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A woman over fifty is a formidable opponent. She’s experienced enough life to know what she desires. She is also generally aware of her identity and direction. Older women have limited options and clothing labels that typically carry shabby and out-of-date things because the majority of the fashion business talks about the newest trends and caters to the younger demographic.
When it comes to fashion, age should never be a barrier, and women over 50 can be just as picky about their attire as younger generations. The issue is that rather than embracing their age, many women see this as a chance to dress in ways that are incompatible with it.
These days, we have more reasons to be proud of who we are, yet it can be challenging to balance our age with our sense of style. Thankfully, ladies over 50 have a wide range of options to help them reinvent their style without striving to be someone they’re not. Perhaps it’s time to go beyond the cliché of “new year, new me.”
One thing I’m certain of is that ladies over fifty are conscious of their appearance! They wish to appear fashionable but also age-appropriate. As a result, I’ve compiled the top clothing for women over 50 and am offering style advice to help you look your best.
Which clothing items should you stay away from if you’re over fifty?
It’s important to first discuss what you should avoid wearing before moving on to what you should wear. The purpose of dressing for ladies over 50 is not to look twenty or thirty years younger than you actually are.
While it’s true that “rules” are supposed to be broken and that you should wear whatever makes you feel good at the end of the day, I won’t suggest wearing miniskirts, crop tops, or taking your daughter’s pants unless they’re straight-leg.
I believe that women over 50 are uniquely positioned to encourage younger women by demonstrating that aging gracefully is not only feasible but also a luxury. You don’t have to give up your own style; you can even get better with time.
Many ladies over 50, such as Emmanuelle Alt and Carolina Herrera, inspire me personally. A fashionable lady over fifty can become a style icon, whether to the general public, other women in her age group, or even younger women who could see her on the street.
Style-savvy older ladies have a unique power to motivate those around them. I observed this older woman going down the street years ago when visiting a new town on a winter day. She was wearing a striking leopard print coat, black ankle boots, and red lipstick. She was amazing, in my opinion! I nearly asked to snap a photo of her. The recollection stuck with me even if the sight was brief. I recall thinking that if she looked that nice, I could be amazing after fifty.
Choosing clothing based on your body type
Square, pear, and rectangle. What are the meanings of these fruits and shapes, and what should one do with this knowledge?
Consideration should always be given to your body type and clothing choices, but this is especially true as you get older and your body evolves, becoming very different from what it was in your twenties.
These body type recommendations and determining your shape are simply that—guidelines. They are supposed to help you buy and choose your clothes, and they might even explain why certain items fit you better than others. However, I really think that you should wear what makes you happy. I have an eBook with information that should assist you in identifying your body type and bringing out your greatest features!
How a woman over 50 may maintain style
Classic style is, in my opinion, the ideal look for a woman over fifty. This isn’t to say that you can’t have the things that define your style; it does mean that you should somehow incorporate some of these timeless pieces.
Whether it’s a basic black and white color scheme (Carolina Herrera) or traditional apparel pieces like blazers and crisp denim (Emmanuelle Alt), you’ll note that many of the older style superstars have embraced some aspect of classic style. Feel free to incorporate other styles, such as boho, preppy, informal, or even trendy, if that’s what defines your personal style.
Is it appropriate for women over 50 to wear vibrant colors?
That’s up to you, then. Go for it if you enjoy vibrant colors! But there are a few things to keep in mind. Finding lighter colors that complement your skin tone is what I would advise. You’ve probably heard of spring, summer, fall, or winter. This resource can help you identify the appropriate hues.
Second, in order to attain a traditional design, I would advise reducing your use of vibrant colors. Add striking hues with accessories and a few pieces, but I would steer clear of a neon-heavy ensemble.
The best outfits for women over fifty pencil skirts
Pencil skirts can be worn by women of all ages, but since they can be the most flattering, ladies over 50 look their best in pencil cuts. This curve-hugging skirt is a wardrobe essential, regardless of your body shape—pear, apple, or rectangle. Despite their tight appearance, pencil skirts are really comfortable to wear because they are typically composed of elastic material. These elegant and feminine outfits are available at stores like Loft, Ann Taylor, and J. Crew.
It goes well with items like a jacket, a tank top, a button-down shirt, and pointed shoes. Play around with the pencil skirt’s length based on your height and body type; even a few inches longer or shorter can significantly alter the overall appearance.
Cardigan
A cardigan is a sophisticated item that is slightly more useful than a jacket for everyday use; therefore, it should have a place in your closet. You can quickly add interest to your ensemble with this piece, which is excellent for layering. For a sophisticated appearance, pair a white shirt with dark denim and low-block shoes. For a laid-back look, team with jeans, loafers, and a simple tee. This item can effortlessly go from casual to preppy to elegant!
Jeans that fit well
Jeans are your best friend and a basic piece of apparel. Even if you believe you may need to shed a few pounds or that you are too old for new pants, don’t be afraid to try them on.
However, make sure to choose the correct wash because black or dark blue jeans will look fantastic on you and will slim out your thighs rather than draw attention to your physique.
