Shopping: Do midlife in style with these four failsafe looks

As Menopause Awareness Month comes to a close, Cambridge personal stylist Suzy Richards takes us shopping for outfits to make you both look and feel good in midlife

Says Suzy: “Following on from my article regarding changing style challenges through midlife, here are some items to be found in shops in the Cambridge area which fit the criteria and can help to make you feel cool, comfortable and stylish during this chapter. . .

The highlight here is the blazer, adding a classic bit of tailoring. The square shoulders help to balance out the silhouette, especially for curvier hips and tummies. The dress is very flattering as the built in jumper is cropped, then flows into a pleated skirt which will skim the tummy area. The boots are have a block heel so should be comfortable, and then we can add some trendy fun with the striped bag and jewellery accents.

Blazer, Mango Dress, Monsoon Boots, Clarks Bag, Oliver Bonas Necklace, Pandora Bracelet, Thomas Sabo

This dress is extremely flattering as it has a central knotted detail which means the material drapes over the tummy. The pretty shoes are a lovely trending colour, and have a comfortable but pretty heel. The scarf adds an extra, but removable, layer for chilly nights, and can be tied or woven around the bag strap when not worn. Then we are adding trends with the faux fur plum coat and the gold jewellery.

Dress, Zara Coat, Hobbs Scarf, Phase Eight Sandals, Zara Bag, Oliver Bonas Bangle, M&S Earrings, M&S

These pinstripe trousers are a super option as they are a smarter and more breathable option than denim, have a pinstripe so can easily be smartened up for work with a shirt - or dressed down, as we have here, with more casual items - and they also have a half-elasticated waistband so are super comfy, especially if bloating hits. The blouse is a great base layer, and is a neutral without being boring. The cardigan is the fun piece, and then we add trending items with the cropped trench outer layer. The boots are a comfy chunky heel and in trending suede, and the bag and earrings add another pop of colour and personality.

Trousers, Iris & Violet Blouse, Hobbs Cardi, Oliver Bonas Mac, M&S Boots, Mango Bag, Oliver Bonas Earrings, Thomas Sabo

This dress in trending plum colour is very flattering as the A-line cut skims over the tummy and hips and highlights the legs. The suede jacket is a great outer layer and the gloves, bangles and sunglasses add interest, whilst the loafers and satchel add fun, colour and personality.

Dress, Phase Eight Bomber, Zara Gloves, Lilac Rose Loafers, Monsoon Sunglasses, Scamp & Dude Bag, Cambridge Satchel Bangle, New Look

About the author: Suzy is a personal stylist passionate about helping women feel amazing. Working in the Cambridge area, she offers style assessments, wardrobe edits, shopping trips and colour analysis. She is in the midst of the menopause herself, and at 52 fully understands the challenges and freedoms this chapter can bring. She is here to help and support you with styling on this journey.
Instagram: @gladragsstyleservices
Website: gladragsstyling.co.uk

Model image, top: Hobbs