Clothing Choices Over 50: Styles to Choose (And Ones to Avoid)

• Your style can evolve over the years, but it’s important to keep in mind a few style tips to keep your outfits looking stylish and youthful.
• Some clothing choices that might be best to avoid in your 50s include overly baggy pieces, elastic waistbands and outdated trends.
• A few new pieces to adopt into your wardrobe could include a fresh pair of modern glasses and high-quality basics.

Your clothing choices give the first impression of who you are. While looks certainly aren’t everything, it’s important to have a wardrobe that reflects your personality and the image you want to put out into the world.

If you’re over 50 and looking to upgrade your wardrobe, there are a few important tips that can help to keep your style looking fresh and youthful. You don’t have to invest excessive amounts of money into a huge wardrobe upgrade, but it is important to have a capsule wardrobe filled with pieces that make you look and feel confident. Follow along for our roundup of clothing styles to choose and avoid in your 50s:

Avoid: Baggy Clothing

While it’s natural to want to reach for baggy clothing as we age, there are so many other options available that are both comfortable and stylish. One important tip to looking fashionable over 50 is to be sure to dress in pieces that flatter your body. There are so many styles available that can be functional, comfortable and still look elevated.

When dressing in the morning, try to balance your look when it comes to oversized fitting pieces. If you’re opting for a looser top, for example, try to pair it with a more tapered pant for a modern, balanced look.

Shutterstock/Maria Markevich

Choose: Classic Styles

Always remember to keep classic styles at the core of your wardrobe. While trends are fun to play with, they tend to come and go which can end up making your wardrobe look outdated. Try to keep the foundation of your wardrobe as classic prints, styles and shapes that will never age.

Some staples we suggest having in your wardrobe include simple button-up tops, solid colored t-shirts, a good-fitting pair of jeans and a few feminine dresses.

Shutterstock/Olena Yakobchuk

Avoid: Outdated Trends

Just as important as it is to build your wardrobe with classic pieces, it’s also important to purge your wardrobes of pieces that are no longer on trend and are no longer serving you. A good rule of thumb is that if you haven’t worn a piece of clothing in over a year, you probably won’t miss it when it’s gone and it may be time to part with it.

Some pieces to keep an eye out for that might be good to purge include outdated shapes and patterns, pieces that no longer fit properly or pieces that appear worn out.

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Choose: Modern Shoe Styles

Aside from clothing, shoes are another wardrobe item that might be helpful to reevaluate in your 50s. While wearing comfortable orthopaedic-friendly shoes is important, this doesn’t mean that your footwear has to look frumpy or age you.

There are so many comfortable, supportive and still stylish shoe options available in today’s market. If you’re unsure where to start, a good pair of white sneakers is classic but still youthful and pairs well with almost any casual look.

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Avoid: Too Much Black

Black is a safe color that many gravitate to when it comes to picking an outfit, especially as we get older. It pairs well with everything and is said to have slimming effects. While black is definitely classic and something you should have in your wardrobe, be sure that your closet isn’t filled with only black.

Wearing too much black may be aging you without you even realizing! Try to ensure your wardrobe is well-rounded and filled with colors that flatter your skin tone and make you feel confident.

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Choose: High Quality Fabrics

When it comes to clothing, fabric choice can make or break a piece. Be sure to opt for high-quality fabrics when shopping for new clothes. This will make a huge difference to make your outfit look fresh and elevated. High-quality pieces will also feel the most comfortable on your body and hold up well over the years.

A few fabrics that are high-quality include silk, cashmere, wool, leather and linen. Be sure to double check the tag or description of the item to see the fabric breakdown before investing in a piece.

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Avoid: Over Accessorizing

Accessories can elevate any simple outfit, but it can also detract from a look if styled in the wrong way. Our philosophy when it comes to accessorizing is to take a less is more approach. If you’re opting for a bold necklace, try to keep your bracelets and earrings simple.

Alternatively, if you’re opting for a printed or bold colored shoe, try to keep your handbag neutral and sleek. This will ensure that your outfit appears balanced and chic and avoids the risk of too much going on at once.

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Choose: Minimal Jewelry

While jewelry can certainly elevate an outfit, it’s important to avoid wearing too much jewelry at once. Minimal, dainty pieces tend to be on trend at the moment and can make an outfit look chic and well-styled without being too bold.

Some minimal jewelry looks that you could consider adding to your collection include delicate gold rings, chain link necklaces, dainty hoop earrings and tennis bracelets.

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Avoid: Wrong Undergarments

One area of fashion that’s often overlooked is high-quality and well-fitting undergarments. Having visible panty lines or a bra cup that gaps in the wrong places can totally detract from an outfit that you love. It’s important to remember that a good outfit starts from the bottom layer!

If you’re looking to invest in some new undergarments, it could be helpful to consult a professional. They can do measurements and offer style suggestions based your size and the look you’re after.

Shutterstock/Kostikova Natalia

Choose: Modern Glasses

There are so many styles of glasses, and the pair you wear could say more about your style than you think. A fresh pair of lenses is a great place to start when it comes to upgrading your style in your 50s.

When it comes to frames, we advise staying away from frameless or wire-rimmed glasses since these tend to look a little outdated. Instead, opt for a thicker frame in a trendy shape. You’ll be surprised at how this little change can instantly make you look younger and feel confident.

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Avoid: Elastic Waistbands

Elastic waistbands are comfortable and easy to wear, but they don’t give your outfit the most elevated or tailored appearance. Instead of reaching for an elastic waistband, try to opt for a jean that has some stretch to it and be sure that it fits properly for comfortable wear.

If you’re looking for a comfortable activewear look and still want the stretch of an elastic waistband, you can’t go wrong with a simple black legging. These can be styled in endless ways and are still comfortable to wear all day.

Shutterstock/NatalyFox

Choose: Less Is More

When it comes to styling outfits and choosing clothing in you 50s, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident. Don’t feel too preoccupied with over styling a look or filling your wardrobe with dozens of pieces.

The key with effortless and elevated styling is a wardrobe filled with high-quality, wearable pieces that you love. Remember that less is more when it comes to styling and looking polished in your 50s.

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