As we get older, our tastes may naturally change. We may have different hobbies, like different music, and our lifestyles could look a little different. As mature women, we also might evolve and develop a new personal style! However, evolving our wardrobes and figuring out a new way to wear clothes can take a little bit of time. The good news is that I have a list below of 10 outfit ideas and formulas to make this process a little bit easier. If you dream of a classically timeless wardrobe with a modern touch, you’ve come to the right place. Read on for 10 tips and ideas about how to dress over 50 in a chic way.
How to Dress Over 50 – 10 Outfit Ideas
1. button-down + wide-leg jeans + belt + mary jane flats
A white button-down shirt is any woman’s best friend! Adding one of these staple pieces to your capsule wardrobe is one of my favorite style tips. No matter your age or body type, a white button-down can be used to create a near-endless list of outfit options. For this first look, pair it with wide-leg jeans (with no holes or rips), a brown leather belt, and a pair of leopard flats.
Pull this look together with a bit of finessing when it comes to the shirt. You can leave it untucked, but you’ll find that tucking the shirt in some form will give it a much more flattering appearance. Tuck the whole shirt into the high-waisted jeans to highlight the small of your waist and accentuate your natural body shape.
Or, if you prefer a more relaxed fit, undo the last couple of buttons and tuck half the shirt into your jeans and belt (the half with no buttons). The tucked side will highlight your waist, while the other side will lengthen the appearance of your legs. A third option is the well-known front tuck, which involves tucking in only the front half of your first into your jeans.
2. linen pants + popover top + leather sandals + gold necklace
top | sandals | pants | necklace
If you live in a warmer climate (or you’re already dreaming of summer’s return), this next look is for you. Just because it’s warm doesn’t mean you can’t elevate your look and feel your best! Stay cool in a pair of white linen pants, a popover top with short sleeves, black leather sandals, and a gold statement necklace.
The best way to stay cool without sacrificing style is by carefully selecting breathable fabric choices – like cotton and linen. This way, even if you prefer more coverage in the warmer months like many older women do as we age, you can still feel comfortable. Linen pants provide desired modesty without the added weight of denim or other heavier materials.
On top, this J.Crew popover shirt is made with their crepe de chine. It’s described as silky-soft and light on the body. The draped sleeves provide coverage without being clingy, and the v-neck helps to open up the chest area for a slimming effect. The collar elevates the whole look!
Add a pair of black leather sandals to balance out the dark color of the top against the white pants. Finally, accessorize with a statement necklace or other jewelry that complements your personal taste.
3. slim jeans + striped tee + ballet flats + denim jacket + hoops
flats | jeans | t-shirt | jacket | earrings
The perfect pair of jeans is a wardrobe staple. Trendy denim pieces will come and go, but I think it’s safe to say that slim style jeans will never go out of style. If you find a pair that flatters you and makes you feel like a million bucks, jeans are great investment pieces. Denim is a very durable fabric, and the right pair can hold up for many, many wash cycles.
Another great thing about blue jeans? They can be styled to fit nearly any occasion. If you would describe your personal style as “elevated casual,” the look above is perfect for you. Pair a dark-wash pair of jeans with a striped t-shirt, black ballet flats, and a barrell denim jacket for a fun twist on the traditional blue jean jacket.
4. pearl earrings + sheath dress + slingback heels
dress | heels | pearl earrings
As our sense of style changes over time, so too does our dream little black dress! The style featured above is ideal for both an office setting or a nice dinner out. You could add a blazer or sweater on top for the cooler months, or even layer a turtleneck underneath for extra warmth. The gold buttons elevate this J.Crew style, and the additional length may be right up your alley if you prefer more coverage, or if you plan to wear it to work.
Pair it alongside slingbacks with a kitten heel for a subtle boost of height. The pointed toe will help to elongate your legs, as will the absence of an ankle strap. You could also add a pair of sheer black tights if you’d like. Finally, pearl earrings add an elegant touch.
5. wool bomber jacket + mid-rise jeans + white sneakers + white t-shirt
jeans | sneakers | belt | t-shirt | jacket
There’s no one magic formula that should tell you how to dress over 50 – however, a quality white t-shirt might just be a secret ingredient to some of the best recipes! The perfect white t-shirt is a wardrobe essential, whether it’s shining on its own or you’re layering it under your favorite sweater. Once you find your favorite fit, you’ll want to think about purchasing a few. The classic white t-shirt is a wardrobe staple that can make or break your look. A stretched-out neckline, stains, or a see-through style can cheapen the appearance of your chic outfit.
The next ingredient in this cool and casual look is a pair of black mid-rise jeans. Mid-rise jeans still help to elongate your lower half, without being as restrictive as many high-waisted pants tend to be. They are also a great option for both shorter and longer tops for a versatile fit. On top, add a wool bomber jacket as a sportier alternative to your favorite cardigan. A pair of white sneakers and a black belt complete the ensemble.
