Ask StyleList: What should a woman in her 50s wear?
Filed under: Accessories, Fashion, Best of the Season, How to Wear
Recently the StyleList team was asked a great question by one of our fabulous readers. Judy was wondering what would be appropriate but still fun for a woman in her fifties to wear. This is a great question, and one I am often asked in my boutique - thanks, Judy!.
The answer is almost frustratingly simple - wear what fits you best! If you are a slim and trim 55 year old with a desire to keep up with the latest trends, then be brave and try some of the newer looks that you're not completely sure of. Just because it looks "young" on the hanger doesn't mean it will look that way once you're wearing it! Too many women miss out on beautiful clothing because they talk themselves out of it before they even hit the dressing room! A general rule of thumb to follow on "trendy" clothing is to pay the most attention to fit. If anything feels too tight, too low, or too clingy, then you'll be better off moving on to the next item. But if you've got a new top on and it fits fine but just feels "different", then give it a shot! You have to give your eye a chance to get used to a new look.
If you're a classically inclined lady with one or two body parts you'd feel better off camouflaging, then my advice is to load up on timeless pieces like menswear-inspired trousers (tailored, mid-rise waist, wide at the ankle), kitten-heel pumps in neutral colors, and three-quarter sleeved tops in a knit or heavy silk.
However, if you're a fun and funky fashionista, I would say go wild with your tops (always adhering to fit - never lose the fit!) and buy as many pairs of crazy, fabulous shoes you can afford. Pair a solid color jean or skirt with a colorful, patterned top, add a piece of chunky jewelry, and you're ready for anything.
Every woman looks great and age-appropriate in a classic, tailored coat. You can make the coat as conservative or wild as you want by choosing different materials and patterns. Throw your coat on over jeans and a blouse, or wear it with a cocktail dress and head out for dinner and drinks.
The most important thing for women of any age to remember while shopping is FIT. As long as your pieces fit you well (or will after a trip to alterations!), feel comfortable, and are modest, you are going to do well. When in doubt, ask the salespeople - in nicer stores they really are trained to help you. Happy shopping!
The answer is almost frustratingly simple - wear what fits you best! If you are a slim and trim 55 year old with a desire to keep up with the latest trends, then be brave and try some of the newer looks that you're not completely sure of. Just because it looks "young" on the hanger doesn't mean it will look that way once you're wearing it! Too many women miss out on beautiful clothing because they talk themselves out of it before they even hit the dressing room! A general rule of thumb to follow on "trendy" clothing is to pay the most attention to fit. If anything feels too tight, too low, or too clingy, then you'll be better off moving on to the next item. But if you've got a new top on and it fits fine but just feels "different", then give it a shot! You have to give your eye a chance to get used to a new look.
If you're a classically inclined lady with one or two body parts you'd feel better off camouflaging, then my advice is to load up on timeless pieces like menswear-inspired trousers (tailored, mid-rise waist, wide at the ankle), kitten-heel pumps in neutral colors, and three-quarter sleeved tops in a knit or heavy silk.
However, if you're a fun and funky fashionista, I would say go wild with your tops (always adhering to fit - never lose the fit!) and buy as many pairs of crazy, fabulous shoes you can afford. Pair a solid color jean or skirt with a colorful, patterned top, add a piece of chunky jewelry, and you're ready for anything.
Every woman looks great and age-appropriate in a classic, tailored coat. You can make the coat as conservative or wild as you want by choosing different materials and patterns. Throw your coat on over jeans and a blouse, or wear it with a cocktail dress and head out for dinner and drinks.
The most important thing for women of any age to remember while shopping is FIT. As long as your pieces fit you well (or will after a trip to alterations!), feel comfortable, and are modest, you are going to do well. When in doubt, ask the salespeople - in nicer stores they really are trained to help you. Happy shopping!
