11 Simple Tips & Casual Outfits For Women Over 40 That Are Effortlessly Sexy

Easy Casual Outfits For Women Over 40

We all have an idea of what “sexy” looks like, right?! For some of you, your mind might go straight to the super short, super tight dress with cleavage hanging out. That’s overtly sexy and not what we’re going for here! Below, you’ll find all of my little tweaks and tips to make your casual outfits just a little sexier. These make it much more casual, accessible, functional, and wearable for women over 40. Disclaimer: I always always always tell you that you should wear what makes YOU feel comfortable and confident… If these tips don’t speak to you, skip ‘em!

For more chic and effortless outfit ideas that you can easily recreate, make sure you check out this post next!

Tip #1) Strategic Cutouts

I LOVE cutouts! When they’re strategically placed, they can be subtly sexy, elegant, and sophisticated. I’m wearing this gorgeous midi dress that has long sleeves and a longer length that feels very appropriate for a woman over 40. But, it has a subtle, sexy slit on the side to show a little leg, and it has a strategic asymmetrical cutout at the neckline that adds just a touch of sexy. It is a more form-fitting dress, which is a consideration if you’re not comfortable with your stomach. But it also has a layer on the inside that creates more forgiveness. This is one of those fabulous staple dresses for women who want to stay warm but look sexy and sophisticated. Oh, and you can wear a regular bra with it!

I styled the dress with a pair of brown suede western-inspired booties by Dolce Vita that are very on-trend right now. I’ve wear them a TON with jeans, dresses, and skirts. Layered over the dress is this cool faux leather blazer by Evereve. The faux leather looks and feels really high-quality and the color is gorgeous for any time of year. I also love the 70s-inspired look of it! Adding the third layer also helps conceal the tummy and create a more slimming look.

By the way, I shared a video a while back about body love and where I am in my journey here if you’re interested.

Tip #2) Fitted Anything

Anything that highlights your shape is a simple and casual way to look sexy. This does NOT mean it has to be super tight! Body-skimming pieces like the dress I’m wearing in #1 are what you’ll want to look for. Another option is to go with a body-skimming top like this cutout top. It’s a thicker ribbed material that helps with that body-skimming look and the cutout adds to the sexiness. It looks SO good with jeans and I’ll definitely layer a cool leather jacket over it when it’s cold.
The jeans I’m wearing are by Citizens of Humanity. They’re super high rise, a great wash, and have a flattering flared leg. These are a great pair of versatile jeans for fall/winter if you’re ready to try the wider jean silhouette. On my feet, I’m wearing a cute pair of black pointed-toe mules by Sam Edelman. These are very comfortable, on-trend, and a great transition piece for fall/winter and spring/summer.

Tip #3) Highlight Your Waist

Anything that highlights your shape and waist is sexy. I know many of you don’t like to highlight the waist because you have a tummy. So with that in mind, I’d choose a blouse that highlights the waist, but also hides a tummy…win, win! This Cloth & Stone blouse is paper thin, which makes it great if you’re experiencing hot flashes, but also great for transitioning into different seasons and wearing on its own or layered under jackets. But what I really love about this top is the wrap front, which is a very flattering style detail for anyone with a tummy. The drawstring waist combined with the mini peplum makes it the perfect top for hiding a tummy! I styled the top with the same jeans and black mules from #2.

Tip #4) Highlight Your Waist – With A Waistbelt!

Another option for highlighting your waist is to wear a waist belt! Especially if you wear some killer high-rise jeans that come way up over your belly button. If you’re still weary of the waistbelt, throw on a third layer like I did with the faux leather blazer to create a slimming effect. You still get the waist definition in the front with the belt, but slim the sides and backside with the blazer.

Tip #5) Rock Some Leather

It doesn’t have to be real leather! Go with faux leather or vegan leather for a more budget-friendly option. This faux leather blazer is the same one I’m wearing in a few of the previous looks. You don’t have to go with a leather blazer either…you can try leather pants, coated jeans, a leather moto, a leather shirtdress, etc. Adding leather makes a look inherently sexy without being too over the top.
Underneath the blazer, I have on a lace-trim camisole. This camisole is a wonderful basic with a twist. The lace detail contrasts with the leather blazer for a cool casual look. I’m wearing a pair of black Agolde jeans (run small, order one size up). These jeans are cropped, which I love because you can pair them with any shoes you want without having to overthink it. I’m wearing the Sam Edelman mules but you could swap them for black booties, sneakers, heels, etc.

Tip #6) A Hint of Lingerie

This doesn’t mean you have to show your bra off! A tiny touch of lace or satin will do the trick. The Evereve camisole is the perfect example, and the lace trim is already built in so it takes all of the guesswork out of it! Plus, it has adjustable straps, which is a must so you can control how much cleavage you’re showing. I love wearing lace camis under blazers, button-downs, sweaters…pretty much anything I can!

#7) Sexy Boots

The right pair of boots can really take your look up a notch. Anything stiletto, western-inspired, tall, knee-high, over-the-knee, pointed-toe, or on-trend toe-shaped can make a big impact. In this look, I’m wearing a pair of sexy Schutz boots that I love so much, I have them in three colors. I styled them with a classic pair of jeans, a basic ivory sweater, and a faux fur jacket. Adding these boots to any outfit instantly makes it feel and look just a little sexier.

#8) The Perfect Jeans

Don’t underestimate the power of a great pair of jeans! A flattering pair of jeans that make you feel confident should be a wardrobe staple in every woman’s closet. Find a pair that gives you legs for days, style them with a pair of good shoes, and you’re good to go. If you want to make your legs look longer and leaner, I recommend going with a pair of wide-leg, bootcut, or flared high-rise jeans. In this look, I’m wearing my favorite pair of L’Agence straight-leg jeans that are a heavy hitter in my day-to-day casual wardrobe. They’re high-rise, super flattering, and elongate my legs. You can dress them up for date night with heels and a gorgeous blouse like I did or tone them down with sneakers and a tee.

If you’re interested in more tips on how to look taller and leaner, make sure you check out this post next.

#9) Wear Bright Colors

Wearing bright colors can actually be very sexy but it’s so easy to do, it feels casual and effortless. In this look, Erin’s wearing a gorgeous emerald green top that lights up her face and her eyes. Knowing what colors complement your complexation is a super helpful tool when getting dressed each day. Some other colors that look amazing on everyone include cobalt blue, red, pink, and pretty much any jewel tone.

We recently shared about the best colors to wear for pale skin tones so be sure to check that out if you’re interested.

#10) Don’t Forget About Beauty

Another important piece of the puzzle when creating a sexy, casual outfit is to consider your hair and makeup. Fluff up your hair or add some volumizing product before you dry it, pay attention to your makeup and consider adding a sexy winged eyeliner or putting on some fun lipstick. These details can take casual wear up a notch and add style.

#11) Accessories

You may have noticed in these looks that I didn’t go overboard with accessories. While a bold statement necklace may draw the eyes up, it’s not completely necessary when you’re trying to add a little sexiness to your casual looks. Keep your jewelry minimal but impactful.

Which of these tips are you going to try first? Let me know in the comments below!

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