So you've reached your forties. You're past the uncertainty of your twenties and all the big changes that happen in your thirties. Now it's time to have fun and spoil yourself a little bit.


Though you may have acquired some new expenses in your forties (perhaps you bought a house or had some kids), you've also been saving long enough that a treat every now and again won't break the bank. Your forties is a time to invest in a great handbag, buy some fancy luggage and bite the bullet and purchase that evening coat you've been eyeing.


Behold, the 11 items that should be in every 40-year-old's closet:


1. A nice handbag. Spoil yourself. Buy an expensive handbag that is hard to justify. You earned it.


bag


2. Night cream. It's extra hydrating and will reduce puffiness.


cream


3. The perfect haircut. One that highlights all your best features and doesn't require tons of effort and fuss.


rachel


4. A great evening coat. Not the parka you wear in the snow, but a nice coat that looks appropriate with a fancy dress and heels.


marion


5. Diamonds. They don't need to be huge, but something a little sparkly for those days when you need something a little special.


diamonds


6. Leather gloves. They always look more polished and professional than a knit pair. Plus they don't get pulls, so they won't need to be replaced as often.


leather gloves


7. A variety of slips. Unlined dresses are no longer an option. Make sure you have slips of all different lengths to go underneath your sheer garments.


lingerie slip


8. A lounging robe. Something you can open the front door in. Think silk or jersey.


silk robe


9. Nice luggage. Nothing is worse than traipsing through the airport with luggage that is falling a part. It's time to travel in style.


luggage


10. Expensive, comfortable flats. Let's be honest, heels are uncomfortable. Flats are the way to go. Do your feet a favor and invest in a pair with arch support.


ballet flats


11. A checkbook-sized wallet The older we get, the more cards we accumulate. A coin purse just won't cut it anymore.


big wallet


Items we will and won't splurge on:



Loading Slideshow...



  • SPLURGE: Waxing


    "Waxing. Once you get the worst bikini wax of your life because you cheaped out and bought a Groupon, the experience will leave you scarred. You will never ever go back to budget waxing."--<em>Jessica Misener, Editor, HuffPost Style</em>




  • SPLURGE:Tailoring


    "I believe in paying for tailoring. <a href="http://main.stylelist.com/2009/11/27/fantastic-mr-fox-style-wes-andersons-tailor-talks-suits-an/" target="_hplink">Good tailoring</a> can make an off-the-rack dress into something special."--<em>Brie Dyas, Senior Editor, Stylelist</em>




  • SPLURGE: Nail Polish


    "Nail polish -- I used to believe that what brand of polish I applied didn't matter but I have since learned that using a nicer <a href="http://www.opi.com/" target="_hplink">O.P.I.</a>, Essie or Mac will last much longer and looks cleaner."--<em>Nicole Guzzardi, Intern, Stylelist Home</em>




  • SPLURGE: Manicure


    "I totally splurge on manicures and pedicures because when your hands look good, you feel good. I think a <a href="http://www.stylelist.com/2012/07/16/diy-nail-art-manicure_n_1676907.html" target="_hplink">manicure</a> is an instant confidence boost."--<em> Michelle Manetti, Associate Editor, Stylelist Home</em>




  • SPLURGE: Lipstick


    "<a href="http://www.sephora.com/lipstick-P2865" target="_hplink">Lipstick</a>! You get what you pay for. While some brands are great, I find that cheaper lipsticks mean more waxes and fillers, while a mid-priced lipstick will give you more (and better) pigment AND will ultimately last longer."--<em>Brie Dyas, Senior Editor, Stylelist</em>




  • SPLURGE: High Heels


    "When it comes to high heels, the more expensive pairs tend to be more wearable. And what doesn't look like a million bucks when paired with <a href="http://nicholaskirkwood.com/" target="_hplink">Nicholas Kirkwoods</a>?"--<em>Sarah Leon, Style News Editor, Stylelist</em>




  • SPLURGE: Natural Hair Braider


    "Natural hairstylist/hair braider: I'd fork over hundreds of my hard-earned dollars to any guy or gal that can loop my thick, curly hair into into hip-grazing plaits like Solange."--<em>Dana Oliver, Beauty Editor, Stylelist</em>




  • SPLURGE: Skincare


    "I'll definitely splurge on <a href="http://www.stylelist.com/2011/10/27/malin-goetz-hand-face-cream_n_1033707.html" target="_hplink">skincare</a>. I have very <a href="http://www.stylelist.com/erica-cheung/eczema-skincare_b_1654960.html" target="_hplink">sensitive skin</a> and can't use drugstore bought moisturizers or cleansers so I usually go to natural or handmade cosmetics stores to find exactly what works for me."--<em>Erica Cheung, Intern, HuffPost Style </em>




  • SPLURGE: Haircut


    "I'll pay a little extra for my <a href="
    http://renefris.com/
    " target="_hplink">hair stylist</a>. He knows his way around a pixie 'do and manages to keep me looking feminine, despite the boyish <a href="http://www.stylelist.com/2012/04/10/christina-hendricks-red-hair-color_n_1408426.html" target="_hplink">haircut</a>. He also comes to my house -- the convenience can't be beat."--<em>Christina Anderson, Fashion Editor, Stylelist</em>




