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 wardrobe. This amounts to one all-important lesson we can learn from these influencers: The clothes never wear them.
The over-40 fashion bloggers and influencers listed below are making their marks all over Instagram. Sure, you'll already 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.
1. TAMU MCPHERSON
Jamaica-born 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 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 accessorises 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:
Chic mules you’ll come to rely on for many outfits, just as Tamu does.
2. 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 Financial Times, 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.
Light, punchy colours can lend themselves incredibly well to a spring wardrobe—no matter your age.
Linda knows that great pair of tailored trousers can work with many outfit combinations across the seasons.
Key buy:
The perfect wide-leg trousers do exist.
3. 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:
Ghost dresses are always a wise investment.
4. 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:
Grece would clash this blazer with other bright colours, much like she has done in the above ensembles.
5. 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 interior 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:
The high collar and puff sleeves are key details Davies looks for in her dresses.
6. TENNILLE MURPHY
We follow Tennille for a host of reasons. She's an interior designer, self-care guru, and fitness expert who 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:
Wear on its own or layered under a crisp white shirt.
7. 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 one of her specialities. 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:
This will instantly make your jeans feel fresh for the new season.
8. 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 wear 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:
A bag you can carry day or night.
9. FRANNY
Franny is one of our favourite French dressers thanks to her potent blend of timeless style and a love of vintage fashion. Everything she wears is effortless, easy and elevated. While you'll find her in everything from jeans and trainers to fancy dresses and mules, some of her best outfits involve fluid silhouettes.
With her basket bag, chunky sandals and belted jacket, Franny has assembled a look we all want to wear this season.
Dresses make up much of Franny's wardrobe; they're almost always oversized and sit neatly on the ankle.
This look epitomises Franny's flair for getting dressed. While others might be tempted to tuck their tops into their skirts, Franny keeps her layers loose and her style bar high.
Key buy:
Lee Mathews always creates excellent slip skirts.
10. 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:
This blazer has been a best seller for years now.
11. ALYSON WALSH
Those in the pursuit of Scandi-inspired ensembles should turn to Alyson Walsh. The fashion journalist turned influencer favours separates, knitwear 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:
This knit has the perfect amount of slouch to it.
12. 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 even has 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:
Bright, saturated shades worn top-to-toe are a huge trend this year.
13. EMMA ROSE THATCHER
She may have only just joined the 40 club, and considering she has been inspiring our wares and wardrobes for years, we just couldn’t wait to add Emma Rose Thatcher to our list. With an eye for cult products—particularly dresses that inevitably sell out—and one of the most impressive tailoring collections in the industry, Thatcher’s elevated sense of style is one we always want to replicate for ourselves.
Emma was one of the first people to wear this COS dress—and it’s no coincidence that it went on to sell out.
Slouchy tailoring is a recurring theme in Emma’s outfits.
She’s a dab hand at mixing high-end with high-street, too—this The Vampire’s Wife dress with Topshop sandals? Inspired.
Key buy:
With Emma, it has to be a dress, and we can totally see her in this one.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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