Spring Fashions for Women Over 40

SIZING NOTES: I’m 5’5″ and I usually wear a small in tops and dresses, a 29 in jeans, and a size 8 shoe. Gifted items are indicated by c/o; everything else I purchased myself.

Wit & Wisdom ‘Ab’Solution Skyrise Raw Hem Stretch Cotton Cargo Pants in Laurel Wreath

at Nordstrom (6) // Madewell tee (S) // perfectwhite tee (S) // Birkenstocks (39) // similar earrings

I shared these pants in my last Nordstrom Finds, and they sold like hotcakes. I love this modern take on a cargo pant.

The measurements are 26 1/2″ inseam; 18″ leg opening; 11 1/2″ front rise; and the fabric is 97% cotton, 3% spandex.

They have a really nice fit, with a little bit of stretch for comfort, and they’re a great price.

VERDICT: Keeping! I took them with me to Florida but didn’t get around to photographing them, so I plan to style them for an early spring look when I shoot with Alison next week.

perfectwhitetee Hendrix V Neck Tee

at Evereve (S) // at perfectwhitetee.com (S) // Wit & Wisdomepants (6) // Kork-Ease sandals (8)

I ordered this tee from Evereve, because I was fascinated with the shorter length. (It’s 22 1/2″ from shoulder to hem, whereas most t-shirts are in the 25″ range.)

For the price point, I wasn’t terribly impressed. I feel like the fabric and the way the neckline is designed looks too much like you’re wearing your husband’s undershirt. That’s probably the point, but I prefer more of a slub texture to my t-shirts and/or some detail around the neckline.

But the sleeves are the real deal-breaker here. They’re an awkward length and stick straight out from my shoulders. This one went back.

Madewell Whisper Cotton V-Neck Pocket Tee

at Nordstrom (S) // 25% off at Madewell (S) // Birkenstocks (39) // similar earrings

Now, contrast the perfectwhitetee Hendrix to this classic Madewell tee. You can immediately see the difference in the sleeves, and I like how this one has a subtle slub texture to it. It’s 25 1/2″ long and 100% cotton, with a flattering v-neck.

My biggest issue with this tee is the “boob pocket” but it’s not a deal breaker. My Caslon tee has that as well. This tee is slightly thicker and more substantial than the Caslon, if you’re comparing the two. Since I have the ATM and the Caslon, I don’t need another white t-shirt, but if you’re looking for a good closet basic, you can’t really go wrong with the Madewell Whisper Soft V-Neck.

Wit & Wisdom ‘Ab’Solution High Waist Kick Flare Pants in Pistachio

at Nordstrom (6) // Madewell tee (S) // Birkenstocks (39) // similar earrings

These jeans are similar to the raw hem cargo pants, but they’re more of a classic style with a finished hem, and they come in 4 color options.

The measurements are 27″ inseam; 18″ leg opening; 10″ front rise; so they’re more of a mid-rise than a high-rise style. And they’re the same 97% cotton, 3% spandex fabric.

I prefer the rear pockets on the cargo pants to these, but that’s a personal preference. These fit really well and feel nice on, so I’ll keep them for now and see if I reach for them.

MOTHER The Rambler Ankle Straight Leg Jeans

on sale at Saks (28) // at Nordstrom (28) // sweater (M) // Kork-Ease sandals (8) // platform slides (7.5)

These relaxed straight leg jeans by MOTHER denim are polished and crisp and clean. They keep your look current in a grown-up way, if you know what I mean. They aren’t slouchy or voluminous, but they look modern and on trend, and I feel like they’re flattering from all angles.

The measurements are 28″ inseam, 16″ leg opening, 11″ front rise; and the fabric is 94% cotton, 4% polyester, 2% elastane. These jeans are made in the USA, too!

As far as sizing goes, they seem to run big; the 28 fit me just fine, and I’m usually a 29 in MOTHER denim these days. If you can find your size at Saks, they’re on sale; otherwise they’re fully stocked (but full price) at Nordstrom.

PAIGE Leenah High Waist Wide Leg Jeans

on sale at Nordstrom (29) // on sale at Saks (29) // on sale at paige.com (29) // J.Crew tee (S) // earrings // necklace // similar bracelet (60% off w/ 60Jo-Lynne)

I’ve reviewed these before jeans, but I want to throw them in here for comparison purposes, and because they’re currently on sale at Nordstrom and Saks and paige.com. This is a full-length wide-leg style that is as polished and elegant as the ankle-length MOTHER Rambler featured above.

