If you’re over 50, don’t think your most stylish days are behind you. Don’t settle for frumpy clothes that don’t match your vibrant personality or renewed confidence for the future. Some people feel that women over 50 shouldn’t wear certain types of clothing, but some of those opinions are rooted in ageism. As long as you’re dressed confidently and classy, what they think doesn’t matter. When you shop for clothes, buy staples that are of high quality and that last for years. Some good places to find these clothes are Talbots, J Crew, Banana Republic, and Nordstrom. Here are some tips for fashion for women over 50.
Start With a Basic Capsule Wardrobe
When you have a basic capsule wardrobe, you can build on this foundation with various outfits. Here are examples of what to include in your capsule wardrobe:
- Classic white shirts
- Silk blouses
- Neutral-colored dress pants
- Denim jeans that flatter your shape
- Dresses and skirts
- Shorts
- Blazers, denim jackets, and winter coats
- Sneakers , pumps, and casual sandals
- Flat shoes
- Handbags
- Jewelry
- Scarves
Pull-on jeans are also a must-have for your capsule wardrobe since they’re easy to put on and comfortable too. You don’t have to wrangle zippers and deal with belts that put too much pressure on your stomach. They also accommodate weight fluctuations that occur during perimenopause. Knit jackets are great for the fall months. Tunic shirts are forgiving to the tummy you want to hide while still allowing you to look fabulous. Pull-on skirts in various prints and solid colors should be part of your capsule wardrobe.
Capsule wardrobes have several benefits. They save you time and they assist with developing your style. Capsule wardrobes save you money because, although you may pay more money initially for certain staples, those staples last a long time. They make it easier to organize your closet and provide you with timeless clothing, not flashy trends.
Keep It Colorful
Fashion for women over 50 should also be colorful. Neutral tones have their place, but there’s nothing wrong with adding color to your wardrobe. Start by accessorizing your outfits with bold-colored accessories. Rock a teal handbag with your denim outfit. Or you can wear a bright yellow bracelet or necklace with your blue skirt set and a silk white blouse. Clothes with prints and patterns are another fun way to add color to your wardrobe.
Wear the Right Pair of Jeans
Not all types of jeans flatter your figure, so you want to choose a pair that is both comfortable and for you well. One of the best pairs of jeans for women over 50 is high-rise jeans. They camouflage your tummy and they elongate your legs. High-rise jeans put the focus on the narrow part of your waistline and create a silhouette look. Dark colored jeans are good to wear if you want to appear slimmer. If you’re dressing up a jean outfit, wear a bold-colored blazer. It adds simple sophistication without much effort. Some fashion experts say women over age 50 should avoid distressed jeans, but I disagree. My mom is in her 60s and she looks amazing in them. It depends on your style. Buy a few pairs of boyfriend jeans. These jeans go to your upper hips and are slightly baggy at the thighs and legs. Straight-leg jeans are another neat choice. For the curvy ladies, bootcut and flare jeans are the best choices.
Elevate Your Footwear
Footwear says a lot about your style, so choose wisely. You may think you can’t rock metallic shoes because you’re over 50, but it isn’t true. Metallic shoes are sophisticated and can go with most outfits. If you wear mostly casual outfits, metallic slip-on shoes or sneakers work well. If you’re wearing business outfits for work, metallic pumps or loafers complement these outfits well. Avoid high-heeled shoes with heels over three inches because this puts a strain on your feet and causes back pain over time. Other shoes to avoid are narrow-toe shoes, backless shoes, ultra-high platform shoes, and worn-out sneakers.
Workplace Fashion for Women Over 50
Many of you still work, and you want to look professional yet stylish in the office. Solid-colored and patterned midi dresses are excellent for the office during the spring and summer months. Invest in some cardigans because they are good for all seasons, and you can pair them with your blouses and dress pants. Classic white button-down shirts are a must-have staple in your work wardrobe. Animal print jackets and shirts are timeless and classy staples and can be worn with black, khaki, or white pants.
When you wear skirts, avoid those with heavy fabrics since they add volume. Instead, wear skirts with a flowing style. Get some chunky jewelry to accessorize your outfits. Wear a silver chunky necklace with a white long-sleeve shirt and black trousers. Another idea is to wear a pendant with an empire-waist dress.
Let’s Talk About Bras
Many women aren’t wearing the right size bra, and when you don’t wear a supportive bra, your clothes don’t look polished, and it could cause back, shoulder, and neck pain over time. If your bra is too small, it causes breast pain and discomfort. Your breasts may sag prematurely. Wireless bras are the best for comfort while full-coverage bras are a neat choice for sagging breasts.
Plus-Size Fashion for Women Over 50
Now let’s discuss plus-size tips for women over 50. Look for clothes that have breathable and stretchy fabrics since they provide comfort. While it’s ideal to wear dark colors for a slimming effect, you can still add pops of color for extra flair. Have some of your outfits tailored to ensure the best fit. Quality shapewear is also crucial to looking your best overall. To cover wide hips and thighs, wear long tunics. Shorter tops are not flattering for the midsection you want to draw less attention to. A-line skirts can also minimize the wider sections of your body.
Ideas for Styling Classic White Shirts
Classic white shirts are sophisticated, and here are ideas for wearing them well. Wear the shirt with a pair of boyfriend jeans and a nice poncho. White shirts also look great with blazers and trousers or dark-colored jeans. Another idea is to tuck the white shirt inside your maxi skirt and accessorize with a chunky bracelet or hoop earrings and wedge shoes.
Confidence is the best accessory, and when you feel good in what you’re wearing, that shines through more than any label or trend ever could. So, embrace this stylish phase of life with joy and experiment to discover what makes you feel your absolute best!