After many conversations about fashion over 50 - and what not to wear - we thought it was time to put all our tips in one place. We've heard a few <ahem> controversial pieces of advice in our time, which made us ask... what's the real secret to dressing well when you're over 50? We know our gransnetters are a stylish bunch, so we asked for their fashion tips and how to make the most of your wardrobe.And, if you're still struggling, we've put together a handy quiz further down so you can find out which personal style suits you best. Très chic indeed!
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Over 50s fashion: what to avoid
1. Steer clear of old-fashioned skirts
Looking for trendy clothes for a 50 year old woman? Then you probably don't want to end up looking like Margaret Thatcher. Note that old-fashioned and classic are two completely different kettles of fish - and one of them stinks. Classic white shirt? Excellent choice. Calf-length pleated tartan? Think again. As one gransnetter puts it:
"Avoid tweed skirt suits teamed with lace-up brogues...and anything crimplene."
The trick with longer skirts is how you style them. Brogues and flesh coloured tights are very dating, whereas a comfy pair of boots or tennis shoes instantly gives a knee or calf-length skirt a fresher look. Wear with a plain but well cut t-shirt or shirt - and make sure you tuck it into the waistband, otherwise you end up with the ol' 'sack of spuds' look.
White Stuff are a great bet for casual skirts that still win in the style stakes.
2. Don't go for fleeces
It all depends on body type of course, but do certain styles age you before your time? According to gransnetters, the answer is a resounding 'yes'. Now don't get us wrong - a cosy fleece jacket is great to walk the dogs in, especially come the winter months. It's when that fleece jacket starts accompanying you on evenings out and lunch with friends that you might want to re-evaluate your wardrobe choices... As gransnetters say:
"Never ever wear fleeces."
Instead, choose a cool, slouchy cardigan, preferably longline, or a more structured 'coatigan' for smarter occasions.
When it comes to coats, opt for neutral colours that go with everything, and classic styles - take note of the tailoring and fit. A slightly nipped in waist is a good idea, as is a longer length. Avoid a hooded duffle coat if you're looking for a multi-tasker. All those peg buttons and the boxy shape can look a bit 'school days'.
Try Next for a nice range of chunky cardigans and coatigans to choose from.
3. Hide elasticated waistbands
Elasticated waistlines have a bad rep but they're comfy, so we see no reason to outlaw them. Happily, hiding the waistline of your trousers or skirt is easily done by wearing a longline top or, if you're after a bit of waist definition, tucking your top in and then pulling out just enough to cover the band (in a cool, slouchy sort of way). Easy as pie. Alternatively, ditch the jogging bottoms and opt for a comfortable pair of loose tie-waist trousers. Like this gransnetter says:
"I think elasticated or half-elasticated waistbands are a boon for those of us with less-than-svelte figures - but they must not be visible!"
A nice range of both plain and printed harem pants can usually be found at JD Williams.
4. Don't get the wrong cut of denim skirt
They were a favourite in the '80s, but they aren't always a flattering choice when it comes to fashion over 50 - unless you get the cut right, that is. Certain denim skirts can be clingy and as uncomfortable as their trouser counterparts, depending on how tight they are. But the denim skirt has been having its moment recently, in various, updated forms. And the results are really rather good. There are plenty of casual-but-cool A-line offerings out there that won't feel like a denim death grip.
"One of the most unattractive styles are long jean skirts...they don't hide a thing. They just make you look large ALL the way down."
Try Marks and Spencer for some comfy, cool denim.
5. Avoid loud makeup
Quite frankly, we're not sure blue eyeshadow and bright orange lipstick works at any age (or in any decade), so let's just agree to steer clear of that particular combo. Luckily, we've got step-by-step makeup tutorials for eyes, lips and face - and there's not a glitter eyeshadow in sight.
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What to wear over 50
1. Opt for comfy leggings
Recommended almost universally as a fashion staple for over 50s - as are their natural bedfellow, tunics. Comfortable and versatile, they're great for everyday casual wear. Just be sure to wear a top or dress that covers your bum and always remember the golden rule: leggings are not trousers. We have more on how to wear leggings here.
"I wear them all the time. With flat slip-ons. With trainers. With walking boots. Anything flat. I'm so pleased they are back in fashion because they are so comfortable. Bliss. And the tunic skims any bulges in the middle."
Seasalt's leggings (pictured above), in particular, are super soft and hold their shape well - so no sagging around the knees after five minutes.
2. Find the perfect pair of jeans
Some declare they wouldn't wear them past a certain age, but in all honesty the rest of us are still in thrall. Can you ever be too old for jeans? We, and gransnetters, think not. A pair of well-fitting jeans are like gold dust and once you've found them, you'll never let them go.
"Jeans are our fashion. We grew up with them."
It's useful to have two or three different styles of jeans in your arsenal, for varying occasions and levels of comfort. Girlfriend or boyfriend jeans are great for slouching around the house, or going shopping in, whereas for evenings out or smarter occasions you're better off opting for straight cut or skinny jeans in a darker colour. The key is finding jeans that really fit, and once you find your holy grail pair, you have acapsule wardrobe staple for so many outfits.
Try Not Your Daughter's Jeans or JD Williams' wide range of denim.
3. 50 plus dresses - try an elegant style with sleeves
Wrap dresses, skater dresses, empire line and shirt. These are the dressesfor over 50s that we're after - providing they've got sleeves, that is. Quite simply, long sleeves provide great coverage when you're not so keen on displaying your arms to the world. Move over spaghetti straps...
