Great Style Doesn't Have An Age Limit
Most people think of being in their 50s as this terrifying new point in life where everything has to change. Honestly, that couldn't be further from the truth, even when it comes to something like fashion. Dressing well at this age doesn't come with any strict, age-related rules! Just like with any age, it's all about understanding what makes you feel comfortable and confident, and if anything, a bit more selective with what earns space in your closet. Here are 20 secrets to keep you stylish as you enter your 50s.
1. Get Serious About Proper Fit
No matter how old you are, wearing clothes that fit well for your body instantly makes you look more put-together. It's a simple way to show you care about what you wear, and that you put effort into deciding your look. Some key areas to pay attention to are the shoulder seams, sleeve and pant length, and waistlines.
2. Stop Buying Clothes Just Because They're Comfortable
Once you go comfy, it's hard to come back! If comfort is the only thing you care about when shopping, you're going to be left with oversized sweatshirts, shapeless pants, and quirky basics. It's possible to have the best of both worlds, so look for pieces that you can wear all day without complaint, but still complement your body and features.
3. Invest In Better Fabrics
Now that you're in your 50s, you deserve to be more selective about the materials you wear; nothing but the best for you, after all! Fabrics like cotton, wool, linen, silk, and cashmere are all quality blends that not only look more expensive, but also hold up better in the long run.
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4. Build Around Great Jackets
As the final layer of your outfit, that makes jackets one of the most crucial points of your whole look. That's why having a few solid options can immediately make any pair of jeans, dresses, or even simple T-shirts look more refined. Keep a variety around, from blazers to cropped jackets and leather styles so you're ready for any event.
5. Don't Automatically Give Up On Trends
Turning 50 doesn't mean you have to stop paying attention to what's currently fashionable. Instead of just going with the flow with every trend, pick out ones that genuinely interest you and feel like would complement your style. Incorporating modern colors, shoe styles, or accessories can be a simple way to keep familiar outfits current.
6. Upgrade Your Everyday Shoes
People don't think about shoes because they sit at the bottom of our bodies, but really, it can affect your outfit more than you realize. Dirty sneakers, damaged loaders, and scuffed boots quickly turn a polished look into something less intentional. Always make sure what you put on your feet are just as nice as the rest of your body.
7. Find Jeans That Actually Suit You
It's always good to have a handy pair of jeans in your closet, and when you turn 50, there's no particular style you need to follow. Straight-leg, bootcut, wide-leg, relaxed, pick whatever you feel most comfortable in that suits your body and wardrobe. Focus on what you like, not what other people think people in their 50s should be wearing.
8. Pay More Attention To Necklines
Lots of older people feel like they need to button up the older they get, but the neckline of your top can significantly change how an outfit looks on you. Whether it's a crewneck, v-neck, boat neck, or collared shirt, play around with different styles to see how they look on you! Don't be afraid to experiment.
9. Keep Your Basics Looking Fresh
There's nothing wrong with keeping a simple wardrobe, as long as you're keeping them in good condition. White shirts that have greyed, tees that have been stretched out, and sweaters that are pilling at every corner just make you look older, which we doubt you want at this age.
10. Add Color Instead Of Avoiding It
No one said that once you turn 50, you can only have black, beige, navy, and neutral-colored clothing. You're allowed to wear bright and colorful things if that's what you wish! It's more important that you figure out what shades complement you best rather than shunning them all out completely.
11. Make Accessories More Intentional
One of the best ways to figure out your personal style is to accessorize. A simple handbag, belt, watch, or scarf can instantly give people a better idea of what you like, and it turns any basic combination into something that screams, "you." You're allowed to care about fashion!
12. Don't Hide Your Shape Under Excess Fabric
It's tempting to reach for looser clothes as you get older, especially if you don't want anything clinging to your body. Unfortunately, the more you size up, the more it ruins your silhouette! You don't need to wear anything skin tight, but finding the right balance between flowy and fitting is how you'll get the most flattering result.
13. Keep One Eye On Proportions
A good outfit isn't made from just one individual piece; it's about how all the details come together. For instance, a wide pair of trousers looks even better when you know to pair it with a fitted top or one that's tucked to accentuate the waistline. You don't need to spend a single penny to understand and highlight your proportions well.
14. Choose Undergarments That Work With Your Clothes
It might not be visible, but undergarments can seriously change how clothes sit on your body. For women, bras that don't provide proper support or underwear that creates uncomfortable lines can ruin the polished final look you wanted. Always keep your size updated and replace worn pieces so that all your clothes fit as they should.
15. Have A Reliable Outfit Formula
If you can't be bothered at 50 to spend too long on your outfit every morning, create a few combinations ahead of time to keep things simple. These formulas make any busy morning easier to handle when you know what you're wearing is a tried-and-true favorite.
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16. Avoid Keeping Clothes For Your Former Body
You may be keeping clothes that don't fit just because you're hoping they will again one day, or because they remind you of an earlier stage of life, but all they're doing is taking up space. It can make getting dressed feel frustrating or disappointing, but remember that it's more important to focus on clothes that fit your body comfortably right now.
17. Let One Statement Piece Do The Work
All you need is one statement piece to make an outfit look more memorable. Pairing too many together can look cluttered and messy, but a simple interesting coat, a patterned blouse, or a bold pair of glasses will do all the talking for you.
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18. Dress For Your Actual Lifestyle
Owning a fancy and beautiful wardrobe won't do much if you don't live a lifestyle that matches it. If you work from home, travel frequently, attend formal events, or spend a lot of times outdoors, all of these different habits should be reflected in what you wear.
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19. Keep Grooming And Clothing Working Together
There's more to looking well-dressed than just the clothes themselves. Making sure you keep your nails tidy, your beard shaved, and your eyebrows plucked all contribute to your overall look. These small details don't need to be perfect, but keeping them maintained seriously does wonders.
20. Wear What Makes You Feel Like Yourself
At the end of the day, you've spent decades wearing clothes already, meaning you should have a general idea of what you genuinely enjoy wearing. Don't abandon your favorite colors, prints, or silhouettes just because you've gotten older; embrace them! You'll look your best in your 50s when you wear what you love.
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