At Nudi we believe that confidence is the most powerful thing a woman can wear. Clothing is never just about trends or rules but about energy, personality and the joyful act of expressing yourself. This becomes even more meaningful in midlife when many women feel they have grown into their sense of self yet can still find themselves standing in front of a wardrobe full of clothes and feeling unsure of what to put on.
To bring some clarity warmth and inspiration to this moment we spent time with personal stylist Lisa Gilbe. Lisa is widely loved for her relatable approach to dressing women in midlife. She is a wardrobe whisperer who helps clients rediscover confidence update their style and show up as the best version of themselves. She believes this stage of life is not something to fear but a powerful chapter to embrace.
What follows is a gentle uplifting and practical guide to midlife style based entirely on Lisa Gilbe’s own words and philosophy. Every insight you will read comes directly from her conversation and is rooted in encouragement self belief and joy.
Rediscovering Confidence in Midlife
Lisa begins with the simple truth that many women lose confidence during midlife because they have been exposed to far too many restrictive opinions about what is appropriate. She has seen this time and again.
“People worry about getting things wrong” she explains. “There are hundreds of articles telling women what they should or should not wear over forty. They say things like you cannot wear a bikini or you cannot wear a short skirt. It is all negative and it makes people anxious.”
Lisa encourages women to let go of these shoulds. They add nothing to your life and only restrict the pleasure of dressing yourself.
“The most valuable thing you can do is forget the age thing completely” she says. “Focus on what you want to wear. As we get older our confidence grows. I care less about everything now than I used to. It is freeing.”
She reminds us that midlife confidence is not about reinventing yourself but about remembering yourself.
Style Is Energy Not Age
One of Lisa’s strongest beliefs is that style has nothing to do with age and everything to do with energy. She shares a story that demonstrates this perfectly.
She recalls being in Harvey Nichols when a shop assistant asked her how old her client was. Lisa immediately pushed back.
“I said that is not relevant” she smiles. “The question is how does she like to dress. What is her vibe. What is her energy. Not how old she is.”
This perspective is refreshing. Lisa points out how society has become strangely fixated on age. “Everything in the press still lists someone’s name then their age” she says. “Claudia fifty something. So and so forty something. It is a habit. It suggests that age dictates style and I do not believe that.”
Her view is simple and liberating. You still feel like you. You still think like you. You still express yourself like you. “I still feel like I am thirty seven” she laughs. “I am more confident now than I was in my twenties.”
The Three Word Method
Lisa encourages every woman to describe her personal style using three words. This is her signature method.
“It crystallises everything” she says. “It helps you know how you want to feel in your clothing. It makes dressing easier because you become clear about what feels like you.”
She uses Claudia Winkleman as an example. “Her look on The Traitors is heritage punk edgy” Lisa explains. “It fits her personality and the castle setting. She once said she dresses like a male French physics student named Jean who finds a pirate fancy dress shop on his way to a lecture. It is random but it works because it is her.”
Lisa’s own three words are relaxed feminine and edgy. “If I wear a pretty dress I add chunky boots” she says. “That makes it feel like me.”
She encourages every woman to take ten quiet minutes to find her own three words. Write them down. See what comes up. There is no wrong answer. There is only what feels true.
Building a Wardrobe That Works
Lisa believes many midlife women struggle not because they lack clothes but because they own too many items that no longer match who they are today. She encourages every woman to open her wardrobe and ask whether it reflects the woman she is now.
She recommends a foundation of staple items that work across your life. These essentials make everyday dressing effortless and enjoyable.
As she begins listing them we include your chosen image formatting for the jeans she praises so warmly.
Great jeans
Lisa loves a high waisted barrel leg shape at the moment. “The M and S pair have gone viral” she says. “They fit beautifully and you do not need to spend a fortune. They are great. I love mine.”
For women wanting alternatives she also likes Levi 501s for classic structure and Frame Le Pixie for petite proportions.
This is the moment in the blog where readers can visually connect with the exact silhouette Lisa is referencing. The M and S barrel leg shape offers ease confidence and a modern relaxed look.
The Long Wool Coat
One of Lisa’s favourite wardrobe staples is the long wool coat. “A long wool coat makes you look instantly polished” she explains. “You can throw it over anything and you immediately feel put together.”
She loved the dramatic sweeping coat Claudia Winkleman wore on The Traitors. “It was so long it almost reached the floor. It was beautiful. She wore it with a ruffled skirt and chunky boots. Feminine relaxed and edgy all at once.”
