The Over-40 Women We Follow Religiously for Style Advice
It goes without saying that the quest for great style doesn’t end when you move into your 40s. Mature fashion influencers, in general, tend to know their style inside out. They’re not wearing something because it’s now suddenly in; they’re wearing it because it suits them and fits in with their own style and wardrobes. This amounts to one all-important lesson we can learn from these influencers: The clothes never wear them.
All over Instagram, the over-40 fashion bloggers listed below are making their mark. Sure, you’ll find them in much of our content, but we thought it was high time to spotlight some of our favourite dressers. Not only do they have the most stylish closets going, but they’ve also taught us a thing or two about how to really put together a winning ensemble. From minimalism to bold hues, there’s bound to be something that fits every taste—no matter your age. Keep scrolling to see the over-40 fashion bloggers and influencers who inspire our outfits daily.
TAMU MCPHERSON
Jamaica-born, Italy-based Tamu McPherson has long been a part of the street style set and is a well-loved face in the fashion industry. Not only is her personal style a veritable whirlwind of different ideas and looks on a daily basis, but this is a woman with many strings to her bow—she is a blogger, photographer, editor, consultant and more. You can never predict what Tamu will wear or get up to next, and that’s what’s so magical about her.
Tamu always picks up the next big thing before everyone else—like when she wore this sought-after JW Anderson trench coat.
She always accessorizes simpler outfits perfectly with sophisticated yet fun add-ons.
She also has a spectacular tailoring wardrobe. What we wouldn’t give to borrow a suit…
Key buy:
Wandler Marie Cutout Leather Mules (£350)
LINDA FARGO
You don’t become the senior vice president of the fashion office and the director of women’s fashion and store presentation of New York’s iconic Bergdorf Goodman without learning a thing or two, and Linda has style by the bucketload. She’s often spotted wearing bold prints or sleek separates, and when speaking to the FT, she revealed that she’s a fan of timeless classics “with a bit of bite.”
Directional but undeniably classic, this is Linda’s outfit USP.
Linda knows that great pair of tailored trousers can work with many outfit combinations across the seasons.
Light, punchy colours can lend themselves incredibly well to a spring wardrobe—no matter your age.
Key buy:
M&S Collection Pure Linen Belted Wide Leg Trousers (£30)
PAULA SUTTON
Paula’s joyful wardrobe looks all the more fabulous thanks to the backdrop of her beautiful countryside home. We became obsessed with her cheery frocks and sophisticated looks during lockdown last year, and she has undoubtedly become a major influencer in the #cottagecore world online, developing quite an Instagram following in her 50s. Clearly, we aren’t the only ones who have fallen for the romance of her Norfolk life, and her outfit ideas can easily translate to more urban lifestyles.
Paula’s many fabulous dresses often feature frills, gathered details, cute collars and puff sleeves.
Her downtime ensembles are just as lovely. Cue shiny loafers, fitted trousers and cosy knits.
Prints are somewhat of a Paula signature. If you are ever on the hunt for a floral dress, she is your woman.
Key buy:
Meadows Meadows Clematis Midi Dress (225)
GRECE GHANEM
Grece Ghanem is the Canadian personal trainer turned fashion influencer we just can’t get enough of. Her style code is inherently chic (and full of old Céline), but she’s not afraid of more out-there trends like Bermuda shorts or neon tights.
Grece’s elevated basics make up a core part of her hard-working wardrobe.
No trend is left unturned by Grece, from lilac to florals, ripped jeans to chunky-soled boots. If you like it, wear it.
Bold colours in simple shapes are a recognsiable Grece move.
Key buy:
Ganni Rubber Chelsea Boots (£195)
ERICA DAVIES
Erica Davies is a former fashion editor, and her years of experience on a fashion desk can certainly be seen in her excellent choice of wares. Bright hues and OTT prints are her style signature, as is her immaculately applied red lipstick. Follow her for affordable style and serious interiors inspiration, too.
Erica is a dress connoisseur and often wears the styles first that end up becoming major retail successes.
