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What To Wear Over 50

If you’re like me, you love to read the “how-to” articles on personal style and fashion. Some give you quick satisfaction like fast food and are like an easy cheat sheet for getting dressed using new ideas. Today I’m updating this popular post sharing five things to wear over 50 that I’m embracing, and you may too.

Texture and Pattern

Embrace texture and pattern. Wrinkles and sun damage are some of the hard-earned badges of midlife, but you may not want to accentuate them. I don’t! Wearing subtle texture and patterned fabric will reduce the appearance of lines on your face. Shiny and smooth fabrics will enhance them. Texture can be anything from fuzzy knits to sweaters with cables. Look for nubby weaves over the smooth fabric. Opt for a suede jacket over a leather one or a subtly patterned blouse over a satin one.

woman wearing timeless tweed blazer

The subtle texture of this lightweight jacket helps offset the texture on our faces.

Color

Black is always chic and easy to build a wardrobe around, but after 50, it can leach the life out of your complexion. Our natural coloring softens as we age, so the stark contrast that black creates can easily wash you out. That adds years to your look and can make you look tired. Try navy, deep gray, chocolate-brown, or olive as an alternative to black, and don’t forget the lighter neutrals too.

Related – Is Navy The New Black?

Comfortable shoes

By this time most many of us have developed foot problems. Years of abuse from wearing high heels, ill-fitting shoes, injuries, and weight changes can cause bunions, hammertoes, arthritis, or simply painful feet. Now’s the time to invest in comfy shoes. I used to think comfortable was synonymous with ugly but no more! Shoe companies have finally caught on and are designing fashionable shoes that offer extra cushioning and support. Look for wider toe boxes, cushioned soles and insoles, and shoes with arch support. Some of my favorite brands are Gentle Souls, Ecco, Eileen Fisher, Clarks, Naot, Arcopedico, L’Amour Des Pieds, Vionic, and on and on.

WOMAN SITTING ON FOUNTAIN EDGE

Makeup

There is no consensus but plenty of opinions, and many women believe they should lighten up their makeup as they age. That may work for some, but our natural coloring fades as we age, and the boost you can get from makeup is nothing short of fun.

I stopped wearing foundation because it settled into my lines which enhanced them, not my goal. My eye makeup has gotten deeper and my lipstick stronger. I am not as theatrical as some or as light-handed as others but don’t let wearing makeup in midlife intimidate you. This stuff washes off and can brighten your look. Opt for bright rather than dark lipstick and matte rather than shiny eyeshadow.

A Touch of Trend

Classic fashion pieces are the backbone of many successful wardrobes, but I find that adding a small touch of trend keeps us looking modern. They’re an inexpensive and relatively simple way to freshen our looks each season.

Here are six additional things I’ve added over 60.

 

Thanks for reading and remember to wear what makes you feel confident and fabulous!

53 Comments

  1. MRS JOANNE MCMAHON says:

    your style is approperate for myself I hope I am now on your mailing list for emails even if it is the wrong season me.thanks Joanne

  2. TERESA MILLER says:

    It would be nice to see some photos/pics of the examples you give in each section with a link to your favourites. I am starting to wear navy blue now (I am 59) but am short. Only 5’2” so struggle with trousers etc and due to HRT I have got the typical muffin round the Middle. So I am conscious of wearing T shirts that cling so tend to hide under baggy T shirts and loose shirts. Any suggestions xx

  3. Any suggestions on how to cover age spots on my legs

    1. I think self tanner works wonders!

  4. Susan Gardner says:

    I should have known I wasn’t alone!!!!! How absolutely brilliant to read the comments of like minded ( and like-aged) women. At 72, I’ve had a major life change ( sold house with garden, moved into townhouse) For this past Covid year, I was prepping house for sale, packing, then unpacking and renovating new place, so I’ve been living in paint-covered stretchy things for just on 15 months!!! Now that Spring has arrived ( in BC, Canada…..not that hot!) I am desperate to have a fresh look, albeit a size larger!
    Jennifer, your advice is spot on ….I am looking forward to more inspiration for the next part of my journey and reading comments and experiences of others like myself.

    1. Welcome Susan! We’re happy to have you here

  5. Very interesting article and feedback comments, I still need to feel more confident with what I do. Maybe when the pandemic is over.

  6. Karen Yanity says:

    Love what I’ve seen in this site so far. Excited to learn more from you.Karen

  7. Iam glad to hear all your comments I like to where shadow but got stuck on blue don’t have any friends that where make up so it’s hard to get help.need a foundation to cover without looking like iam trying to hard to hide my flaws and a shadow that doesn’t clump in the creases iam a mess can you help also on a very limited buget .

