Simple Style Rules to Look Fashionable as You Age

Were you fashionable when you were younger but feel like you’ve lost your sense of style now that you’re older? It may feel harder to determine the best way to dress after your body has changed over the years. Sometimes all you need to do is follow a few basic style rules to make you feel like a million bucks again.

Our bodies naturally evolve as we age but it doesn’t mean our options decrease. Below you will find easy ways to take your look from drab and matronly to fab and confident.

Use colors to your advantage

Bold colors, like bright red, mustard yellow, and green exude confidence, energy, and youth. However, you may be worried that they will make you look over the top or tacky. These style rules will help you incorporate bold colors into your wardrobe.

Add one bright color to your palette of darks or neutrals.

When you pair a bold color with more subdued or dark hues it adds a touch of elegance and isn’t overwhelming.

Stick to one color family or monochrome look

You can dress in one color top and bottom or add sophistication to your look by mixing shades of one color. For example, wear a teal blouse with Turkish blue pants. Both are in the blue family.

Add a brightly colored accessory

If you prefer neutral base colors, experiment by adding an accessory with a pop of color to an outfit like a red purse or shoes or a scarf that has a bright color in it. You can also use color to distract from body features you don’t love like a poochy tummy.

Layers add panache to your style

A layered look is a great way to enhance an outfit as well as keep you warm in cool weather.

If it’s too warm to add a sweater, layer with a vest instead. Wear a blouse underneath that complements the style of your vest. If it’s too warm to add a sweater, layer with a vest instead. Have fun trying out different types of sleeves or collars under the vest. If your vest is heavily textured wear a lightweight blouse underneath.

Use various textures to layer like putting a knit cardigan over a shimmery blouse. Contrasting textures will give your look richness and variation.

Always remember that it’s all about balance and proportion. For instance, be careful not to swamp a petite body with excess bulk. Or, if you wear a voluminous top, choose a narrow bottom.

Splurge on a stylish blazer or jacket

A well-made blazer never goes out of style and a stylish leather or wool coat is always a good investment. Choose a versatile classic style that can be worn on multiple occasions both casual and dressed up.

A fitted blazer is always chic in neutral colors like black, navy, and cream. Most body shapes can wear a one-button blazer but not everyone can wear a double-breasted style. Make sure the length of the blazer is proportional to your height. A petite can get easily swallowed up in an oversized blazer or jacket. Likewise, a person with a big bust or boxy frame will look even larger if the blazer has horizontal stripes.

Cardigan sweaters are wardrobe essentials that can be worn year-round. They are also great to cover up saggy arms and will keep you toasty when it gets chilly.

Experiment with patterns

Certain patterns cause optical illusions which come in handy if you want to disguise a part of your body you aren’t fond of. Thin stripes, small polka dots, or geometric shapes are classy and look good on most women. A basic style rule is to not go overboard with large patterns that can overwhelm you. If you wear a bold pattern on top balance it out with a solid or neutral-toned bottom or vice versa.

Use accessories strategically

Accessories aren’t just necklaces or earrings. They also include hats, scarves, belts, shoes, and handbags.

Any of these items can help define your style.

When choosing your accessories, think about the type of clothing you will be wearing. Accessories can change the entire look of your outfit. They can dress it up or make it look more casual. For example, there are many types of women’s shoes, but a style that has been strategically chosen can take your outfit to a whole new level.

As we get older our bodies change and we’re not always happy about it

Choosing outfits can be incredibly challenging when you are an older woman because your physical structure goes through changes.

Some women develop curvature of the spine (also called hunchback). Others have thinner limbs, a flabby abdomen, or a saggy bust area, etc. Medical issues like arthritis and osteoporosis may also limit your clothing choices.

If your body structure issues are making it hard to find clothes that fit or feel comfortable here are some suggestions to help you feel more confident with your choices.

Get your clothes properly tailored.

Fashion for women over 50 is all about having them fit properly. The best way is to have a professional tailor take your measurements. This option may be more expensive but it will greatly enhance the way you look and feel in your clothes.

Know your body shape and skin tone

There are all sorts of body shape calculators online to help you determine what style rules best apply to you. There are 4 basic shapes, rectangle, apple, pear, and hourglass. You may be a particular body type with another as a secondary. But once you know what it is, it makes it easier to pick out clothes that are the most flattering. There is even a more complicated set of body shapes called Kibbe, but they can be very confusing.

The colors you choose should complement your skin tone. Warm, cool, winter, spring, autumn, or fall. Here is a quiz to help you determine your color palette.

Prioritize comfort.

You can look fantastic without wearing something that makes you miserably uncomfortable. Style rules that emphasize simplicity and minimalism are always the best choice. Forget about buttons or laces if you have a hard time fastening them. Simple wardrobe pieces with attractive patterns and stunning color combinations will always make you look sharp no matter how old you are.

Wear slimming colors if you are curvy.

You can have great success concealing unsightly bulges by choosing colors that do not highlight them. Dark colors like black, eggplant, deep red, or navy will cover your problem areas the best. Colors should also suit your complexion for an even more dramatic effect.

Conclusion

There is no reason you can’t look confidently beautiful no matter what your age. By knowing basic style rules, you can pull off amazing outfits for any occasion.

Again, it’s all about striving for balance, mixing and matching colors, wearing flattering patterns, and adding the right accessories.

Above all, aim for outfits that are comfortable and make you feel like “you.” At the end of the day, what matters most is that you feel good about what you are wearing.

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