what to wear: turning 40

It is “the” birthday of your lifetime; one in which you realize you are no longer a spring chick and that you really are a grown-up — even if you don’t feel like it.  Panic may set in as you contemplate the approaching day:

“OMG, shouldn’t I own a designer suit or a nice pair of Louboutins by now?”

“What do grown-ups wear?  Should I change my wardrobe to be more ‘adult’?”

And the worst thought:

“Is this outfit age appropriate???”

It’s like suddenly the number 40 has taken our thoughts hostage.  What we really should be considering is if our lifestyle has changed over the last decade and whether our sense of style has been left behind for dead.

Now is the time to evaluate your wardrobe and determine if it supports you in expressing yourself and if fits in with your current lifestyle.  Now is the time for a thorough closet purge.

And, yes you should add something extraordinarily special to your closet for your big day — something that you can wear for the next decade that makes you feel beautiful and hip.  For example, the designer Thakoon is modern and perfect for a newly minted 40-yr old.  The Shibari Shift Dress is great for rectangle body types because the asymmetrical ribbon detail distracts from the fact that your waist is undefined.  Or, go for a beautifully constructed Michael Kors dress in black — it also comes in blue if you are so inclined; great for all body types.

Mirror the ruching of the dresses with this ruched clutch in berry. Add a geometric Kate Spade cuff bracelet, some statement earrings and strappy sandals (left:  Givenchy; right: Pour La Victoire) and you’re ready to start your new decade off with aplomb.

Remember, you are not defined by a number.