Photo Credit (Pixabay)
By the age of 50, most of us may benefit from a wardrobe refresh.
Our bodies, faces, and lives have evolved throughout the years, but our fashion choices have not always kept pace.
Do we need strict rules? Actress Ellen Barkin, 68, famously stated in The Oprah Magazine that women over 50 should never wear blue jeans to a dinner. I (and my ultra-cool Mother jeans) beg to disagree.
Members get 50% more points through AARP Rewards.
Forget about those outmoded rules! We only need a few simple principles for achieving excellent style and information on how to get there.
The following is a definitive list of go-to pieces for ladies who wish to resist the frump while yet looking smart, dynamic, modern, and, yes, acceptable. Consider these investment items that will last for many years and never go out of style. Consider them your foundation, then develop from there. You may wear these basics to work, out to dinner, or anywhere else:
- Dark denim, mid-rise, boot-cut jeans
The boot-cut hem accommodates booties (also known as “ankle boots”), which are ideal for practically any occasion. (The best boots are from Stuart Weitzman, Cole Haan, Sam Edelman, Madewell, and Vionic, which offer sheer comfort at a reasonable price.) You can also tuck bootcut jeans into tall boots. This shape is ideal for ladies over 50 since it balances the silhouette—not too tight, not too loose, but just right.
Tip: Keep the length about an eighth of an inch above the floor (depending on the shoe), and make sure the jeans fit well (with some stretch) in the buttocks and hips. If required, adjust the waist. Favorite brands include Mother, Levi’s, and Madewell, and believe it or not, Spanx also makes great-fitting jeans.
- Dark denim, mid-rise, straight-leg jeans.
Instead of tight, narrow jeans (which are ugly on most of us), get them in dark blue, with no fading or whiskering, and definitely not distressed. In cooler weather, pair with flat loafers or low block heels with squared toes (on trend), and tuck into tall boots (even over the knee). Booties, like everything else, work perfectly (see out our favorites above).
Tip: Straight-leg jeans look great with longer coats or tunic tops. Check out alternatives from Uniqlo, 7 For All Mankind, J Brand, Levi’s, Mother, Agolde, and Spanx. Prices begin at $75.
- White jeans (boot cut or straight leg)
In warmer weather, pair with wedge shoes and tunic tops, or a white tank with a clean navy or denim blazer to complete the style. When the weather cools down, wear brown or black shoes, a sweater or jacket (a leather moto jacket, see details below), and a gorgeous scarf in hues that complement your face. - Well-fitting pants
Look for high-waisted pants in a lightweight wool blend (wool/Lycra is ideal) in black, charcoal, or navy (or a pair of each hue) that can be worn all year. The pants’ cut and length must be precise. Take your shoes and booties to the retailer (and, if required, the tailor) to ensure a flawless fit.
Tip: Pair with a silky blouse, T-shirt, or tank with a cardigan or jacket. Theory, J. Crew, Spanx, Everlane, and Ann Taylor all offer excellent selections. Prices start at about $60.
- Black blazer.
A black jacket in a light wool/lycra blend is one of the most versatile garments you will possess (but consider blue as well). Wear it with jeans, skirts, dresses, and pants; it will improve everything. Make sure it fits your shoulders perfectly, can be buttoned in the front (even if you never wear it buttoned), and the sleeves fall slightly below your wrist. It should be below your hips. Take it to the tailor (your new best buddy) to ensure a flawless fit.
Wear tanks, black or white tees (check out Target tees), and jewel-toned blouses underneath. Theory, Norma Kamali (I love the stretchy spandex/lycra blend), J. Crew, and Target all have blazers worth trying. Prices start at about $120.
- Black pencil skirt.
Regardless of your size, it’s versatile, elegant, and unexpectedly flattering. Wear it to the knee (or slightly shorter if paired with black tights). Make sure it has some stretch and is fit, but not too tight. The finest appearance for us is to wear black tights with booties. Avoid flat shoes. Choose a mid- or high-heel pump (squarish toes with block heels in suede or nubuck are ideal), high boots (not over the knee), or booties.
Tip: A black blazer may seem too formal with this skirt; instead, pair it with a shorter, multicolored jacket and a solid-color T-shirt underneath or a flowing, silky top tucked in. I’ve found the best-fitting pencil skirts at Spanx, Theory, J. Crew, and Banana Republic. Prices start at about $120, so shop around.
7) Sweaters
These are a year-round fashion item and the greatest technique to hide undertoned arms. Look for lengthy, three-quarter-length sleeves that hit at or above the hips. Longer sweaters go well with straight-leg jeans or pants, but not with skirts. The most versatile sweaters are well-fitted but not too tight, and they fall around the hips. Look for non-bulky cashmere and cotton blends. You should be able to wear these all year, whether under your sleek black blazer or with your new jeans. Madewell, Banana Republic, Gap, Goodthreads (on Amazon), Zara, and H&M offer some of the loveliest sweaters, with prices starting at $45.
Tip: Consider wearing button-down cardigans instead of blazers. Get a size or two smaller than usual to avoid having a “Mumsy” sweater that looks unattractive. Cardigans should be tight and never worn closed. Sweaters and cardigans are designed to protect your arms while also adding color to your ensemble.
- Tanktops
Once you’ve decided on your favorite staples, buy them in bulk. Get them in white, black, and cream to pair with your new cardigans, coats, blouses, and sweaters. I wear them under practically everything to have a smoother appearance.
Tip: The fit should be snug, so size down if necessary, and ensure they’re long enough to tuck in and stay in place. Uniqlo, Target, Gap, and Spanx all offer terrific tanks. Prices start at about $10.
- Dresses
Dresses make everyone feel lovely and sexy, and there are three types that look best on women over 50, regardless of size or shape:
Wrap dresses, particularly those with long or three-quarter-length sleeves—knot the belt on the side, never in front, and do not tie it in a bow!
Sleeveless sheath dresses paired with snug-fitting cardigans or jackets are suitable for practically any occasion.
“Fit-and-flare” dresses are fitted on top and flare out slightly at the waist, resulting in a flirty, swingy style.
Jewel hues look nice on all skin tones; maintain the length at the knee or slightly higher.
Tip: Have at least one well-fitting LBD (little black dress) in any of these designs that can be dressed up or down. Target, Diane von Furstenberg, Theory, Nicole Miller, Hugo Boss, M.M. LaFleur, Ann Taylor, and Amazon offer great-fitting dresses at a variety of prices.
- Classic black leather motorcycle jacket
No, a black leather jacket is appropriate for women over the age of 50. Wear it with everything you own, including jeans (especially white jeans), skirts, and dresses. A black leather jacket looks especially good over a flowery, flowing midi dress. This basic is more expensive than the others, so hunt around for one that fits well (cropped at the waist is ideal) and is timeless, so you can wear it forever. Instead of shopping online, get this investment piece in-store. It can be advisable to visit high-end department stores to sample a wider choice of labels. Rag & Bone, Madewell, and Club Monaco are some of the possibilities to consider.
Tip: You can recreate the moto jacket style without using leather. Instead, check for synthetic or vegan leather jackets from BlankNYC or Free People.
You can mix and match all of these items depending on the occasion to create different outfits. Add a few accessories—a statement necklace (chunky, worn close to the throat), colorful scarf, cuff bracelet, excellent shoes, and stunning bag (clutch for evenings and classic black leather over-the-shoulder for day), and you’re ready to go.
