From Baazigar, DDLJ, and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai to Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Dilwale and Tanhaji, Kajol’s acting prowess and fashion evolution are an upward graph that’s unfolded in front of our eyes. Well, today the actress turns 46 and we’re taking a page from her lookbook that’s been giving us serious fashion goals lately. If you’re looking for some styling tips and wondering how to ace fashion in your 40s, just do it like Kajol!
Creating Your Personal Style In Your 40s
The great thing about your 40s is that you’ve been there, done that, and made all the fashion mistakes you could have in your younger days. By this age, you already know what suits your body type, colours that work with your skin tone, and cuts that accentuate your best features. Here’s a refresher course for you to brush up on the basics:
1. Fit And Cut
The most crucial thing is the fit of the garment. The shape of your body evolves as you age and the cut of your clothes should keep up with this evolution. If pregnancy has given you mummy hips or you’ve lost the baby weight which has changed your body proportions, or even if menopause has you feeling a little bloated around the stomach area, the fit and cut of your clothes can help flatter your shape to highlight the parts you want to focus on.
2. Details
Your sense of style depends on the hues and the details of your dress. For instance, you can either go for a heavily detailed dress in a bold hue, or a minimal dress with a fresh colour palette. Your personal style boils down to the finer things like the accessories you add to your outfit, the print you choose, how you style and layer, and whether you opt for weaves or embroideries. Imagine yourself wearing an off-white kurta with chandbalis, block heels and a tiny black bindi. Isn’t that doing all the magic?
3. Less Is More
Elegance and grace rely heavily on being able to make a big statement with classic wardrobe choices. As Coco Chanel once said: “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” Don’t over-accessorise or make your outfit too busy. Similarly, even with your makeup, accentuate one feature and keep the rest tone-on-tone or neutral. Bright lipstick with nude eyeshadow and kajal, a smokey eye with baby pink lips, or a strong cat-eye liner with a shimmer gloss and rosy cheeks.
Styling Tips From Kajol’s Most Fashionable Moments
Now that you have the basics down, let’s take a closer look at recreating the Bollywood actress’ fashionable on- and off-screen looks!
1. The Red Saree from Suraj Hua Maddham In K3G
Super easy to track down, shop for a georgette saree in solid red. Design the blouse with an interesting double strap back and sheer sleeves. Keep the accessories minimal, like Kajol, because the colour of the saree makes a big enough statement. Simple saree jewellery like gold earrings is a good option, and you can wear your hair down or up, depending on your personal choice. The main asset is the georgette fabric which is flowy and very forgiving. It will wrap around your body like a dream and suit any body type.
2. The Flared Skirt And Fitted Shirt Combo From Dilwale
Perfect for your 40s, Kajol’s were this silhouette in most of the movie. The flare of the skirt hides your hips and thighs, while the fitted shirt accentuates the smallest part of your body, which is your waist. Also, full-length skirts make you look taller and inadvertently slimmer. But our favourite would have to be Kajol’s makeup in the movie. Smokey brown eye makeup with a nude brown or nude pink lip really made her look much younger and vivacious
3. The Fabulous 40s Gown
Kajol walked into Karan Johar’s 40th birthday bash in a bespoke dress by designer Khushali Kumar. The dress has tulle strips that come together to create the illusion of layers and different horizontal and diagonal lines. This is a very neat styling trick for your 40s. If you’re curvy, opt for a fabric that has texture built into it. This takes the focus off the body shape and distracts the eye to create visual appeal. Ever noticed how if you scrunch up the bottom of your top around the stomach, it looks better than if it is tightly tucked in?
4. Dress To Impress
As we said, less is more, and that’s the game Kajol’s winning with this look. Stepping out to the store launch of Sherle Wagner, the actress wore a simple shirt dress and black peep-toe pumps. You too, can opt for a dress that’s loose around the stomach area and form-flattering. Like Kajol, choose a colour that makes a statement and braid your hair for a youthful look. Some heels will make your legs look slimmer and a clutch bag will be the only accessory you need.
5. Wearing Prints
If you’re unsure about wearing prints, take a cue from Kajol’s look. She wore this ensemble at the designer duo Shantanu and Nikhil’s store launch. With a white base and printed florals in matte-neutral shades, the actress looks like a vision of elegance. The small earrings and pulled-back hair tie the look together perfectly. And that’s all you need. A clever way to wear prints with a focus on light fabrics, base colours, and minimal styling.
Age is just a number and 40 is not an age to slow down but to start showing off the best parts of you. Go out and paint the town bright yellow with all that positivity on your shoulders! Recreate the best Bollywood fashion looks with whatever you have in your closet! Check out this video to get inspired.