The measurements on these is 31 1/2″ inseam; 23″ leg opening; 10 3/4″ front rise; and the fabric is more of a classic stretch denim blend of 98% cotton, 2% elastane.

As you can see, these have patch pockets on the front to reflect the sailor styling trend that’s been all over the runway this year, and the rear welt pockets keep them elevated, but you definitely want to be mindful of the proper undergarments. I will wear the Wacoal Body Base Shorty under these for sure.

VERDICT: I still have these hanging in my closet with the tags on; I think I’ll end up keeping them, but I’m waiting until I start wearing my white denim regularly to be sure.

PAIGE Anessa Raw Hem Jeans

on sale at Bloomingdale’s (28) // on sale at Neiman Marcus (28) // KUT from the Kloth jacket (S) // Steven slides (8) // LOFT blouse (50% off) // Dolce Vita platforms (7.5)

I just noticed that both Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale’s have these jeans 25% off, so I wanted to share again!

I love this cropped wide-leg style with a raw hem in a medium-wash denim for casual spring/summer looks, and you can dress them up with heels too.

Here’s the same look topped off with a white denim jacket.

VERDICT: Kept them, wore them!

Kork-Ease Hutton Sandals

at Zappos (8) // at Nordstrom (8) // jeans (28)

I absolutely LOVE these sandals for spring and summer. They are soooo comfortable, without screaming COMFORT SANDAL! They run true to size for Kork-Ease. I’m wearing my usual size 8.

Ruffle Mixed Media Shell

on sale at LOFT (S) // MOTHER denim (28) // Kork-Ease sandals (8) // denim jacket (S) // similar earrings

LOFT is doing their biggest sale of the season, with 50% off + free shipping! I always buy a few of their mixed media shells for spring/summer, and I love this pink floral print. I just wish it wasn’t quite so long.

I played around with it, trying a front tuck and a full tuck, and here’s how it looks topped off with a denim jacket. This outfit is a nice option for Easter, or I might wear it to my son’s college graduation in May.

VERDICT: Definitely keeping this top! I already wore it once with the Good American Good Straight, which is a really nice white denim option for under $100.

LOFT blouse (S) // Good American denim (8) // Marc Fisher sandals (7.5)

Marc Fisher Dayne Slingback Sandals

on sale at Nordstrom (7.5)

I had to throw these in here because I just noticed they just went 25% off at Nordstrom! Even though I still have and love the Sam Edelman Kia, these are the ones I find myself reaching for with dressier looks this spring.

Not only are they flattering and comfortable, they have a lower (2.75″) heel, and they’re easier to slip off and on because there’s no futzing with the buckle once you set it where you want it.

MOTHER The Hustler High Waist Fray Hem Ankle Bootcut Jeans

on sale at Saks (29) // at Bloomingdale’s (29) // blouse (S) // Kork-Ease sandals (8) // denim jacket (S) // similar earrings

I was still focusing more on the MOTHER Rambler straight ankle jeans than the top, and I decided to try this same outfit with the MOTHER Hustler – my go-to white ankle jeans from last season. These are more of a bootcut or flare style.

I like The Rambler, but when I compare the two, I can’t help but notice how much more flattering the Hustler is on me. The raw hem definitely keeps them on the more casual side, though, and I like the elevated look of the Rambler for certain occasions.

Rambler vs. Hustler

But if I keep the PAIGE Leenah, do I need all three?

Rambler vs. Hustler vs. Leenah

Hm….. things to ponder!

Ikat Belted Scoopneck Jumpsuit

on sale at LOFT (S) // Kork-Ease sandals (8) // similar earrings

Alrighty… moving on! I ordered a couple of jumpsuits from LOFT, which are now 50% off + free shipping, but yikes! This Ikat print is definitely NOT me.

I mean, I’ll give myself a few points for trying to branch out, but I think I better stick to my solids and classic prints. Fortunately, they also make this jumpsuit in solid black.

