An article popped up in my newsfeed that intrigued me. It’s called “Here are 40+ Outfit & Styling Tips to Keep You in Style if You’re Over 70.” Surprisingly, it was written by a man. Oh well, I suppose there are some style-conscious guys.
It had some good ideas but my concern was that it included photos of several over 50 women bloggers I know and I’m not sure if their images were credited or if they gave the author permission. It was linked on Facebook and the comments were hilarious. Most commenters made remarks such as “I am a master of myself,” “I wear what I want and what I like,” or “At 75 I’m grateful to have no need to please or be like anyone but myself.”
It’s true that as older women, style rules go out the window. Anything goes. Most of us want to be comfortable and embrace our individuality but we don’t want to look like schlumps. I didn’t agree with all the suggestions in the article. For instance, there’s no way in hell I’ll wear high heels. They are too dangerous. A bad fall can be catastrophic at our age, so no thank you. If you love wearing heels, good for you but I prefer to go flat.
Also, all the women featured had excellent figures which is nice but most of us don’t. Some of the styles featured would look horrendous on someone over size 6. However, it’s always a good idea to be at a healthy weight so more power to them.
Below are some styling tip suggestions from that post I thought were worth considering.
Add a lovely scarf to your outfit
A scarf will add a pop of color to your outfit and is a good way to cover up a turkey neck. However, you may want to donate your infinity scarves because they are so 2010s. I’ve always liked them because I don’t have to worry about tying them correctly but apparently, they are passe.
Scarves are also a good way to cover up a bad hair day. Wrap one around your head but be careful not to look like a Babushka.
If you wear a sleeveless dress a long shawl could cover up your arm or shoulder flaps and keep you warm.
I made a video about a pretty evening shawl I found. Watch it here.
Wear attractive sleeves
As older women, many of us have flabby arms. You can do all the strength training exercises you want but once they’ve started flapping it’s hard to get rid of. Sleeves will cover that up but I tend to like ¾ inch rather than long because I’m less likely to dip them in my soup. Another reason I like ¾ inch sleeves is because I’m petite and long sleeves always need altering.
The article suggested big bell sleeves but that would never work for me.
Wear cutouts or off-the-shoulder tops
Showing a little skin when you wear a top can be sexy. There’s nothing wrong with being alluring at any age. Just make sure you wear a bra that isn’t going to pop out and look messy. I’ve never had much luck with strapless or built-in bras because I have too much on top. It would be nice to go bra-free like I did in the 1970s. (Sigh)To be young again!
I love this off-the-shoulder sweater available on Amazon and available in multiple colors.
A crisp white blouse is a wardrobe staple
White blouses always look chic but be careful if you have a tummy. If you wear a white blouse with dark pants, it cuts you in half making you look shorter and plumper. If that’s the case, wear a white blouse with white or cream pants for a monotone look and a darker jacket because it’s more slimming.
Wear a flattering style of jeans
The article suggests that women over 70 wear skinny jeans but I’m not a big fan. Even though my legs aren’t heavy they ride up and are uncomfortable. They are also harder to get on and off. I prefer bootcut or flared jeans because they are more flattering on most women. These are my NYDJ Barbara Bootcut jeans that I LOVE!
Wear fitted dresses?
Say what? Okay, if you have a waist, and are skinny, you can get away with wearing a fitted dress but most of us over 60 have lumps and bumps. On the other hand, you don’t want to wear a tent. I like the dresses Camilla Parker Bowles wears. Her waist isn’t small so she wears tailored dresses with just a little room in the tummy area to hide her muffin top.
Opt for high-waisted pants
I love high-waisted pants because they give me tummy control. When I wear mid-rise or, heaven forbid, low-rise, my pants fall down. No one wants to look at an over-60 woman with a plumber butt or underwear popping out. Of course, that depends on your body shape. If you can pull off lower-rise pants, go for it.
Wear sheer blouses?
Uh . . . probably not unless there is a lining or camisole underneath to cover up certain areas. If you do wear sheer clothing, it’s best to wear nude underwear to match your skin tone. Sheer sleeves are lovely if the style is attractive.
Check out the silky camisole top I found on Amazon in the video below.
Try wearing a jumpsuit
I bought this jumpsuit at Macy’s, and I love it! Watch my video review below.
