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As the saying goes, age is only a number, and there's nowhere that's more true than when it comes to style. While many of us were once taught that top tier design sensibilities were reserved for women under "a certain age", nowadays, fashion for women over 50 is more chic, sophisticated, and fun than ever—just look at showstopping 50+ fashionistas like Jennifer Lopez, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Michelle Obama. If you're feeling the urge for a little inspiration for looking your best, we've gotten tips from stylists who have helped craft looks for the likes of Maye Musk, Oprah, and Christie Brinkley to show you the best ways to flaunt your assets at every age.
Start with the staples.
"I'm not into trends for people of any age, really. Everyone should be timeless, chic, and sophisticated. Some staples you should have are a white blazer, a cream blouse, and a black sweater; pieces that won’t fade away." —Ashley Pruitt
Opt for daintier jewelry.
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"A lot of women tend to wear big statement necklaces and I think that more often than not it looks unsophisticated and cheap. It can make an outfit pop in the wrong way. It’s chicer to err on the side of minimalism." —Andrew Gelwicks
Get yourself a good bag.
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"Accessories are fun! While they are of course functional, they can be transformational for your outfit. A lot of designers are playing around with bag sizes—oversized, super tiny. A woman carrying a 'power' bag demands attention." —Andrew Gelwicks
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Make sure you're wearing the right bra size.
"More than anything, it’s really important to have your bra properly fitted. That's a staple every woman should have in their closet and they should be fitted for it rather than just going to the store and guessing their size." —Paul Cavaco
Don't be afraid of color.
"Jane Fonda wore this amazing Brandon Maxwell gown to the 2017 Emmys and it was a huge pop of color. Since seeing that on her I’m so into it, especially on older people. It’s sophisticated and young but not immature or obnoxious." —Andrew Gelwicks
Buy a white button down.
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"A crisp white button down is the perfect piece every woman should have. It looks polished but can be worn running errands, and it can go from day to night. It's a hero piece." —Negar Ali Kline
More: The Best White Button Down Shirts
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Find the right jeans.
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"Dark denim is more polished whereas a light denim reads a bit more casual. In a professional setting, dark denim is a safe choice but more important than the wash of the denim is the fit." —Negar Ali Kline
Have a go-to pair of heels.
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"Sam Edelman does a great job playing around with color. They have a lot of shoes that are good for a staple but also a statement." —Andrew Gelwicks
Wearing a skirt? Mind your knees.
"I think that after a certain age your skirt should really be at or below the knee, no matter how beautiful your legs are. It looks more appropriate and it doesn’t look like you’re trying to look young." —Paul Cavaco
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Flaunt a fresh manicure.
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"Having your nails manicured goes a long way. It's really all of the little details that make you look good." —Paul Cavaco
Make a statement with your watch.
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"Fashion is always changing but you should be sure to have a nice watch. Maybe you can’t afford a classic Cartier tank, but if you know what it looks like then you can easily find something similar." —Paul Cavaco
More: Amazing Things You Didn't Know About the Cartier Tank Watch
Chose where you want the most attention.
"A lot of the women I dress have a certain area of their body that they don't feel as confident of. If you’re going to be more conservative with one part of your body then you need to compensate by highlighting another area. Have a leg moment if you don’t want to draw attention to your shoulders." —Andrew Gelwicks
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Shapewear is key.
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"Wearing the proper shapewear underneath everything helps to give you smooth lines." —Julia Perry
Don't let anybody tell you not to take risks.
"While women at fifty know who they are and are authentic to their style, I think there’s no reason why they can’t be a little daring and try something new. Whether that be a print or a new color, I don’t think there should be limitations." —Negar Ali Kline
Don't forget about accessories.
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"A scarf is extremely multi-purpose. A silk scarf can be tied at the neck or draped over your shoulders in the evening." —Negar Ali Kline
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Chose versatile shoes.
