunky boots, teamed with a plain t-shirt and biker jacket. The brand also has a coated jean which gives a leather look; they’re a particular favourite must-have item in my wardrobe at the moment.

Our own brand And/Or also works well on over 40s. Current standout items include a fantastic long sleeved blouse and long sleeved dress in cream and black leopard print. The accessories are worth checking out too, including a black suede trainer with charcoal metallic leather stars.

What pieces will instantly update

a wardrobe each season? I’m going to say it again but you won’t go wrong with a biker jacket and jeans, and introduce a vibrant coloured top. A casual dress or pleated skirt would also be good this season, as well as a jumpsuit. Many women shy away from jumpsuits as they feel the fit can be very hit or miss. It’s worth persevering though as once you find the correct cut, a jumpsuit will quickly become the favourite piece in your wardrobe.

What are the most important things to look for when clothes shopping?

I say you have to tick three boxes: colour that suits you, style that compliments your shape and a proper fit. If something doesn’t fit perfectly, always consider if you could have it altered. It’s better to have less in your wardrobe that fits beautifully; ill-fitting clothes are always unflattering.

All Saints biker jacket, £319 And/Or charcoal trainer, £75

And/Or leopard dress, £79

Hush coated jeans, £85

Hush camo pleated skirt, £69

MEET YOUR PERSONAL STYLIST

Kirsty Wotherspoon and a team of John Lewis personal stylists are available on a walk-in and appointment basis. It’s a free service for men and women offering honest fashion advice, completely tailored to you, and will run for up to two hours. Appointments take place in the Style Studio styling suites (level three for womenswear, level two for menswear) with a selection of outfits ready for you on arrival. There’s no minimum spend or obligation to buy… and refreshments are included. To book, visit www.johnlewis.com/our-services/ personal-styling

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BEAUTYNOTES

Must-try products and treatments Three new hair heroes to try…

1. Bumble and bumble’s Bb.Illuminated Blonde collection features their very first Tone Enhancing Leave In, a daily treatment helping to enhance tone while hydrating, reducing frizz and providing heat protection. £25, bumbleandbumble.co.uk 2. Hair Rituel by Sisley Soothing Anti-Dandruff Cure is a scalpsoothing serum which claims to eradicate dandruff after a few weeks of use. At £90, it’s pricey but if you suffer from stubborn dandruff, it’s worth a try. sisley-paris.co.uk 3. Hemp-powered haircare is now a thing. Wild Science Lab

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BEAUTY EXPERT

Featuring Edinburgh-based facialist Laura Nolan

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I launched Love NOLA in 2019… After setting up an Edinburgh-based mental health charity, I realised the need for something that empowered people to undertake personal transformation too. A great facial leaves the skin invigorated, but deep inner work transforms the individual on a cellular level helping to tackle anxiety, burnout, and depression.

I designed the Love NOLA facials to reflect everything that I am passionate about… mediation, yoga, breath work, sound therapy, crystals and daily healing rituals. The Love NOLA treatment room is a place where my clients feel energised, relaxed, nourished, seen, listened to, and empowered as soon as they walk in, and for a long time after they leave.

NEW SEASON SCENTS

A trilogy of new unisex scents from Aesop has left us wondering if it’s acceptable to buy all three. From the warm woody Miraceti to the salty spice of Karst and the earthy green Erémia, these remarkable fragrances (each £140 for 50ml,) are all perfect for autumn and it’s almost impossible to choose a favourite. To try them all, visit the new Aesop store in St James Quarter. www.aesop.com Most popular facial is… my Signature facial which is bespoke to each individual. It’s 1 hour 20 mins and costs £135.

My beauty essentials are… Heliocare SPF 50 protected (yes, even here in Scotland); Nars sheer foundation in Santa Fe; Neostrata cleanser for brightening; Dior lip glow for healthy natural lips; and Chantecaille glitter liquid liner for a bit of va va voom.

To find out more, visit www.lovenola.co.uk