What I love about my jumpsuit is that it’s super slimming and has a lovely design at the waist that is figure-flattering. My only issue is that it has a zipper on the back that requires assistance if I have to go to the bathroom. A side zipper would have been a much better idea. I solved that problem by purchasing a zipper helper on Amazon. It works like a charm.
Be creative with patterns and prints
The idea of being perfectly matched has gone by the wayside. That’s fine because it’s fun to be creative with clothing. However, I suggest you consider smaller prints unless you are an Amazon-size woman who can carry off a large design as they tend to add more bulk.
Find a flattering hairstyle
The article suggests that older women wear their hair in a bob cut. I must have hit the jackpot because that’s how my hair is styled. I had bangs for a while to cover up my non-eyebrows but decided to grow them out. When it comes to haircuts for women over 60, find a style that YOU love and is easy to take care of.
There are no rules regarding hair length for older women. If you like short hair, wear it short. If you want it to be long, grow it out. Just make sure it’s clean. As I get older, I wash my hair less to keep it from falling out or fading out my dye job. If you’ve already gone gray, good for you. It’s way less fuss and expense and can look stunning with the right cut.
Carry a practical tote bag
Most women our age carry a purse. However, you must be careful not to lug one around that’s too heavy as you can hurt yourself. Another consideration is that your belongings stay safe.
Look for a bag with a secure closure that is the right size for your height and body type. Bigger is not better. You may want to carry less stuff.
I am in LOVE with this Mintegra bag I found on Amazon. It’s lightweight, washable, and is the perfect size for me with multiple zippered compartments to keep my items safe while traveling. You can also order it in a variety of colors.
Wear a timeless watch?
Watches are beautiful pieces of jewelry, and we grew up with them, but, to be honest, I always check the time on my smartphone.
Wearing minimal jewelry is classier and safer to walk around with. Catching yourself on a doorknob with a long bulky necklace could be catastrophic if it causes you to fall. I gave up wearing long necklaces for the most part because I always break them. It depends on your style preferences. Iris Apfel was over 100 and wore gaudy jewelry every day. She was a force to be reckoned with.
Keep your hands manicured
Going to a salon for a manicure is almost as tortuous as getting my hair dyed at least for me. I don’t enjoy sitting in a salon for long periods because I feel there’s a better use of my time. It can also be expensive.
I prefer my fingernails to look natural. When I do get a manicure, I like them buffed.
Cover your bulges with shapewear
I have a few outfits where shapewear would be helpful but I often avoid wearing it. Did you know that bike shorts are just as good to flatten your tummy? If I wear shapewear I prefer to have a separate bottom and top. I bought a one-piece that has an opening at the crotch much like ladies wore pre-20th century. However, I avoid using the restroom because I’m convinced I’ll get them wet.
Shapewear is also difficult to get on and off if it’s too tight.
Make sure your panties fit correctly. Mine fall off when I’m wearing a dress. I guess my butt has flattened over time. There’s nothing so embarrassing as having to hike up my bloomers in public.
Wear cool shades
I hardly ever go outside without a pair of sunglasses. My problem is they break or get scuffed when I throw them in my purse. As much as I would love to wear designer shades, I usually buy mine at Nordstrom Rack or some other discount store.
Stick with natural fabrics
I hate ironing, but nothing feels cooler and more comfortable than cotton, silk, linen, or cashmere. If you still have hot flashes, natural fabrics are the best and always look expensive and classy.
Don’t go overboard with makeup
I agree that less is more for makeup over 50. Check out my video about wearing minimal makeup.
Older women generally do not need powder, smokey eyes, or glaring red lipstick, unless they crave being dramatic.
Excellent skincare and sunscreen are much more important than painting on layers of makeup. My routine consists of eyebrow pencil because my brows have disappeared, a tiny bit of dark cream shadow or eyeliner to line my upper eye, mascara on special occasions, a good bronzer, and a rosy but subtle shade of lipstick. If I have photos done or make a video, I will apply CC cream foundation or tinted moisturizer but that’s about it.
Other suggestions in the article I mentioned were somewhat redundant or not relevant to women over 70 and I could only scroll so much.
What other styling tips do you have to offer women over 60? Please leave a comment below.
Almost embarrassing, but I’ve been wearing the same kind of outfit for years — jeans with a fitted top and light make-up. The only thing that’s changed are the heel height—from full-on in my youth, to princess heels (still wear to restaurants), to barely there. My back can’t take it anymore. Other than that, all the same.
I totally understand, Laurie. Flats for me too and if a basic uniform makes you feel great, go for it.