Although visions of black-tie gowns or outfits dripping in expensive jewelry might dance in your head when you think of an elegant outfit, beautiful looks aren’t just for the red carpet or noteworthy celebrations. Every day is a new opportunity to wear an elegant outfit – with the right styling, of course. You may not be reaching for your best dresses on the regular, but an elegant, classy look is the perfect way to make you feel confident from the outside in. Ready to elevate your everyday look? Keep reading for 8 elegant outfits styled with your sophisticated tastes in mind.
1. cardigan + slip skirt + pearl jewelry + oval sunglasses + handbag
cardigan | skirt | heels | earrings | necklace | bag | sunglasses
When it comes to creating elegant outfits, it might help to begin with the most luxurious fabrics in your wardrobe. Think cashmere, silk, satin, soft knits, etc. These materials are often found in black-tie looks, which means that they’re a great starting point for styling elegant outfits for daily wear.
Another thing to note: elegant outfits over 60 don’t have to be complicated. In fact, some of the classiest looks are also the simplest. Elegant outfits often let fine fabrics and great construction speak for themselves, so don’t be afraid to start off with a relatively basic look. For instance, a soft cardigan in a neutral color, a silky slip skirt, and slingback kitten heels provide the perfect foundation for everyday elegant attire.
Your accessories can take this look to the next level. Pearls are the perfect choice for this polished aesthetic. Next, a black leather handbag is versatile and classic. Finish your look with chic sunglasses, and you’re ready to go.
2. cashmere wrap + dark-wash jeans + pearl jewelry + leather boots + leather bag
wrap | jeans | boots | earrings | bracelet | bag
If you prioritize comfort when it comes to the texture of your clothes, a cashmere top is perfect for your elegant outfit ideas. Cashmere is ultra soft, and though it might be more high-maintenance (and more expensive) than other knits, it’s worth the investment. It’s thin enough for layering, but it’s also able to wrap you in a cozy, warm feeling in the winter months. A cashmere wrap can be your best friend through nearly any season, plus, it’s great for a travel capsule wardrobe.
For the perfect weekend look that’s both effortlessly chic and elegant, pair your cashmere wrap with dark-wash denim. Dark-wash denim typically looks more elevated than lighter wash varieties, and also tends to be more flattering and slimming. It’s the ideal choice for a look that inspires confidence at any age.
Let your accessories do the talking when it comes to polishing off this weekend look. Instead of bold jewelry, stick to sophisticated classics like a dainty pearl pendant necklace and pearl earrings. Next, add a bit of height (and make your legs look a mile long) with black leather ankle boots. Finish the outfit with a patent leather shoulder bag for a sleek look. If your personal style tends to lean more casual, this is the perfect outfit for you.
3. blazer + button-down + skirt + earrings + bag + slingback heels
blazer | button-down shirt | skirt | heels | earrings | bag
Button-up blouses in silk or cotton are a great starting point when it comes to outfits overflowing with elegance and sophistication. Whether you’re dressing for the workplace or the weekend, this timeless white top is probably hanging in your wardrobe right now – just waiting to be transformed into an elegant look!
If you’re heading from the office to happy hour or a nice dinner, try this outfit idea. Pair your button-up shirt with a tailored blazer for a professional touch. Next, incorporate a pattern into your look. Polka dots are perfect for a classy, feminine aesthetic.
When it comes to the best accessories for an elegant look, stick to timeless pieces that transcend fashion trends. Pearl studs, black slingback heels, and leather tote bags are the perfect examples.
4. turtleneck + wool coat + silk pants + earrings + brooch + watch + cap-toed flats
coat | sweater | pants | flats | earrings | bag | brooch | watch
I tend to prefer neutral tones when I’m putting elegant outfits together. The reason is that these colors are easy to harmonize for a look that’s both visually appealing and put-together. Bold colors or bold prints might overwhelm you, and be too attention-grabbing for a more subdued, quietly elegant appearance. If you want to add a bit of flair, you can always do so with texture, jewelry, or timeless patterns.
The look above might be styled with basic pieces like a knit turtleneck, silk pants, and a wool coat, but the high-quality fabrics of these pieces instantly elevate the outfit. Next, accessories level up the look even further. Cap-toed flats (reminiscent of classic Chanel design), pearl earrings, a mixed-metal watch, and a sleek leather bag are the perfect fashion choices here. Finish the look with a timeless accessory that also happens to be trending right now – the brooch.
