Want to look sexy at 40 and beyond? Trust our guide to sexy clothes for older women that will make you feel cool and classy, too.
How to Look Sexy at Any Age
There are so many style icons over 40 now that it’s hard to even choose our favorites. From celebrities we love to supermodels from the 90s who still look incredible—there’s inspiration everywhere.
One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned from women like Julia Roberts, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Goldie Hawn (pictured above) is that looking sexy at 40 and beyond is about two things:
- Having a lot of confidence.
- Playing up your best features.
Celebrities have the advantage of personal trainers, expensive beauty and wellness products, and professional makeup artists—but looking sexy and feeling amazing after your 30s is about so much more than how much money you can spend on Spanx and airbrushing.
In this post, we’ll share our best tips and style advice for finding sexy dresses for older women that are inspired by women we love like Julianne Moore, Sandra Bullock, Meryl Streep, and Naomi Watts. Their red carpet style can teach us a lot about mastering a sophisticated take on sexy later in life.
Julianne Moore: The Sexy Way to Sparkle
We have just one word for Julianne Moore: Flawless. While wearing this much sparkle and shimmer in your fifties might seem counter-intuitive at first, take note of how Julianne makes it work. She sticks to rich tones and monochromatic looks, and keeps her hair and beauty very simple.
Each of these looks is also rather covered—which is important. If you’re going to draw the eye in with sequins and gems, play down the exposed skin and focus on getting a great fit. That way, your look will feel more fashion-focused than overtly “sexy.”
Jennifer Aniston: The Queen of Girl Next Door Sexy
We’ve had a girl crush on Jennifer Aniston for decades now! Since she made her debut on Friends in the 1990s, we’ve obsessed over her style endlessly. Now that Friends is done and she’s a bonafide movie star, we’ve kept a close eye on her off-duty style for constant inspiration.
When it comes to casual outfits, the most classic look just happens to also be the sexiest. Tuck a white shirt into your favorite blue jeans (that fit like a dream) and voila—you’re done.
This look is timeless, and the sexiness is in its simplicity. While you may have surpassed the age of tank tops and tube tops with your tight jeans—the white shirt is an ageless option that will always look good. Everyone from Diane Keaton to Kendall Jenner looks good in this combo—it signals to the world that you’re not trying that hard. Effortless = sexy.
Susan Sarandon: Classy and Unapologetically Sexy
Can you believe this woman just turned 70? The truth is that for many women her age, wearing nothing but a bra under your blazer isn’t a realistic outfit. However, on the right, we see her in a wide-leg jumpsuit and long coat that have a sexy, 70s vibe without being too revealing or retro-feeling.
The lesson to take away from Susan Sarandon is that at the end of the day, you can’t let anyone else tell you what you can and cannot wear at a certain age.
(Remember how fabulous she was in Alfie?) If you feel amazing, if you feel confident, and you look in the mirror and you’re happy with what you see? That’s all you need. That attitude is sexy.
Meryl Streep: The Understated, Glamorous Take on Sexy
Ah Meryl, how we love thee. At 67, this world-class actress is a force to be reckoned with both on and off-screen. She (and her stylist, most likely) have been working hard to create a style for the red carpet that is sexy and glamorous while also being almost so classy it hurts. A black-and-white palette (similar to Susan Sarandon) is a good place to start, especially if you’re going to a formal or dressy event.
The simple color combo isn’t flashy or even fresh—it’s unfussy and elegant. Take cues from these two looks and be sure to play up features you love—whether that’s your décolletage, your arms, or your calves… Whatever part you love, show it off!
More Tips for Dressing Sexy at Any Age
Gwyneth Paltrow, Sandra Bullock, and Naomi Watts all prove that sexy clothes for older women can come in many forms. Whether you’re looking for a casual outfit for the weekend or a formal dress for a special occasion, keep these tips in mind:
- Confidence is key. No matter what you’re wearing, if you feel confident in it, you’ll look sexy.
- Play up your best features. Whether it’s your legs, your arms, or your décolletage, choose clothes that highlight the parts of your body that you love.
- Keep it simple. Less is often more when it comes to sexy outfits. Stick to classic, timeless pieces and avoid anything too trendy or flashy.
- Don’t be afraid to sparkle. If you love sequins, gems, and shimmer, go for it! Just be sure to balance out the sparkle with more understated pieces.
- Find the right fit. Clothes that fit you well will always be more flattering than those that don’t. Invest in high-quality pieces that are tailored to your body.
We hope these tips and style inspirations help you find the perfect sexy clothes for older women. Remember, age is just a number, and you’re never too old to feel confident and sexy in your own skin!
