The Power of Personal Style in Your 40s

Our 40s can be a transformational decade. For many of us, it’s a time of both reflection and reinvention. We may be established in our career, be caring for a family, or navigating changes in our body, identity, or lifestyle. Through it all, there’s one thing that often gets quietly pushed aside: our personal style. But... Our 40s can also be a time of finally being able to prioritise ourselves again.

Self care is not selfish care

Here’s something I want you to know (or be reminded of) - how you dress still matters.  Not for other people, but for you. Our 40s can be a time when we have learnt various lessons from past mistakes. We have experienced pain and sadness but now have now a better understanding of ourselves and so are empowered to say "enough is enough". Time and time again I hear from clients they are finally feeling ready and in a position to put themselves first again. They want to reconnect with the person they are, allowing them to show up as a better version than they've been able to recently.

This is why I love doing what I do. I love working with clients who take delight in having made that step to put themselves first and invest in themselves again. The best bit? When clients contact me to tell me the wonderful ways family members, friends or colleagues are noticing changes and differences in how they are showing up.

"...an increase in my self confidence and enthusiasm- this has been noted by all staff at work" Judy (following a Wardrobe Edit)

You’re Not Who You Were in your early 30s—and That’s a Good Thing

In your early 30s, style often serves practicality: dressing for convenience, building a career, perhaps adapting to motherhood or simply surviving busy mornings. But in your 40s (or approaching your 40s), you're often coming into a deeper understanding of yourself. You know what you want, what you don’t like and that self-awareness is a superpower.

Now is the perfect time to align your outer image and personal style with the inner you - and that starts with defining and owning your style. Your 40s is the time to start enjoying the life you've been working so hard to create for yourself up til now.

Style Isn’t About Trends - It’s About Understanding

Many women I work with tell me they feel lost when it comes to their style after hitting 40. Many of us lose our way with our style at some point (myself included) and can find it difficult to pinpoint what it is we're trying to achieve. But you don’t need to chase trends or dress like you're in your 20s to be relevant or feel stylish.

Instead, it's about:

• Understanding your personal style

• Wearing clothes that reflect your personality, lifestyle and body

• Feeling seen, comfortable and confident

  
  

The right outfit isn’t just about looking good - it can change how you walk into a room, how you speak up in meetings, how you show up for yourself and it can affect how people respond to you.

You Deserve to Be a Priority

After years of giving to your career, your family and others you may have unintentionally lost your connection to your own identity. Style can be a beautiful way to reclaim that.

Investing in your personal style is not vanity - it’s self-respect.

And when you start showing up as the most authentic, polished version of yourself, others take notice. As a previous client once said to me, by putting yourself first you are demonstrating the importance of self kindness and therefore being a great role model to others.

Your 40s can be a Fresh Start

Forget the idea that style fades with age. If anything, your 40s is the ideal time to step into your full power - and your wardrobe can and should reflect that.

Whether your body has changed, you're navigating the menopause, your career has evolved or your tastes have shifted, now is the perfect time to refresh, redefine, and reclaim your style.

I've written previously about the 3 style words method - it's a great technique if you're feeling like you need a nudge in the right direction when it comes to your style. Check out the link if you'd like some inspiration.

Fashion and style should be a source of fun and excitement that allows you to explore and experiment. It's about self expression and so it's important to wear what feels right for you and, most importantly, what makes you happy.

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I rest my case! Personal style is so much more than clothes or fashion. It's about your identity, your confidence and showing up as your best self. Nailing your personal style can make you feel differently, can improve your mood and affect how people react around you.

If you feel ready to work on your personal style and would like some help with it why not get in touch to arrange a free Discovery Call? Simply fill in your details here or drop me an email lou@stylegalore.co.uk. I can talk you through some of the ways I might be able to help you - but there's no obligation.