As we age, many of us start to care less about the trend cycle and more about a modern fit that prioritizes comfort. We still care about looking chic, don’t get me wrong, but “chic” takes on a more timeless definition that’s less about keeping up with what everyone else is wearing. And if you’re in a place in your life where you’re looking for wardrobe choices that flatter your classic sense of style, keep reading for 11 over 50 clothing styles that will suit your taste, lifestyle, and personal definition of “chic”.
1. Wide-Leg Pants
sneakers | jeans | belt | bag | sweater | blazer | sunglasses
Wide-leg pants, whether that be in the form of trousers, jeans, or dress pants, have become popular again in the last few years. And that’s good news if you like the modern silhouette – there are many more pairs of jeans in this style on the market to choose from! While skinny jeans can certainly still have their place in your wardrobe over 50, there’s no denying that wide-leg jeans can offer a really flattering, classic look that tends to be even more comfortable than your super-tight denim.
Wide-leg jeans skim over your hips and thighs, rather than clinging to your legs from your waist down to your ankles. This helps to balance out your proportions with more forgiving coverage to create a long, lean silhouette. As far as modern trends go, this is one that you don’t have to worry about looking back on to cringe at in a few years. This style of jeans won’t ever really go out of style, and offers the perfect balance to your tighter-fitting tops and jackets.
2. Tailored Blazer
sneakers | socks | pants | bag | scarf | turtleneck | blazer | sunglasses
You might once have relegated a well-fitted blazer to workwear, but I’m here to tell you it’s so much more than that! A tailored blazer can elevate any outfit with the perfect amount of polish, whether you’re running a few quick errands on the weekend or dressing to meet a friend for lunch. The structure of the blazer makes it the ideal piece to make any of your casual items feel more elevated. It also creates shape where there is none, which is an easy way to look more put-together over 50, or at any age.
3. Dark-Wash Jeans
boots | jeans | bag | sweater | trench coat | necklace
Finding the perfect pair of jeans for your body shape and style might just be the equivalent of striking gold. And once you’ve found the ideal style for you, it makes it that much easier to shop new brands in the future to find pairs you like!
A great place to start when you’re looking for new denim over 50? Dark-wash jeans. Whether you feel most confident in slim-fit jeans, bootcut jeans, or the wide-leg style I mentioned before, a darker wash tends to be universally flattering no matter the silhouette. Just like wearing black is touted as one of the most slimming looks you can wear, the dark style of jeans tends to give you an elongated effect.
Beyond just the flattering fit, dark-wash jeans also tend to look more sophisticated than their lighter-wash counterparts. That’s why they’re the most versatile kind of jeans you can have in your closet. They’re easy to transition from work to the weekend without missing a beat.
4. Crisp White Shirt
shoes | bag | jeans | sweater | shirt | scarf | earrings
Whether you’re perfecting your capsule wardrobe over 50 or just starting one for the first time, a crisp white shirt should be high up on your shopping list! No matter if you’re dressing for the office or a shopping day, this is a foundational staple that’s ideal for everyday wear. The pop of a white collar underneath a sweater adds a polished, preppy touch, while it also looks great on its own in the summertime with a pair of linen shorts and sandals.
5. Maxi Skirt
boots | skirt | bag | sweater | shirt | earrings
Although you can of course style mini skirts at any age, if you’re looking for a little bit more coverage for a different look as your style becomes more sophisticated, a maxi skirt is the perfect swap to make. There are still plenty of styles, patterns, and textures to choose from in the longer length, but they tend to be a little more flattering than most mini styles. They’re also easier to style year-round, thanks to the added fabric. A maxi skirt is one of the classics that’s easy to dress down with sneakers, or dress up with a pair of knee-high boots or a heel.
6. Cashmere Sweater
shoes | skirt | bag | sweater shell | cardigan | sunglasses | necklace
Sweaters are pretty much a given when you’re thinking about classic, timeless style, but material does matter in the end! It’s natural that as we age, we tend to start prioritizing the materials of our clothes more. In many cases, we have a little more to spend, and we want our clothes to last. It’s no longer about cycling through new pieces season after season to keep up with trends, but rather investing in foundational staples that we’ll be able to wear for years to come.
Although it requires a little more maintenance to take care of, cashmere is well worth it when you’re looking at adding a new sweater to your wardrobe. It’s super soft and luxurious, and instantly elevates the look of any crewneck or cardigan style you want to wear. It not only feels better, but tends to look better too, thanks to the beautiful drape it provides.
7. Belted Trench Coat
shoes | pants | bag | trench coat | shirt | necklace | earrings
French women love their trench coats, but if you really want to go for a classic style of the Parisian favorite over 50, choose a belted version! Without it, trench coats tend to give you a more boxy shape, which you might not love if you’re prioritizing a flattering look. The tie at the waistband makes all the difference in accentuating your natural curves and body type. It also gives the coat a more tailored appearance, which makes you look more expensive!
8. White Sneakers
shoes | jeans | bag | shirt | sunglasses | earrings
Here at MCO, we believe that white sneakers are the shoe that can go with (almost) any outfit in your closet. This super shoe fits right in with your busy lifestyle, whether you have a walking commute, love to travel, or just spend a lot of time on your feet. The clean, bright look is what makes this shoe look more sophisticated than many of its counterparts. Its neutral color palette means it can complement almost any of your wardrobe pieces, and won’t ever go out of style.
9. Shirt Dress
shoes | dress | bag | watch | earrings
Versatility is the name of the game when you’re looking for classic over-50 clothing styles. If you’re investing in quality pieces, you want them to be adaptable to wherever your busy life takes you! That’s the beauty of a shirtdress. It’s polished enough to wear to work, but also easy enough to dress down for a beachside dinner.
I love the J.Crew style above for the details around the waistband. The cinched look tends to be more flattering than a billowy, shapeless style, and the short sleeves make it easy to throw a sweater on top in chillier weather if necessary.
10. Pointed-Toe Boots
boots | jeans | bag | watch | sweater | jacket | earrings
Ankle boots always make our capsule wardrobe round-ups, because you can style this shoe almost year-round in your favorite outfit ideas. And if you’re looking for the most up-to-date way to style this classic footwear, look for a pair with a pointed or square toe. These aren’t just the most modern silhouettes on the market – they also happen to be the most flattering. The longer toebox continues the vertical line that runs up and down your body, creating a slimming effect and making your legs appear longer and leaner.
11. Pleated Pants
boots | pants | belt | bag | sweater | jacket | sunglasses | necklace
From date night to your next big meeting, pleated pants can do it all! There are lots of styles to choose from, whether you like a structured, high waist, or something with an elastic waistband with a more relaxed fit. The key to this style is the pleating. The vertical pleats will make your legs appear longer and slimmer, and also give a timeless, elegant look to any other pieces you happen to be wearing.
Over 50 Clothing Styles Worth Sharing
As we age, our style naturally evolves. And when you’re moving into a new phase of your style journey, we’ll be right here with you! As you’re shopping for classic, sophisticated looks over 50, this list will help you build a foundation to embrace the most stylish “you” yet.
Looking for more outfit ideas to elevate your favorite classic wardrobe pieces? Up Next: 7 Chic Ways to Wear a Brooch (That Aren’t Old-Fashioned)
I live in Wisconsin, as stylish as I try to be . It is hard to be stylish in 10 degree weather. Do you have recommendations for woman who live where the wind hurts their face.
I live in Iowa so I’m right there with you! If you go to the “fall winter” section, you’ll find a ton of winter outfit posts.