Basics
May 5, 2020

I'm 41, Don't Keep Up With "Trends," and Rely On These 6 Items to Look Chic

by Bobby Schuessler

We routinely seek sartorial guidance from those over 40 given their experience constructing well-balanced wardrobes. Since we wanted to zero in on the specific pieces women have relied on throughout the years to build those more timeless offerings, we tapped inspiring lifestyle influencer Tennille Murphy of The Tennille Life to share her thoughts on the classic items she swears by.

In fact, the bulk of her wardrobe is made up of those more classic items that, most importantly, fit within her personal style. She writes on her site, “I have never worried about what other women are wearing or keeping up with trends; I try to stay true to how I’m built and remain confident in knowing what looks best on me.” So naturally, we were quite inspired to get her take on the timeless items she uses as the foundation for her chic signature ensembles.

“In my closet I like each piece to be multipurpose, meaning easily mixed and matched with each other to maximize its use,” Murphy told us. “In order to achieve this, I have my top foundation ‘TTL’ style items to pull my looks together.”

Intrigued? Keep scrolling to check out a few of the staples Murphy loves, complete with a bit of styling inspiration. And while Murphy thrifts a lot of her fashionable pieces, we also shopped out inspired items available online if you are in fact shopping at the moment and want to add something to your wardrobe.

Classic wardrobe essentials a woman over 40 loves: white button-down

Photo:

Tennille Murphy

"I find myself reaching for my button-ups, as I call them, on the regular. Oversize shirts pair perfectly with denim, trousers, silky bias-cut skirts, or even tied over a slip dress."

Classic wardrobe essentials a woman over 40 loves: Levi's jeans

Photo:

Tennille Murphy

"I have long since given up on skinny jeans or jeggings. Don’t get me wrong: I love them on everyone else, but for me, I love a good pair of broken-in Levi's 501s. Oooooh, with a button fly, now that’s my favorite! Dark wash, classic blue, or even oversize, I feel super cute in them."

Classic wardrobe essentials a woman over 40 loves: wide-leg trousers

Photo:

Tennille Murphy

"What can I say, wide-leg trousers are essential to my wardrobe. I reach for them year-round because they are effortlessly polished, can be dressed up or down, and can be worn with almost any shoe. They look fabulous with a basic white tee, tank top, button-up, and on and on."

Classic wardrobe essentials a woman over 40 loves: slip dress

Photo:

Tennille Murphy

"I would say slip dresses are made for the shape of my body. They make me feel beautiful, confident, and sexy. My collection keeps growing and growing because their versatility is endless. The expression of each one can change so much, from edgy to sporty, simply by switching up a belt or shoes. They’re kind of magical like that."

Classic wardrobe essentials a woman over 40 loves: crop top

Photo:

Tennille Murphy

"Some people love showing legs. Well for me, it’s a little midriff… LOL. It must be that '90s teenager in me. Legit I have a full-on custom-built section in my closet just for all my cropped tops. Even if the top is not cropped, I’m gonna tie it up or something. I try to style them with taste and class."