Fashion for Women Over 60 – Look Fabulous Without Trying to Look Younger

Let’s talk about fashion for women over 60. One of the biggest myths about older women is that we are no longer interested in looking stylish.

There is a big misconception in our culture that women over 60 are invisible, frumpy, and uninterested in sensuality and beauty – that we’re all matronly and sexless and no longer part of the world of fashion, art, and creative life force.

Exploring the Secrets of Fashion for Women Over 60

And yet, so many of the most fashionable people I know are women over 60! Women over 60 are often more fashionable than we used to be when we were younger, because we have better self-confidence and a stronger sense of self – we know how to dress to show who we are.

When it comes to fashion for women over 60 here are a few things to consider:

Embrace Your Age

There was a popular TV show in America (based on a British show of the same name) called What Not to Wear. It was hosted by fashion experts, who, in each episode, did a makeover of a person who was making horrible choices about their personal style and wardrobe.

One of the interesting truths this show revealed about the participants, especially women, is that many women try to dress “younger” than they actually are – but this is a mistake. 

When people try to dress in styles that would be more appropriate for someone much younger, they paradoxically make themselves look much older.

If you are wearing short skirts or high heels or gaudy fashions that might work on a woman half your age, chances are you are making yourself look “older” (in a bad way) than you actually are.

If you “dress age appropriately,” it often has the effect of making you look younger – because people are not distracted by age-inappropriate clothing, and instead can appreciate what great shape you’re in, or how healthy your skin is, or what a stylish haircut you have.

Read 60 BEST HAIRCUTS AND HAIRSTYLES FOR WOMEN OVER 60.

In this video, we look at how to get a creative and casual look after 60.

Go for Classic Looks

One of the advantages of being women over 60 is that “we’ve seen it all” – we’ve been through every kind of fashion fad and short-lived trend imaginable during our lives.

Now that we’re in our 60s (and beyond), we have the simple elegance and freedom that comes from being able to choose the classic styles that truly endure and work for us at any age.

Don’t feel like you have to succumb to the latest fashion trend. After all, most “trends” are designed with younger audiences in mind. If something looks silly to you, feel free to say so.

Read our article where we curated a list of some of the best clothing stores for older women.

You will look more stylish if you focus on technical dressing rather than going for the “total look” that you see in your favorite fashion magazine. This is one of the biggest keys to mastering fashion for women over 60.

Read “NEW” OLD FASHION TRENDS.

There are many ways to convey style and health and status other than clothes – and sometimes you will exude more confidence and class if your clothing choices are more conservative and “classic.”

Here’s a quick fashion for women over 60 tutorial on how to pick the best accessories.

When It Comes to Fashion After 60, Dress the Part

There’s an old saying in the career world, “dress for the job you want.” This means that in the workplace, it helps to dress in a way that commands respect and conveys credibility, so that you will be a natural choice for promotion. But choosing classic styles doesn’t mean you only have to dress conservatively.

When discussing fashion for women over 60, there is a related idea: dress for the role in life that you want to have. Do you consider yourself an adventurous spirit? Do you love to travel? Choose accessories or complementary pieces from other cultures in countries you’ve visited.

If you love outdoor sports and activities, find a way for your wardrobe to reflect these interests – it doesn’t mean your fashion choices have to be “all sports, all the time,” but it’s possible to dress “sporty” while still being stylish.

Style with Thoughtful Accessorizing

Accessories are key to enhancing any outfit and expressing personal style, especially for women over 60. The right accessories can add sophistication, modernity, and interest to even the simplest looks. 

Statement Jewelry – Make an Impact

Jewelry like bold necklaces, large earrings, and eye-catching rings can add a contemporary edge to classic outfits. Choose one statement piece and keep other jewelry minimal to avoid over-accessorizing.

• Necklaces: Go for long, layered pieces or bold pendants.
• Earrings: Choose statement pieces like chandelier earrings or hoops.
• Rings and Bracelets: Stack bracelets or wear a bold ring for added interest.

Tip: Balance bold pieces with simpler clothing to avoid overwhelming your look.

Scarves – Versatile and Stylish

Scarves are an easy way to add color, texture, and elegance. They can be draped, wrapped, or tied in many ways, making them a versatile accessory.

• Silk Scarves: Perfect for adding luxury and color.
• Pashminas and Wraps: Offer warmth and style for cooler weather.
• Infinity Scarves: Provide a modern twist to casual looks.

Tip: Use scarves as the focal point and keep other accessories minimal.

Hats – Elegant and Practical

Hats add flair and protect from the sun. The right hat can also serve as a fashion statement.

• Wide-Brimmed Hats: Great for sun protection and elegance.
• Fedoras and Trilbys: Add sophistication to casual outfits.
• Berets and Beanies: Offer a chic or relaxed look.