    1. I recommend a tinted sunscreen which does double duty for you.

  8. (Age 65)
    I have been a Shiseido user for 10+ years.
    I have been a recent convert to Future Solutions foundation (previously used a Lifting foundation) and it is fabulous, be aware you can easily apply too much, great for dry skin and a little goes a long way. The real superstar is the Minimalist Powder Blush, the container resembles an eye shadow compact, but it has the most amazing effect using so little. I also use eye shadows as eyeliner placing more on the inner corner to highlight. Viola, a sweep of mascara and lipstick, done.
    Next step, getting my hairdresser to cut my curly grey locks short, so ready to get rid of the aging hippie look.
    Have a beautiful day, sister girls.

  9. Lollie Lucero says:

    I am 85, and I have worn makeup since I was fifteen. I still wear foundation, and yes I do have some deep forehead wrinkles which I do not like. I have always looked 10 years younger (I have been told). My skin is very un-even (Face) What should I do?
    Love your hints.

    1. Are you using Retin A? I find that the most beneficial. You could also talk to your dermatologist about a mild peel.

      1. Tender skin I have tried Este Lauders camouflage.. covers everything! You might want to give it a try.. it may dry fast you can add some moisturizer

    2. I am older and refuse to dress like an old lady. Good for you. You go,girl.

  10. I would love to not wear foundation , but I I have broken capilliaries on my face . Any suggestion ? Qk

    1. There are many lasers that will zap the capillaries and make them go away. Check with your dermatologist

  11. yvette jiggetts says:

    Good tips I just efitedy closet and will go through again with your tips in mind. Love tge make up tips…I had given up on make up altogether once I turn 52 because what I was doing ageded me…girl from the 80’s. Now I will make another go with your tips in mind. So happy to see what TO wear over 50 and not anotherthe don’ts

  12. Nope dont agree I say wear whatever makes you happy, don’t get all stuffy over 50 and stay safe, that’s exactly what ages you .

  13. I find np matte lipstick to be very drying on my lips. Can you recommend a brand that feels moisturizing? Thanks Jennifer for the good tips.

    1. Christine says:

      Karen H. – try Thrive Cosmetics (online), they make a moisturizing matte liquid lipstick.

      1. Thanks Christine! I’ll check it out.

  14. Good tips! I do wear foundation over a primer. I do invest in great products that look and feel good. I also wear eyeshadow, eyeliner and mascara. I do think we can look faded as we age and need colour. Lipstick is lighter and sometimes brighter and not the dark colours I always loved. I also wear coloured eyeglass frames (currently purple). I have fun wearing costume jewelry. As for clothing, mostly I wear an attitude.

    1. I love this Janet! Wearing things with attitude makes all the difference.

  15. Christine says:

    I still use foundation. I like Giorgio Armani’s Luminous Silk. It’s lightweight and has a large selection of shades. Like you, Jennifer, I’ve deepened my eye makeup, topping a lighter cream shadow (Younique) with a darker soft powder (Thrive) and blending well with a brush, and have moved to a deep plum lipstick (Burt’s Bees). Also creme blush in apricot (Peek). I’m strawberry blonde, and just had my hairstylist weave in bits of gold, copper, and red shades. I receive more compliments on my appearance now. I enjoy sharing with and learning from friends and others at my workplace.

    1. Your hair color sounds rich and glorious! It’s so fun to play with colors and experiment with new products.

  16. Fantastic ideas! I never knew that textures belong near the face! I will keep that in mind!

  17. You are so right about the foundation and the creases. I only use a tinted moisturizer now. Yes, and matte everything! Those sparkly things just make any lines more obvious. I have friends my age who have given up makeup entirely, but that won’t be me. It’s a matter of finding what works to enhance the face without looking theatrical.

    1. I won’t ever give up wearing makeup either Kay. I find it fun and love to play with it.

  18. I haven’t worn foundation in years. I opt for a multicolored blusher instead. It gives me a hint of color while still evening out my skin tones.
    Great advice… love those shoes btw.

    1. Terrific idea Cyndi! Evening things out is important on my skin.

    2. Cyndi – What brand and actual color name of multicolor blusher do you like to wear?

  19. sophia montgomery says:

    Yes to texture but not heavy texture on the bottom half. Great tips!

