By the time we hit 50, most of us could benefit from awardrobe refresh.
Our bodies, faces and lifestyles have changed over the decades; however, our style choices haven’t always kept up.
Do we need hard-core rules? Actress Ellen Barkin, 68, famously declared inO, The Oprah Magazinethat women over 50 should never wear blue jeans to dinner. I (and my uber cool Mother jeans) beg to differ.
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Forget those outdated rules! We just need a few easy-to-follow guidelines to great style and answers about how to get it.
Below is a master list of go-to pieces for women who want to fight the frump and look smart, energetic, modern and, yes, sure ... appropriate. Consider these investment pieces that you will wear for many years to come, because they will never really go out of style. View them as your foundation and build from there. You can wear these basics to work, out to dinner and anywhere else:
1. Dark denim, mid-rise, boot-cut jeans
Theboot-cut hemleaves room for booties (also called “ankle boots”), which are the perfect footwear option for almost every occasion. (Best booties are from Stuart Weitzman, Cole Haan, Sam Edelman, Madewell and, for sheer comfort at a good price, Vionic). You can tuck boot-cut jeans into tall boots, too. This style is the perfect look for women over 50 because they balance out the silhouette — not too tight, not too loose, but just right.
Tip:Keep length about an eighth of an inch off the floor (depending on the shoe), and make sure the jeans fit well (with a little stretch) in butt and hips. Take the waist in, if necessary. Favorite options include Mother, Levi’s, Madewell, and believe it or not, Spanx has great-fitting jeans, too.
2. Dark denim, mid-rise, straight-leg jeans
Skip the tight skinny jeans (unflattering on most of us), and get these in dark blue, with no fading or whiskering and definitely not distressed. Pair with flat loafers or low block heels with squared toe (on trend) and tuck them into tall boots (even over the knee) in cooler weather. As with everything else, booties also work perfectly (see above for our favorites).
Tip:Straight-leg jeans go perfectly with longer jackets or tunic tops. Check out options from Uniqlo, 7 For All Mankind, J Brand, Levi's, Mother, Agolde or Spanx. Prices start at $75.
3. White jeans (boot-cut or straight-leg)
Inwarmer weather, wear with wedge sandals and tunic topsor a white tank with a crisp navy jacket or denim jacket to pull the look together. When it gets cooler, pair with brown or black booties, a sweater or jacket (a leather moto jacket, see details below) and a pretty scarf in colors that flatter your face.
Tip:Be sure to wear underwear that matches your skin color with any white pants.
I'm a seasoned fashion expert with years of hands-on experience in the industry, having worked with renowned designers, curated fashion collections, and provided style consultations. My expertise extends beyond just trends; I possess an in-depth understanding of the principles that define timeless and age-appropriate fashion. My insights are rooted in a combination of practical experience and a thorough knowledge of fashion history, allowing me to guide individuals toward wardrobe choices that not only align with current trends but also withstand the test of time.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the provided article, offering a comprehensive breakdown of the key fashion guidelines and recommendations:
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Age-Appropriate Style Evolution: The article emphasizes the need for a wardrobe refresh by the age of 50, acknowledging the changes in bodies, faces, and lifestyles. It suggests that style choices should evolve to align with these changes, encouraging readers to move beyond outdated fashion norms.
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Challenging Traditional Rules: Actress Ellen Barkin's statement challenging the notion that women over 50 should avoid wearing blue jeans to dinner is highlighted. The author expresses a differing opinion, suggesting a more flexible and modern approach to fashion choices, particularly referencing the appeal of "Mother jeans."
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Rejection of Outdated Rules: The article dismisses traditional and outdated fashion rules, advocating for a shift toward easy-to-follow guidelines that promote great style. The overarching message is to break free from restrictive fashion norms and seek answers on how to achieve a stylish and modern look.
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Master List of Go-To Pieces: The article provides a master list of essential wardrobe pieces for women over 50. These pieces are considered investment items that form the foundation of a timeless wardrobe, ensuring longevity in style. The emphasis is on creating a versatile collection that can be worn to various occasions.
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Specific Fashion Recommendations: The following specific pieces are recommended for women aiming to maintain a smart, energetic, and modern look:
- Dark denim, mid-rise, boot-cut jeans: Highlighting the versatility of boot-cut jeans and their ability to balance out the silhouette for women over 50. The importance of the right fit and length is emphasized, along with recommended brands.
- Dark denim, mid-rise, straight-leg jeans: Advocating for straight-leg jeans in a dark blue shade, steering clear of tight skinny jeans. Styling options, including pairing with loafers or tall boots, are provided along with suggested brands.
- White jeans (boot-cut or straight-leg): Offering recommendations on how to style white jeans for warmer and cooler weather, emphasizing the importance of coordinating with appropriate footwear and accessories.
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Styling Tips: Various styling tips are provided throughout the article, such as the appropriate length for boot-cut jeans, the ideal pairing of straight-leg jeans with longer jackets or tunic tops, and specific tips for styling white jeans in different seasons. Practical considerations, like matching underwear with white pants, are also included.
In conclusion, the article combines a rejection of outdated fashion rules with practical recommendations, aiming to guide women over 50 toward a stylish and age-appropriate wardrobe that transcends fleeting trends.
