Style Evolution: How to Create Ageless Personal Style in Your 40s and Beyond

by Kendall Farr

The author of the successful The Pocket Stylist follows up with a book that addresses the specific fashion needs of the over-forty crowd

Even though women in their forties, fifties, sixties, and beyond have never looked better, healthier, or younger, their fashion needs have changed. Unless you have the body and lifestyle of an eighteen-year-old, shopping probably isn’t much fun anymore. The fashion industry seems to have turned its back on women who are forty and older, churning out collections that have nothing to do with careers or sophisticated living. Kendall Farr to the rescue! With Style Evolution, she shows readers how to create a hip, ageless, individual sense of personal style without feeding into the culture’s deep obsession with looking “young.”

Naming names, Farr shares the results of her extensive analysis of designers and brands—from high-end to budget-conscious—best-suited for women over forty. She also delivers ideas that suit every budget, from high-end lines to good buys. Packed with more than one hundred full-color illustrations, Style Evolution guides readers through discovering their own style profiles, with six basic shapes designed to match realistic body types. Farr also puts the spotlight on trends, illustrating the ageless approach to wearing what’s “new.” An ageless shopping checklist and thorough details on accessories (from bags to shoes to eyewear) complete the book.

With hundreds of tips that bestow grace and class, Farr leads the way for the woman who is ready for her wardrobe to catch up with the rest of her life.

Genres: Fashion, Nonfiction

200 pages, Hardcover

First published April 7, 2009

Reviews

[Toni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though I leave the house everyday in a sort of uniform for work, I still read everything I can about fashion and style. And being in my early 40's, I was interested in learning what I should be doing differently. The book did a great job of showing what age appropriate styles work and even how to incorporate passing trends into your wardrobe. The only thing I didn't care for was the emphasis on weight. Although examples for every body type are included, it was kind of assumed that everyone gains weight as they age.

[Sonja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kendall always has tons of great information! This one will stay on my shelf alongside "The Pocket Stylist"

[Stefanie Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

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[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I don't agree with everything Kendall Farr espouses in her latest book, (neither black nor pearls are favorites of mine, as they are for Farr), there are many helpful ideas for creating a youthful look while steering away from looks that are too young for a woman over 40. This book inspired me to purge some doubtful garments from my wardrobe, and increased my confidence in the choices available to me. A drawback is that certain garments recommended specifically by style & brand, available in 2009, the year of this book's publication, are no longer available. Definitely a good book for inspiration in reassessing one's over-40 look & wardrobe.

[Tracey Gemmell · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking to brush up on your style skills, or, like me, a fashion … ahem … disaster, this book will set you on the right path. I can honestly say that since following the advice given, I have a better handle on what works and what doesn't for my body type and tastes. I also have an outfit for almost any occasion in my closet, ready to go at a moment's notice. I bought copies for several friends who also enjoyed it. Recommended.

[Irene · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was incredibly disappointing. I felt like all of the advice she gave out, I'd already read in her first book The Pocket Stylist. I'm glad I checked this book out at the library and didn't purchase it.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really do find myself turning to this book and this author again and again for sensible fashion advice. And, I get a lot of compliments on my wardrobe since I started trying to think like Kendall when looking at my closet and at the dress store. Works for me!

[Thomasin Propson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four stars when compared to other fashion books. Good advice on finding a good fit (measure yourself properly!) and having appropriate foundation garments. Ideas of good places to make purchases. Styles for certain body types. Only wish there were more pics.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this had helpful detailed advice.

[Elizabeth (Betsy) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of repetition with Pocket Stylist but still useful.