As women age, maintaining a sophisticated, current style requires thoughtful choices and clean lines. In general, less detail and embellishment will keep you from becoming another fashion victim. I’ve been advising women of all ages on fashion for more than 20 years. Here I share my dos and don’ts for what to wear in your 50s.
Keep it clean and classic
A mature woman’s wardrobe should consist of classic, higher quality pieces, plus one or two seasonal trend items to keep it current and fun.
Calvin Klein, Halston, White House Black Market and DKNY all offer relaxed silhouettes with wrinkle-free, washable fabrics.
Staple pieces worn the most frequently — jeans, pants, cardigans, blazers — should be made of durable and luxurious fabrics. Look for man-made, non-wrinkle, washable fabric that is made using liquid polyester called microfiber.
Microfiber is used in stretch knits, twill, faux silk and faux suede to prevent wrinkles. A big bonus is that it can be machine washed, preferably on a gentle cycle with cold water.
Quick way to tell if it’s easy care
When shopping, grab the bottom of a garment and crumple it up in your hand. If it wrinkles easily, don’t buy it.
This easy wrinkle test will save you hours of steaming or ironing.
Quality clothing keeps its appearance and does not have to be replaced as often, lowering the cost per wear.
Finding clothes that flatter
After the age of 50, many women find their weight moving toward their midsection. Shapeless, baggy or boxy clothing might be cozy, but does nothing to camouflage your shape. Even worse, it adds volume in all the wrong places.
The most flattering solution is to wear tops with waist definition such as:
- Side ruching
- Peplums
- Sarongs
- A well-placed dart
A fitted garment creates an hourglass shape for a slimmer look.
Selecting tops with a three-quarter sleeve or a short sleeve cut at a diagonal on the arm will slim and cover upper arms that aren’t as toned as they once were.
Another option is to go sleeveless and layer a short cardigan with an angled front edge to slim hips on top. Adding a short cardigan will offset changes in room or airplane temperature and polish your outfit at the same time.
Pro tip: Establishing a good relationship with a tailor can take your clothes from basic to custom, perfectly fitting your unique shape.
Which colors to wear over 50
Wearing too much black or gray drains the color and vitality from your face. Go for jewel tone prints or solid tops in emerald, turquoise, purple, cobalt blue or red next to your face.
Color enlivens, invigorates and compliments skin tone to add youthfulness and vigor.
Fashion is really an art project with clothing and accessories. Every item has a geometric effect to be considered.
- V-Neck tops bring attention to the face.
- Boat neck tops create an unflattering horizontal.
- Batwing tops add fullness to underarms and the torso.
- Horizontal stripes add width, while vertical stripes elongate.
- Wide belts visually cut figures in half and make the legs look shorter.
Although fashion is subjective, there are artistic concepts you can use to decide if a piece of clothing compliments your shape.
Items every over-50 woman needs (and a few you don’t)
Let’s start with the basic items every woman over 50 should have in their wardrobe. The following pieces offer versatility, comfort and fashion.
Straight leg jeans in both black and dark indigo are a current look, as skinny jeans fade out of fashion.
Straight or bootleg jeans balance out wider hips and look better than skinny jeans on mature women.
The addition of Lycra and Spandex in denim fabric allows for range of motion and comfort. Brands like Joe’s, Paige and NYDJ (Not Your Daughter’s Jeans) are cut for real women with curves.
- These brands have replaced the yellow top stitch of traditional Levi’s with a navy blue or black stitch to minimize hip outlining.
- Democracy jeans have an elastic interior waistband to prevent the rear gap when sitting or bending.
“Mom jeans,” very popular in the junior market right now, will never be figure flattering for women over 50. Many are high-waisted, an unworkable style for those of us whose stomachs are no longer flat.
Pleats also add fullness and volume right where we don’t want it, especially when constructed of thick denim. For most women over 50, today’s mom jeans are frumpy and have no youthful charm.
Hot weather clothes
Unusually hot summer temps call for shorts, but not cheek-baring booty shorts or those that cling a little too tightly to fuller thighs.
The perfect pick is the old school scooter skirt, with bike shorts underneath. Available in modest lengths, they are slimming and comfortable.
Paper bag shorts and pants, on-trend this summer, offer an elastic back waistband and self-belt in the front.
Perfect for work or casual, they have polish and shape.
V-neck T-shirts in jersey knit now include Lycra and Spandex with cotton for the ultimate soft feel. Synthetic fibers prevent color fading, shrinking and stretching, while providing a figure-skimming fit.
Cool weather basics
When temperatures begin to dip, thigh-length or longer open cardigans are the perfect way to dress up pants and jeans. Available in colors and variegated knits, these long and lean sweaters add height and elongate the figure, brilliantly camouflaging the hips.
A leopard print cardigan is a fun trend item to add some punch.
Pair a cardigan with a print top for work or a T-shirt for the weekend.
Dresses to wear in your 50s
Wrap dresses, created by Diane Von Furstenberg, have been flattering all figure types since their arrival in 1974.
Newer versions lose the original side tie and sew in a sarong drape instead.
Wrap dresses accent an hourglass shape (or create one) and are infinitely comfortable in knit fabrics.
Laying the right foundation
Well-fitting bras and shapewear are essential for clothing to drape and flatter the figure. Bras in your wardrobe should include both regular and racerback styles in nude and black smooth microfiber fabric. Lace and embroidery look lumpy under knit tops and dresses.
Underwear in microfiber knit features no visible panty line. Spanx, Honeylove and SKIMS are a few of the brands that offer shapewear to smooth every lump and bump under clothing.
Handbags, shoes and jewelry
A signature black handbag is an essential element for a polished look. Keep gold or silver hardware and extra outside pockets to a minimum for timelessness. Note that the size of your purse should be in proportion to your body and not be as large as a tote bag.
Ankle boots in suede or leather are the best way to dress up jeans. The versatile Chelsea boot, named for the trendy London neighborhood in which they became famous in the ‘50s and ‘60s, is still popular. The low heel and comfortable rounded toe make it a classic design.
Wedges in both black and neutral luggage tan are the perfect summer shoe for dresses, skirts, shorts and pants. With arch support not found in heels, they are the comfort choice.
A pendant necklace in a 24” (61 cm) or 36” (91 cm) length elongates the body and provides a focal point to an outfit. Shorter choker lengths accentuate a fuller face and neck.
Rhinestone or diamond hoop earrings are a minimalist’s dream. Best in a size no larger than a quarter coin, their sparkle goes with any color outfit.
Recap of what to wear in your 50s
Women in their 50s have the confidence and life experience to be the best version of themselves. What you choose to wear in your 50s can add joy to daily living and express your individuality.
Just remember, a fun and versatile wardrobe should include comfortable, well-fitting and interesting clothing along with a few strong accessories.
While it’s good to take fashion cues from a variety of sources, your attitude and aesthetic are uniquely yours. Make sure each piece you buy reflects your personality and lifestyle.
Sources of clothing shown above:
