Some people think that once women hit 50, this milestone causes them to throw out their stylish wardrobes in favor of “age-appropriate” wear. But should you lose your sense of style just because of your age? My response is a resounding NO! It is possible to be fabulous after 50 and look effortlessly elegant while embracing a more youthful fashion!
Take a look at Meryl Streep and Helen Mirren. They have graced the Red Carpet looking sexy, beautiful, and wearing age-defying styles. Retail sales are beginning to soar as older customers want the latest trends and are copying celebrity role models’ ageless styles.
The lines are becoming increasingly blurred between generations. Once shackled by imaginary “cut-off” dos and don’ts, women are staying physically active longer, have more confidence, working longer, and have the desire and ability to pull off younger designs. Age is becoming less of a determining factor when it comes to clothing choices.
Style Tips for Staying Fashionable After 50
Having dressed countless women over the years, I know for certain that no one wants to dress “like an old lady.” Previous generations of perms, blue rinses, and sensible shoes have given way to women drawing inspiration from their daughters, rather than their mothers.
While it’s crucial to reassess your wardrobe because of the physical changes that come with age, it doesn’t mean you cannot look fierce and fabulous after 50. Looking fashionable is more about how you style the pieces you choose. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you rebuild, reassess, or add to your wardrobe:
- Choose the right colors – Choose the right colors for your skin tone, and you’ll look younger and healthier.
- Pay attention to fit – Tailored clothing and well-fitting undergarments are critical at this age.
- Mix and match your pieces – As an over 50 professional, you can build a career wardrobe that falls somewhere in the middle of casual and cutthroat.
- Remember that you can wear jeans at any age – Jeans are acceptable at any age, but one of the biggest pitfalls of over 50s women is the unflattering mom jeans. A pair of well-made jeans with the right cut for your body type will pay for itself over and over again. Stick to a classic wash devoid of holes, embroidery, and other embellishments.
- Hair and makeup are also important – Your clothing says a lot but it’s your hair and makeup that can give away or hide your age. The haircut that worked for you years ago might not be suitable in your 50s.
What NOT To Do When Dressing After 50
Unfortunately, some clothing items and styles are a dead giveaway of our age or can invoke the impression of someone older. Here are some things to be wary of. Although not always an indicator of someone unstylish or aging, doing all of these things in combination can create an overall “old lady” look.
- Matchy-matchy jewelry or matching clothing sets
- Boxy clothing
- Head to toe pastels
- Chunky orthopedic-looking shoes
As previously mentioned, these aren’t hard and fast rules. For example, some of the fashion trends among Gen Z and Millennials include chunky, colorful shoes and baggy clothes! They’re bringing back all kinds of styles and aesthetics from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and 2000s. Many have even embraced the New Balances, which used to be joked about as the epitome of someone middle aged or older. If there’s one thing Gen Z is good at, it’s experimentation and doing what they want to feel comfortable. In a way, it should make us Prime Women feel bolder to try new styles and be comfortable in our own skin.
So what are some of the easiest things you can do to freshen your look? Push up your sleeves, flip up your collar, wrap a scarf effortlessly around your neck and replace your BIG BLACK handbag for a current cross-body or a sporty clutch in vibrant color. Age is no longer a barrier when it comes to dressing with panache and style. So, embrace the new, fresher, younger-looking you, and dress the part.
Here are a few other looks to inspire you:
Read more:
Fashion Over 50: The Complete Guide to Looking Stylish at Any Age
