How To Dress Over 50: Radiate Confidence

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Your fashion evolves with time—what you wore in your 20s may not work in your 50s, and you might be over those trendy jeans in less than a year. But just because your preferences are shifting doesn’t mean you can’t still be stylish! 

Our practical tips and outfit ideas will help you build a wardrobe that makes you feel great, regardless of season or occasion.

Read on to discover how to dress over 50 and look your best at any age.

Over 50 ladies’ fashion: 5 style tips

There’s no one style for older women—the secret is to find clothes you love and wear them confidently. But we have five general tips to help you define your personal aesthetic and fill your closet with versatile staples.

1. Build a list of go-to brands

Shop at companies that offer timeless, comfortable clothing and use them to build a versatile capsule wardrobe. Fashion brands like J. Crew and Ralph Lauren have stunning clothes for 50s style, like versatile jeans, sweaters, and button-downs.

Once you know your favorites, you can search for essential pieces using ThredUp’s Shop By Brand. Choose from over 50,000 retailers and refine the results with filters to find exactly what you need.

2. Diversify your favorite outfits

A wardrobe shift doesn’t have to be dramatic—swapping out a few pieces or adding accessories can go a long way. If you don’t feel like your usual jeans and T-shirt work, wear a button-down blouse instead, but keep the denim. And for an elegant touch, add a designer bag or scarf. This freshens up your fashion while helping you feel like you. 

Need some inspiration? Use ThredUp as your own personal stylist. Describe your favorite outfit to Style Chat, swap out key items and colors, and view the result on a generated model. Then, shop suggestions from our inventory to add new pieces to your wardrobe.

3. Invest in high-quality fashion

Ditch fast fashion and fill your closet with long-lasting, timeless clothing. Declutter your wardrobe by selling or donating pieces you don’t wear anymore, and replace them with high-quality garments from reliable brands. This is a good opportunity to buy clothing you’ve always wanted, like Prada bags or Ralph Lauren blazers—you’re worth the investment.

4. Refresh your favorites

Mend your clothes to revitalize items you haven’t worn in a while. Small touches, like sewing buttons or removing pilling, are an easy way to extend the life of your wardrobe. Take good care of your outfits, and you’ll see that age is just a number.

5. Shop at contemporary stores

Just because you’re an older woman doesn’t mean you have to shop exclusively at JCPenney or Herbergers. Experiment with contemporary brands and dabble with on-trend clothing to build outfits that reflect you, not your age.

For instance, retailers like Anthropologie, Free People, and Banana Republic offer classic items with modern silhouettes that you may love.

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Timeless fashion trends for women over 50: 6 ideas

When it comes to fashionable, comfortable looks for older women, the options are limitless. Here are six ideas to inspire you.

1. Cozy cardigan

Our favorite casual style for women over 50—or any age, for that matter—is pairing an oversized cardigan with a flowing blouse and leggings. Keep this look laidback with sneakers, or effortlessly dress it up with a pair of loafers.

This everyday ensemble works on every body type and is suitable for relaxed occasions like lunch with friends and watching movies at home.

‍Pro tip: Try this with a strong color contrast. We recommend a light-blue cardigan, white lace top, and burgundy leggings.

2. Midi dress with blazer

Wrap dresses are perfect for everything from a fancy dinner date to a casual summer party. While they’re loose and comfortable, the tie belt defines the waist and creates an alluring silhouette.

Wear a wrap dress with a sleek blazer and pumps for a fun, fashionable date night. To add an elegant touch, grab a clutch bag or wristlet. And for a more relaxed look, pair a linen dress with an infinity scarf and denim jacket.

3. Classic trousers and blouse

The simple combination of trousers and a linen tunic suits the office, dinner parties, and nights out. Keep it prim and sophisticated with classy trousers and heels, or go more casual with wide-leg jeans and sneakers.

To find the perfect top for this outfit, learn to thrift like a pro. Search for your favorite tunic, then filter the results to match your aesthetic.

4. White button-down and jeans

There’s nothing quite like straight-leg jeans and a classic white button-down for an instant solution to nearly any outfit dilemma. Add a fitted blazer and heels for a dressier silhouette, suitable for dinner parties or casual Fridays at the office. For a relaxed variation, wear sneakers and a denim jacket.

‍Pro tip: Switch the vibe of this outfit by wearing different denim washes. Black and dark wash work well for semi-formal occasions, but acid wash is best for laid-back events.

5. Versatile maxi dress

We love colorful maxi dresses no matter the season or occasion. Rock a flowing floral maxi with spaghetti straps for warm weather, and pair it with a bold handbag and oversized sunglasses for the perfect summer look. Use your favorite type of purse, like a tote or bucket bag.

Wondering about cold weather? We’ve got you covered. Swap out the strappy dress for a long-sleeve maxi and throw on a pair of leggings underneath to keep warm.

6. Skirt, sweater, and scarf combo

One of our favorite ways to wear a sweater is with a midi skirt and ankle boots. This sophisticated outfit is perfect for everything from fall coffee dates to casual brunches. 

Try a pale cable-knit sweater, pleated midi, and plaid wool scarf for an elegant, cozy combination. To add a contemporary edge, wear suede ankle boots and a leather shoulder bag.

Refresh your wardrobe with ThredUp’s endless options

Whether you’re adding a few new essentials to your wardrobe or committing to a total closet cleanout, ThredUp is the best place to grab high-quality clothing at any age. Explore our collection and browse thousands of brands, colors, and sizes to suit the authentic you.

Unsure of your aesthetic? Use our intuitive search features to determine your new personal style. Generate outfit ideas with Style Chat, or use our Improved Search to find your ideal vibe.

FAQs

How do you look stylish over 50?

If you want to give your wardrobe a trendy update, here are a few tips:

• Shop at popular stores: Even though retailers like Urban Outfitters and Abercrombie target a younger crowd, it’s worth stopping in to see if they have any modern garments you enjoy. Even if the clothes aren’t quite the right fit, accessories like purses and jewelry can still give you a stylish edge! 
• Tailor your pieces: Nothing is more polished than a piece that perfectly fits your figure. Find a local tailor and bring them your staple items, particularly pants and blazers. This simple step can turn a frumpy blouse into a sophisticated garment in no time.
• Follow influencers online: Social media is a great place to search for outfit inspiration, even if you’re not a teen. Plenty of people, such as Carla Rockmore and Grece Ghanem, offer outfit advice for older women.

What colors should you wear after 50?

There aren’t any rules about what colors you should wear as you age—instead, it’s best to dress based on your skin’s undertones. You’ll likely fall into one of three main categories: Warm, cool, or neutral. To see which fits you best, try the vein test and jewelry test. Then, opt for colors that suit your undertones. 

For instance, colors like mustard yellow and rich burgundy often work well on warm-toned women. But if you lean more cool, reach for options like lavender and ice blue. Of course, neutrals like black and navy work well on anyone!

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