You know what they say, “Rules are meant to be broken!” However, I will admit that I’m a rule follower at heart. I don’t ever try to cut in line, board the plane ahead of my assigned group, or try to park somewhere I shouldn’t. Confession time though – the one rule I will break is a fashion rule. That’s because I truly believe there should be no rules in fashion. Your personal style is an art form, and creative expression isn’t meant to be limited by supposed guidelines of what is or isn’t correct. With that in mind, I’ve put together a list of 9 fashion rules to break after 50. Age is a common reason for people to implement strict “rules” when it comes to style, but the fashionistas below prove just how well you can dress if you toss out these 9 rules for good.
1. “You should stay away from trends.”
At MCO, we certainly believe in the power of a timeless wardrobe that can withstand fleeting trends and styles. However, there’s also something to be said about how embracing the idea of a trending piece can freshen up your style! Trends aren’t inherently bad. Their bad reputation comes from the temptation to only pay attention to the “new thing” to have and wear.
Women over 50 are just as capable of rocking a new fad as anyone. The key to wearing a new trend is to treat it as the “cherry on top” of your outfit. A look full of trendy pieces will quickly appear dated. Instead, try incorporating one trendy piece or styling technique (like tucking your pants into a tall pair of riding boots) at a time into your classic look. If your outfit foundation is strong, a trending piece can make you look in vogue, without looking like you’re trying too hard to fit in with what’s cool at the moment.
2. “Stick to dark-wash denim.”
Some say that because dark-wash jeans are the most universally flattering and elevated style, women over 50 should stick to only wearing this type of wash. While we certainly agree that they’re a wardrobe staple for women over 50, they’re not the only option you should have in your closet. There are plenty of chic looks that can be created with a light-wash or mid-wash shade.
Plus, it’s actually more about the tailoring of the jeans rather than the color. If your jeans fit you well and the style complements your body type, you can look classy and elegant over 50 no matter the wash.
3. “Limit your footwear to block heels or flat shoes.”
If you search for a style guide on the web for fashion rules over 50, one of the most common responses is that you should stick to wearing block heels or flat shoes over 50. However, I would argue that this is more about personal preference and comfort and shouldn’t be included as a hard-and-fast fashion rule.
No matter your age, you might be more comfortable wearing shoes without a heel. However, there are plenty of women I know who will never give up their tall heels, kitten heels, and wedges. If you feel comfortable wearing them, they can be a great confidence boost! Great style doesn’t have an age limit, and neither do high heels.
4. “Your waist should always be defined.”
Here’s another rule promoted in the name of flattering looks. While there’s certainly something to say about how defining your waist can complement your natural body type, I’ve included this on my list of 9 fashion rules to break over 50. A figure-hugging outfit isn’t always at the top of your list of concerns when you’re getting dressed. There are days when you might be more interested in creating a cool, interesting look – and some days that means that your natural waist isn’t going to be highlighted.
Playing with proportions is one of the best ways to create a memorable, unique outfit, and you can style an oversized top and pants for a really edgy, fashion-forward look. You might find that these looks complement you even more than a fitted waist, because of the natural confidence that shines through when you feel amazing in what you’re wearing!
5. “Always tuck in your tops.”
Piggybacking off that last rule we just broke, contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to always tuck in your tops. The purpose of this “rule” is to give the appearance of a defined waist. However, there are plenty of other ways that you can create a balanced shape in your look for a flattering appearance.
First, try rolling up your sleeves. No, you don’t have to get to work after! Showing a little bit of your arms can naturally create a slimming effect. The next time you’re wearing a button-down shirt, give it a try. Even sweaters can look more flattering if you give the sleeves a roll or two! Add your favorite watch or bracelet afterward – a cuffed sleeve is the perfect way to show off your accessories, too.
Second, balance out your oversized top by pairing it with something form-fitting. Style an oversized button-down with slim jeans and a pair of loafers or ballet flats. Or, wear an oversized blazer with leggings, a t-shirt, and sneakers for an elevated, yet casual look.
