Women over 60 have earned the right to be themselves, including what they wear. Many of us lean toward comfortable and casual while others prefer more formality.
It’s easy to look shabby, especially if our bodies are imperfect. Some trends for older women are popular no matter what style they prefer. Below are some of those trends.
Classic style, quality materials, and updated basics will always be timeless and long-lasting.
Classic styles
Classic does not mean stodgy. Clothing that never goes out of style takes up less space and is easier to mix and match. If you have downsized, you may be in a smaller space with less storage. Building a capsule wardrobe of high-quality classic items helps you look your best.
Monochromatic
A one-color top and bottom has an advantage for older women. It will make you look leaner and taller. You can add a little interest by wearing the same color in different shades.
Flowy fabrics
Women over 60 can rarely pull off wearing tight or short pants and skirts. Adding a little flow can disguise lumps and bumps. That isn’t to say you should go baggy. No one wants to look like they’re wearing a tent. However, clothing with a little give is not only more comfortable but can be lovely.
One rule of thumb for flowy fabrics. When you wear wide-leg pants wear a tighter-fitting top and vice versa. Too flowy on the top and bottom can make you look like a sausage.
Chicos always comes through for flow. The brand is excellent for travel because most of its items are non-iron.
Quality Materials
Classic tailored clothing made with high-quality materials like washable silk, soft woven cotton, cashmere, or linen elevate your look. It is also more forgiving if you experience hot flashes.
Karen Kane has a nice selection of linen and other natural fabric clothing.
Updated basics
White blouses are classic and elegant but can show signs of age especially after they are washed over and over or stained. Keep your whites current and replace worn-out ones with high-quality fabrics.
A note on synthetics: Fast fashion constructs clothing with cheap synthetic materials. This causes pollution that is bad for the environment. Synthetic manufacturing uses high energy consumption, its microplastics shed fibers that end up in lakes and oceans, and it relies on fossil fuels. This can be avoided by purchasing from ethical fashion brands.
Tank tops worn under layered clothing easily wear out. I often find tiny pin holes on my shirts that suddenly appear. Replace your worn-out tanks and tees with new shirts made of quality fabric.
Sweaters of all sorts get holes or start to pill. You can try to repair them but eventually, they must be replaced. Again, the quality of the fabric will help them last longer. Quince is a company that offers affordable sweaters and other clothing items made with high-quality natural fabrics.
Flat shoes may not be what fashionistas in the mature woman space encourage you to wear but they keep you upright and safe. One bad fall can change your life forever so why take chances? Make sure your flats are not worn out both inside and out. Shoes that have been worn too long can affect your posture, balance, and your foot health. Replace them with well-made and supportive footwear.
Top brands to try are Vivaia, Birdies, Rothy’s, and Madewell Ballet Flats.
Other clothing trends that will elevate your look
- Consider adding interesting details to your clothing pieces like ruching, embellished collars, or artistic or vintage buttons.
- Always choose quality over quantity as it will stand the test of time.
- Adapt your preferences to current trends to develop your unique style.
- Think dignified rather than trashy by avoiding cropped tops or skirts that are too short unless you still have the figure of a twenty-year-old.
I watched the show “Later Daters” on Netflix, produced by Michelle Obama. Older women were trying out online dating. Some of the clothing they wore was borderline hooker-like. It’s a fun show but ladies, you don’t have to look like a low-priced Madame to catch a man. But if that is your thing, go ahead. There are no rules for women over 60 – just suggestions.
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