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As we age and mature, our tastes, preferences, and sense of style naturally develop along with us. While this can be an exciting change that reflects a specific time in our lives, it can often be hard or frustrating to find our ‘new’ style, along with the little tips and tricks that elevate our routines and make us feel our very best. Whether you’re a seasoned fashion enthusiast looking for new tips or simply dipping your toes into the world of fashion for the first time, this guide is packed with expert style tips, tricks, and insights to help you feel amazing and look good over 50. Let’s dive in!
1. Look Good Over 50: Embracing Your Body Shape and Type
Regardless of age, dressing for your specific body type can be a game-changer when it comes to finding flattering and functional pieces for the everyday. Dressing with this intentionality will facilitate not only your shopping experience but also how you look and feel in your new clothes.
Hormonal shifts, weight fluctuations, and changing muscle tone are all body changes that we undergo throughout our lives as we age; with that in mind, it’s important to always dress for your current body shape and size, making sure to find pieces that bring balance, comfort, and emphasize your figure in all the right places.
Let’s take a quick look at some specific body types and how best to dress for them.
Oval Shape: Opt for clothing that emphasizes your waist. A-line dresses and tunic tops are great classic choices that are easily styled with your favorite accessories. Pieces with ruching or draping are great for adding visual interest to your look while also providing support. Related: How to Dress an Oval Body Shape: Dos and Don’ts
Pear Shape: Balance your silhouette by highlighting your upper body. A well-fitted white shirt with dark blue denim can do wonders! Opt for tops with embellishments or patterns that can draw the eye upwards. Consider structured jackets and tops that are well-fitted at the shoulders, and go for straight-leg or boot-cut pants to create a balanced look. Related: Top 10 Best Jeans for a Pear Shaped Body You Need in Your Closet
Hourglass Shape: Embrace your curves with pieces like pencil skirts, belts, and form-fitting dresses. When wearing a slightly bigger shirt, the French tuck can be the best way to accentuate your waist without adding any bulk. Avoid overly loose or boxy clothing that hides your figure. Related: Flattering Your Figure: How to Dress for Your Hourglass Shape
Rectangle Shape: Create curves with wrap dresses and belted jackets. Structured clothing can go a long way when it comes to adding the illusion of shape; pieces like peplum tops and tailored jackets with cinched waists, for example, are good options that help you create a more defined silhouette! Related: Fight the Frump: 12 Easy Ways You Can Fix Your Frumpy Outfits
Once you can identify your body shape and start shopping accordingly, you’ll be able to see the difference between taking this extra step and shopping without considering your shape.
Even when it comes to the simplest closet staples, there are always different cuts and versions that cater to different preferences and needs – it’s all about finding the right proportions! Even something like a white tee can be elevated and feel different if it’s the right one for you.
2. Look Good Over 50: Having the Right Wardrobe Staples for the Stylish Mature Woman
The Little Black Dress
A classic little black dress is a timeless style icon that is a must-have for any wardrobe. Versatile, flattering, and perfect for various occasions (including last-minute ones!), this timeless and adaptable look will be there for you no matter the occasion.
Look for a black dress with a flattering neckline and a fit that suits your body shape. Whether you want to style this dress for a casual weekday with some simple flats and a cardigan or dress it up with some heels and accessories for a night out, there is no limit to where your LBD can take you.
Denim Jacket
For the more casual days and warmer months of the year, a denim jacket can be a great go-to for your everyday wear. Choose a classic style that fits well at the shoulders and hits at the hip for the most versatility.
While oversized denim jackets can often give off that more youthful and laid-back look, more tailored or well-fitted pieces can look put-together and relaxed at the same time.
Dark Denim
In general, dark denim tends to be the most slimming shade of this closet staple, and is also an easy color to dress up for both nighttime and the day! From skinny jeans (if you still wear yours) to straight-leg denim, pair your favorite dark denim piece with a crisp white shirt for a classic look.
3. Look Good Over 50: Styling Your Classic Pieces
I feel very passionate about closet staples, and for good reason! Classic, timeless pieces like a well-fitted blazer, a white shirt, and tailored trousers can be styled in endless ways, mixed and matched to create entirely different looks.
blazer | shirt | pants | shoes
A blazer can easily dress up both denim and a pencil skirt, for example, adding an extra touch of polish to an otherwise casual look. A clean, simple white tee is another great example of a true wardrobe staple – just think of all the different bottoms that you could pair with it!
jeans | sneakers | tee | blazer
skirt | tee | blazer | shoes | bracelet
In a neutral color, tailored trousers are perfect for both heading into the office and enjoying a special occasion with your loved ones.
