Do You Agree With These Styling Tips for Women Over 60?

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.

It had some good ideas, but my concern was that it included photos of several over-50 women bloggers I know. 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 not to need to please or be like anyone but myself.”

It’s true that, as older women, we can let 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 tips 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. I’ve found some beautiful ones at thrift stores. 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. You can often find fabulous scarves at vintage clothing stores.

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 them back in shape. Sleeves will cover that up, but I tend to like ¾ length sleeves, rather than long, because I’m likely to dip them in my soup.  Another reason I like ¾ length sleeves is that 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 as I did in the 1970s. (Sigh)To be young again!

I like this off-the-shoulder sweater available on Amazon, which is available in multiple colors.

A white blouse is a wardrobe staple

There is something about a crisp white cotton or silk blouse that brightens up an outfit. You can wear it tucked in or out, or underneath a sweater or jacket, depending on your preference.

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, skinny jeans ride up and accentuate my bulging tummy. They are also harder to get on and off.  I prefer bootcut, flared, or wide-leg 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?

I wore sheer blouses in the 70s when I was young and slim. Now, I wouldn’t 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.

Try wearing a jumpsuit

I bought this jumpsuit at Macy’s, and loved the cut because the waistline is slimming. Watch my video review below.

My only issue with my jumpsuit is that the zipper is in the back, making it hard to get out of 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. Find a style that YOU love that 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 often to keep it from fading my dye job. If you’ve already gone gray, congratulations! Dye jobs can get expensive, although I get mine done at Supercuts. If you are lucky to have a shade of gray that lights you up, as some women do, even better.

Carry a practical tote bag

Most women our age carry a handbag. However, you must be careful not to lug one around that’s too heavy, as you can hurt yourself. Seniors are often targeted for purse snatching, so you want a bag that keeps your belongings safe.

It needs to have 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 smaller size 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. 

Amitron makes affordable classic-style watches that are quite refined and lovely.

Make a statement with jewelry

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 of nature. However, catching yourself on a doorknob with a long, bulky necklace could be catastrophic if it causes you to fall. I prefer wearing minimal, delicate jewelry.

Keep your hands manicured

Going to a salon for a manicure is almost as torturous 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. I have gotten into the soap nail look lately, which is a natural look with a slight glow or shimmer. I like using the French brand of nail polishes by Manucurist or Londontown Kur. Both brands are nourishing for your nail base. I have also found that rubbing organic Jojoba oil into my nails and cuticles throughout the day makes them look healthier and grow stronger.

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 at flattening 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 falls 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 that 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, smoky 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 skin-toned cream-to-powder eyeshadow to brighten my eyes, mascara made for mature women 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.