High Contrast & Black & WhiteHigh contrast, and especially black and white, is very strong this season.

Always chic and modern this can be a great trend for women over 40.

You can make it just that little bit more special by adding that pop of colour close to your face or be creative with colourful accessories.

You can apply the high contrast graphical trend with other colours too.

Sheer Sheer was one of the major trends this year.

When done in a classy and subtle way, this trend can be great fun by adding interest to your outfits.

You can play with layers and peekaboo details or wear a covered-up mini skirt.

When done in a subtle way, women over 40 can absolutely indulge in this trend.

Celebrating green Emerald green is the colour of the year and variations of that colour were well represented on the runways.

I’m biased toward the pictured darker shades of green, but there were also lots of variations of other greens like brighter and softer (mint) greens.

Perfect to combine with the black and white trend!

Bring on the power Suits

I’m loving these amazing suits.

Take your pick of neutral or electric colour options!

Although many pants are still cropped, I would try and find ones that are full length. More flattering on most women and you will be able to wear it for much longer.

Perfect for the office, a presentation or just a wonderful evening out!

World Culture and graphical pattern

A lot of designers took their inspiration from world culture.

Both Asian and African culture was well represented and usually characterised by fabulous prints in beautiful colours.

Japanese style was very popular with Prada and Miu Miu.

Show that midriff!Closely related to the sheer trend, it was especially the midriff that is highlighted this coming season!

And if you think that this trend cannot be worn by women over 40, think again. Done in a classy way as shown in the examples, I think it can be chic and sexy, although I understand that this trend is not for everyone.

Comfortable shortsMany of you will be happy to see that shorts are longer again and a bit baggy.

This can be a great trend, but be sure to style them well to avoid looking frumpy.

Lovely neutralsAs a reaction to all the colours of last year, lots and lots of neutrals were shown on the runway.

Often with sheer elements and cut in a minimalist but interesting way.

Neutrals are easy to fall in love with but be careful they don’t make you look too pale and when necessary combine with more colour.

Super bright coloursAlthough there were a lot of neutrals to be seen on the runways, colour is not out just yet.

Electric colour was especially strong with Gucci.

If you find very bright colours hard to wear, you could always incorporate them into your look with accessories.

Chic leatherThere was still a strong showing of leather in the collections, tailored in very elegant ways.

More difficult to wear in spring and summer because of the warmer weather, it can be a very chic option for the evening.

Arty and sculpturalWhat I personally love about arty pieces, usually draped original creations, is that they are timeless.

More avantgarde arty pieces never really go out of style and can be worn for a long time.

It’s a bold fashion statement and if chosen well, very body flattering.

Knee-high skirts and dressesLots of skirts and dresses were at knee height this season, which is a great length for many women over 40!

Let’s hope that we see a lot more knee height skirts back in the regular shops too this coming spring and summer.

Even more trendsBig bold stripes, big rasters, 60s silhouettes and huge ruffles are just a few of the trends that women over 40 should be careful with.

I am personally going to ignore them, since there are already so many wonderful trends to choose from.

Of course I will indulge in the high contrast graphical trend, but I will make sure to go for print and contrast that is a bit more timeless and classy, rather than the huge stripes that remind me more of a prison suit. Narrower stripes, more subtle rasters and graphical prints will definitely be on my wish list.

Have fun playing with and wearing these trends!Remember:

★ Only buy trends that suit your personality and lifestyle.★ Focus on clothes that flatter your body.★ Don’t spend too much on clothes that are too trendy. Invest more in timeless pieces.★ You can also incorporate a trend with accessories like a belt or a bag.★ For daily style inspiration and how to dress tips, don’t forget to check out 40PlusStyle.com

every day.★ Discover your unique style and answer all the questions in the style challenge.★ Ask your questions in our style forum.

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