40 over 40: 40 Things Every Woman over 40 Needs to Know About Getting Dressed

by Brenda Kinsel

It's tough to be a woman over forty in a world where fashion is dominated by youth and unattainable body images. But help is right here! With doses of humor, 40 Over 40 speaks to the woman who is forty or over, helping her develop style and expression through her clothes, helping her appear every bit as successful and accomplished on the outside as she is on the inside.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Fashion

184 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Barbara Ab · Rating 2 out of 5]

Below my expectations. Easy to read and a bit funny. The author provides a lot of personal insights about life nd tips but at the end it’s just “adapt clothes to yourself and forgive yourself if you don’t get up early in order to exercise and shred overweight”.

[Barbara Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breezy and engaging writing style with quick and doable tips.

[Sterlingcindysu · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe because I'm a decade past being 40, most of what is written about here I've already incorporated--I agree with it, such as paying full price for items is worth it in the long run vs. a sale and buy what you love--but doesn't everyone know that already? She contradicts herself on the topic of being trendy, get out of ruts, try new things--and then on the next page says "just because it's in doesn't mean you should be in it." The book was a pleasure to read with pretty typefaces and whimsical doodles, but I wonder if that was to make it fluff up to 180 pages. The best features were when Kinsel was very specific, such as "what to wear to a reunion." (copied review) It's tough to be a woman over 40 in a world where fashion is dominated by youth and unnatural body images. But help is on the way! With generous doses of humor, 40 over 40 speaks to the 40-something woman, helping her develop style and expression through her clothes with 40 helpful hints and strategies. The book provides compassionate support for the busy woman who, already befuddled by fashion, may be really lost now that she imagines she's over the hill fashionwise. While acknowledging the changes time brings, 40 over 40 promises to help a woman create a closet of clothes that provides deep satisfaction and makes getting dressed an enjoyable experience. Tackling scenarios such as shopping for a bathing suit, dressing for a high school reunion, and exploring alternatives to plastic surgery, 40 over 40 dissects the fashion and beauty business, pulls out what works, and shows the reader how to toss away what doesn't.

[Linda Orvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was well over 40 when I read this. In denial, I guess. Even the titles and quotes accompanying each chapter are a joy in this book on how not to get stuck in our choices of fashion. Subjects include: Organize Your Closet and Have More Time for Sex; Your Clothes Have Expired; Fit, Fat, or Fake it; and much more. The humor kept me reading, and the information gave me pause while passing my closet. Brenda Kinsel pulls no punches, brutally dragging the over 40 of us into the twenty-first century with a verbal smile on her face. She does so with such statements as, “The #1 most matronly clothing item on the planet is the stiff, long A-line denim skirt, especially with pleats. Treat it like typhoid fever. Get it out of your closet immediately.” Ms. Kinsel addresses the taboo and the practical. Where else can you find out how to dress for your High School Reunion as well as a divorce?

[LemontreeLime · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know, i didn't know what to think of this book. Bought it at a library sale some years back and never got around to reading it until now. I'm glad i kept it. It's clever, witty, and really quite inspiring. The combination of Brenda Kinsel's humor and Jenny Phillip's drawings is a perfect match, turning a potentially hazardous subject into something fun. She has some great ideas too about how to figure out how YOU are supposed to dress to please yourself AND look put together. Kinsel has a really good point - if you are not comfortable in your clothes it will show all over the way you hold yourself. But if you love what you're wearing, you'll shine like Waterford crystal in a solar storm and every part of how you act will reflect that happiness. So, why waste time on things that don't make you happy when you wear them? Excellent work, ladies!!

[Bess · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED THIS BOOK!! I really need to revamp "my look" - which may only mean making more mindful purchases going forward (so I can "mindfully plunk down a hundred bucks for Doc Maarten flowered combat boots) - but still, I needed a little guidance. Whatever your style, Kinsel's book can help you really explore it as best you can.

[Nancy Madlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book, and go back and refer to it, and re-read it often. It never fails to inspire me with a healthy, self-esteeming love of stylish clothes and accessories. Kinsel has such a clear idea of how to express oneself through clothes, and how to evolve as one's life changes -- and her ideas are clearly expressed here.

[Melody · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid advice for the middle-aged crowd in search of style. Just enough personal anecdotes sprinkled in the humorous and warm suggestions for dressing with panache. I enjoyed this book and have incorporated some of the suggestions. Be sure to notice when you see me next.

[Mimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book came to me when I needed it. More than just fashion help..its loving and embracing who you are. I want to loan it to all my friends!

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised - it's a practical, encouraging book that leaves you feeling good about your possibilities instead of in the dumps, even if you're the farthest thing from a fashionista.

[MyOnly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great advice and a different way to approach choosing clothes. Highly recommended!

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tips on how every woman can have a glorious relationship with her clothes. My favorite statement: "You're worth full price."

[Karin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing new here but some good reminders and it ticks a box in my BOTNS Bingo Card.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found some very good ideas!

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Humor mixed with good advice made this one an enjoyable read!