If you're over 40 and feel confused about what you should be wearing, you're in really good company.

I'm 46 years old. It's hard to say it out loud. It's even harder to see it in print. The thing is, I still feel like I'm 26, but that doesn't mean I can still dress like I'm 26. So how does a middle-aged woman who still wants to be hip and cool (are those words still hip and cool?) dress like a woman who is hip and cool -- and 46 years old?

One benefit to being this age is that you know when to seek professional advice -- and you can usually afford to pay for it.

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Amy Lindquist, owner/founder of Lindquist Fashion & Image Consulting, assured me I'm not the only woman in her 40s who has trouble dressing herself.

"Much of the difficulty lies in product availability. There's really no specific retailer that caters to 40-plus, so it's harder to stay looking current -- yet age appropriate," Lindquist said. "There are tons of stores for teens and juniors -- which makes dressing and purchasing easier because there are more choices. However, teens have no money! I don't get that reasoning."

Time May Change Me

It's not just the retail world conspiring against women in their 40s. We also have to deal with constantly changing bodies. And unless those changes are bought and paid for, they're not necessarily good things.

"The body, as it ages, tends to get less firm. We gather extra weight in places we never thought we would. When that happens, we need to incorporate more structure into our clothing," Lindquist said. "We need shirts, jackets and pants with more seams and detailing to get a structured look versus a fluid one."

Many women, as they age, seem to want to hide their bodies under clothes. They end up wearing clothing that's one or two -- or more -- sizes too big. Lindquist says that's a fashion don't.

"Many women feel that if they wear larger clothes, they will look smaller, when in fact, they just look sloppy," Lindquist explained. "Also, many people feel they have to sacrifice comfort for good-fitting clothing. That's a huge myth."

Blue Jeans Blues

Most women my age will agree that the most excruciating shopping experience of the year is buying a swimsuit. Not far behind is buying a decent pair of jeans.

Lindquist said it doesn't have to be that painful.

"First, don't spend a lot of money. Buy them to fit the largest part of your body and get them altered to fit perfectly," she said. "For example, if you have hips and a small waist, get them to fit in the hips, rear and thighs, then get a tailor to take in the waist. Jag jeans, available at Nordstrom, are a great brand for this particular challenge. Old Navy is also great for jeans -- they fit lots of different body types."

Best Shoe Forward

Women in their 40s who look very stylish generally seem to accessorize well. They always seem to "pull" a look together -- without overdoing it. Lindquist said that shoes and handbags can be a quick and inexpensive way to look hip, young and stylish.

"The reason why shoes and handbags are so powerful is because you use these items much more often than you would, say, a pair of trendy jeans. You can wear a great pair of heels with anything from jeans to a dress," Lindquist said. "The same applies to your handbag. By the way, they do not have to match. This is what we call 'cost per wear ratio' in the industry. You spend a certain amount on a fabulous handbag and you use it daily and perhaps for a few years. Your cost ends up being pennies per use."

Lindquist said women of a certain age should have many shoe options because shoes can change the entire vibe of an outfit. For instance, you can take a dress and wear it with flip-flops for errands during the day. For evening, you can change into heels and it's instantly more glamorous.

More Free Advice

Lindquist advises women to put their money into shoes, handbags and underwear.

"Great underwear makes for great outerwear," said Lindquist.

And, she said, shop consignment stores if you really want to stretch your clothing dollars. "If you're on a budget, and even if you're not, shop consignment store. You can find higher-end items and spend much less money," Lindquist advised. "If you're sick of them after a while, you can donate with a clear conscience."

In the end, Lindquist said that instinctively, women know what works and what doesn't.

So, trust your instinct. Steer clear of skin-tight jeans, midriff-baring tops and short-shorts. Trust only your closest friends to answer the "does this look good on me?" question. And seek professional help when needed. Amy, give me a call.

More Info: Lindquist Fashion & Image Web Site