Midi lengths, fancy sleeves and comfortable cuts are her go-to options.
Erica doesn’t just let a fab dress do all the talking—she’s great at layering, accessorising and thinking about how to elevate each key item.
Key buy:
Anthropologie Kaya Floral Maxi Dress (£150)
TENNILLE MURPHY
We follow Tennille for a host of reasons. She’s an interior designer, self-care guru, and fitness expert and has great beauty tips too, but her fashion choices are always exponentially chic—even her workout clothes. Her palette is quite neutral (greys, beiges and so on), which makes for a very versatile and hard-working wardrobe.
Knitted co-ords have taken a grown-up turn over the past year or so, with sophisticated sets like this available at both high-end and high-street brands.
A smattering of jewellery can make any casual look feel ready for the day.
Slip skirts and tailoring make for a winning combination.
Key buy:
H&M Rib-Knit Cropped Top (£13)
METTE SORRIG
We’re always looking for new ways to channel Scandi style, and one of our favourite outfit resources is Mette. Expect plenty of midi skirts, chunky jumpers, sleek tailoring and an excellent use of bold hues.
Mette is great at committing to a bold colour and wearing it head to toe.
Unusual knitwear is a speciality for Mette. Pairing a cardigan with a long denim skirt is a great outfit idea for spring 2021.
She’s all about the layering and styling hacks to make minimalistic pieces look really interesting.
Key buy:
Mango Cotton Crochet Cardigan (£36)
RENIA JAZ
Renia Jaz set up her blog, Ven’s Wife Style, to inspire women her age to break the fashion mould. You never know which trend she’ll don next, but one thing’s for sure: It’s guaranteed to boast some impressive layering skills.
Renia has quite a few leather skirts in her armoury, and she styles them up in many different ways.
Tonal outfits never fail to look sumptuous, but the contrast with chunky black boots gives the overall effect of effortlessness.
Statement coats don’t have to be worn over plain outfits. Renia often uses a wild coat over an interesting ensemble for extra impact.
Key buy:
COS Classic Leather Clutch Bag (£125)
TRACEY LEA SAYER
When it comes to tailoring and chic separates, Tracey Lea Sayer is your woman. She’s a fashion director, and her Instagram page is packed with incredible looks from the high-street matched in quality only by her wit.
Tracey recently shared her capsule wardrobe with us via her column. It just works.
Tracey isn’t afraid of a new trend. She simply finds ways to weave it into her existing wardrobe so that she utilises what she already owns as often as possible.
Tracey always adds a little interest to her looks, whether through colourful socks, a printed scarf or a cool bag.
Key buy:
Arket Oversized Wool Hopsack Blazer (£199)
ALYSON WALSH
Those in the pursuit of Scandi-inspired ensembles should turn to Alyson Walsh. The fashion journalist turned influencer favours separates and trousers over dresses and skirts, always with a twist. Think prints and bright colours.
Leopard print is a firm staple in Alyson’s wardrobe.
This look strikes the perfect balance between directional and minimal.
Almost every fashion editor will claim to own a camel-coloured knit that they wear on repeat.
Key buy:
& Other Stories Wide Press Crease Trousers (£65)
TRACEE ELLIS ROSS
Okay, okay—she’s not a fashion blogger nor an influencer, but actress Tracee Ellis Ross is
a fashion queen! Her Instagram is chock-full of adventurous and uplifting outfit ideas, and she recently launched a great haircare brand called Pattern. The range focuses on products for curly, coily and light-textured hair.
She’s wearing the heck out of this Christopher John Rogers piece, and we love how she always matches bright frocks to bright shoes.
Tracee’s dresses always have multiple talking points. This leopard maxi is also beaded and fringed—wow.
This is a woman who likes a loud dress. This neon checked number is really out-there, and we love it.
Key buy:
Paco Rabanne Leopard-Print Stretch-Jersey Maxi Dress (£670)
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
This article originally appeared on Who What Wear
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