Elegant but Edgy Style for Women Over 50

What is edgy style? There can be many definitions, but I believe it’s starting with a classic base and adding contrasts to take your look to the next level. In this day and age, being edgy isn’t relegated to only young women. Older women who are “hip” love to embrace it, too. The trick is to do it with a touch of elegance.

Start with classic clothing pieces

Classic clothing pieces are basic clothing pieces. I wrote a blog post about the French Chic style, which is based on classic style and doesn’t have to be expensive. Then, to add some edge you can add trendy pieces that will make your entire outfit stand out.

Include these basics in your capsule wardrobe

A capsule wardrobe is a small and curated collection of wardrobe basics. As a woman over 50, who will probably not be sporting mini skirts or other clothing that may not be age-appropriate, you could include:

• a Fitted Turtleneck
• T-shirt
• Dark jeans or pants (to look slimmer)
• A blazer
• A solid color midi skirt.
• sweaters

Stick to a dark neutral color scheme like black, chocolate, or navy.

Collect a few WOW accent pieces

To look classy as well as edgy, choose no more than 2-3 items. They could be:

• Leather pants or skirt
• A tulle midi skirt
• A fabulous belt
• A brightly colored handbag and shoes
• A metallic skirt or pants
• A fitted blazer with tails, or a cool plaid.
• Shimmery sneakers
• A statement hat
• A colorful scarf
• Retro sunglasses
• Statement jewelry
• A Bomber or Moto jacket
• A catlike jumpsuit – Tip: Make sure the zipper is on the side or front to make it easy to get out of if you need to use the restroom.
• Graphic T-shirts: Do you have a favorite vintage band? Check vintage clothing stores, record stores, or flea markets
• Ankle or full length boots.

Tips to make classic basics edgy

• Mix textures when putting together an outfit. For instance, wear a metallic midi skirt with a cashmere or knit sweater. Wear a cropped vintage jacket with a midi tulle skirt. Match a dark turtleneck with a leather skirt or pants.
• Go dark monochromatic with your top and bottom pieces, and accent your outfit with a red bag and shoes.
• Put on a jumpsuit with a fabulous statement belt.
• Wear dark straight pants with a matching tailored blazer and a graphic T-shirt underneath.
• Find vintage pieces, such as a cool hat or a jacket with tails.
• Haunt thrift stores for unusual jewelry.
• Look for unusually shaped sunglasses in bright colors or retro-shaped frames.

Get creative with accessories

Your accessories should sync with your personality, but avoid making you look like a clown.

It all comes down to the details. Below are more tips to rock your edgy look.

Don’t go raggedy

Ripped jeans and jackets may be all over the fashion pages, but they look shabby rather than edgy. Sorry, I’m not a fan. If I wanted my pants shredded, I would fall on my knees or get run over by a car.

Dark jeans and pants look more sophisticated and are also slimming.

Substitute elastic for stretch

As our waistlines expand, it’s tempting to wear pants or skirts with elastic waistbands because they’re comfortable and easy to fit into. Elastic waists are the opposite of edgy. They’re schlumpy! Instead, find clothing items with a blend of natural fabric and a little stretch so you won’t feel confined and uncomfortable.

Watch those prints

BIG prints can make you look larger than you are, especially if you are short and stout. Stick with solids and small prints instead. For an edgy look, wear a dark top and bottom, and accent it with an artsy kimono or printed blazer.

If you are tall and lanky, anything goes.

Don’t go overboard with accessories

Iris Apfel, who died at 102, could get away with wearing huge jewelry and lots of bangles, but most of us cannot. Wear one or two bold statement pieces instead.

You can create edginess with a colorful scarf, an unusual hat, a slick-looking purse, sunglasses, or killer shoes. But be strategic. When you overdo it, you may look like a fashion disaster.

Find a hair stylist that can give you a modern cut

There are no hairstyle rules for women over 50. If you want to look edgy, go for it. Add a few color strands or use a temporary rinse in purple, pink, or blue.    

You can always wear a wig if you want to experiment and change colors without dying your hair. Wigs can be fabulous, fun, and edgy, and you can take them off when you get tired of them.

What are some of your favorite looks that give you a stylish edge? Please leave a comment below.