Suzanne Carillo

Connie recently told me she loves her tulle skirt but is afraid of looking like, “an aging toddler” if she wears hers.

Melanie said that, “Tea-toting-toddler is exactly the look I was going for.”

How to wear a tulle skirt over 40

When you are over 40 trying to wear an item that is designed for ballerinas and fairies requires a bit of audacity. When you’ve got that and a sense of adventure, really you can wear whatever you want.  Attitude and confidence let Gwyneth get away with this.

I recently came across this look from Ms. Jeannie  and my jaw dropped.

It put me back in a tulle state of mind.

I was back on the quest for tulle skirts.  Look at the inspiration I found.

Okay this last one is just a fantasy look for Shania Twain.

After looking at all these fabulous tulle skirts I’m doing everything in my power not to buy this one. My finger is twitching while hovering over the buy button though.

I have 3 black tulle skirts in my closet. And I hardly ever wear them.

Why not you ask?

I bought 2 of them online for super cheap…$11 (including shipping!) and decided to cut one by hand as it was too long. When they come that cheap I don’t mind taking some scissors to it.

How do you say…big jagged friggin’ mess?

The other one I left long but the waist is weird and I always need to belt it. It is all bulky. The waist is elastic and looks cheap. You get what you pay for.

I’m thinking those two skirts might have to go to the consignment store.

The last tulle skirt I own, I do love. I bought it Anthropologie (big surprise) and it looks much better than the other two.

I decided I needed to get it out of the closet and figure out some outfits. It needs to be worn.

We are in-between seasons here, and it is quite cool outside still so thus the boots, tights and scarf.

Plaid blazer – TopShop (similar), Boots – TJ Maxx (sim), Skirt – Anthropologie (sim)

 

Top – TJ Maxx (this would be pretty), Boots – TJ Maxx (sim), Skirt – Anthropologie (sim)

 

Floral Skirt – TJ Maxx (this one is SO beautiful! and this one is making me drool), Boots – TJ Maxx (sim), Skirt – Anthropologie (how about this gorgeous one with tulle & embroidery)

This last look I’m wearing the tulle skirt as a petticoat which adds a bit of length and added detail to the skirt.

My tips for styling a tulle skirt for women over 40

1.  Go with fitted on the top.  It’ll balance the body.

2.  Belt the waist. It’ll give you shape and define your curves.  Even if you don’t have any, suddenly like magic they will appear.

3.  Opposites attract. Since the skirt is billowy and lacy, leather, knit or denim create a wonderful contrast.

4.  Try wearing it under another skirt.

5.  Have fun. Who cares if you’re over 40 and want to wear a tulle skirt?  As a kid I never had the opportunity to wear tulle. (Not even for my wedding since we eloped.) Now I’m making the most of it. Better late than never!

Do you own a tulle skirt? Do you wear it often?

 

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