Tip: Choose hats that complement your face shape and outfit proportions.

Handbags – Functional and Chic

Handbags are both a necessity and a style statement. Look for bags that balance practicality with elegance.

• Structured Handbags: Timeless and polished for day or evening.
• Crossbody Bags: Convenient for casual outings and travel.
• Clutches: Ideal for adding elegance to evening wear.

Tip: Match bag size and style to the occasion for a balanced look.

Belts – Define Your Silhouette

Belts can add structure and shape to outfits. They are perfect for defining the waist and adding a pop of color or texture.

• Wide Belts: Ideal for cinching dresses or cardigans.
• Skinny Belts: Add subtle refinement to trousers or dresses.
• Statement Belts: Serve as a focal point with eye-catching buckles.

Tip: Ensure belts complement your body shape and the style of your outfit.

Look to Icons of Style

One of the great things about being women over 60 today is that we have more fashion role models than ever before. Women over 60 are still too often marginalized and made invisible by the media and by our culture, but there are some prominent women over 60 who are fashion icons.

A word of warning: never forget that celebrities are often asked to wear outfits, not because the clothes suit them, but because advertisers and sponsors want to make a statement. So, enjoy watching the “stars,” but always evaluate their outfits by the rules of technical dressing.

Here are a few of the many older women that I find inspiring:

Women over 60 are reinventing the world in many ways. We are often embarking on new careers (either in retirement or semi-retirement), we are caring for family members, we are creating new concepts of what it means to be “older adults.”

Part of this reinvention relates to fashion. After all, fashion is a process of constant reinvention – finding ideas that work, recombining them in new ways, updating a classic style with modern touches.

Perhaps soon the fashion industry will start to cater more to women over 60 – after all, fashion is not just for 22-year-old models on fashion show runways. And women over 60 tend to have more disposable income than young people. Does this sound like a business opportunity to anyone?

Fabulous Outfits for Women Over 60

Sandra Roussy, a Sixty and Me fashion and beauty contributor, put together a few outfits that she feels are ideal for women over 60, and I thought I’d share them with you.

Fun Colorful Dresses

V-neck 3/4 Sleeve Floral Maxi Dress at Chico’s

Fun printed dresses that are not too loud (and not too boring) are perfect for women over 60.. Accessorize as much or as little as you want.

Donna Karan New York Petite Button-Front Midi Dress at Macy’s

Timeless Black and White

Classic black and white never gets old. A pair of well-fitting black trousers and a white top are a must in every woman’s closet. Accessorize with refined silver jewelry to keep your look monochrome and elegant.

Casual Natural Day

Natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and cashmere feel comfortable and are simply better for the skin. A pair of white linen pants is easy to mix and match with colored or printed tops. A staple in my wardrobe!

Top it with a wrap or poncho to finish the look.

Read 10 TRENDY PONCHOS, STYLISH SHAWLS, AND FASHIONABLE WRAPS.

Blue Mood

We’re never too old to wear denim. Make sure that you choose straight-leg and high waisted jeans for a good fit. For a more put-together look, we can skip the trendy holes and worn-out looks that younger people wear.

Go for the clean, darker shades of jeans because they tend to look better on mature women. Also, look for jeans that specialize in tummy control. Pair them with a white ballerina shoe and a printed top and you’re ready to go.

Night Out

We all need a little black dress in our wardrobe that we can dress up or dress down for every occasion. Choose a dress that is knee-length or mid-calf (tea-length) and is also classic and structured. You can keep your little black dress for years and dress it up with your latest accessories to give it a different look every time.

A Day at the Beach

We are over 60 and should definitely not shy away from the beach or the pool. One-piece swimsuits are excellent for our over 60 bodies (and are making a trendy comeback). Look for swimsuits that provide support and coverage.

Plus, if you’re a tad daring, a long, printed cover-up and a large sun hat are sure to make you feel like a million bucks. Look for sandals that are sturdy and comfortable.

Elegant Day to Night

Jumpsuits are very trendy and are not limited to younger women. This jumpsuit can be dressed down or dressed up to take you from day to night in no time. The cute little silk scarf can be tied around your neck or on your purse handle for a splash of color.

Read 10 BEST JUMPSUITS FOR WOMEN OVER 50.

Finally, I’d like to close with a fashion for women over 60 video that Melanie and I recorded. In it, Melanie helps me to get a professional look.

Read Fall/Winter 2024/25 Fashion Trends for Women Over 50.

Also read 7 Best Fashion Apps for Women Over 50.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What is your definition of fashion for women over 60? Who is the most fashionable woman you know – whether it’s a celebrity or friend – and what do you like about her sense of style? Let’s have a chat!