As you can see, finding the right staples is all about finding good-quality pieces that fit well and flatter your figure. From there, it gets easier and easier to find new possibilities within your own closet.
4. Look Good Over 50: Having the Right Stylish Shoes
Shoes are another great way to elevate your style if you haven’t already done so, without sacrificing comfort. Having shoes that are both stylish and comfortable is essential for putting together an elevated outfit, as well as for ensuring you feel like your best version all day long.
Ballet flats are great staple shoe options to have, especially during the spring and summer months. Both chic and comfortable, this design can add a sophisticated and classic touch to a simple look.
If you are looking to dress up, even a slight heel can be a fun way of adding some personality and flair to your outfit.
Other classic shoe options to keep in mind include mules, loafers, and a good pair of boots for when the weather gets cold.
Related: How to Curate the Ideal Fall Capsule Wardrobe for Warm Climates (Women Over 50)
While it can be fun to integrate some color into your wardrobe with shoes, neutral choices are always great to consider when building a coherent and chic collection. Beyond being able to easily match with the other pieces in your closet, neutral colors are timeless and effortless year-round.
5. Look Good Over 50: Choosing Investment Pieces (Quality Over Quantity)
If you are looking to invest in pieces for your wardrobe, good quality staples are a great place to begin. First, make sure to opt for designs made from durable materials that feature good craftsmanship; while they will cost more upfront, well-made clothing and accessories will likely last much longer and maintain their appearance better than cheaper alternatives.
To double-check that your piece is aligned with what you’re searching for, make sure to read the labels for references on both materials and maintenance instructions!
Of course, not every piece in your closet has to be an investment – far from it! It’s all about understanding both your style preferences and lifestyle needs to see which items are truly worth investing in. Not sure where to begin? Let’s take a look at some key investment pieces and where they might fit in your collection.
Key Investment Pieces
Tailored Blazer: A well-tailored blazer can be dressed up for work or dressed down with jeans for a polished yet more casual look. Remember, it’s all about promoting balance in your silhouette and enhancing your best features.
Be intentional about the fit! Whether it’s the length or the overall structure of the piece, making sure that it’s well-fitted to your body and style preferences is crucial. If you are out shopping and need some reference, snap a couple of pictures of yourself in different styles, compare, and contrast to see exactly how the fit changes the final look.
Classic Coat: A high-quality coat, such as a wool or trench coat, is essential for the colder months. Choose a neutral color that will complement the rest of your wardrobe. From black and ivory to camel and brown, the options are still plenty when it comes to finding something that speaks to your fashion taste but is still super versatile and classic.
During the warmer months, opt for lightweight cardigans or trench coats for style and comfort.
Leather Handbag: A durable leather handbag (or shoulder bag) is both functional and stylish, especially in styles that truly stand the test of time. Before finding your perfect match, ask yourself some questions. Do you intend to use this bag as you head to the office during the week or for special moments during the weekend? Simple questions like these can help you narrow down your styles, sizes, and materials to select the perfect bag for your closet.
Cashmere Sweater: From winter to summer and back, a classic cashmere sweater is a versatile piece to add to your wardrobe. While neutral shades are always a great choice, this is a good example of a piece that can add some more personality and charm to your wardrobe. Whether you go for a navy blue, a pop of color, or a striped cashmere sweater, this piece is sure to add many more elevated looks to your repertoire.
Well-Fitting Jeans: Invest in a pair of well-fitting jeans that flatter your body shape. Straight-leg pairs are considered by many to be the perfect pair of jeans, flattering many different body shapes and complementing a variety of different looks. As I mentioned, dark denim is particularly versatile when it comes to pairing well with both casual and dressier outfits! For the summertime, a pair of white or light-wash jeans can be perfect for warmer days.
For those just starting to build out their dream wardrobe, these staple pieces make for a great starting point. As you progress in your style journey, it will become easier to identify the styles and designs that work best for you, as well as the different pieces that can complement your existing collection.
Need help with your style journey? I created a resource for you to help you build a wardrobe from scratch!
