6 Style Myths Women Over 60 Should Ignore (And What To Wear Instead)
If you’re a woman over 60, you’ve probably heard all the style myths about what you should and shouldn’t wear. Somewhere along the way, a memo went out saying that once we hit this age, we’re supposed to tone everything down…our wardrobes, our lipstick, even our personalities. It’s as if we’re expected to quietly fade into the background. Well, I never got that memo. Or if I did, I ignored it completely.
Who decided we needed a style expiration date anyway? I’m sitting here in a sweater I’ve owned for almost 15 years, wondering who made up these ridiculous fashion rules for women over 60. I know that finding your style after 60 can be challenging, but it’s also liberating. When we feel good in our clothes, everything else feels more manageable. But these outdated “rules” keep too many women from experiencing that confidence. You may also enjoy 6 Things to Wear Over 60
Fashion Myth #1: Women Over 60 Shouldn’t Wear Jeans
I can’t help but laugh at this one because I basically live in jeans.
All those style guides say jeans are “too casual” for mature women. But here’s the thing, it’s not about avoiding jeans, it’s about finding denim that actually fits. After 60, comfort matters as much as looking good (maybe more), but that doesn’t mean we have to look dowdy.
My favorites are mid-wash, high-rise jeans with a little stretch, but I also love pull-on jeans, wide-leg styles, and white denim. They’re a wardrobe staple for me and always will be. Jeans have a modern look and relaxed vibe that works beautifully for our casual lifestyles.
What to wear instead: Focus on finding jeans that fit your body today, not the body you had at 30. Look for styles with stretch, a comfortable rise, and a leg shape that flatters your proportions. Dark wash and high-rise styles are particularly flattering for older women but I find medium wash the most versatile.
I wrote more about The Jean Style Every Woman Over 60 Should Own and 5 Style Rules To Live by After 60 to Look and Feel Your Best.
Wardrobe Myth #2: Sleeveless Is Off-Limits for Older Women
The older I get, the less I like to show my upper arms. But the truth is…nobody’s staring at my arms. They’re all too worried about their own stuff…and if they’re not, I don’t care what they think,
I passed a woman on the street this week wearing a sleeveless black dress, and my first thought was “wow, she looks confident!” My arms certainly don’t look as toned as I’d like, but these arms have hugged loved ones who are no longer with me and cuddled babies and grandchildren so they’re too precious to treat with disdain.
Do I love the “bingo wing situation” and crepey skin? Heck no. I’m trying to battle it with Pilates, free weights, and this body retinol lotion. But in blistering weather, you’ll find me in a tank top or sleeveless maxi dress, enjoying life. I often carry a lightweight cardigan for air conditioning set at arctic levels, but I dress for comfort and joy now, not for outdated rules that tell women to hide themselves.
The real rule for women over 60: If you feel confident and comfortable, wear it. Your comfort level is the only guideline that matters when it comes to what you choose to wear. Taking care of yourself includes wearing what makes you feel good.
Style Misconception #3: Fashion Trends Are Only For Young Women
There’s this unspoken idea that once we hit a certain age, we’re supposed to stick to the “classics” and leave trends to the younger crowd. The fashion world suggests we should dress like we’re frozen in time, but I disagree.
You don’t have to chase every trend, but you don’t have to ignore them all either. I think of trends like seasoning…a little keeps things interesting, but too much and run the risk of looking like you’re trying way too hard.
The smart approach to trends after 60: If something catches your eye, try it. See if it works with pieces you already love. That’s usually a good sign it belongs in your rotation.
Fashion Belief #4: Style Doesn’t Matter for Women Over 60
This might be the most damaging myth of all, and clearly stupid. Society has a way of making women feel less relevant as we age, but style is one of the most powerful forms of self-care we have to stay visible and engaged.
EARRINGS / SIMILAR NECKLACE
I don’t get dressed to impress anyone but myself, but when I feel put together, I feel more confident. The most stylish women over 60 I know have one thing in common: they refuse to disappear.
The truth about style after 60: Getting dressed with intention is an act of self-respect that ripples through every part of your day. Good style never goes out of fashion, regardless of age.
Style Rule #5: Looking Stylish After 60 Is Expensive
I learned this one the expensive way, after years of buying random stuff I thought I “should” wear instead of sticking with what I knew worked on me. Turns out, looking put-together has way more to do with confidence than your credit card balance.