Tucking in your tops can be a useful tool, but it still makes our list of 9 fashion rules to break after 50.
Related: How to Flatter Your Body With These Slimming Outfits
6. “Oversized pieces will make you look frumpy.”
Based on our last rule, it’s easy to see why we can eliminate the rule about wearing oversized pieces. The key is to balance them with pieces that take up less space in your look – think close-fitting pieces like leggings, slim jeans, ballet flats, slingback heels, tucked-in tops, etc. Or, like our fashion inspo above, try a sleeveless top with a cinched waist to balance out the look of an extra-wide-legged pair of pants.
This rule is commonly mentioned when it comes to over 50 fashion because of the fear of looking “frumpy” by visually drowning in large, unstructured pieces. You don’t want to look like the clothes are wearing you, instead of the other way around. An easy way to remedy this is to take your pieces to a tailor. They’ll make sure that your piece is oversized in all the right places, and still gives off the look that you love without looking like it just doesn’t fit well.
Related: Fight the Frump: 12 Easy Ways You Can Fix Your Frumpy Outfits
7. “Animal print looks tacky over 50.”
If you’re familiar with our capsule wardrobe guides at MCO, you’ll notice that we often incorporate certain patterns. Florals in the spring, stripes year round, and animal print are a few that we believe to be neutrals when it comes to styling timeless looks. There are some that say that animal print is only for the young – but we strongly disagree.
There shouldn’t be an age limit on what patterns you wear over 50! The key is how you style them. If you go all in on a full-leopard look, that might not suit you – but that’s true of any age group. As we talked about with trends, start with small doses of a pattern like leopard print. A sweater, bag, skirt or flats are the perfect place to start when it comes to wearing animal print in a classic, timeless way.
8. “Switch out all of your pants for high-waisted versions.”
High-waisted pants are often marketed as the best choice for women over 50 because they provide more coverage and end close to your natural waist. These can be a great choice, and one we often recommend, however, they can also be unsuitable for some women! This is a rule to (potentially) break because high-waisted pants are certainly not everyone’s cup of tea. They can be uncomfortable to sit in for long periods of time, may not flatter those with a short torso, and don’t necessarily pair well with every look.
Consider trying out a pair of mid-rise, or even low-rise pair of jeans. They are less restrictive than high-waisted versions and are much more comfortable if you’re wearing them to work on casual Fridays, or going out for dinner. Plus, there are plenty of ways to style them in a manner that still feels true to your refined sense of fashion.
Try looking for styles in a slimmer leg – if you’re concerned about a flattering look, these will often appear more complementary than a wide-leg or baggy version. Also, make sure to balance out a lower rise with a longer top. This will ensure you’re comfortable and feel good even as you move about throughout the day.
If you can, try them on in person first. It can be difficult to tell where exactly they’ll sit on your body just by looking at the model online. If need be, consider taking them to a tailor for the perfect fit.
9. “Never wear loud makeup.”
Last, but certainly not least on our list of 9 fashion rules to break over 50: “Never wear loud makeup.” The thought behind this rule is that makeup that’s too heavy or dark can make you appear older, and emphasize fine lines and wrinkles. However, just like most fashion guidelines, the way around this rule is by creating balance in your look.
A red lip is an iconic, fun staple of French-inspired beauty that women of any age can wear for a vibrant, confident look. The key is to keep the rest of your makeup light when you wear a bright or dark tone, like a saturated red. On the nights you wear colored lipstick, go for a minimalist makeup routine. All you need is a bit of concealer, some light mascara, and a spot of blush for a timeless, Parisian-approved look.
Ripping Up the Rulebook
Fashion rules are often created with good intentions. However, that doesn’t mean that they should be supported as hard-and-fast guidelines that can never be broken! Good style is an art form, and the best art often breaks all the rules. Don’t let common style do’s and don’ts keep you from creating your best looks after 50. If you feel confident and cool, that’s all that matters!
Are you going back to basics this year and building up your style foundation? We’ve got you covered. Up Next: The 30 Must-Have Pieces for a Capsule Wardrobe Over 50
