One of the best parts about getting older is realizing that there are still so many more adventures I want to go on. Choosing which one to do next isn’t easy. After that it’s time to think about packing for the trip, which means making hard choices about what clothes I need for the planned adventures.

But who wants to look like they just stepped off a dusty hiking trail wearing boxy, boring clothes in all of their pictures? No one! That’s why finding cute clothes that also happen to be well suited for an active lifestyle is key.

And then there’s the whole thing of wearing age-appropriate clothes. While I will absolutely never shame someone based on their clothing choices, I feel that– for me– there are styles of clothes that I would feel ridiculous wearing as a mid-forties mom of three kids.

What this means is that I’m searching for a unicorn! I need the sweet spot of clothes that can keep up with my on-the-go life, flatter my real-woman body, and make my fashion-challenged self look put together.

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Adventure Clothing for Women Over 40

First of all, let’s be clear: Even if you don’t have any great trips on the horizon, I’m willing to bet adventure clothing is a big part of your wardrobe. For many modern fortysomething women, your closet is filled with easy-to-wear staples for the lifestyle of work hard, play hard, Mom hard.

Participating the Everyday Olympics might mean yoga pants and t-shirts. I get it! I need clothes I can wear for client sessions that I can move around in without looking sloppy.

When my daughter asks me to help her with her soccer skills– and then wants me to try, too- I’m ready to go! Wearing a t-shirt that has details like a chest pocket and shaped back seam bumps this old standby up a few fashion notches.

If you’re an adventure-seeker beyond the grocery store and the backyard, you can still look good while you’re doing it. Choosing the right activewear for your outings makes everything more enjoyable.

 

Hiking Clothes for Women Who Like to Hit the Trails

No matter where we travel, my family will find places to hike. While we’re not hardcore, multi-day backpackers, having the right hiking clothes makes the most out of your time on the trails. Whether it’s family hiking in Big Bend or exploring the Inca Trail, packing good hiking clothes is key.

Above all else, hiking clothes must be comfortable. No one wants to be in the middle of a hike, trying to enjoy the beautiful scenery and peaceful sounds of nature only to feel her thighs chafing. Nor does anyone want to have her hiking shorts ride up uncomfortably.

Finding hiking shorts for women doesn’t have to be a challenge.  Ensuring that the inseam is long enough is the first thing you should check. Most women find 5″ comfortable, but if you like longer shorts, 7″ is your best bet. Make sure that the pockets are deep so you can stash your camera without it popping out.

Next check the material. Something with a little bit of stretch is forgiving if your hike has a lot of elevation change and you want freedom of movement. If the material is also quick-drying, that’s a bonus. That way you’re ready to wade through a creek or weather a rain shower comfortably.

The Olivia Short comes in two lengths, has stretch, and is quick-dry. And it fits women with ample glutes and big thighs (like me!). Bonus– it comes in plus sizes, too!

Another important quality to look for in adventure clothes is to find items that have sun protection built in. Whether you are out hiking or headed to the beach, having an extra layer to protect your skin from sunburn can help you enjoy your day. Cute SPF shirt options mean you can still look good even while being sun safe.

 

Active Swimwear is a Must-Have!

You’ve probably already guessed it, but my vacations don’t generally involve a lot of sitting around. And most of my favorite adventure travel includes beaches and swimming in the ocean. That means active swimwear is high on my packing list.

Whether you like one-piece swimwear or two-piece suits is a matter of personal preference. Either can be appropriate for adventure outings, so long as they are cut well. Make sure the legs of the swimsuit won’t ride up and the top of the suit won’t cause any “wardrobe malfunctions.”

Take this tankini for example, which I wore on multiple snorkel trips in Maui recently. I love the ruching on the sides of the top– I can scrunch it up to reveal more of my torso, or I can leave it longer for more coverage. Having this versatility is fantastic if you’re on an adventure trip where it is essential to pack light.

 

For those women over 40 who feel resigned to one-piece swimwear, know that wearing a one-piece doesn’t automatically mean frumpy! There are several good one-piece swimsuit options that have more coverage but are still fashionable. Look for a suit with a flattering bust or leg cut or and interesting back, like this one:

 

One of the benefits of wearing a one-piece is that your abdomen is covered, which is great for enjoying waves on a boogie board. Just because you’re over 40 doesn’t mean you should miss out on the fun of riding the waves!

Going on an adventure when you’ll spend a little time in the water and a little time on the beach? These board shorts will take you from ocean to sand. They are roomy enough to wear while surfing or Stand Up Paddleboarding. And as you can see, they’re also great for those precious quiet moments of reading!

 

 

The Ultimate in Women’s Adventure Clothing: Athletic Dresses with Built In Bra

For someone who is not at all a clotheshorse, it’s (almost) a little embarrassing to admit how many of these awesome simple but cute dresses I own. EIGHT.

But there’s a good reason why!

These athletic dresses with built in bras are so ridiculously comfortable. I can wear them to speak at a mom’s group, take my kids to a playground, go out to lunch with friends, and pack to travel for a night out. They’re up for any adventure you might have!

Going somewhere hot and sunny? The reason I own so many of these dresses is that it’s as close as I can come to going out in public naked without getting arrested. (And if you’re a woman in perimenopause who is prone to hot flashes, you know why this is important!) The shelf bra and padded inserts give support and shape while the dress keeps me cool with no biding waistband.

I’m sorry to say that I don’t have any video of me doing the hula at a luau, but you’re going to have to trust me. This dress made me look awesome even when I had no idea what I was doing.

 

Finding adventure clothing that looks as good as it works is worth it. Not only will you be able to enjoy your adventures more because you’re comfortable, but you’ll also love looking back on your photos and reliving your experiences (and how fabulous you look!).