6. Look Good Over 50: Taking Care of Your Accessories
Finding the right investment pieces is just the first step in curating and maintaining a chic and functional closet that will have you looking and feeling amazing. Beyond making the tough decisions when it comes to finding your pieces, knowing how to maintain them properly can play a huge role in your appearance and confidence.
Simple rituals such as taking care of your jewelry pieces, polishing and cleaning your shoes, and cleaning your leather handbags can be total game changers when it comes to ensuring the lasting looks and durability of your items!
Jewelry Maintenance
Proper care of your jewelry can keep it looking beautiful for years and even decades. Store your pieces in a jewelry box or pouch to prevent them from getting scratched or tangled.
Clean your jewelry regularly to remove dirt and oils; to do this, use a soft cloth and mild soapy water for most pieces, but please make sure to check the care instructions for specific materials like pearls or gemstones.
For bigger pieces that you wear every day, such as engagement rings or wedding bands, scheduling semi-regular professional cleanings can be a great idea that drastically affects the appearance of your stones and rings.
Shoe Care
Investing in quality shoes means taking good care of them to ensure they last. For designs that are more structured, such as boots, things like a shoe tree can help maintain the shape of your shoes when they are not in use.
For leather pieces, polish your shoes regularly to keep them looking their best and protect them from regular moisture exposure in the day-to-day.
More delicate materials like suede may require a brush to remove dirt and restore the nap. For storage, keep your shoes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, as sun rays might cause discoloration to the piece.
Related: Keep Them Looking New: How to Clean Birkenstock Suede Shoes
Handbag Care
Keep your leather handbags looking new by cleaning them regularly and storing them properly. A soft brush and a gentle microfiber cloth are good and safe ways to clean all of the parts of your bag without causing any damage.
For more in-depth maintenance, leather-specific products like cleaners and moisturizers (this is a best seller) can also work well. Store your handbags in dust bags to protect them from dust and scratches, and make sure to avoid overstuffing your bags for them to best keep their shape.
Whether you have experience cleaning your bags or you have doubts about what works best for your handbag, always make sure to double-check the maintenance instructions for your specific piece before cleaning or applying any products!
7. Look Good Over 50: Having the Right Mindset and Confidence
Embracing Your Age
Practical fashion advice is great for elevating your wardrobe and changing the way you look physically, but it doesn’t just end there. The truth is, just like with any age, looking good over 50 starts with a positive mindset and self-confidence.
After all, feeling good from the inside out is a trait that can be seen, felt, and practiced! Small daily exercises like affirmations, positive self-talk, and mindful reflection are great when it comes to building up your confidence and helping you feel closer to yourself.
At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that confidence truly is the best accessory.
Positive Self-Image
Cultivating a positive self-image is also an essential part of the process, and is a goal we should constantly be striving for in little actions throughout our days. Things like practicing gratitude, surrounding yourself with loved ones who uplift and encourage you, and engaging in activities that make you feel happy and fulfilled are exactly the types of things that will help you foster a great relationship with yourself.
Whether it’s engaging in your favorite hobby, embarking on an exciting new work venture, spending time with loved ones, or pursuing something totally new, doing things that bring you joy can do wonders when it comes to boosting your overall sense of well-being and confidence.
On Your Way to Looking Good Over 50
Of course, the idea that fashion is only for the young is outdated and outright wrong. Today, women of all ages are defining – and redefining! – what it means to be stylish and sophisticated in their own way. And like all other amazing stages of life, turning 50 is a special milestone that brings a new era of personal expression and confidence – all you need now is to translate that confidence into your wardrobe.
And now you know that looking good over 50 is all about embracing your particular style and feeling confident in your skin. By understanding your body shape, investing in classic pieces, and feeling good in your body, you can create a wardrobe that reflects your personality and makes you feel amazing every day!
Because true style isn’t about following a strict set of style rules, limiting yourself to a strict color palette, or dressing like somebody else. Rather, it’s really about expressing yourself and enjoying the process.
After all, from escaping your comfort zone to discovering the new best styles for your wardrobe, there is plenty to look forward to in your style journey. So, don’t forget to have fun with your fashion choices, experiment with different looks, and most importantly, wear what makes you feel good.
Up Next: 19 Fashion and Beauty Changes That Will Reverse Your Age | How to Look Younger