Related: 7 Chic Ways to Wear a Brooch (That Aren’t Old-Fashioned)
5. turtleneck + silk skirt + wool coat + earrings + tote bag + watch + heels
heels | skirt | sweater | coat | earrings | bag | watch
Speaking of neutral outfit ideas, a tonal outfit in black will give a slimming look that also makes it look like you put more effort into your style than you actually did (a win-win in my book). Just make sure to switch up your fabric choices to add interest when there’s a lack of color. A silk maxi skirt is modest and luxurious at any age, but especially for older women who are looking for elevated pieces and quality design. On top, a soft turtleneck is warm and chic in the colder months.
Keep the tonal theme going in your accessories – think a pair of slingbacks with a kitten heel and a sleek tote bag. Gold accents in your bracelet watch and hoop earrings add dimension. Then, finally, add another warm layer in the form of a sharp wool coat. This piece is worth spending a little more on – a quality coat will last you years and years, and never go out of style.
6. sweater + chambray shirt + linen pants + pearl jewelry + wide-brim hat + sandals
wide-brim hat | sandals | earrings | pants | shirt | sweater | necklace
Yes, it is possible to put together an elegant outfit in the summertime! You can customize the look above depending on your climate and how cold you run. If you’re dressing for air conditioning set on full blast or you thrive in summer’s heat, pair linen pants with a chambray button-down, a light crewneck sweater, pearl jewelry, leather sandals, and a straw hat.
If this is way too many layers for your summer climate, tie the sweater around your shoulders, and swap out the long-sleeve button-down shirt for one with short sleeves instead. The natural fibers of this look will help to keep you cool! Linen and cotton are especially great for summertime looks as these natural fabrics are breathable and do not feel too constrictive.
To keep this look from being too casual, don’t forget your elevated jewelry pieces. You can’t go wrong with a classic pearl necklace and earrings set. The straw hat is also a fun, seasonal touch to add!
7. lady jacket + sweater + trousers + silk scarf + pearls + leather bag + ballet flats
lady jacket | trousers | flats | bag | sweater | earrings | scarf
Stylish outfits aren’t complete without the right footwear. Shoes can make or break your elegant outfit! If you’re wondering what shoes to reach for, try styles like ballet flats, slingback heels, flat espadrilles, loafers, Mary Janes, etc. Think classic designs that never really go out of style, and that you could also wear to the office if you wanted.
As for the rest of your look, outfits with a little extra coverage tend to make you look more elegant. Think skirts at or below knee-length, tops with some form of sleeves, etc. Even though you can certainly experiment with showing a little more skin based on the weather and your personal preferences, try to balance out your sleeveless top with long pants, or balance out the shorter hemlines of short skirts with a sweater or top with longer sleeves for the right fit.
As I’ve already covered, tonal looks are a great place to start if you want to create elegant outfits over 60. Try the look above if you’re dressing for work or transitional weather. First, start with a monotone base of a cream sweater and trouser-style pants. Then, layer on a lady jacket in a deeper shade, like camel. Use the sandwich method to match your jacket to your camel brown ballet flats. Accessorize with a silk scarf, gold and pearl earrings, and a leather bag to complete the look!
8. wide-brim hat + white maxi dress + pearl jewelry + woven flats + raffia tote bag
dress | shoes | hat | bag | earrings | necklace
Wide-brimmed hats are one of the easiest ways to add drama and vintage elegance to your favorite outfits. Plus, they provide great sun protection and shade in the summertime! Dress up your favorite white maxi dress with a wide-brim hat to instantly elevate the casual look of the linen dress. One of the key features that I love about this dress style is the built-in belt at the waist – this tie helps to flatter your body type and natural figure, and makes the dress appear tailored and more expensive.
The right accessories really are the perfect way to elevate your casual wear. The key is to use a sparing amount of pieces that still make a big difference in your overall look. Pearl and gold earrings might be small and dainty, but they add the perfect elegant touch to your outfit. Also, consider textured pieces to add interest to your look. Woven flats, a raffia-style tote bag, and a pearl necklace all transform this classic outfit into something more polished and refined.
Effortlessly Elegant
Although you can style these elegant looks at any age, they were specifically created with women over 60 in mind! If you want to wear pieces that are as flattering as they are elevated and chic, this list is full of classic staples that would fit right in with your capsule wardrobe. You might find that you can recreate many of these looks with similar items that you already own, which is always a happy surprise!
Ready for more outfit inspiration designed especially for you? Up Next: How to Dress Like a French Woman Over 60: 9 Ways to Get Their Chic Style