  • SPLURGE: Wallet


    "A <a href="http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446446857&CAWELAID=1353922220&cagpspn=pla&site_refer=GGLPRADS001" target="_hplink">wallet</a> - you never have to change it, so the cost-per-wear is low."--<em>Sarah Leon, Style News Editor, Stylelist</em>




  • SPLURGE: Leather Boots


    "I believe in paying extra for <a href="http://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/Rag-Bone-Flat-Motorcycle-Boot-Boots/prod143080053/?ecid=NMCIGoogleProductAds&ci_sku=prod143080053skuBLACK&ci_gpa=pla&ci_kw={keyword}" target="_hplink">good leather shoes and boots</a>. They look great and can withstand my awful footwear treatment. Plus, if you re-sole them, they last forever." --<em>Rebecca Adams, Associate Editor, HuffPost Style</em>




  • SPLURGE: Bags


    <a href="http://www.ssense.com/women/product/alexander_wang/red_diego_bucket_bag/53820?utm_source=2178999&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_term=11081012&utm_campaign=generic" target="_hplink">Bags.</a> A cheap bag is obvious and will fall apart (it's happened to me more than once). People notice nice craftsmanship and you'll get so much wear out of it. So if we're talking cost-per-wear ... it's a no-brainer."--<em>Ellie Krupnick, Editor, HuffPost Style</em>




  • SPLURGE: Perfume


    <a href="http://www.stylelist.com/2012/03/01/valentino-valentina-perfume_n_1310500.html" target="_hplink">"Perfume</a>. I love a scent that smells good (not too sweet) and that lasts a good 12 hours at least."--<em>Erica Cheung, Intern, HuffPost Style
    </em>




  • SPLURGE: Coffee


    "I'll shell out for good <a href="http://www.intelligentsiacoffee.com/
    " target="_hplink">coffee</a>. Joe that tastes like mud just ain't worth it, in my book."--<em>Christina Anderson, Fashion Editor, Stylelist</em>




  • SPLURGE: Shampoo


    "I'll say shampoo. It makes such a difference when you switch from drugstore to <a href="http://www.fekkai.com/silky-straight-ironless/shampoo/silky-straight-ironless-shampoo/00730870810361,default,pd.html?start=10&cgid=shampoos" target="_hplink">Fekkai</a>. I swear."--<em>Sarah Leon, Style News Editor, Stylelist</em>




  • SPLURGE: Face Lotion


    "Face lotion. I never though it was important ... until someone gifted me a small bottle from <a href="http://usa.loccitane.com/immortelle-precious-protection,82,1,29429,263309.htm" target="_hplink">L'Occitane</a>. Now I can't live without it. I have sensitive skin and it's not cheap, but it's the only stuff I can apply morning and night that won't cause me to break out."--<em>Nicole Guzzardi, Intern, Stylelist Home</em>




  • SPLURGE: Bras


    "Bras! Cheap ones can be scratchy or get stretched out easily. I recently splurged on a strapless one from <a href="http://www.simoneperele.com/?gclid=CL7tx9C-obECFYOc7QodWU6mow" target="_hplink">Simone Perele</a> and it's changed my life."--<em>Shana Ecker, Editor, StylelistHome</em>




  • SAVE: Exercise Clothes


    "I refuse to cough up money for <a href="http://www.stylelist.com/elizabeth-dosoretz/workout-exercise-clothes_b_1631345.html" target="_hplink">exercise clothes</a>. I have way too many handy, old t-shirts floating around to spend $100 on a Lululemon tank that'll end up sweaty and stained anyway." -<em>Ellie Krupnick, Associate Editor, HuffPost Style</em>

    Photo Credit: Getty Images




  • SAVE: Hats


    "<a href="http://www.stylelist.com/2012/05/07/best-hats-for-your-face-shape_n_1477885.html" target="_hplink">Hats</a>. I'm not going to pay a bunch of money for an expensive (however cute) summer hat when I can get the same look for eight bucks on St. Marks place. I know because I bought one the other day. Maybe it won't last forever but by the time it falls apart people won't be wearing that style anymore anyway."-<em>Nicole Guzzardi, Intern, Stylelist Home</em>

    Photo Credit: Getty Images




  • SAVE: Clothes


    "I've learned not to spend a tremendous amount of money on clothes. When I first moved to NYC I went crazy in Soho and spent most of my paycheck on expensive things. Then I discovered thrifting, Buffalo Exchange and <a href="http://www.marshallsonline.com/" target="_hplink">Marshalls</a> (I LOVE MARSHALLS!), and now I only shop occasionally."-<em>Erica Cheung, Intern, Stylelist</em>

    Photo Credit: Getty Images




  • SAVE: Pajamas


    <a href="http://www.stylelist.com/2012/03/16/celebrities-in-pajamas_n_1353302.html" target="_hplink">"Pajamas</a>. Nothing is more comfortable to sleep in than underwear and a 30-year-old t-shirt. Even if it doesn't look that sexy."-<em>Sarah Leon, Style News Editor, Stylelist</em>

