10 Ways To Look More Modern Over 50

A return from vacation brought some technical challenges so I’m glad to be back! I’m sharing some thoughts on looking modern today because it’s my preferred style and it may be yours too. Here are 10 ways to look more modern over 50 because if you’re anything like me, you want to look fresh and current, not out of date.

Looking stylish and modern over 50 has nothing to do with your budget and everything to do with your fashion choices. When we look current we appear more vibrant which gives us visibility in a society that all too often ignores our demographic.

Updated Haircut

Your hairstyle needs to work for the way your hair is now, at mid-life. Many women over 50, myself included experience thinning, which requires newer products and an updated style that will add volume to camouflage where it’s thin. Keeping it long may feel safe, but the length drags it down which makes it harder to cover the thinning areas on your scalp. Talk with your stylist about light layers or investigate toppers and hairpieces which look fabulous these days.

Related – Haircut and Products I Use For My Over 50 Thinning Hair

If you’ve worn the same cut for 10-20 years, it’s probably time for an update. Styled in a pixie or streaming past your shoulders, gray or colored, it’s essential to keep your hair in tip-top shape so stay abreast of new products and give them a try.

Classic Styles

There’s nothing I love more than building a wardrobe around classic pieces. But the classics of yesteryear can begin to look dated, so keep an eye out for changing shapes. Unless retro is your jam, pay attention to lapels, shoulder proportions, and length of blazers because these things go out of fashion and the “classics” will morph with them. The boyfriend blazer has been popular for the last few years, as have knitted jackets which all look more current than a straight-up traditional shape.

Lingerie

By our 50s, our skin has become laxer and gravity is shifting things south. Now more than ever, we need to rely on our lingerie to keep things smooth under our garments. While shapewear may not be in your wheelhouse, know that there are many new brands available that offer comfort and support without feeling strangled.

Get a professional bra fitting once a year to ensure the “girls” are in the right place. This can take years off your figure and pounds off your shape. Choose lingerie in your own flesh tone, (nudes vary) so they’re invisible under all your outfits. A visible panty line is never flattering and can be avoided with vanishing edge panties or these lace-trimmed shorts which I’ve just discovered are amazingly comfortable and totally invisible.

Related –The One Bra You’ll Never Need

Prints

Can floral prints look aging? In a word, yes, as will overly large ones. Small, all-over prints have been trending for several seasons, but they will quickly look dated so keep an eye on the fashion direction. Patterns are most flattering when their size correlates to the size of your facial features. Choose them in moderation and style them with simple shaped accessories.

Simplify

Sleek silhouettes in solid fabrics tend to look more modern, no matter the color. A classic pencil skirt worn with a crisp white shirt or cashmere pullover is a contemporary look that needs very little adornment. A simple t-shirt with jeans and a blazer is another look that many of us have already hanging in our closet. When in doubt, tone down and reach for contemporary shapes.

Related – 7 Easy Ways To Look More Elegant on Any Budget

Wear All Black

Don’t shoot the messenger here, but wearing an all-black outfit tends to make you look more up to date. Black has been taking a beating lately because many women are finding it’s not as flattering against their complexion as it once was. I get it, but wearing black head-to-toe, has a chic, urban, edgy vibe that is never passé.

Well Fitting Jeans

A great fitting pair of blue jeans is a wardrobe essential for most women, and you’re never too old to rock a great pair. Dark wash and straight-leg styles are the most versatile these days and have an up-to-date vibe. And there’s no need to sacrifice comfort for good-looking jeans. Today’s options have lots of lycra which move with you without bunching or pinching.

High or mid-rise jeans help control and hide the muffin top depending on your body shape and personal style. The latest shapes are straight or flared and are steering away from skinny jeans. That said, if you love your skinnies, go for it and style them with an updated top because there are no rules here, just suggestions.

Footwear

By our 50s and over, many of us have foot issues that require…no, demand, we wear comfortable footwear. That doesn’t mean you’re relegated to chunky, athletic sneakers or tennis shoes. Innumerable brands make sandals, flats, boots, and loafers with arch support and additional cushioning these days that allow you to be comfortable and stylish.

The athleisure trend has made stylish sneakers a great look with just about anything these days, including casual dresses.

Makeup

Wearing cosmetics is a personal choice and many women are “over it. I get that, but because our coloring fades as we age, a quick slick of lipstick and a lightly filled-in brow go a long way to freshening up your look and helping you look vibrant.

Some Personal Favorites

Makeup trends change as much as fashion, so keep an eye on what’s new and remember, too much makeup can be as aging as too little. Remember “Whose Afraid of Baby Jane”? Pick your focal point and have fun with the new colors and textures.

Accessories

There’s nothing like a great accessory to finish off your outfit. If your outfit is multifaceted, keep your jewelry simple. Layering several delicate necklaces is a popular look that will give you more bang for your buck than one tiny chain and is more on-trend. Having said that, statement necklaces are having their moment now and look best when worn alone.

Clean-lined garments and accessories tend to look more modern so if that’s the look you’re going for, dial down the details and let the combinations speak for themself.

Do any of these resonate with you? What can you add to the list?

Thanks for reading ladies and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.