"My dream dress (manufacturers please note) is an empire line, V-neck, 3/4 sleeves in fine jersey - plain or print."
There's always a lovely range of wrap, shift and every other kind of dress at Boden - and they come in longer lengths too - hurrah!
3 shoe styles to add to your wardrobe
Now you know the best options for trendy clothes for women over 50, it's time to focus on those finishing touches. Shoes, more than anything else, raise the question of comfort versus style. These days, we're not prepared to succumb to the heel dictators except for the most glamorous of parties. But what to wear for a run around the shops? Or a walk in the park? We have some great news - comfy shoes can be just as stylish. Here's our guide to the best fifty plus shoes.
1. Find some stylish and practical trainers
A sin against fashion? It depends on the trainers. If we're talking 10-year-old 'used-to-be-white' relics, then yes. Go for proper running shoes if you'll be on the move or fashion trainers for an inexpensive, but comfy, runabout option. Kedshave some fashionable, but comfortable, options that go with most outfits. Trust us, when it comes to fashion over 50, once you invest in a pair of sturdy, stylish trainers, you'll never look back.
"Trainers are essential wear for jogging, walking fast, running after grandsons and so many other things."
Find a host of fashionable trainers on Asos, from slip-ons, to Converse, to proper sports trainers.
2. Avoid crocs and go for stylish flats
There's a deep divide surrounding the issue of Crocs. Some wouldn't go into the garden without them, especially as they're so easy to clean, while others are convinced that they're unremittingly awful. We're afraid we fall just slightly on the 'unremittingly awful' side, and suggest they stay firmly in the house or garden. If you're looking for flat shoes that are good for your feet, however, try a pair of sandals with arch support, like Hotter's strappy Maisies.
"Crocs are just as ugly as Uggs and make any feet look fat and frumpy. Moccasins or penny loafers are much better."
3. Invest in a pair of all-season boots
Versatile, comfy and so stylish - when you get it right - boots are a wardrobe staple for a reason. There's plenty of styles to choose from, from flat Chelsea boots to calf-length heeled boots, so there's a type for every taste and occasion. New Look have a great range of boots available and it's definitely worth checking them out in the sale.
When wearing boots with jeans or trousers, just make sure the boots hit the right place on your leg for the best results. As one gransnetter puts it:
"Ankle boots and dark tights or leggings look great either with a skirt or a dress. If you wear trousers I think they probably look better if they skim the top of the foot rather than the top of the boot."
Take our quiz to find your personal style
Are you classic chic? Or do you prefer the tweed and tartan of English country? Whatever your fashion preferences, find out your signature style with our fun quiz, and then read on below to find out more about your results and the shops that suit your tastes the best.
Quiz Maker - powered by Riddle
Fashion over 50 - find out more about your style
Classic
Classic looks are ageless; think Grace Kelly and Katherine Hepburn. If you’re a classic dresser, you most likely have a fashion uniform, a trusted look that is both timeless and flattering. You nailed the capsule wardrobe long before it was a thing. You prefer a neutral colour palette - black, grey, navy, brown khaki and white all work well. You like to accessorise sparingly with quality pieces. The recent trend of small, understated jewellery is a perfect fit for the classic look.
Creating a classic wardrobe is more about collecting quality, well-made pieces than shopping the trends. You're at home in tailored jackets and can't resist a timeless little black dress, but even on a casual day your preppy chic would be considered smart to others.
Shops to try: Debenhams, Reiss, Zara and Marks & Spencer
Bombshell
The bombshell knows how to channel her inner vixen and dress her curves. Think Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Loren and Elizabeth Taylor. If you are a bombshell, you know how to up the glamour stakes, whether you’re wearing an off-the-shoulder blouse or a stunning red dress. Dressed up or down, you always look fabulous.
You know the difference between looking stunning and overdoing it. Like the classic dresser, quality is important for bombshells and can make a difference between amping up the glamour and going over the top.
To create a bombshell look start with a statement piece then build an outfit around it. It could be a magnificent set of statement earrings or your favourite figure-hugging dress. Try different shapes and sizes until you know what looks good on you so you can choose flattering pieces that can be updated with a few accessories, season to season.
Shops to try: JD Williams, John Lewis and Bombshell (naturally)
Colourful
Colourful dressers aren’t content with blending into the background. Whether you're playing with a new print or experimenting with a bold colour, you never go unnoticed. Your fashion choices are guaranteed to brighten up a room. Famous colourful dressers include fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, Mary Portas and Queen Elizabeth II.
This is the year of bold and brilliant colour palettes so you're spoiled for choice. Rainbows and animal prints take centre stage but don’t be afraid to follow the Queen’s example and wear a single bold colour head to toe.
Shops to try: Phase Eight, Marisota and Boden
English country
English country is the ultimate heritage look, a fabulous mix of practical and glamorous. Think Princess Anne and Kate Middleton. English country dressers feel equally at ease hosting a grand party in a silk ballgown or riding the grounds in a well-worn Barbour jacket.
Natural fabrics are a must for the classic English country look. Cotton, wool, silk and leather all feature, sometimes all at once. Stylish boots are a favourite but country-house-chic can also be quite feminine. A liberty print blouse or an Hermès scarf is never out of place.
Shops to try: Seasalt, Hobbs and Country Attire
For more over 50s fashion tips from gransnetters, visit our style and beauty forum...
Images: Shutterstock