  20. Cheryl Ann says:

    You always have the best style information for us over 60 women. Thanks so much, Jennifer! If I wear black (rarely) I put a light scarf by my face to help with my complexion changes. One issue I’m having is my neck getting red welts (allergy??) from, I think, jewelry. Have you heard of this? I only wear 14/18k now and still have issues. You are a treasure and I appreciate your perspective!

    1. I have the same problem in recent years, Cheryl. Those lovely statement necklaces are no longer wearable. I do love my gray pearls, cool and smooth.

    2. Oh you should check with your doctor about having a nickel allergy. My original wedding rings were in white gold and I noticed that I would develop blisters and itchiness usually on my left hand. Overtime any white gold I had could not be worn as it caused welts or in the case of my ears, weeping. I packed it all away and the skin sensitivity went away! I wear an id lanyard at work and one day commented to my dermatologist that I had this crazy itch on my belly…she looked at it and said that it looked like a nickel allergy! Of course the cheap base metal of the lanyard clip (which hung low on my torso) and the white gold all have nickel as a component. My dermatologist told me to ditch the white gold and the lanyard and just clip my id to my shirt and the itch went away! I have had the diamonds reset in yellow gold as well as any white gold earrings and the jeweller put a yellow gold plate on the back of a beloved pendant that caused big welts on my chest when worn. I rarely were costume jewelry unless it is nickel free and no, that old tip about painting the ear posts with clear nail polish does not work. Nickel is absorbed into the body and you may not react for many years but believe me after suffering with the equivalent of a second degree burn on my left hand I was happy to finally find the answer…and I now have a lovely yellow gold and diamond ring because…I did keep the man!!

  21. Jennifer, I stopped wearing foundation two years ago and switched to CC cream. It has sunscreen, cream & a light tint, just enough to give a touch of colour. I also tried a bit more colour on my lips. I normally wear a nude, plum or mauve. This summer I tried pink. Not a light sweet pink but one more towards a fushia. Red is still too strong a statement. I feel silly wearing it but the day may come when I find the courage to step out in red. Ha!
    I still wear an all black column (top & pants) but top it with a colourful scarf or jacket. I find the column of black is slimming and is a blank canvas for other colour.
    An interesting thought on smooth fabric and it’s effect on our wrinkles. I do like my leather jackets. I’ll have to do an experiment. ????

  22. Gail Schwartz says:

    Great post! As for foundation, I switched to Bobbi Brown serum foundation. I find that it smooths and moisturizes. Give it a try!

  23. This was a great post Jennifer…so true about heavy foundation settling in lines…yikes! Agree about brighter lips…now if I could just get rid of those lines around the lips!

    1. Those lines are such a challenge. I have lots or them too so rely on my lip pencil to keep lipsticks from sliding.

  24. Some good advise here! I’m just starting to play with darker make up colours xx

  25. Dottie McLoughlin says:

    I agree about foundation going into the lines on my face but I need something to even out my skin tones (notice the plural). Any thoughts?

    1. I wear tinted sunscreen Dottie. Tinted moisturizers are a great option too!

  26. Memee Foth says:

    Yes to all five points! I gave up foundation makeup some time ago, but occasionally I wear Bobbi Brown’s tinted moisturizer which doesn’t “settle” in wrinkles so much. Just the other day at the grocery store, the young check-out woman said to me, “I love your red lipstick, but I don’t have the self-confidence to wear it.” So, people do notice our chosen makeup statements. I struggle to find eye shadow. Any suggestions? Also, I recommend Vionic shoes.

  27. Wonderful ideas!
    Love your black and nude mules. Very chanel-esque! Who makes them?
    xoxox

  28. Love All the Tips!!!! You hit the nail on the head with each one. Might try the on; stop wearing foundation, never thought of it that way in which it “enhances” wrinkles, but will try it!. I also like to “add-in” a bit of trend myself, a scarf, belt or shoes, I feel special and in style. My shoes have also gotten a bit shorter in the heel. I feel more confident when they are on-trend too. Thank you for all the Tips.

  29. Shoes…used to be my favorites! I wear 7.5 an easy size to find in great looking shoes, but today it’s about comfort, comfort, comfort. I wear a lot of active wear for that very reason! (Don’t like sneakers/running shoes with stylish outfits). Happy to hear that shoe companies are taking notice!(I do have a nice pair of Bernie MeV which are comfy). Trends! I tend to add simple touches of trends….a black belt with a bit of leopard on front….same with a nice black slip on shoe.
    Thank you for covering this topic!

    1. It’s no longer n option for my feet to suffer for the sake of fashion.

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