6. turtleneck + pleated midi skirt + tall boots + small tote
turtleneck | boots | skirt | small tote
Need a sophisticated look for date night or your next holiday gathering? A pleated satin slip skirt will be your best friend. Pair it with a chic satin halter top in the warmer months, or with a turtleneck in colder ones. Add a pair of boots in the same color as your top – this is the “sandwich method” of coordinating your shoes with your shirt. It makes your look appear more intentional and elevated.
What’s so great about a pleated slip skirt? Well, for starters, the vertical pleats elongate the appearance of your lower half to make you appear slimmer and taller. The pleats and a-line design of this style also add movement to your look. Finally, the pleats are a great addition to a silk or satin skirt. These materials tend to cling and can show fine lines and other little (natural and nothing to be ashamed of) bumps on our bodies. Pleats help to avoid any fashion faux pas like the unwanted sight of undergarment lines.
Related: 15 Style Tips to Make Old Outfits Feel New Again
7. trousers + single-breasted blazer + black t-shirt + flats
flats | blazer | trousers | t-shirt | watch
A monochromatic look is one of my favorite (not-so-secret) style secrets. I add one to nearly every one of my style guides. You more than likely lead a busy life – you’re rushing off to work, helping your kids with one or thing or another, taking care of pets, meeting up with friends, etc. You won’t always have time to spend a half hour planning your outfit for the day. A monochromatic look is one of my favorite “cheat codes” to look put together with a simple one-step process – choosing the same color top and bottom. Extra points for a coordinating pair of shoes!
A pair of wide-leg trousers and a black t-shirt look polished, but are also comfortable. On top, add a single-breasted blazer for your professional occasions. However, you could easily swap out the blazer for a cardigan, a lady jacket, or even a denim jacket for a more casual look. Finish off the outfit with a pair of flats, and a gold watch.
8. crop jeans + loafers + oxford shirt + lady jacket cardigan
jeans | cardigan | oxford shirt | loafers
Here’s another office-ready look that could easily be tweaked for other occasions. Great style doesn’t have to be complicated. If you fill your wardrobe with a few must-have items and a selection of pieces in neutral colors, you’ll set yourself up for success. The best style will make you feel comfortable and confident, and a capsule wardrobe can give you the tools to create an endless option of looks that feel like you.
This look involves a bit of layering, which is a great way to add interest to your outfit. Start with a pair of crop jeans in a light color. Next, add a blue Oxford button-down. On top, try a striped cardigan in a complementary color scheme. Black loafers complete the look, although you could switch them out for a pair of ballet flats, Mary Janes, or heels. Layers like these can be mixed and matched with ease!
Looking for more capsule wardrobe tips and tricks? You can access our free guides here.
9. pullover sweater + trench coat + straight-leg jeans + flats
jeans | flats | sweater | trench coat
A classic trench coat is a timeless, French-inspired piece for any size wardrobe. Trench coats come in a wide array of styles and designs, and you could even choose one in bright colors or with polka dots if that aligns with your personal style. However, if you’re still trying to discern your unique taste and learn how to dress over 50, I would recommend starting with a shade of tan or khaki for the most versatile look.
Style this quintessential spring or fall look with a cozy crewneck sweater, straight-leg jeans, and Mary Jane flats. This combination would fit right in with Parisian street style!
10. striped oxford shirt + tailored shorts + woven bag + leather sandals
oxford shirt | chino shorts | sandals | tote bag
The Boxy Oxford Shirt from Everlane is the perfect style for a relaxed, East Coast-inspired summer look. This is one style of button-down that I would recommend leaving untucked. It features two front pockets, dropped shoulders, and a relaxed shape for an elevated (yet casual) look. As I mentioned before, a button-down in a breezy fabric like linen or cotton is the perfect choice for a hot summer’s day when you still want to cover up some skin, whether that be for sun protection or personal preference.
Next, a pair of tailored chino shorts from J.Crew offers a good amount of coverage on your lower half while still giving you the opportunity to enjoy shorts season in a comfortable way. Finish the look with a straw tote and leather sandals. I love this pair for older women because of the supportive ankle strap – but no matter your age, these are a stylish pair that are good quality for this particular style.
You can elevate this look for a patio dinner with gold jewelry. Or, add a baseball cap or sun hat to ward off any unwanted rays for a laidback daytime look. The possibilities are endless!
There’s No Age Limit to Good Style
There truly is no age limit to good style – in fact, good personal style can age like a fine wine! Years lived and experience can help us all to discover what we do and don’t like when it comes to fashion. Over time we learn to sort through the endless trend cycle and discover the tried and true classics that really speak to us. Although there are challenges that come along with age, it’s also a great time to re-evaluate how we want to present ourselves, and what we’re looking for in our everyday looks!
Looking for more outfit inspiration? Up Next: 7 Stylish Ways to Wear Scarves in Your 50sÂ
