Thanks to the real housewives of Orange County, Atlanta, New York, and Miami, women in their forties and even fifties are experiencing an epidemic that middle aged women have never experienced before. The age of the cougar is alive and breathing, and women, who some would say aren’t familiar with the current trends, are setting the trends.

My mom, for example, is a 42-year old hair stylist who has been single for five years and is unaware of her powerful beauty and style. After her last break-up, she didn’t exactly take significant amount of time to get ready in the mornings. She continuously wore sweats, sweatshirts, and tennis shoes, no matter where she was going.

Then, something happened. She began to accept the fact that her life wasn’t over just because she was a middle-aged single mom. She began to ask me time and time again for fashion, makeup, and hair advice. Let me tell you, as her (then) 20-year old daughter, I absolutely loved being her consultant. Now, I actually find myself looking to her for advice, sneaking into her closet for clothes, and getting jealous of the new clothes she comes home with. My mom, ladies and gentlemen, is a 40-something trend setter.

For the women, like my mother, who aren’t exactly 100% confident in their own skin, fashion has allowed us as women to hide our flaws with different styles. For example, the use of over sized cardigans, sweaters, and dresses with leggings allows us to focus less on our curves, and more on our clothes. It’s tough, sometimes, to be so happy about a new outfit, if we aren’t exactly happy with our bodies. As women, however, that’s just a price we have to pay. Confidence isn’t always the winning trait that we tend to have.

My mom has a few different distinctive styles that are her go-tos. The first fashion trademark she has, is her use of heavy and layered jewelry. If she’s feeling self-conscious in a new lower-cut shirt, she’ll pack on the necklaces. Enough for a little big of comfort, but not enough to cause back problems. Careful though, ladies. If you choose to wear layered necklaces, go light on the earrings, bracelets, and rings—you don’t want to be confused for a gypsy.

Another killer trend that my mom has adapted to is the over-sized belt around the waist. With a defined waistline, this style allows us to turn casual outfits into trendier, modern get-ups.  What’s even better with the big belt, is putting in some high boots as well. Cowboy boots or high-top boots make a great addition to the look of the belt because it forces people to focus on those two aspects of the outfit. Belts and boots are attention grabbers because a belt is a larger accessory that typically isn’t worn around the waist, and therefore, stands out. It also is a definer, meaning that it defined the mid-section, creating a new shape. Boots are a great addition because, depending on their length, they make your legs appear to be longer than they really are. You are probably already familiar with the skinny jean and boot combo, which is worn because of this reason: WOMEN WANT LENGTH!

Finally, cuffed, 3/4 length tops are a great choice of top for those 40-somethings. They are slim fitting, come in nearly ever color, patter, and fabric, and go GREAT with that big belt! Cuffed shirts can also be combined with nearly any kind of jewelry, especially with necklaces because of their v-neck shape. Putting this entire outfit together: a cuffed button down shirt, skinny jeans, high-top boots, and layered jewelry, you’ve created the perfect 40-something outfit! Thanks mom!