Belted Scoopneck Jumpsuit in Black

on sale at LOFT (S) // Marc Fisher sandals on sale! (7.5) // similar earrings

This time, I made the effort to put on a strapless bra, but unfortunately, it shows under the arm. In fact, this whole jumpsuit fits in a weird way.

I think this is a really cute style, but something is off with the fit. Also, the fabric is kind of stiff and not very comfortable.

Maybe I need to size down, I dunno, but it went back… both of them, that is! It’s just too much work for a one-and-done wardrobe piece.

J.Crew Sheath dress in four-season stretch

on sale at J.Crew (10P) // Marc Fisher sandals on sale! (7.5) // similar earrings

I showed this dress before, but I forgot to photograph it in the petite size, and now it’s on sale, so here it is in the 10 petite! I rarely wear petite sizes at 5’5″, but every once in a while, it work.

The 8 regular fit well, but it was too long in the skirt, and it buckled funny under the chest when I wasn’t standing perfectly straight. Here’s a side by side comparison.

VERDICT: Keeping the 10 petite (the one on the left, in the photo above).

Dress the Population Catalina Fit & Flare Cocktail Dress Midnight Blue

at Nordstrom (M) // sandals (7.5) // similar earrings

I don’t wear many fit and flare styles, but this kind of works. Unfortunately, it’s a little boobalicious for my personal comfort level.

I also ordered the Electric Blue, and it seems to be the same dress in the same size, but they’re listed separately on the Nordstrom website, so maybe one is from a previous season?

Dress the Population Catalina Fit & Flare Cocktail Dress in Electric Blue

at Nordstrom (M) // sandals (7.5) // similar earrings

For some reason, this one doesn’t seem quite as low-cut. Here’s a side view. Even though they fit okay under the arms, they look a little long in the waist. I wonder if it would be worth it to have one of them altered; it should be pretty easy to shorten the straps by an inch, and that would help the cleavage issue, as well.

VERDICT: Undecided. I might take it with me when we go back to the seamstress who is altering my daughter’s prom dress, and ask her what she thinks.

MAGGY LONDON Sleeveless Ruffle Faux Wrap Midi Dress

at Nordstrom // sandals (7.5) // similar earrings

With a wedding and a graduation coming up, I keep ordering dresses. This floral number is pretty, but it’s a lot of ruffles for me, and I don’t feel like it’s all that flattering.

MAGGY LONDON Tie Shoulder Tiered Maxi Dress

at Nordstrom // sandals (7.5) // similar earrings

And this is the same style as the one I had last year, that I never wore. I don’t know why I ordered another, as I ended up donating that one because I never felt quite right in it.

VERDICT: It’s pretty, but it doesn’t make me want to run right out and find an occasion to wear it. I feel more like myself in the sheath and fit-and-flare styles. Maybe it’s because they’re solids and not prints? I dunno, but I sent this back.

Brielle Midi Dress

at Evereve (M) // Kork-Ease sandals (8)// similar earrings

You’ve seen this dress a few times, but I took this picture when I was trying on outfits for my Florida trip. I figured I’d throw it in here since I was showing other floral dresses with some ruffle details.

I think I like this one better because there is only that one ruffle at the bottom, and the top is more streamlined. It’s still not the best silhouette for me; I feel like I lose my waist in it, but it’s fun for a change.

Kork-Ease Della Wood Sandals

at Evereve (8) // at Zappos (8) // dress (M) // earrings

I am not a fan of these shoes, however. Way too clunky with the wide brown straps, at least with this dress. They’re comfortable, though, and they might look better with wide leg jeans.

If I’m going to wear a platform sandal with this dress, I’ll wear the Dolce Vita slides shown with it below. For one thing, the color looks better since it blends in with my skin, visually elongating the leg, plus it also repeats the yellow and gold from the dress. And the style is cleaner and more streamlined, which I find more flattering, as well.

KUT from the Kloth Boxy Cargo Jacket

at Nordstrom (S) // dress (M) // Dolce Vita sandals (8) // earrings

I think this cargo jacket works really well over this dress! Even though it’s a casual style, the ecru color looks dressier than the blue jean jacket I usually wear with it.

Eileen Fisher Sleeveless Jersey Dress

at Nordstrom (S) // Dolce Vita sandals (8) // earrings

This dress is definitely a splurge, but I’ve learned this brand is worth it. I got my first Eileen Fisher dress during the #NSale back in 2019 or 2020, and I’ve worn it a ton over the past few spring/summer seasons. Last year, I grabbed a black one. Here’s a grouping of the two, styled several ways.

