6 Style Tips for Over 50

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 😉

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 🙁 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.

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 and  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 – baring flesh in strappy tops, or wearing shorts 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 4  (was 39.95 now $15) … see below. They are  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)  adds a touch of glamour to a loose fitting white T (with elbow length sleeves) worn with jeans.

  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 woman’s underlying priority – 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.