As we get older, it can be hard to know whether or not we’re keeping up when it comes to fashion, style, and beauty habits. Feeling and looking great gets complicated when trends are rising and falling faster than tulips at the start of spring. The following will break down some of the more practical, no-nonsense style tips that will apply to any era with special attention given to tricks that apply in particular to senior women.
When In Doubt, Keep Things Simple
A while back, Coco Chanel famously said, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” This advice still works today. By keeping things less cluttered, you avoid looking like you’re trying too hard, overcompensating, or clashing too many contrary things at once.
Simplicity is inherently elegant. Grace is something that looks good on any woman at any age. By making sure that you aren’t overdoing your fashion choices (lots of accessories, lots of patterns, lots of different elements), you can be sure you’re giving off a relaxed vibe as you go about your day.
If you are looking to add to your wardrobe but follow this piece of sage fashion advice, look out for minimalist basics in neutral colors—simple pieces in black, white, or beige match practically everything. Stay away from clothing with visible labels as well. Every few months, the “cool” brands change, meaning nothing dates faster than labeled clothing. Keep the brand names where they belong—on the tag.
What Goes On Under The Clothes Is Important Too
Of course, the layers beneath your clothing have practical elements to them, but they can also really change up how an outfit looks or feels on you. There are countless different options for undergarments depending on what you plan on wearing, but at the minimum, take a moment to read up on bras for older women and seek out a few good pairs of underpants that don’t show beneath your favorite outfits. For dresses and special occasion outfits, you might want to look into slips that are comfortable and prevent any sort of see-through material hiccups.
Socks are also not to be neglected. Nothing can throw off an outfit faster than a pair of socks sticking out near the ankles that don’t match at all. When in doubt, black or gray socks are usually a safe bet.
Focus On One Statement Piece
If you want to make a splash, focus on a single statement piece that does this and keeps the rest of your outfit relaxed. A detailed purse, a big scarf, or an intricate jacket are all fine, but not fine all in one outfit together. Having a single loud piece amid quieter pieces helps keep people from struggling to know what to focus on. When choosing statement pieces, you need to be sure that you love the item, as this will be what you and everyone else notices when they see your outfit. Louder pieces demand attention, and you want to be sure you’re pleased with them before you have several casual conversations about them with friends and random people you pass by.
Choose The Cuts That You Like
Yes, the trendy jean shape is changing all the time. The waistline goes up then down then up again—the boot cut, the bellbottom, the skinny jean—you name it. When it comes to the cut of your clothing, what matters most is that it’s flattering on you and comfortable for you. If you want to keep the 80s cut jeans with the little boots? Do it. Don’t force yourself to walk around in something that is current but feels unnatural. After years of trying all different cuts and shapes, you know best what suits your figure and attitude.
Focus On A Fewer Pieces You Love Instead Of Many Pieces You Feel “Meh” About
Life is too short to wear clothes you don’t like. Yes, maybe you had to wear those shoes your mom bought you when you were little, but you’re a grown-up now—you get to pick what you wear. Consistently, extremely stylish women talk about how much less clothing they have than other people. They find things they love and don’t bother with the rest of it. Instead of having three or four purses you kind of like, save up and get the one you truly love that will go with everything you own, and you’d be happy to carry around with you forever.
Don’t Adopt The Trends You Hate
Kids do a lot of stupid things. Sometimes these things have to do with their fashion and style choices. Don’t accept the trends you hate that you know will embarrass the heck out of everyone in fifteen years. If you don’t want to wear ripped jeans, don’t. If you don’t think yoga pants count as real pants, don’t wear them that way. Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the pressure of keeping up. You know by now what looks good on you and what vibes with your style.
But Do Adopt The Trends You Like
In contrast, sometimes, all the kids are wearing something that is pretty cool. If you love it, go for it. There’s no age limit on trends. Those long flowy summer dresses that only hippies wore once upon a time? Go for it. The giant sunglasses that cover up half of your face and leave you feeling mysterious? Try them on, at least. And if you truly love something, get an extra copy or pair of it. We all know too well what it’s like to not be able to find the cut of jeans we feel best in or get a shirt that doesn’t have the most absurd plunging neckline because that’s what’s selling for the year.
The above tips are the kind of style advice that works no matter what the trends are. Of course, the cardinal rule in style is attitude. Every single French guidebook to style emphasizes that if you feel great and don’t care what other people think about it, you’re already winning.
