Fashion Over 60: 5 Stylish Clothing Items You Can Wear After 60… Even if You Think You Can’t!
As a woman over 60 interested in looking and feeling good, you’ve probably asked these questions at one point: Can I wear that? Will I look good in that? Am I too old to wear that? Do I have the right body type to wear that?
- Leggings – Older women can definitely wear leggings! Our favorite leggings are made of thicker Ponte fabric that hugs nicely and is not too revealing.
- Capris or Crop Pants – Show those great ankles with these dressy cropped pants.
- Skinny Jeans – We say YES to skinny jeans at any age. Choose skinny jeans that are flattering to an older woman’s figure like these from NYDJ.
- Cold Shoulder Tops – Uncover part of your shoulders without going sleeveless. This cute top looks great on women of any age.
- Jumpsuits – Jumpsuits are fun to wear and can be casual or dressy. Check out this cute jumpsuit for petites!
Read 10 BEST JUMPSUITS FOR WOMEN OVER 50.
Designers are creating the same stylish trends for mature women as they do for the younger generation. The difference is that mature women have a more grown-up look and appeal. Therefore, the clothes are not as tight but still fitted to the body. The fabric is quality and provides more coverage.
The clothes may also be looser in the waist and hide particular flaws on a woman’s body that may not need to be hidden on a younger female.
Here are 5 stylish clothes you will love when you find the right look and fit for your body type.
Leggings
Recently, Women’s Wear Daily reported that leggings’ sales have officially outpaced denim sales online in the US. Leggings orders have increased by 41 percent in the last year – by comparison, denim orders rose three percent in the same time frame.
Why do you think this happened? It’s because leggings are so comfortable and versatile to wear. You can wear them in the winter or in cooler weather, and they give you good coverage for your legs.
I have suggested to my clients to wear leggings as a supportive element for the rest of their clothes, rather than the main garment. For instance, wear tunics and long blouses that fall below the waist. This will make you look long and lean. Add a long necklace, and you are good to go.
Read YES, YOU CAN LOOK GREAT IN YOUR LEGGINGS AFTER 50! HERE’S HOW!
Leggings look good on all body types and depend on what style of tops and tunics you wear with them. The Ponte knit fabric is thicker and hides dimples in the thighs and, overall, provides nice coverage. Your long tunic or top covers your belly, and the leggings show off your fantastic legs. You will be able to hide any tummy flaws.
High-waisted Ponte knit leggings at Target
In the winter, any body type can wear leggings with boots or Uggs. In the spring and summer, wear sneakers or sandals. You will feel stylish and comfortable, along with looking great.
Read 7 BEST LEGGINGS FOR OLDER WOMEN
Capris or Crop Pants
No Stain Triple Fray Pull-On Capris from Chico’s
Capris are cropped pants that stop above the ankle but usually well below the knee.
This trend is hard to wear, and you have to be very careful. Depending on your height, the capris’ length can be different on everyone. Once you find the length that works for you, you will be all set.
It’s unusual that this trend has been around for so long. Especially since they can be so unflattering for many women. Capris shorten the legs and also highlight chunky calves.
They are popular and so on-trend due to the following reasons:
- They can be sexy by revealing the ankle bone.
- They look great with booties, which are much on-trend.
- They also highlight another shoe trend: shoes with straps and lace-ups.
- They are associated with fun.
- They keep you cooler in the summer.
Here are some suggestions for successfully wearing capris and looking great at the same time:
- Choose capris with a higher waist if you have short legs. The high waist will draw the eye up and make your legs appear longer.
- Wear capris with a tapered or straight leg to create the longest and sleekest look.
The capris or crop pant is a comfortable summer option. Just make sure to create your own look to maintain a long leg and sleek silhouette.
Joni Relaxed Capri Jeans at NYDJ
Read FASHION FOR OLDER WOMEN: CAPRI PANTS FOR THE SUMMER MONTHS.
Skinny Jeans
It’s not about age; it’s all about the fit when it comes to wearing skinny jeans. You just need to adjust the style to your changing body shape.
To get the correct fit, look at the waist rise, the upper leg, and the lower leg. Use this combination and you will get the perfect pair of jeans every time.
Read JEANS FOR OLDER WOMEN? WHY EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US NEEDS A PAIR!
Things have changed since we started wearing jeans. The waist height, or rise as it is called now, used to have one height, but now there are many. The waist rise can now start from the navel to the low rise, below the waist, and almost at the hip area.
Skinny jeans do not make you look skinny but can make you look leaner depending on how you wear them. It also depends on how they are cut and fit your body type.
You can find specific designers who cater to the more mature women. For instance, Diane Gilman, a.k.a. The Jean Queen, makes jeans specifically for mature women.
I have tried her jeans, and they are an excellent fit. The jeans are not tight and concentrate on hiding flaws like the tummy area.