    Photo Credit: Getty Images




  • SAVE: Vintage


    "Vintage. Growing up in Oklahoma, we went <a href="http://www.stylelist.com/2012/06/27/goodwill-warehouse_n_1628440.html" target="_hplink">thrifting</a> almost every day after school. I still make the rounds every time I go home. Over-priced vintage and consignment stores in New York just feel sacrilege to me."-<em>Simone Kitchens, Senior Beauty Editor, Stylelist</em>

    Photo Credit: Getty Images




  • SAVE: Manicures


    <a href="http://www.stylelist.com/2012/07/09/diy-nail-art-french-manicure_n_1650999.html
    http://www.stylelist.com/2012/07/09/diy-nail-art-french-manicure_n_1650999.html
    " target="_hplink">"Manicures.</a> I found the best place ever in the East Village that does an amazing job for $7. There's not exactly a lot of ambience but I'm not the type to need waterfalls and imported lemon verbena airspun hand mousse for my spa treatments."-<em>Jessica Misener, Editor, HuffPost Style</em>

    Photo Credit: Getty Images




  • SAVE: Denim Shorts


    <a href="http://www.stylelist.com/2012/05/31/denim-shorts-cutoff_n_1553210.html" target="_hplink">"Denim shorts</a> -- vintage/resale shops have the BEST worn-in pairs. And every time I've spent more than $20 on cut-offs, I've lived to regret it."--<em>Rebecca Adams, Associate Style News Editor, HuffPost Style</em>

    Photo Credit: Getty Images




  • SAVE: White T-Shirts


    "White cotton t-shirts because they never stay white for too long, so I buy them at <a href="http://www.target.com/c/tops-clothing-women/-/N-5xtbq#navigation=true&viewType=large&sortBy=bestselling&minPrice=from&maxPrice=to&isleaf=true&navigationPath=5xtbq&parentCategoryId=9975766&facetedValue=/-/N-5xtbqZ5tldvZ5xknh&RatingFacet=0" target="_hplink">Target.</a>" --<em>Shana Ecker, Editor, StylelistHome</em>




  • SAVE: Stockings


    "I refuse to pay a lot of money for<a href="http://www.stylelist.com/2012/04/13/pantyhose-hosiery_n_1424472.html" target="_hplink"> stockings</a>. With all the runs, snags and flat out tears that come about, I stick to my good ol' <a href="http://www.kmart.com/sheer-intrigue-women-39-s-ultra-sheer/p-030B692242110001P?prdNo=14&blockNo=14&blockType=G14
    " target="_hplink">$2 coco-colored hosiery from the beauty supply store</a>."-<em>Dana Oliver, Beauty Editor, Stylelist</em>




  • SAVE: Face Wash


    "Face wash -- when in a pinch I've even used hand soap. My skin looks as it probably should for my age, with no variation when I use something different, so I just can't bring myself to buy anything more expensive than <a href="http://www.drugstore.com/clean-and-clear-deep-action-cream-cleanser-oil-free/qxp25731?catid=182284" target="_hplink">Clean & Clear</a>."<em>-Anya Strzemien, Editor-in-Chief, Stylelist</em>




  • SAVE: Makeup


    "Recently, I've cut back my spending by buying inexpensive mascara. I love <a href="http://www.stylelist.com/2012/03/13/drugstore-makeup_n_1339942.html" target="_hplink">makeup</a> and always stick to Chanel and Lancome for the majority of the products I use, but I pick up my eyeliner from the nearest drugstore. <a href="http://www.maybelline.com/products/67" target="_hplink">Maybelline 'The Falsies' </a>has done great things for me."-<em>Shana Honig, Intern, Stylelist</em>




  • SAVE: Lingerie


    "Despite their overly sexed-up image in recent years, I still love <a href="http://www.victoriassecret.com/bras/cotton-lingerie/wireless-bra-cotton-lingerie?ProductID=2160&CatalogueType=OLS
    " target="_hplink">Victoria's Secret bras</a>. They fit, survive my maniacal washing machine, and at $29 a pop, are a steal."-<em>Christina Anderson, Fashion Editor, Stylelist</em>




  • SAVE: Makeup Remover Wipes


    "Makeup remover wipes. I've used <a href="http://www.riteaid.com/" target="_hplink">Rite Aid</a> and Walgreens brands and they work just as well as the expensive versions, but they cost about a third of the price."

    <em>- Michelle Manetti, Associate Editor, Stylelist Home</em>

    Photo Credit: Getty Images




  • S&D Jewelry


    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Amy_Spruengli"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://graph.facebook.com/577347206/picture?type=square" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Amy_Spruengli">Amy Spruengli</a>:<br />"All you need is one versatile piece like Stella & Dot's Lariat Necklace to compliment many outfits."





Want more? Be sure to check out HuffPost Style on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Pinterest and Instagram at @HuffPostStyle.