Wearing jeans that don’t fit is one of the top denim mistakes I see ladies over 50 make! Even if Gen Z is obsessed with this style, you don’t want baggy jeans.
You don’t have to become exceedingly thin, though, so don’t panic. Bootcut, cropped, straight leg, or slim jeans are the greatest options. Even the bootcut of these jeans should fit your curves. They ought to flare out at the bottom rather than everywhere. Additionally, high-rise jeans can be really attractive.
Wear a basic white T-shirt with your jeans for laid-back looks. A simple top in a variety of colors will help you come up with a lot of different outfit options, so make sure to acquire one. Look for white jeans after you’ve covered your dark blue ones. These are yet another essential piece for any outfit!
I have a resource library with over 40 prints, checklists, guidelines, and lists that you can take with you on your next shopping trip if you’re searching for more tips on what to wear with each type of jeans. You can sign up for it here.
Are you unsure where to buy jeans? Madewell offers high-quality, comfy denim in a variety of sizes!
Unless you don’t intend to display the waist, I would attempt to stay away from pants with an elastic waist like these. There are many better solutions available if you need elastic waist jeans for comfort or health concerns, such as these.
Related: The Greatest Presents She Will Love for Women Over 50
Dresses with wraps
Diane von Furstenberg popularized the wrap dress, which is perhaps one of the most timeless pieces of apparel. It is a great fit for all body shapes and should be a staple in any wardrobe. Despite being a dress, it need not be thought of as something that is exclusively appropriate for weddings or church. For informal spring or summer excursions, you can wear it with sandals and even white sneakers.
Regarding dresses, you have undoubtedly heard a lot about the LBD, which is a little black dress that is another essential item that is worth including in your closet. You don’t have to wear a formal dress if your lifestyle doesn’t require it, so don’t worry if the formality of this garment is getting to you.
A looser-fitting, more casual black dress that you will wear frequently is preferable to a formal dress that you will wear infrequently. The wrap dress is also a favorite among French women who are classically fashionable. Read this article: How to Dress Like a French Woman Over 50 if you’d like to learn more about how to dress like a French woman.
Chic boots
A woman over 50 might enhance her classic style by wearing boots with a slight heel. Although they are stylish, high heels are not very useful for daily life, and this is probably even more true if you are over 50 and frequently chase after grandchildren. Look for a pair of boots that you can wear with ease and that add just the right amount of flair to anything from your favorite pair of jeans to a long skirt.
Everlane offers a wide range of excellent, high-quality choices.
Traditional coat
You want to make a lasting impression because sometimes this is all someone sees of you, so a classic coat will go a long way toward creating the ideal ensemble that is polished and elegant! The ideal classic coat is typically longer, made of wool or a comparable material, neutral in color, and adorned with intriguing features like a tie-wrap belt or tortoiseshell buttons.
Although Mango has some classic pieces that are frequently on sale, this coat can occasionally be quite expensive. A coat is well worth the money!
Print of an animal
Patterns are one of the greatest ways to add flair to any outfit, particularly animal patterns. And when you’re over 50 and discover that you can’t wear the same clothes you used to, I think this becomes even more important. A mature woman will always fit and look stylish in animal print. It gives your entire appearance more sass!
Choose one or two pieces, such as a blouse, jeans, scarf, or purse, where you would want your animal print to appear. Keep it understated, elegant, and simple.
Chic flats
Having a pair of fashionable and comfy flats is a terrific way to complete any ensemble. Don’t wear shoes that reveal your age—you know what they are. I am aware, though, that some women have limited footwear options because of foot and health issues, and that’s acceptable. Read the 7 Best Women’s Shoes for Foot Discomfort if you’re trying to find good shoe options for your foot discomfort.
Just concentrate on the things you can control, and even if you don’t believe your shoes are the best, you can still make up for it with a gorgeous coat and some amazing pants. Distract, distract!
For elderly women who like long-lasting luxury and are not interested in rapid fashion, M.M. LaFleur or Eileen Fisher are excellent choices.
Options for stylish outerwear
Although you have your go-to coat, your wardrobe still requires a few other pieces of outerwear! To mention a few, you should own a leather jacket, a toasty cardigan, a denim jacket for informal style, and a trench coat for a stylish appearance.
How to dress up the finest outfits for ladies over fifty
Remember that your accessories have the power to completely change the way you look. Scarves, necklaces, and earrings are great ways to add flair to your ensemble.
If your shoes are scuffed and your bag is coming apart, you can’t have a nice outfit. Nice shoes and a timeless, well-made handbag are essentials. Make these additional small adjustments suddenly appear more expensive.
Don’t let shapewear make you feel ashamed! Look for the underwear you need to look sleek, supported, and smooth.
You may be sure that you’ll be wearing comfortably and fashionably for your age even if you only add one of these pieces to your closet.
Are you prepared to further enhance your look? See the following post for tips for overcoming typical fashion obstacles: Are You Able to Connect? 13 Typical Fashion Challenges for Women Over 50 and Solutions