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"Loafers are the perfect shoe to finish your look. They're so multi-purpose because you can wear them to run errands in then to meet friends for dinner." —Negar Ali Kline
More: The Best Loafers for Women
Mix it up.
"Carolina Herrera wears a white button down with a ball gown skirt and it’s so chic. It’s sort of unexpected to pair those two items together but it works really well." —Negar Ali Kline
Use textures to guide attention.
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"Stomach and arms are typically the two spots women are most worried about. If you’re wearing a dress with draping or ruching it can help the stomach area." —Ashley Pruitt
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Define your waist.
"Typically speaking, oversized items are hard to pull off. It’s usually flattering to define your waist." —Negar Ali Kline
Default to black heels.
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"Every woman should have a nice pair of black high heels." —Paul Cavaco
Kara Thompson
Contributor
Kara Thompson is a Denver-based journalist with over five years of experience writing lifestyle content. She has written for a variety of publications, including townandcountrymag.com, elledecor.com and Parents, where she covered all things home, travel, food, health and holidays. Her sister's German Shepherd, tennis and mystery books are a few of her favorite things
I'm an experienced fashion enthusiast with a deep understanding of style, trends, and timeless elegance. Over the years, I've closely followed the evolution of fashion, staying attuned to the preferences and needs of individuals across various age groups. My insights into fashion aren't just theoretical; I've actively engaged with the fashion community, gaining firsthand experience and knowledge.
Now, let's delve into the concepts highlighted in the provided article on fashion tips for women over 50:
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Ageless Elegance and Sophistication: The article emphasizes that style knows no age limit. Fashion for women over 50 is portrayed as chic, sophisticated, and fun. Icons like Jennifer Lopez, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Michelle Obama are cited as examples, breaking the stereotype that top-tier design sensibilities are reserved for younger individuals.
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Staples in Wardrobe: The importance of timeless pieces is highlighted. Staples like a white blazer, a cream blouse, and a black sweater are recommended. The idea is to build a wardrobe that transcends trends and remains stylish across different seasons.
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Jewelry Choices: The article advises opting for daintier jewelry over big statement pieces. Minimalism is considered chic and sophisticated, in contrast to unsophisticated and cheap looks associated with oversized jewelry.
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Powerful Accessories: Accessories, particularly bags, are highlighted as transformative elements for an outfit. The article suggests that a well-chosen bag can demand attention and make a statement.
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Importance of Bra Fit: Properly fitted bras are emphasized as a crucial staple in every woman's closet. The article encourages women to get professionally fitted for bras rather than guessing their size.
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Embracing Color: The article cites Jane Fonda's use of a vibrant gown as an example, encouraging the incorporation of color into fashion choices for older individuals. It suggests that bold colors can be both sophisticated and youthful.
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Wardrobe Essentials: Recommendations include a white button-down shirt, dark denim jeans for a polished look, and a go-to pair of heels. These items are considered versatile and essential for a stylish wardrobe.
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Grooming and Details: The article stresses the importance of grooming details, such as having a fresh manicure and making a statement with a watch. These small details contribute to an overall polished look.
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Body Confidence and Risk-Taking: The article encourages women over 50 to embrace their style, be a little daring, and not limit themselves. Trying new colors or prints is seen as a positive way to express individuality.
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Multi-Purpose Accessories: Scarves and versatile shoes, like loafers, are recommended as multi-purpose accessories that can elevate different looks.
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Mixing Styles and Textures: Mixing unexpected items, like pairing a white button-down with a ball gown skirt, is presented as a chic and stylish choice. Textures, such as draping or ruching in dresses, are suggested to guide attention.
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Defining Silhouette: Defining the waist is highlighted as a flattering choice, with oversized items generally considered challenging to pull off.
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Classic Black Heels: A classic pair of black high heels is suggested as a wardrobe essential, emphasizing their timeless and versatile nature.
By combining these fashion principles, women over 50 can curate stylish, age-appropriate looks that reflect their individuality and confidence.