These dresses are major workhorses in my wardrobe, so when I saw the blue column dress, I thought it might be nice to have a longer style. I’m also shopping with my Italy trip in mind now, and I’m planning to pack mostly dresses, so I popped this one into my cart.

Like the shorter styles above, I can dress it up or down. Here it is with flats. I didn’t expect to like the longer length on me, but I think it works…

It probably isn’t as flattering to the hip area as the shorter styles, but it has a really nice drape to it, and I think it looks better as I move around rather than standing still for the picture.

VERDICT: I think I’m keeping this, but maybe I should try sizing down; I have the XS in the two shorter styles, but this is the Small.

Caslon Sleeveless Jersey Maxi Dress

at Nordstrom (S) // sandals (7.5)

Okay, for a more affordable option that’s also long, this Caslon maxi dress has been around for years, and they brought it back again. It’s longer than the Eileen Fisher jersey dress, and it has an elasticized waistband and more of a tank style neckline. It’s also a great price, at $39!

VERDICT: I like it, but it feels heavier than the Eileen Fisher, and I’m not sure I love the longer length. I also ordered the red, that one might be nice for July 4th. We’ll see!

Columbia Freezer™ III Dress

at Zappos (M) // sandals (39)

This dress was recommended to me by one of YOU who is also planning a trip to Italy this summer! It’s expressly for the purpose of being super lightweight and moisture-wicking and also versatile. It comes in TONS of colors and patterns, but I feel like the solid black looks most elevated.

It definitely has an athletic vibe, but if it didn’t have that stupid triangle logo on the back, I think I’d like it enough to keep it. I wonder if that can be removed; I’ll have to look at it more closely.

VERDICT: This dress runs very small; this is the medium, and I’ve re-ordered in the large. It weighs almost nothing, so I think it might be nice to have for my trip if I like how the large fits.

Taos Trulie

at Zappos (39)

My plan is to bring 3 pairs of shoes to Italy – a pair of sneakers that I’ll wear on the plane, and two pairs of sandals to pack. One pair of sandals will be dressier (but flat), and the other pair will be some type of comfort sandal for alternating with the sneakers on walking days.

I ordered this Taos pair for the walking sandals, and they’re comfy, but quite rugged. I’m willing to sacrifice style for comfort, but I think I can do better than this. I just ordered these Naot sandals in the gold because they look like they might have a lower profile.

Michael Stars Valerie Roll-Tab Tie Waist T-Shirt Dress

at Nordstrom (S) // sandals (39)

I don’t know why I keep trying these drawstring waist dresses, because I find them awkward and uncomfortable. They never sit quite right on me, since my waist is so high.

The fabric is really nice on this one, though; it’s 50% cotton, 50% modal, and made in the USA.  I also like the roll tab detail on the sleeves and the flattering scoop neck. The color is pretty, too, but I just don’t feel like this style is very flattering. It’s also shorter than I’d like.

VERDICT: Returning; I can do better than this for the price.

Falls Jumpsuit

at Vuori (S) // sneakers (38) // similar earrings

Clearly not a dress, but this comfy jumpsuit is worth another mention since this Azure Heather color was just restocked in several sizes!

I’m wearing the medium, which is about right, so definitely size up. I feel like the straps could be taken up a bit, but you can set the waist where you want it, so it works okay. I like how the waist sits flat against the body, not gathered like the dress above. And this fabric is amazing; it’s like butter!

VERDICT: Keeping!

And I’m going to need to cut this off here. I have more pictures, but I’m out of time for today.

Stay In Touch

If you liked this post, be sure you’re signed up for my email newsletter. In addition to my most recent blog posts, you’ll receive exclusive newsletter content like special sales, my newest favorite finds, and an occasional peek behind the scenes — all delivered right to your inbox.

I would also love for you to join my JLS Fashion Insiders Facebook Group! This is a friendly place to discuss all matters of fashion and style with other women, share your outfits, get advice, and stay up to date on all the happenings in our community.

This post contains affiliate links. When you shop through my links, it helps support my business (at no additional cost to you) so thank you!