Cold Shoulder Tops
If you haven’t noticed, cold shoulder tops have been around for a few years now. The reason is that the cold shoulder shows the best focal point of the body. It is also easier to wear than the off-the-shoulder top.
JM COLLECTION Solid-Color Cold-Shoulder Top, Created for Macy’s
This trend is for everyone and is versatile enough for both day and evening wear. Cold shoulder tops can be quite feminine. They have attractive sleeves, and the bonus is, they are very comfortable and cool when the weather is hot.
Wear these tops with almost anything, especially jeans, when the top is loose and flowing. All you need to do is find the right style and fit for you.
JM COLLECTION Plus Size Printed Cold-Shoulder Top, Created for Macy’s
Jumpsuits
Jumpsuits are not for everybody, but if you feel you can pull it off, then why not? The body fit makes all the difference. Making sure to look long and lean is the trick, and you will know if you have the right body type for it.
Read 10 BEST JUMPSUITS FOR WOMEN OVER 50.
Choosing darker shades helps. Blacks and navys are chic and versatile, and they immediately slim down unwanted curves.
If you find you have tummy flaws, a jumpsuit that has material in the middle instead of being fitted is ideal.
You should also find a style that is somewhat tailored but not tight. Most of all, stay away from clingy fabrics. Sometimes they tend to rise up at the front and back if they are too tight, creating a “wedgie” effect – try on a few styles to find the most flattering fit for your figure.
The big thing about the jumpsuit trend is that you must feel really good and confident about yourself. If you are unsure about wearing it, then don’t. Your lack of confidence will show on your face and nonverbal communication.
Petite Popover Jumpsuit at Macy’s
If you aren’t wearing one of these pieces of clothing and you’ve always wanted to, try something new. Go to the store, try them on, and find out if they are for you. You might be surprised and love the new you!
Let’s Have a Conversation:
How would you describe your style? Do you currently wear any of the clothing mentioned above? If so, how do you feel? Do you have more stylish clothes that you didn’t think you could wear, but look fantastic on you? What are they? Please join the conversation!
THANK YOU for this inspiring article. I always loved the looks of older ladies put together well in public. I appreciated their style! At 65 I’ve realized that I enjoy looking more put together when out & about. I’ve been working on changing my wardrobe into colors that suite my coloring while eradicating so many dull colors. I’m going to follow your advice and head out to try on various clothing styles (letting go of “That won’t look good on me!). I want to find brands that work best for me also
Great article. I am almost 64 years old and wear leggings, capris and skinny jeans. I would wear jump suits if I found one that I liked.
Never considered cold shoulder tops as I thought I was too old, but as you say it’s really a decision based on how the top looks on you.
I told my over 60 friend last night that we can wear whatever the heck we want! One of the most freeing things about aging, is no longer worrying about what other people might think!
I’m only 67, 😉 but I’m refusing to go out of this life in frumpy clothing. I wear skinny jeans with blouson sleeved blouses, leggings with tunic tops. I’m very petite, so fashion can be hard to find. Would someone in the industry please cater for tiny ladies that are tired of kmart pussy-cat tops with sparkles 😁 I love simple, but elegant styling. It is my life’s mission to try my best, to go out with a bit of flair. I’ll try to age gracefully, but I just can’t submit to boring 😁 it is possible to wear tasteful clothing that is great to wear. And let’s be honest, it makes me happy 😊 what else is there to know 😉😀
You go girl!
Try Ralph Lauren & Ann Taylor’s Petites. They’re tailored, classy and use beautiful fabrics. You never have to pay the (expensive) retail price, just know where to shop, although Ann Taylor and her less expensive brand LOFT, have some really great sales. Banana Republic-same thing. My trick is to find the clothes online. Try eBay and PoshMart to start. Look for NWT ( New With Tags) or EUC (Excellent Used Condition.) Make sure you buy from a reputable sellers . On eBay, I won’t buy from anyone who has less than 99% feedback. You can find any designer/brand you can think of. Those are the two sites I use the most but I’m sure there are others. Good luck!
Hi, I’m 5’3”(105 pounds) and WHBM jeans, leggings & pants in size 00 are always flattering! I have so many of their tops and dresses, as well.
Hi Sue, I’m almost 64 and I am the same. Somebody said to me one day that is older women just want to wear clothes as they did in there 20’s.i don’t wear clothes like that. But obviously she thought so. But, I told her I will wear what I feel comfortable in. I am past the point of caring what people think. This is my new 2023 swimsuit! How do you like that for a 63 year old woman? I love it I think I think it looks great on me. And everybody thinks it looks great on me. I wear a lot of jumpsuits. Maxi dresses tie dye and shorts lots of different styles of shirts and blouses. But I’m the same I cannot seem to wear old boring clothes LOL but thank you for giving me some more confidence
I wear leggings and capri pants. They are so comfortable and im 66 ! I say go for it and you will love it.
Totally agree!