Some of the most stylish women I know shop smart, rewear what they love, and mix high and low pieces with ease.
Focus on these budget-friendly style tips:
- Buy clothes that fit the body you have today…don’t squeeze yourself into something that used to fit.
- Choose a simple color palette that works together which also makes it easier to get dressed in the morning.
- Use your accessories to update what you already own and add personality to your look.
You don’t need to spend more to look great. You just need to know what works for you and wear it with purpose.
Fashion Rule #6: Floral Patterns Are Aging on Women Over 60
Here’s the thing, some florals absolutely are aging. Those tiny, busy prints that look like they were pulled from 1980s wallpaper? The ditsy florals on cheap polyester? Yeah, those will age you. But avoiding all florals because of the bad ones is like never wearing jeans because you had one terrible pair. The right floral print can actually make you look fresh and current.
Larger, bolder prints with clean lines work best. Abstract florals or watercolor-style patterns feel modern. Even classic roses work if they’re scaled up and printed on quality fabric.
Better floral choices: Skip anything tiny, busy, or overly sweet. Go for prints with impact and modern colorways.
What to Wear After 60: The Real Guidelines
The beauty of personal style at our age, is that it’s deeply personal and you get to make the rules. You don’t have to get it perfect, because there is no perfect. You just have to wear what makes you feel confident. Whether it’s finding the right jeans, embracing sleeveless tops, or trying a new trend, the only rule that matters is wearing what makes you feel confident and seen.
What style “rule” have you broken recently? I’d love to hear about the fashion choice that surprised you…or maybe what you’re still working up the courage to try.
Thanks for reading and being part of this amazing community of women.
Sorry you have to deal with all of this toxicity. Whatever happened to the old adage: If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all! I look forward to your blog daily. Stay strong girl!
I have been thinking about this topic a lot lately. I had a depressing week in fitting rooms. Everything is cropped. No one wants to see even a slice of my stomach. If it’s not cropped, it’s huge and boxy. Retailers are using synthetics and blends across all price points. The boho looks with eyelet, ruffles and embroidery just look off on me. Maybe it’s my petite frame and soft coloring, but I am thinking classic tailoring and “less is more” works better at my age.
I hear you. Lily. So often I look at the offerings from brands and wonder who is buying this stuff? I do my best to show things I think are wearable, but some trends are awful and you just have to wait it out.
I totally agree with everything in your post. I turned 74 but I turn the numbers around 47. :). I just want to say I love your hair shorter like you showed on the video as to how you do your hair. Your hair looked fuller and it made you look younger. I love your site
I am so due for a haircut! Thanks for the reminder. I don’t have a stylist up in Vancouver, but I need to find one.
Jennifer, you are absolutely correct. We’ve earned every little wrinkle, crinkle, wing we’ve got. I’m glad to be around to get to age. I wear what makes me feel beautiful and confident…jeans, sleeveless tops, swimsuits, tennis skirts (skorts) what have you. 70 years old today!!! If the younger ones think going out of the house in their “pajamas” looks fashionable, well….they have much to learn in my opinion. We each need to lift and celebrate one another.
Happy Birthday Janette! That’s so fabulous…I celebrate you!
I loved this post, especially because I have busted pretty much every one of those myths! I’m frequently in jeans, and I am wearing sleeveless dresses and tops when it’s hot out. The trendy myth is an interesting one. I will try on something that I think my 40 year old daughter would wear, and I hear my mother-in-law’s voice in my head, cautioning me not to look like “mutton dressed as lamb.” However, if I don’t feel ridiculous in something trendy, I will give it a shot, because who cares? If I like the way I look, I am more confident and self assured. If someone doesn’t like my fashion choice, they don’t have to look! Thanks for a great post!
Agreed! Enjoy and rock that fashion with confidence Maria
Love this post! I just purchased the Aritizia dress and the flax outfit for a trip to Spain next month. Can’t wait to wear them. The quality and workmanship of the outfits was surprising because of the cost…reasonable!
Thanks for all the helpful hints, tips and pictures you provide for those of us over 60.
After reading the post it dawned on me that older women actually have more choices of what to wear than younger women. As a seventy year old, I get to wear both trends and more mature styles. The only trend I can’t embrace is wearing leggings like young people do. Otherwise, I am open and love adding some trendy clothing into my wardrobe and always update my eyeglasses. . I agree we should wear what makes us feel comfortable and confident.
