Fashion For Women Over 50 – Outfit Ideas And Wardrobe Tips

Make your fashion statement while looking trendy yet elegant at the same time.

Reviewed by Paola Farina, Personal Stylist
Written by Pratima Ati, MSc
Edited by Madhumati Chowdhury, MA (English Literature)
Fact-checked by Srijani Roy Chowdhury, MA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Style & Image Consultant  • 

We are sure that celebs like Sandra Bullock, Sarah Jessica Parker, Halle Berry, and Salma Hayek give you some major fashion goals and make you believe that no matter the age, your fashion game does not ever need to leave your field. So if you are looking for fashion for women over 50, then you are in the right place without a doubt because we are here to help you with some outfit ideas dor women. In this article, we will provide you with some of the most amazing tips and ideas in terms of fashion for women over 50. Here you will find some bloggers who are at their fifty-something and are giving you worth-trying fashion inspiration. So without any delay, go ahead and give this piece a read.

protip_icon Ace The Look
  • Fitting: Wear wide-leg pants and A-line skirts if you have a pear-shaped body and wrap and belted dresses if you have an hourglass body.
  • Accessories: Pair A-line dresses with layered chains, intricate pendants, and cuff bracelets. Add a bucket or satchel bag with jeans for a casual chic look.
  • Necklines: Go for V or scoop necklines as they draw attention towards the neckline and create a slimming effect. You can opt for a halter neckline if you have a triangular body as they create the illusion of broader shoulders.
  • Footwear: Opt for bold colors like red, orange, or metallic gold for casual evening parties and navy blue, burgundy, or ivory for formal occasions.

Best Fashion For Women Over 50 – Outfit Ideas

1. Striped Sweaters And Ankle Length Trousers

Striped sweaters and ankle length trousers for women over 50
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Image: Instagram @notlamb
@themiddlepageblog

Swap your unappealing oversized sweaters with striped knit sweaters. There’s no reason for you to argue that stripes are age-inappropriate because they are not. Ditch your loose sweats for these ankle length trousers. They aren’t too loose or tight and hit a perfect sweet spot, making it a casual yet stylish outfit.

2. Add Layers – Scarves, Cardigans, Etc

Add layers for women over 50
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Image: Instagram @brigittemward
@cindyscurry

Fifty plus women often assume that fifty means frumpy, without realizing that it can be quite a fabulous age. You just need little additions like tops with asymmetrical cuts, smart patterns, cardigans, and jackets that add to your style, and scarves that bump it all up. Classy and sophisticated scarves go a long way for not just women in their fifties and plus-sizes, but just about anyone.

3. Colors And Prints

A bold, bright piece of clothing never did not hurt anyone – do not listen to anyone who says otherwise. Keep one color bold, and mellow everything else down. Same is the case with prints and florals (small or big depending on your body type). Take cues from street fashion dressing and give that a little makeover.

4. Bohemian Dressing

Bohemian dressing for women over 50
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Image: Instagram @notdeadyetstyle

Choose to go boho by going all the way out with printed palazzos, tanks, and bandanas; or, keep it classy and show your confidence with a red overcoat and accessories that are more than just fine silver jewelry.

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You can also pair a chic black hat with a tank and palazzos for a cool and fun look.

5. Denims For Fifties

Denim for the women over 50
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Image: Instagram @notdeadyetstyle
@renili62

Dark wash, breathable denims with an elastic waist that does not dig into your tummy are perfect. Bootcut looks naturally good on older women, just like mommy jeans – but drop the old versions and go with brands that are continually innovating to cater to women over 40 and 50. Seriously, thanks to brands like Levis, Not Your Daughter’s Jeans, etc.

6. Summer Dressing

Summer is a reminder that winter is coming, and these are your last few months to wear cute clothes. Go with dresses that radiate pure elegance and sophistication. Choose flowing dresses that go below your knees, and drape them around well. Don’t bother about bodycons, because it’s not about them anymore. Pick cotton or chiffon pants that enhance your silhouette.

7. Leggings And Skinny Jeans

If you can’t get over leggings, you don’t have to. Pair them with tops that go below the hips, add scarves or blazer to the outfits, jewelry if you are into it. Skinny jeans are fine too – wear linen, chambray or satin shirts with them – super classy!

8. Beach Fashion

Beach fashion for women over 50
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Image: Instagram @maursystyle
@cheryl_boyle

Let your beach vacations be about ruffles, flowing tops, breathable trousers, sarongs, one-piece dresses and all things beachy – without flinching or overthinking about it.

9. A Little Black Dress

Who says you cannot rock the classic little black dress? And, who says it is not age-appropriate? Tweak the style a little, but rock that black dress anyway.

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A pearl necklace and earring set will look best with the black dress.

10. Fall Fashion

Fall fashion for women over 50
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Image: Instagram
@fashioniseek4u

Let fall be about everything that excites you. Red jackets, stylish boots, warm conversations, pumpkin spice latte, and crunchy evening walks. Do not change anything even after you blaze into your 50s.

Style Guide And Wardrobe Tips For Women Over 50

Paola Farina, a personal stylist, says, “Many 50-year-old women think that the game is over. To look more attractive they dress up like teenagers. But today, fifty is the new thirty, and you can be beautiful and young by choosing items that enhance your age. What’s more intriguing and seductive than a knee skirt pencil and a pair of Louboutin with dizzying heels?”