Pretty Blouses and Flat Boots
Lisa believes that a few pretty blouses instantly transform a simple pair of jeans into a pulled together outfit. “A blouse from Me and Em can elevate you without effort” she says.
Flat chunky boots are equally important. “They are comfortable and they add personality” she explains. “You can wear them with dresses jeans or skirts. They make everything feel more grounded.”
The Banging Dress
Every midlife wardrobe, Lisa insists, needs a reliable go to dress. Something that never fails you. Something you can wear to a party a dinner or a spontaneous invitation.
Her own is a black silk slip dress from Rixo. “It works for every event” she says. “It is a complete classic.”
She also praises Mint Velvet for accessible alternatives and notes that their festive pieces are joyful and stylish.
The Leather Skirt and the Slip Skirt
Lisa loves leather and faux leather skirts that bring strength and elegance into an outfit. She also loves slip skirts for their versatility.
“I have a leopard print one from Rixo” she says. “I wear it with biker boots and a fluffy cardigan. It feels comfortable but elevated.”
She also notes that slip skirts can be worn with shirts belts T shirts sweatshirts or knits. They move easily between dressed up and dressed down.
Dressing the Midlife Body
Lisa speaks openly about body changes during midlife including the well known menobelly. She wants women to feel normal and unashamed.
“It should be more normalised to have a tummy and hips” she says. “That is our shape. I often think tucking tops in looks better than leaving them out because leaving them out can add bulk. A belt draws attention to the waist which is usually the smallest point.”
Comfort is still king. “If you feel self conscious do not do it. You should feel good in what you wear.”
Colour That Supports You
Lisa believes colour should enhance your natural tone and your energy. She says that some people suit bold colours while others feel more themselves in neutrals.
She encourages women to understand whether their undertone is cool or warm. “It helps narrow down choices and makes shopping easier” she says.
Avoiding the Frump Trap
Lisa believes that most women fall into the frump zone when they choose clothing that hides them rather than expresses them.
For her one common combination stands out. “The loose sack shaped floral dress with white trainers” she says. “It is comfortable but it can look shapeless. Add a belt or swap to flat boots or choose a different cut.”
She emphasises that individuality is key. “Clothes should show your personality. Ask what feels like you.”
Trousers Jumpers and Real Life Dressing
Lisa also speaks about the joy of tailoring and the return of flattering shapes. “High waisted balloon trousers are very flattering” she says. “They suit many bodies.”
As for skinny jeans she says they are out at the moment but fashion always cycles back eventually. Boot cuts are back and work wonderfully for hourglass figures.
Lisa also reminds us that many of us spend much of our daily life wearing coats or jackets. “You could be wearing pyjamas under a long wool coat and still look together” she laughs.
The Fun of Festive Dressing
Lisa loves festive fashion. She believes this time of year offers an opportunity to play.
She admires the Mint Velvet dress inspired by The Vampire’s Wife with its ruffled sleeves and showstopper silhouette. “It is gorgeous” she says. “You could wear it with chunky boots or Mary Janes. It suits many personalities.”
She also loves hair accessories. “I am never without a sparkly clip at Christmas” she says. “Unleash your inner seven year old.”
Her favourite discovery is the brand Disco Kids with its sequinned skirts and fun T shirts. She also mentions a beautiful forest green sequin skirt from Monsoon.
Everyday Glamour
Lisa insists that dressing up should not be saved for occasions. She believes in the power of everyday glamour.
“Put earrings on even if you are home alone” she says. “Do it for yourself. It changes your mood.”
Her mother felt the same. “She would not take the bins out without lipstick” Lisa laughs. “It is about standards.”
Dressing for Yourself Not Others
Above all Lisa wants women to dress for themselves.
“When you stop dressing for approval and start dressing for yourself you become confident” she says. “It is about expressing who you are now.”
She encourages every woman to begin with small steps. Take a moment to find your three words. Look at what you already own and ask what feels like you. Build from there.
“Style is energy” she says. “Own your energy and your style will follow.”
The Nudi Perspective
At Nudi we believe that confidence comes from feeling like yourself. Clothing is an expression of spirit individuality and joy. Lisa Gilbe’s message reminds us that midlife is not an ending but a powerful beginning. It is the moment to embrace your energy rediscover your confidence and wear clothes that reflect your spark.
Learn more about Lisa Gilbe
Website
www.lisagillbestyle.com
Instagram
lisagilbystyle
Podcast
The Style Stories