How to dress over 50
Hitting your half century feels like a good time to reassess a few things. From careers to relationships, the Gransnet Talk Forums will have you covered if you fancy making some changes.
But how about fashion over 50? While you may have had a clear sense of style in your younger years, different life stages bring other factors into the mix. Menopause and shifts in body shape can mean that outfits which worked at 30 or 40 don’t feel right for you now.
But we’re not saying you should abandon hope of being trendy after 50 - far from it, in fact. A host of A-listers, including Jennifer Aniston, Halle Berry, Thandie Newton and JoLo, are setting the style bar extremely high. And, with the queen of chic, Victoria Beckham, celebrating her fiftieth in April 2024, you’re in extremely fashionable company.
With all this in mind, when Gransnetters chat about style trends on our Style and beauty forum, inevitably, those discussions will turn to what to wear and also what NOT to wear past a certain age. We've heard a few <ahem> controversial pieces of advice in our time, which made us ask... what's the real secret to dressing well when you're over 50?
We know our Gransnetters are a fashionable crowd so we’ve collated some of their best style tips. Buckle up for the most stylish years of your life.
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Over 50s fashion: what to avoid
1. Steer clear of shapeless skirts
Looking for a stylish skirt for a 50 year old woman, either for work or play? Embrace sleek and shapely and avoid anything frumpy and ill fitting. We’re channelling Kate Moss vibes here, not Maggie Thatcher, as this GNer advises.
"Avoid tweed skirt suits teamed with lace-up brogues...and anything crimplene."
First things first, understand your body shape. If you’re a pear-shape or hourglass, try these midaxi lengths from Marks & Spencer or knee length pencil skirts that give your curves a lovely hug in all the right places, while offering the benefit of concealing your knees, if they’re not your favourite area.
If you have an apple-shaped figure, choose high-waisted or A-line skirts that create balance by highlighting your waistline.
Dressing for a night out? Try a pleated number, with a bit of sparkle, from John Lewis. Plagued by menopause-related abdominal bloating? Consider wrap skirts and any fabric with stretch.
And, finally, if you love your legs and want to show them off in a mini skirt, more power to you! Age is but a number and there are no rules when it comes to dressing for YOU.
“A colleague wears mini skirts...she teams them with opaque tights and flattish boots. Looks great.” Dee1012
When you’re over 50 and styling up a skirt, shoes and tops are key. A classic white t-shirt or sleek knit? Ideal. But always tuck your top into your waistband to create definition and avoid the dreaded ‘sack of spuds’ look.
A decent mid heel will dress up occasion wear skirts. Trainers look cool with your daywear skirts - we’re talking box fresh tennis shoes, not sweaty sneakers here. Opaque tights look more modern than flesh-coloured stockings and, whatever you do, don’t wear pop socks.
White Stuff is a great bet for casual skirts that still win in the style stakes.
2. Say NO to fleeces
It all depends on body type, of course, but do certain styles age you before your time? According to Gransnetters, the answer is a resounding 'yes'. The culprit? That trusty ol’ fleece jacket you wear for gardening and muddy hikes.
Listen, we know a cosy fleece jacket is great for walking the dogs in, especially come the winter months. But it's when that same fleece jacket starts accompanying you on <shudders> evenings out and lunches with friends that you might want to re-evaluate your wardrobe choices.
As Gransnetter TeeTime says: “I really don't like fleeces anyway but have two microfleeces for golf- once they have worn out I wont be buying anymore. I always remember Trinny and Susannah saying the only being a fleece looked good on was a sheep.”
Some eco-minded GNers say they’ve moved away from fleece jackets for environmental reasons, to reduce the shedding of damaging microfibers into our waterways. So it can only be a good thing for your sense of style and the planet if you get a firm grip on your fleece habit. Instead, choose a cool, slouchy cardigan, preferably longline, or a more structured 'coatigan' for smarter occasions.
When it comes to coats, opt for neutral colours that will team with everything, and classic styles, taking note of the tailoring and fit. A coat with a slightly nipped in waist is a good idea, as is a longer, bum covering length. Avoid a hooded duffle coat if you're looking for grown up, multi-tasking outerwear. All those peg buttons and the boxy shape can look a bit 'child off to primary school’ which is probably not the effect you’re aiming for.
Take a look at Next’s selection of stylish coatigans.
3. Hide elasticated waistbands
Traditionally, stretchy waistlines have a bit of a bad rep but let’s face it, they're comfy and allow for weight fluctuations, so we see no reason to ban them.
These days, athleisure performance clothing is de rigeur as everyday wear for women of all ages. Whether you’re running errands or lunching with friends, an elasticated waistband is no longer the fashion faux pas it used to be.
That said, we’d caution against leaving an elasticated waistband on show. As this Gransnetter advises: "I think elasticated or half-elasticated waistbands are a boon for those of us with less-than-svelte figures - but they must not be visible!"
Hiding the waistline of your trousers is easily done by tucking your top in and then pulling out just enough to cover the band (in a cool, slouchy sort of way). It creates waist definition too. If you’re wearing leggings, a longline tunic top covering your waistband, bum and thighs will do nicely.
Want to take your leisurewear look up a notch? Ditch bog standard jogging bottoms for a pair of super stylish Boden harem joggers. If you’re looking for office wear, browse Next’s range of stretch waistband trousers, suitable for work and weekends.
