Maybe, just maybe I’m preaching to the converted today, but I bet you can’t help but go “Ahah – I know that, but I’d forgotten it!” a couple of times in this post π
The truth of the matter is that our bodies change shape as we get older. I used to have big thighs, now I have a big tum π Grrr!
So I’m constantly seeking out new looks as my body changes shape, as well as looking for new ways to be more organised and save time. As much as I think I’ve got things right, something spreads or just doesn’t look right anymore, and I need to tweak things up a bit.
I love clothes, but because I don’t have an unlimited budget to spend on them, I want them to work hard for me. Sadly, something about my psyche doesn’t quite get that, and often I’ll find myself keeping clothes ‘for best’, which means they rarely get worn because the ‘right’ occasion never arises and by the time it does I’ve got too fat, or lost a bit of weight, or the garment’s gone really really out of fashion! Like Jurassic Park out of fashion.
Table of Contents
Re-invent yourself. Style Tips for over 50.
“I hate my shape!”
Okay I can hear you Sista! Tell me one person who loves every bit of their body?
I don’t like my tummy and my upper arms. What about you?
Rather than bemoaning what you don’t like about your shape, try to find a style of dressing that enhances your body. For me (at the moment) my ideal look is either wrap-style, knee length dresses in softly sweeping jersey fabric, or skinny jeans andΒ tunic style tops that hide my tummy, a pop of colour with a bright crop style jacket, a scarf, and I’m ready to go.
Summertime is not my favourite time of year – I’m curvy and petite and over 60! Baring flesh in strappy tops, and skimpy shorts or is Not My Thing.
And You?
This season I’ll be looking out for lightweight capri pants and loose tops, preferably with sleeves.

1. Get the Look
Lifestyle Fifty followers on Facebook, asked me to find clothes to replicate the look above. I clicked on several sites, and really like some of the clothes at Katie’s – you’ll find the link to Browse and Buy below the pictures.
I really loved the classic 7/8 pants in Pic 3 ($39.95) and short classic pant Pic 4Β (was 39.95 now $15) … see below. They areΒ crop length, slip on, no buttons or zips, allowing the crop pant to sit flat giving you a long, lean silhouette. The blurb says that they lift and smooth while flattening your stomach without discomfort.
I also liked the hanky hem black and white tunic $49.95 (Pic 1) over which I might wear the crop white linen jacket pictured further down the page. And the block stripe scarf $24.95 (Pic 2)Β adds a touch of glamour to a loose fitting white T (with elbow length sleeves) worn with jeans.

Β Click Here to Browse and buy at Katies.
2. Toss the block-black and look 10 years younger
My Gran used to say that black was for funerals, and she ditched it in favour of deep lilac if she was in sombre mood. More often she wasn’t though and she taught me the joy of wearing bright colours. They may not suit you of course, perhaps muddy browns and burnt siennas are more your style, or baby blue – whatever it is, ring the changes – or get yourself ‘colour coded’ by a professional image consultant.

3. Baggy No-No
Stop wearing baggy clothes all over. If you wear a baggy top like the black and white hanky hem top above, then wear tight fitting pants – particularly don’t wear full pants that cut off mid calf, teamed with a baggy top.
If you wear baggy trousers, then wear a more fitted top to balance the look.
Tip: Chiffon-light, summer-kaftan, slip-on, cardi-style tops are great for covering up the upper arms if you’re wearing a sleeveless T-shirt.
4. Dressing for your age
In as much as I don’t agree with dressing to look younger, I certainly don’t prescribe to dressing to look ‘appropriate’ as I age, and I don’t want my hair, clothes or make-up to make me look any older than I already am. Thank You Very Much.
I love the pics on Dressing Your Truth which illustrate how our hair and clothes can actually make us look older without us even trying.
5. Find a pair of Stylish but comfortable go-anywhere Shoes
Find a pair of shoes that are go-anywhere shoes. Ones that are comfortable, that you can walk reasonably long distances in, and also look stylish.
I love Frankie4 shoes designed by Caroline a clever podiatrist & physiotherapist turned footwear designer, who is the owner and creator behind FRANKiE4. Caroline is a homegrown Aussie wife, and mum. Tired of torturous high heels and terrifying chemist shoes, Caroline wanted to offer her patients a shoe that was both comfortable and wearable, without compromising on a womanβs underlying priority β style.
I love the Alix shoe pictured below which are comfy and stylish and go with a whole heap of my outfits. You’ll be seeing more pics of these over the Christmas hols as I team them with summer frocks. In the meantime, pop over to the Frankie4 website and have a look for yourself.

6. Keep your hair trimmed and in good nick
Consider getting an up to date hairstyle, or get a good cut and find a different way to wear your hair for a change.
Here are some different hairstyles and ideas you might like on my Pinterest Hairstyles board.

If you’d like some great, down-to-earth fashion blogs to check out over the Christmas hols then why not try: Kimba Likes, Redcliffe Style, Boomerinas, Middle Aged Mumma and The Fashionable Mum.
Disclaimer: I was gifted the shoes by Frankie4 and I’m an affiliate of Katie’s. If you buy using the Katie’s link above I stand to make a small commission but not at your expense.
Yes there is no point in lamenting about the joys of ageing and our weight shifting to areas like tummies and upper arms. We all need to be proactive and get out there and discover that there are fashions out there for we 50 somethings. I personally have found my boobs have grown so like to keep them well and truly under control and disguised somehow! No more plunging necklines or strappy dresses for me. But there are plenty of high neck dresses and tops available that look ok. Your tips are extremely helpful, particularly the one about not wearing bit baggy tops – that is a real no-no as far as I’m concerned.
Hi Kathy! Yep, I used to wear big baggy tops, but no more! Agree!
fabulous tips Jo. I certainly need to do myself a favour and rehash my entire wardrobe. Did you notice I was wearing the white pants the other day? so versatile. I love them. Thanks for the suggestion last year. I’m off to check out a couple of your links right now! cheers!
So glad those white pants have served a good purpose this year, Jill. They look lovely on you. Thanks for checking out my links π
Thank you so much for the mention! I have noticed in my last few photos that my upper arms can look very big and tuckshop lady-ish in Summer fashions – I’m quickly learning how to pose so that doesn’t come out in photographs though! Coz it’s just too hot here to cover up, people are just gonna have to live with my bingo wings π
PS love those shoes!
They are super comfy Janet π
Oh dear I do know what you mean Janet! I prefer to hide mine, but sometimes when it’s too hot, like you say, they have to swing with the wind!
Great tips, Jo. You have great fashion sense. I’ve just bought a few things via your Katies link – look forward to receiving some new summer fashions π
Hi Carolyn, Thank you π And thanks for purchasing through my link … I’ll buy some bubbles when we do meet up one day!
Cheers Jo! Look forward to it.
Great tips! Keeping your hair nice is so important. I think as our hair changes colour and texture we have to adapt. Thank you so much for the mention. Rachel xx
Thanks Rachel, yes our hair changes in leaps and bounds over the years. And no probs, love your blog π