  • It does not always mean that hemlines have to be either too short to be stylish or too long to be appropriate. A little below the knee is perfect.
  • Do not shy away from bold colors, balance them out.
  • Wear well-fitting jeans and trousers as opposed to loose, sloppy ones.
  • Avoid loose jeans with loose tops, let one of them be well fitted.
  • Pick dresses that drape around you over the clingy ones.
  • Choose cardigans instead of oversized tops.
  • Never underestimate the power of shapewear and right lingerie.
  • Go with patterns and prints that complement your body shape.
  • Accessories are and always will be a game changer.

Beth Djalali, a blogger, shares her thoughts on dressing a woman over 50 years of age in her personal blog. She says, “The style goal for any woman of any age should be how to look modern and fresh, not dated and stodgy. It’s time we focus on style secrets for women over 50, not what style rules we need to follow (i).”

Fashion Blogs For Ladies Over 50

1. Accidental Icon

She is known for being the rebel, and she is. Having an unusual career trajectory, Lyn Slater has broken all barriers and is known for her hashtag #ageisnotavailable. However, she doesn’t feel like she’s breaking barriers because she genuinely believes in dressing up for yourself and sheer pleasure, as opposed to dressing up according to your age or what people think you should dress like.

Instagram Handle – https://www.instagram.com/iconaccidental/

2. Not Dead Yet Style

Patti Gibbons advocates that fashion doesn’t have to be a certain way because you are now officially too old for low cuts, low skirts or bodycons. She stumbled upon fashion blogging quite late in life, taking inspiration from 20-something bloggers. Patti started off with such passion that she took off at full speed. Without being over the top, her style is easy to adapt to and realistic.

Instagram Handle – https://www.instagram.com/notdeadyetstyle/

Blog – www.notdeadyetstyle.com

3. Not Dressed As Lamb

She flaunts red hair, fedora hats, distressed denims, long skirts, and formal dresses, and oh-so-gracefully! Catherine started this blog on her 39th birthday because she didn’t want to give in to the idea that your style has to be boring because you have aged.

Instagram Handle – https://www.instagram.com/notlamb/

Blog – www.notdressedaslamb.com

4. The Middle Page Blog

Cathy was always fashionable and had a thing for style, however, after following 20-year old bloggers for a while, she took a step back and realized that something was not quite right. The newest trends weren’t perfectly matching her age, which prompted her to start ‘The Middle Page’ blog. She wanted to offer something for women of her age and tweak millennial trends accordingly.

Instagram Handle – https://www.instagram.com/themiddlepageblog/

Blog – https://the-middlepage.com/

5. Senior Style Bible

Dorrie Jacobson, an 83-year-old fashion blogger, runs Senior Style Bible. In pixie haircuts, stilettos, and big hoops, she has a style philosophy that gets you to think about your choices. How she blends colors, cuts, patterns, and modern fashion to match her age is truly thought-provoking.

Instagram Handle – https://www.instagram.com/seniorstylebible/

Blog – http://www.seniorstylebible.com

Infographic: A Bucket List For Your 50s

Just like age is not a barrier when it comes to fashion, it should not be one when it comes to living your life to the fullest. So far, you have made several compromises in life – put your family first and set your own wishes aside. You have seen half a century now. So it is time you did everything you have ever wanted to do! It is possible that after living all these years for others, you may have forgotten how to live for yourself. Don’t worry. Check out the infographic below for a little bucket list for your 50s to get you started. Don’t think too much, and start checking them off!

a bucket list for your 50s (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

Finding the right outfits for women over 50 can be an exhausting and daunting task. Don’t worry, this article gives you some amazing tips on fashion for women over 50. Simple tips such as adding scarves, cardigans, or prints can glamourize a simple outfit in a matter of minutes. For those who love their leggings and don’t want to get rid of them, pair them with satin shirts or chambray for a super classy and fitting look. Lastly, a little black dress and denim jeans are timeless and should be there in every woman’s closet. Together with these clothes in your fashion arsenal, you can rock any look with comfort and panache.

By picking fashion-forward pieces, paying attention to the fit, shopping at designer boutiques, and following fashion role models, you can create a wardrobe that makes you feel confident and stylish. So, go ahead and embrace your fashionista and show the world that style knows no age.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear skinny jeans at 50?

Yes, you can wear skinny jeans at 50 with a satin shirt or a long top to look classy.

How do you wear high-waisted jeans over 50?

Wear high-waisted jeans with a crop top and jacket. It will look good irrespective of your age.

Can a 50-year-old woman wear short shorts?

Yes, a 50-year-old woman can wear short shorts.

Key Takeaways

  • Women over 50 can flaunt fashionable clothing to look stylish as well as age-appropriate.
  • Pick breathable fabrics like cotton, chiffon, and linen while opting for pants and enhance your silhouette.
  • Balance out bold colors with more mellow styles while experimenting with patterns and prints.
  • Accessorize your look with pearl necklaces and earrings.
fashion for women over 50

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Are you a woman over 50 looking for timeless style tips? Look no further! Watch this video that features 7 tips to help you look and feel your best!

Personal Experience: Source

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