There comes a point, when you walk into a fashion store and wonder if the styles are too young for you. You do a u-turn and walk straight out. Glancing across at those ‘other’ clothing stores you start to contemplate what lies in store with fashion when you are over 50.
When a relative in her 80s was visiting over Christmas last year, we decided to go out shopping for a new dress for her. My nearest shopping centre is in a suburb favoured by older citizens because it is a flat walk to the shops in an otherwise hilly area. The shopping centre therefore caters well to this demographic.
We were looking for something simple, ¾ or long sleeves and length below the knee required. No plunging necklines. I was intending to steer clear of those other clothing stores with their selection that couldn’t really be described as fashion, that even when I’m 80 myself I plan not to step foot in. We tried on some dresses in the fashion chain stores and not finding anything suitable were forced to venture into the stores that cater specifically for older women. We came home empty handed.
I found the whole experience depressing and vented about it to any of my friends who would listen. There has to be something better to dress in that makes us feel good waiting for us in old age. “Maybe fashion gets frozen at the age you lose interest in trends”, my friend suggested, “so you keep on wearing what was stylish at that point in time for the rest of your life”. A quick calculation for current octogenarians takes me back to the 1980s, and many suspect fashion trends. She might have a point.
On the hunt for fashion inspiration.
Looking for inspiration I hit Pinterest, searching out anyone with grey hair and buckets of style. Grey-haired fashion models over 50 were few and far between, let alone regular old people, however once the search algorithm had worked out that I wasn’t seeking fabulous 20 year olds who had dyed their hair grey, but genuine naturally grey women with wrinkles, the images started to flow. The older models making their mark are, disappointingly, still on the super slim side. One victory at a time.
I devoured everything worn by Grece Ghanam (can that woman look any more fabulous?). I came across a Japanese book of women photographed in Tokyo’s stylish Ginza district called Over 60 Street Snap.
I started to analyse what was so fabulous about the style exhibited by the women who had caught my eye and come up with my own formula for dressing well at any age. This is what I found.
Have confidence in who you are
By the time you reach your golden years you have had a lot of experience with fashion and life. You worry less about passing trends, and more about being true to yourself.
All the women photographed look so confident in their style. They know exactly who they are and glow from the inside. They know their body shape, what to accentuate, what to hide, what colours lift their complexion, what shape hat suits their face. They have chosen their own look, not followed the trends of fast fashion. They know their tribe.
Be creative, not predictable
The biggest learning I found is to be creative. Fashion over 50 doesn’t have to be dull. There are pops of colour, unexpected combinations, accessories mastered and patterns embraced in the women that stand out. Don’t fade into the surroundings. Be bold. Do something different. A scarf is a miracle worker (if you carry the scarf-tying gene).
Invest in classic wardrobe staples
Here is a secret Parisian women know well. Invest the most in high quality timeless pieces. Look after them well, and keep them for years.
I can attest to the sticker shock of buying a pair of Italian long black boots. However, I’ve had them resoled twice and when I recently found the receipt I discovered, to my surprise, I bought them in 2004!
These classic wardrobe staples are a good investment:
- White cotton blouse
- Silk blouse
- Dark blue jeans that fit you well
- Tailored blazer
- Leather boots – long or short
- Italian leather shoes
- Merino or cashmere jumper
- Trench coat
- Wool coat
Select natural fibres
Nothing says timeless style like natural fibres. A silk blouse or scarf, a linen jacket or trousers, a cotton dress, a wool jumper or skirt. Stick with plain colours for longevity, but that doesn’t have to mean neutrals. I recently pulled out of the depth of my wardrobe a 100% silk blouse that I bought in New York 20 years ago, that is a beautiful teal blue, It’s a simple cut in a stunning colour that looks great years on.
Bow to fashion just this once
There is one thing that needs to stay up with the times and that is your sunglasses. They just scream style or outdated like no other accessory in your wardrobe.
For some inspiration view my Pinterest board of Woman Defying Fashion over 50.
Credits
Top photo by Ussama Azam on Unsplash
Heather Ogden-Handa
Good to meet you! I’m a marketer and writer interested in aging and longevity. I see lots of great information out there, so I’m keen to share topics that take my interest. Over time I hope the knowledge and community around this blog will have a positive impact on the healthy lifestyles of many individuals.