What comes to your mind when you think of sophistication?

Maybe you imagine afternoon tea and sandwiches on fine china, everyone dressed in elegant garb.

Or men and women from the highest societal circles, attending a gala event in their finest dress, mingling with cocktails in their hands.

Doesn’t sound like your typical weekday, does it? But you’re most likely a sophisticated person already. Consider the definition of the word:

Sophisticated, adj., having, revealing, or involving a great deal of worldly experience and knowledge of fashion and culture.

By the time you’ve reached your 50s, it’s fair to say you’ve gained a great deal of worldly experience and knowledge. Regardless of your age, size, shape, or personal style, there are easy ways to add a touch of sophistication to your everyday style – and you probably don’t even need to go out shopping to find them. Try these 3 tips.

Dress Up, Even When Casual

You don’t have to wait to visit the opera to dress up. Even when you’re going out for a casual lunch with friends, dressy details will give your outfit a sophisticated flair.

Button-Up Shirts

A lightweight button-up blouse adds a touch of sophistication to an otherwise casual look. Try a light blue button-up with your favorite jeans, slacks, or skirt. When you choose a neutral color, it’s easier to accessorize and match with your other favorites.

Lightweight Jackets

You can wear dressy jackets year-round with your casual outfits – if you choose lightweight fabrics and layer with the weather in mind.

A dressy cardigan with a bold print over a simple, neutral colored camisole and paired with your favorite slacks is a beautiful option. Try different combinations of colors and prints to find what you love.

Footwear

Turn up the sophistication on your casual outfits by adding dressier footwear. That doesn’t mean you have to wear stilettos with everything. Even flats and sandals can offer a dressy touch – look for high-quality materials, understated style, and elegant lines.

Mix Dressy Accessories with Casual Attire

Just like adding a dressy garment to your outfit gives you a sophisticated look, dressy accessories mixed with casual attire make a similar impression. Try one (or more) of these options:

Silk Scarf

Make a silk scarf the statement piece in your outfit and you’re definitely going to look sophisticated. Even a brightly-colored or boldly-patterned scarf works – just wear it with a neutral outfit. Mix up the way you wear it: in your hair, draped loosely, tied creatively – you’ve got tons of options.

Gold Jewelry

Bright, chunky accessories look beautiful and deserve a place in your wardrobe. But if you’re shooting for sophisticated, pair gold jewelry with a simple, casual outfit.

It’s a surprising touch that makes people reassess your outfit. Is it casual… or dressy? That sweet spot right in between is what you want: sophistication achieved.

Leather Belt

A classic leather belt adds a nice touch to your casual attire. Try a tan belt with white slacks matched with tan leather shoes. Both the color and the texture stand out, upgrading an otherwise simple look.

Stick with Neutrals, Then Add a Splash of Color

It’s often assumed that sophisticated attire must stick to a simple color scheme. Perhaps you think of classic neutrals – white, black, navy blue, gray, beige. The brighter colors and bolder prints are relegated to casual outfits, right?

Sure, but that’s no reason you can’t create a sophisticated outfit that’s still colorful. To do it, start with casual basics in neutral colors. Perhaps white pants with a blue blouse. Or a white top and tan skirt.

From there, add one pop of bold color or a standout print. It could be a burgundy cardigan. Or a bright red silk scarf.

Experiment with the combinations of colors and prints you wear.

Keeping most of your outfit neutral sends a dressier message, but adding a surprising and stunning splash of color is definitely sophisticated.

What’s your favorite way to add sophistication to your outfits? Which of these tips have you tried before – or want to try soon? Do you have any suggestions for our community? Please join the conversation!