4. Don't get the wrong cut of denim skirt
When you need an everyday fashion hero but aren’t really a jeans person, you can’t go far wrong with a hard wearing denim skirt. The beauty of a trusty denim is that it can be dressed up or down in all weathers.
That said, do always proceed with caution when it comes to denim skirts, as this Gransnetter warns:
“One of the most unattractive styles are long jean skirts...they don't hide a thing. They just make you look large ALL the way down."
If you want to dazzle in denim, you really need to get the right cut for your body shape. Certain denim skirts can be as clingy and as uncomfortable as their trouser counterparts, depending on how tight they are.
While denim skirts have been around for decades, did you know that denim midaxi styles are having a real fashion moment right now? Check out M&S’s super chic black cotton denim midaxi for inspo; pair with chunky boots from Clarks and a great value M&S cosy cashmere-like knit for the ultimate in off duty style.
5. Avoid loud makeup
Worried about your make up being a bit, ahem, loud? Wondering whether you’ve been caking the foundation a bit too thick on your 50+ something skin? Or perhaps you’re looking for a more flattering eyeshadow palette to suit you, these days?
Luckily, we've got step-by-step makeup tutorials for eyes, lips and face - and there's not a glitter eyeshadow in sight.
Beauty: Makeup tips for women over 50
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What to wear over 50
1. Love leggings
They’re comfy, easy to wear and extremely versatile. What’s not to like about leggings? We can’t think of much, if we’re honest, which is why they’re pretty much a fashion staple across all age groups, including over 50s. But - and we can’t stress this enough - never forget the golden rule. leggings are not trousers. We’ve put together a handy guide on how to style leggings here.
In short, though, they’re a great every day option, when paired with longer length shirts and tunics - White Stuff and M&S has some very flattering styles
Gransnetter BigBertha1 recommends paying a little bit more for leggings, saying: “love my Mint Velvet leggings (£19) not as cheap as some but a good fit, don’t go baggy, wash well.”
Check out Mint Velvet’s wares at John Lewis, where you’ll also find their leather look leggings, which look fabulous teamed with a jumper dress and boots.
Seasalt's leggings, in particular, are super soft and hold their shape well - so no sagging around the knees after five minutes.
2. Find the perfect pair of jeans
Let’s be honest, whatever your age or shape, it can be a struggle to find the perfect pair of jeans. One frustrated GNer on this Style and Beauty thread even confesses: “My wardrobe is full of expensive jeans-buying mistakes.”
But don’t lose hope. Shop around and you’re sure to find a pair to suit your style and shape. Believe us, once you’ve found the jeans which fit you well, you’ll have a capsule wardrobe staple ready and raring to go.
It's useful to have two or three different styles of jeans in your arsenal, for varying occasions and levels of comfort. Girlfriend or boyfriend jeans are great for running errands or slouching around the house, while high waisted mom jeans from Marks & Spencer are bang on trend.
“Mom jeans in M & S are new, well new to me at any rate, and seem to be a good fit. They are high waist and taper which might suit you. Worth a try anyway.” Daisymae
For evenings out, slim fit jeans in a dark colour, with a touch of stretch, will add chic. Try Robell Slim Fit, from Amazon, as recommended by GNer Lucca: “V expensive but Robell stretchy jeans are great - I’ve had a pair for four years"
Take a look at Next for women’s jeans in every conceivable style, length, colourwash and size.
Try Not Your Daughter's Jeans or JD Williams' wide range of denim.
3. Dresses with sleeves
If you adore your arms, all power to you. Look to Michelle Obama for inspo on sleeveless dresses made for showing off a toned bicep.
On the other hand, if you’re more comfortable in a dress with sleeves of some sort, we hear you loud and clear. Whether your perfect dress has full length or cap sleeves, there will be a style to suit you.
"My dream dress (manufacturers please note) is an empire line, V-neck, 3/4 sleeves in fine jersey - plain or print."
A shirt dress from Next is ideal for dressing up or down - whether you’re working or having drinks with friends. Wrap dresses are flattering to most figures as they conceal any lumps and bumps you’d rather went unnoticed - Love and Roses do some uber flattering styles in gorgeous prints.
Generally speaking, empire line styles work wonders for petite women, as the raised waistline gives the illusion of height.
If you’re more of a willowy type, head to Boden, where many of their gorgeous dress designs are available in longer length too…hurrah to that.
For more ideas for finding your dream dress, check out our Fifty Plus Summer Dresses guide.
4. Wear the right shoes for the job
Crocs? Acceptable on the beach and in the garden. Further afield, though, that fabulous new shirt dress or those perfectly fitting jeans aren’t going to look their best if your footwear is letting the side down.
During summer, swap the dreaded Crocs for stylish, sustainably made sandals from Aspiga.
A pair of sturdy but stylish ankle boots from Clarks will see you through the cooler months. Choose a quality leather pair and wear them with trousers and skirts.
Trainers are your year-round shoe saviours. Smart sneakers are everywhere these days, teamed with work suits, sparkly skirts or jeans. Invest in one or more pairs of timeless styles - Converse Chuck Taylor hi tops or sneakers are winners and suit any age group. As you can choose from a rainbow of shades, you’ll definitely find something to float your sartorial boat.
Gransnetters LOVE Skechers because, let’s face it, they’re so darn comfortable and have also introduced more fashion-focused collections of late.
For more over 50s fashion tips from gransnetters, visit our style and beauty forum...
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