Great post and much needed. Just turned 80 this year and have been plagued by persistent sciatica for the last four months so not feeling my best. But our son just invited us to join them on their summer vacation (as a gift no less!) so I went shopping. I’ve said all along that I will not wear wide leg pants because I’m short and chunky and they make me look like a barn door. BUT I decided to try some on and found two pair of palazzo style pants that really look good on me and are so cool to wear. (They were cropped style but I’m short so they are long pants on me which actually looks better). Now I’m enthused … glad I’m getting out of my rut.
Awesome Ann! Have fun and I hope you’re feeling relief from the sciatica soon
You look fabulous no matter what you wear. I love your style and when you wear denim you look so awesome. I absolutely love what you share with us and your advice is priceless. Thank you.
Thank you Jennifer! I’m so glad to hear I’m not the only one. I live in jeans, jean shorts, and I don’t care that someone thinks it isn’t appropriate at my age (65). I also want to thank you for a while back when you talked about gauze shirts. I’ve since bought 5 in very large sizes (I’m an 8) which I wear with confidence because they are cool, hide a multitude of sins, and they can look more dressed up – or not. And they are super easy to wash and wear, just like jeans. Have a great weekend!
I’m so glad you discovered the joy of cotton gauze! I LOVE it!
LOUD hand clapping and cheering coming from Rochester NY!! So well said Jennifer. Kudos!
Have a great weekend Kate!
Great post! I love it when my 16 yr old granddaughter tells me I look cute! I haven’t been able to wear jeans lately due to surgery so will be glad when i can.
Wishing you a speedy recovery Jan.
What a great post! I agree with everything you think about fashion. I live in jeans year round. In the summer I wear white and lighter colored jeans. I like to keep on trend but I know what works for me. Finding petite clothing is one of my biggest problems right now. Thanks for all the great info 🙂
I loved this post today! Thank you!
What a great column! At 76, I have always attempted and still try to dress with purpose — I find I feel more comfortable and confident when it’s clear that I made an effort, even if I’m just hanging out at home. Thanks for your realistic takes on looking good and staying current at any age.
Hi Jennifer!
I love your fashion sense (including beach wear) and so look forward to receiving your emails in order to see what’s up! Thank you for being such a wonderful role model for us gals over 60! You’ve caused me to think more critically about my choices! I’m loving that daily challenge!
Thanks for being here Sandy!
Thanks for the pep talk, Jennifer.
What fashion risks have I taken lately? Not big ones. I invested in a few pairs of mid length shorts this season, and am so glad. It’s in the 90’s this weekend and the knees are coming out! I feel the same way about my knees and arms- if you don’t like the way they look, don’t look.
The next risk was overcoming a more personal bias about body shape rather than age. As an “apple” shape, I had a fear of how belts look on me. When I got sick of the French tuck and frumpy hanging T shirts, I purchased a well fitted belt. To my shock, I liked the way it looked. So much so that I purchased a leopard print belt for the fall. Look out world!
Regarding jeans, I’ve found that the premium denim brands are more flattering for me as I age.
Looking forward to the N Sale to check out a few new styles.
That’s fabulous Susan. Belts are surprisingly flattering
Thank you for this reminder that women over 60 don’t have to succumb to societal ‘rules’ about fashion.
I agree with you up to a point, in fact, with most everything you’ve stated, but I think there are some limitations that we might want to consider. What if my ‘confidence’ is upsetting to other people? My daughter doesn’t shave under her arms but wears sleeveless tops to restaurants where men in muscle shirts aren’t allowed in. — so there are clearly rules here. I’m not responsible for how others feel, but I don’t want to be inappropriate. Are we, for instance, ever too old to bare our stomachs, flabby skin and all, with bra tops and low-slung shorts? I also wonder what would happen if someone our age wore a thong swimsuit. I’m willing to bet that there would be some pretty snarky comments and even perhaps new beach rules made. Yes, it’s a huge leap from naked arms to a naked derriere, but everyone’s meter of what’s acceptable is different. I want to be comfortable and on-trend, but ageism is not a myth, and the reality is that we are going to bump into it … unless, of course, you’re on an anything-goes beach in Spain -:)
Thank you so much for this advice!
I’m still chuckling over the “”bingo wing situation”!