In the 1980s, I didn’t leave the house without my cobalt blue eyeliner, my Zinc Pink lipstick, and my skyward permed hair. By the ’90s, that look had (thankfully) given way to a “Rachel” cut and “Ally McBeal”-style power suits for my first “real” job. In the decades that followed, I adopted a variety of trends and styles in an effort to find my “look.” Fast forward to the 2020s and I finally understood what works for me and, more importantly, what doesn’t.
My life is so much easier now, as evidenced by the fact that I can travel with just a carry-on full of interchangeable pieces that go from day to night with a change of accessory. This evolution took time and was not easy. I looked at women I admired for their innate sense of style and the way they could look as put together in the supermarket as they did at a black-tie event. I learned from my observations that being over 50 does not mean wearing comfortable shoes and supportive stockings. You can still have fun with fashion, and you should! The key is to make it work for YOU. That means embracing your unique beauty no matter your age or body type.
Staying fashionable as we age has nothing to do with trends. It involves understanding and appreciating who you are, both inside and out. It is the willingness to enter the world unapologetically, beautifully and authentically. Oh, and a good pair of Spanx doesn’t hurt either! Are you still looking for ways to define your style? Here are some foolproof tricks to look perfectly put together no matter your age, size, or occasion.
Start with a solid foundation
Dolly Parton said in “Steel Magnolias”: “I haven’t left the house without lycra on these thighs since I was 14.” To which Olympia Dukakas declared: “You were raised correctly.” Not since Lululemon made the fanny pack Once again fashion has a product that looks better than the girdle, thanks mainly to Spanx. Please understand that shapewear does not have to make you look slimmer. It’s all about smoothing lines under clothing and providing lift where you need it to create a seamless silhouette, whether you’re a size two or 22.
Along with a shapewear, every woman’s lingerie drawer should contain a bra that fits well and offers the correct lift and support. Not sure where to start? Here are some of our top picks for bras for mature women and some DIY measuring tips.
Spanx Higher Power Panties, $38
Wacoal Basic Beauty Underwired Spacer T-Shirt Bra, $45.50+
have a strong jean pool
Every woman should own at least one pair of jeans that makes her feel like a million dollars and accentuates all of her (ahem) assets. Ideally, however, you should have a solid set of jeans made up of a few pairs in different fits and washes. Boot cuts, straight legs, dark denim, and white for spring and summer are good places to start, and don’t be afraid to embrace a modern style too, like strategically placed rips or frayed hems. Dress them up with a crisp button-down jacket and flats or a well-fitting T-shirt and sneakers. The options are endless.
For inspiration, check out some of our favorite styles here. The most important thing is that you don’t be afraid to modify them, which brings us to the next (and possibly most important) trick.
Have a quick tailor
At this point in life, if you don’t have a good tailor, you need one. Any item available on the shelf instantly rises when cut and adjusted to your precise measurements. Even the slightest alteration can make a big difference in polishing your look. You want a tailor who understands fit and body type, is precise and detail-oriented, and can turn things around reasonably quickly. It’s always a good idea to go through your closet at the beginning of each season to see which items need some work instead of waiting until the last minute.
Have a reference LBD
The MVP of every woman’s wardrobe is an LBD. The perfect little black dress is timeless, elegant, chic and sophisticated. It’s an easy classic that can be worn with a jacket and heels for work, a cardigan and flats for lunch, or strappy sandals and statement jewelry for the evening. The simple sleeveless shift with a length just below the knee is a classic and versatile style, but if that doesn’t suit your body type, there are plenty of LBDs to choose from. Try a dress with a looser, flowier skirt if you want to camouflage your abdomen.
Do you have great legs? Shorten the hem! Don’t you want to exercise your right to bare weapons? Look for a 3/4 or bracelet-length sleeve. The most important thing is not to skimp on costs. This dress will earn its keep, so buy the best quality fabric and design details you can afford.
Back to basics
Trends are fun, but the majority of your wardrobe should be filled with standard, quality basics. Then you can top it off with some timely trends to keep everything up to date. For example, in addition to the jeans and LBD mentioned above, a stylish woman should have a well-tailored jacket, a crisp white shirt, a cashmere sweater, and a pair of tailored pants. These serve as essential elements of your wardrobe and provide an ideal backdrop for incorporating the trend of the moment in the form of bags, scarves, shoes, jewelry or even glasses.
Ralph Lauren straight shirt, $99.50
Quince Cashmere Crew Neck Sweater, $50
Don’t forget the details
My grandmother always said that even a sack of potatoes looked elegant if paired with the right shoes and bag. In other words, every woman should have an investment bag and a pair of shoes. No, they don’t have to be covered in logos or have red bottoms. But they should be well made, timeless, and classic enough that you can wear them daily to enhance any outfit. Before you object to the cost, they are called “investments” for a reason. A designer handbag or pair of shoes will stand the test of time and hold its resale value well if properly cared for. Here are some luxury bags that we think deserve a second look.
Christian Louboutin Kate Pointed Toe Patent Leather Pumps, $945
Enjoy!
Some of the most stylish women in the world are those who know what works for them and yet aren’t afraid to have a little fun. Look at Anna Wintour’s classic, iconic bob, for example, or Iris Apfel’s huge round black glasses. Find a signature lip or nail color. Experiment with bold glasses or statement jewelry. Remember, in the words of Yves Saint-Laurent“Fashion passes, style is eternal.”
Read next:
Fashion Finds: Top 10 Sweater Dresses for Winter
Our favorite ankle boots for women over 50
Christmas blazers: fashion for over 50s
