Photo Credit ( Pixabay )
But what about over-50 fashion? Even though you might have had a distinct sense of style when you were younger, other elements come into play as you mature. Clothes that were appropriate for you when you were thirty or forty may no longer fit you due to menopause and changes in body shape.
However, we’re not advocating that you give up on being fashionable after the age of fifty—quite the opposite. Numerous celebrities, such as JoLo, Halle Berry, Thandie Newton, and Jennifer Aniston, are raising the standard of fashion. Additionally, you’re in very stylish company as Victoria Beckham, the queen of elegance, celebrates her fiftieth birthday in April 2024.
In light of all of this, when Gransnetters discuss fashion trends in our Style and Beauty forum, the topic of what to wear—and what not to wear—becomes inevitable. Throughout our lives, we have heard some contentious pieces of advice that have led us to wonder: What is the true secret to dressing well when you’re over fifty?
We’ve compiled some of the best style advice from our Gransnetters because we know they’re a stylish bunch. Prepare yourself for the most fashionable years of your life.
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Over-50s style: things to stay away from
- Avoid wearing skirts with no form.
For business or leisure, are you looking for a chic skirt for a woman in her fifties? Steer clear of anything bulky and ill-fitting and embrace sleek and shapely. As this GNer suggests, we’re channelling Kate Moss here, not Maggie Thatcher.
“Avoid tweed skirt suits teamed with lace-up brogues…and anything crimplene.”
foremost things foremost, be aware of the contour of your body. Try these knee-length pencil skirts or midaxi lengths from Marks & Spencer if you’re hourglass or pear-shaped. They’ll hug your curves in all the right places and, if your knees aren’t your fave part, will also cover them up.
Select A-line or high-waisted skirts that draw attention to your waist to achieve balance if your body is apple-shaped.
Getting ready for an evening out? Try a John Lewis pleated dress with a little sparkle. Do you suffer from bloating in your abdomen as a result of menopause? Think about wrap skirts and any stretchy fabric.
Finally, you have greater freedom to flaunt your legs in a miniskirt if you adore them! There are no limits when it comes to dressing for yourself; age is only a number.
One coworker pairs her miniskirts with opaque tights and flattish boots. It looks fantastic. Dee1012
Shoes and tops are essential for dressing up a skirt when you’re over fifty. A sleek knit or a traditional white t-shirt? Perfect. Nonetheless, to add definition and prevent the terrible “sack of spuds” appearance, always tuck your top into your waistline.
Skirts for special occasions will look better with a good mid-heeled shoe. We’re talking box-fresh trainers here—not sweaty sneakers, but trainers look great with your daytime skirts. Opaque tights appear more contemporary than flesh-colouredd stockings, and pop socks should never be used.
Style for ladies over fifty
Style for women in their 50s
For casual skirts that are nonetheless stylish, White Stuff is a fantastic option.
- Refuse to wearfleeces
Naturally, it all depends on your body shape, but do some designs make you look older than you actually are? ‘Yes’, Gransnetters says, is the answer. The offender? That go-to fleece jacket you wear for dirty hiking and gardening.
Listen, we are aware that a warm fleece jacket is ideal for taking dogs on walks, particularly during the winter. However, you may want to reconsider your wardrobe selections when that same fleece jacket begins to accompany you on lunches with friends and evenings out.
Gransnetter TeeTime states: “I have two microfleeces for golf, but once they wear out, I won’t be buying any more. I really don’t like fleeces anyway.” I still recall Susannah and Trinny commenting that a sheep was the only animal on whom a fleece looked beautiful.
In order to lessen the amount of harmful mmicrofibresthat are dumped into our waterways, some environmentally conscious GNers claim that they have abandoned fleece jackets. Getting a strong grasp on your fleece habit can only benefit the environment and your sense of style. For finer events, opt for a more structured “coatigan” or a cool, slouchy cardigan, ideally longline.
Choose coats in traditional shapes and neutral hues that go well with everything, paying attention to the fit and fitting. A coat with a longer, bum-covering length and a slightly nipped waist is a smart choice. Avoid hooded duffel coats if you want multipurpose, adult outerwear. You probably don’t want to look like a “child off to primary school” with all those peg buttons and the boxy design.
Check out Next’s assortment of fashionable coatigans.
Style for women in their 50s
Style for women in their 50s
- Cover up waistbands with elastic
Stretchy waistlines have a somewhat negative reputation, but let’s be honest—they’re comfortable and accommodate weight swings, so we don’t see why they should be prohibited.
Women of all ages are wearing athletic performance apparel on a daily basis these days. An elasticated waistline is no longer a fashion faux pas, whether you’re attending lunch with pals or running errands.
However, we would advise against flaunting an elasticated waistband. According to one Gransnetter: “I think elasticated or half-elasticated waistbands are a boon for those of us with less-than-svelte fifigures—buthey must not be visible!”
Tucking your top in and then pulling it out just enough to cover the band (in a nice, slouchy sort of way) is an easy technique to hide the waistline of your trousers. It also defines the waist. A longline tunic shirt that covers your thighs, bum, and waistband will look good with leggings.
Do you want to dress up your casual attire? Choose a pair of incredibly fashionable Boden harem joggers instead of boring old jogging bottoms. Next offers stretch waistband trousers that are appropriate for both work and the weekend if you’re seeking forkplace attire.
fashionable attire for a woman in her fifties
pants with wide legs
- Avoid choosing the incorrect denim skirt cut.
You can’t go wrong with a hard-wearing denim skirt if you need an everyday fashion hero but aren’t a huge jeans fan. In every weather, a reliable pair of jeans may be worn up or down, which is its appeal.
Nevertheless, this Gransnetter cautions that you should always exercise caution when wearing denim skirts:
“Long jean skirts are one of the most ugly styles—they don’t conceal anything.” They simply make you appear enormous from head to toe.
Getting the appropriate cut for your body shape is crucial if you want to look stunning in denim. Depending on how tight they are, some denim skirts can be just as clinging and uncomfortable as their trouser counterparts.
Did you know that denim midaxi designs are currently experiencing a major fashion moment, despite the fact that denim skirts have been around for decades? For inspiration, check out M&S’s incredibly stylish black cotton denim Midaxi. For the ultimate in off-duty style, mix it with thick Clarks boots and a reasonably priced M&S warm cashmere-like pullover.
- Steer clear of loud makeup
Concerned that your makeup might be a little, uh, umerpowering? I’m wondering if your skin, which is in your 50s and beyond, has been wearing foundation that is a little too thick. Or maybe you’re searching for an eyeshadow palette that suits you better these days?
Fortunately, we have detailed beauty lessons for the face, lips, and eyes, and not a single glitter eyeshadow is included.
What to wearf you’re over fifty
- Adore leggings
They are quite adaptable, comfortable, and simple to wear. What is wrong with leggings? If we’re being honest, we can’t think of many, which is why they’re essentially a fashion standard for people of all ages, especially those over fifty. However, and we cannot emphasise this enough, always remember the golden rule. Leggings are not the same as pants. Here is a helpful style guide for leggings that we have put together.
However, when worn with longer-length shirts and tunics, they’re a fantastic everyday choice. White Stuff and M&S have some really attractive designs.
“Love my Mint Velvet leggings (£19) not as cheap as some but a good fit, don’t go baggy, wash well.” Gransnetter BigBertha1 advises investing a little bit more for leggings.
Shop Mint Velvet’s products at John Lewis, where you can also get their leather-look leggings that look amazing with boots and a sweater dress.
fashionable attire for a woman in her fifties
Particularly, Seasalt’s leggings are incredibly soft and maintain their shape nicely, so after five minutes, there won’t be any sagging around the knees.
- Look for the ideal jeans
Let’s face it, finding the ideal pair of jeans may be difficult regardless of your age or body type. “My wardrobe is full of expensive jeans-buying mistakes,” admits one irate GNer on this Style and Beauty thread.
Don’t give up, though. You will undoubtedly discover a pair that fits your shape and style if you shop around. You’ll have a capsule wardrobe staple ready to go once you’ve discovered jeans that fit you well, we promise.
Having two or three different types of jeans in your closet is helpful for a variety of situations and comfort levels. While high-waisted mom jeans from Marks & Spencer are incredibly fashionable, boyfriend or girlfriend jeans are perfect for lounging around the house or doing errands.
“Mom jeans from M&S are brand new—at least to me—and they fit beautifully. They may fit you because of their taper and high waist. Still worth a shot. Daisymae
Dark, slim-fitting jeans with a hint of stretch will look stylish for nights out. Try the Robell Slim Fit, which GNer Lucca suggested, on Amazon: “I’ve owned a pair of Robell stretchy jeans for four years; they’re great, but they’re expensive.”
Check out Next’s selection of women’s jeans in every possible length, colour, style,,, and size.
fashionable attire for a woman in her fifties
Try the extensive selection of denim from JD Williams or Not Your Daughter’s Jeans.
- Sleeved dresses
Bravo to you if you love your arms. For ideas on sleeveless gowns that highlight a toned bicep, look to Michelle Obama.
However, we can clearly hear you if you feel better at ease wearing a dress with sleeves of some kind. There will be a style to fit you, whether your ideal dress has cap sleeves ofull-lengthth sleeves.
“My dream dress (manufacturers please note) is an empire line, V-neck, 3/4 sleeves in fine jersey—plainr print.”
Regardless of whether you’re working or getting drinks with friends, a Next shirt dress is perfect for dressing up or down. Since they hide any lumps and bumps you’d like not to be seen, wrap dresses are flattering to most bodies. Love and Roses offers several quite attractive versions with stunning prints.
In general, tiny women look fantastic in empire line styles since the elevated waistline creates the appearance of height.
Boden offers several of their stunning dress designs in longer lengths, so if you’re more of a willowy type, go there.Cheers to that.
See our guide to Fifty Plus Summer Dresses for additional inspiration on how to select your ideal gown.
fashion from the 1950s
- Put on appropriate footwear for the task.
Crocs? Both in the garden and on the beach, acceptable. However, if your shoes are letting the side down, your perfectly fitted jeans or that amazing new shirt dress won’t look their best.
Replace your hated Crocs with chic, environmentally friendly sandals from Aspiga this summer.
You can get through the colder months with a pair of Clarks ankle boots that are both fashionable and durable. Select a pair of high-quality leather shoes and combine them with skirts and pants.
Your go-to shoes for the entire year are trainers. These days, smart trainers are worn with jeans, work suitsuits, glittery skirts. Invest in one or more classic models. Converse Chuck Taylor trainers orhi-topss are a great choice for people of all ages. With so many different tints to pick from, you’re sure to find something that suits your style.
Gransnetters adore Skechers because, let’s be honest, they’re quite comfy and have recently debuted more fashion-forward lines.
