Welcome to my monthly collaboration with Jennifer from A Well Styled Life. Each month we invite someone to join us and we try something one of us might not wear. This month Tania from 50 is not old is joining us. When Jennifer said we are doing a post on strapless or one shoulder tops I thought to myself hmmmmm, this might not be pretty. Our shoulders do not age like the rest of us thankfully. However the neck is a different story. Sarah Rutson, vice-president of global buying at Net-a-Porter says of this trend. “It’s elegant and it doesn’t age. No one has bad shoulders.” So what do you think of the bare shoulder look on women over 50 or in my case 65? Let’s talk about Over 50 Fashion-Bare Shoulders?
The first thing you need is a good strapless bra that will stay in place. You might find these articles helpful.
Cosmopolitan Best Strapless Bras
Women’s Health 10 Best Strapless Bras
My two favorites are the Waocal and the Lilyette by Bali. I have linked them below the post as well.
I have had this barefoot dreams poncho for a couple of years and I love it. I would like to have a lighter weight one for summer, that could be thrown on like this. I am wearing it with my cross earrings (similar below), gap girlfriend jeans, and my super comfy Ilse Jacobson shoes that my friend Elizabeth gave me (aka the Contessa).
I don’t think a lot of jewelry (especially at the neckline) is appropriate with this look. A pair of large Native American Cross earrings does the trick.
This top came from Nordstrom a few years ago. I am wearing it with the same jeans from the Gap and my favorite horn bracelets. My sandals are by korkease and no longer available but I have linked similar below.
I almost left this shot out but I dragged it back in. If you like this look you can see how the shoulder area looks pretty good compared to the rest!! If only the rest of our skin were as taught!! This shirt has embroidery across the bottom and ties. For some reason, I find anything with ties appealing.
Allison from That’s Not My Age wrote a great post on How to Wear Off the Shoulder When You are Older here Interesting commentary from her readers as well.
The covid reality is I am not dressing up much these days. A sweatshirt, sun hat, and flip flops are the norm. I am thinking the slightly off the shoulder is better for me, but note the neck, if only it didn’t age! I am wearing the sweatshirt with my favorite Olukai Ho Opio flip flops (yes they have support), a Morrocan straw bag, and an older hat. I have listed similar options below.
Do you follow Eugenia from the Age of Grace? She has amazing style and she can really rock this look. Yes she is over 50. I interviewed her for Ageless Style a couple of years back here
I would love to hear what you think of the off the shoulder look for women over 50? Would you wear it? If so why or why not?
You read over 50 Fashion-Bare Shoulders? first here on Rough Luxe Lifestyle. If it is hot where you are you might also enjoy How to Stay Stylish in a Heatwave.
GET THE LOOK
Be sure and pop over and visit Jennifer and Tania to see their looks. This was a challenging one for me!
Sorry Cindy, but the throw blanket with the slit in the center appears like maybe we have sheltered in place a little to long and was shopping the house to reinvent ourselves.
Ha! The “throw blanket” is a very popular style in the Barefoot Dreams line. Perhaps it just looks like a throw blanket on me!
Although, I appreciate asymmetry in design, I’ve never liked it in fashion. So, I prefer wearing off the shoulder, rather than off one shoulder tops and thought both off the shoulder looks, shown above, were most flattering. As someone who took up kickboxing in her 50’s, I have no problem showing off my shoulders, though I don’t mind wearing halter styles to protect my neck from the sun. I live in southern Florida and sun protection is critical.
Kathleen I agree. I think especially if your shoulders are the size of your rear like me!! Congrats on taking up kickboxing at 50 you rock!
Boy, you look GREAT! I didn’t get your email for this post? Love how you tied the bandana on the straw tote…and that you addressed strapless bras. I need a good one!
Mary Ann
Aren’t strapless bras a pain? I think I finally found a couple of good ones!!
All of your looks are great! I especially like the one shoulder look. I agree with other commenters; your smile lights up every photo! Regarding bras – I’ve tried and sent back so many strapless bras and finally found a winner a couple of months ago: Wacoal Halo Strapless Bra. It’s a bandeau style with straps that can be attached at multiple spots which makes the bra multi functional. I also like the thinner stretch lace cups that don’t add extra padding to my bigger bust AND it actually stays put and is comfortable….well for a bra anyways! 😂 Just wanted to share! Oh, and I’ve followed Eugenia’s blog for years! Isn’t she wonderful!
Thank you Ginger! I will give that one a try. I have a waocol that I like and the lilyette but this one sounds like a winner. I agree who wants more padding? Especially in the heat!!
Hi Karen
Thanks for your vote of confidence but this one was a bit of a stretch. Jennifer has a great concept…try something you might not wear…but some are more difficult than others!
You look lovely, as usual and you can carry off most any look you present. I would be extremely uncomfortable with an off the shoulder look but I’m quite a bit past 50 and it would simply be the comfort level for me. I always enjoy your posts.
xo,
Karen
Hi Cindy- There is an allure to showing a hint of skin at our age. We can wish all day long we can rock this look… but aging skin is aging skin and it shows when exposed. I prefer to wear a translucent poncho or a positioned wrap over something silk and sleeveless on occasion now. Nothing is more uncomfortable for me than a strapless bra- the tugging to keep it in place all for naught with my DDD bust. The most I’m comfortable exposing now is no more than a boat neck with ballet,3/4, bracelet, and long sleeves. Fashion has always mattered to me and I love the challenge of transitioning from one stage to the next. Aging with grace has been my motto. And- anything cashmere or silk elevates our look!
You truly do have a stellar smile! Love your fashion posts!!!
I think you are right Nan on all accounts. And yes! Dang those strapless bras are not comfy…thank you so much for your inspiring comments. I always appreciate them.
As I continue the “Embrace the Gray- Intrepid Pandemic Project”, updating my Wacoal bra wardrobe this week… oh how challenging when limited to online shopping. Love your style in the photos wearing the Barefoot Dreams poncho- a Garden Nymph, indeed!
Hi, Cindy,
I love your style and I think the off-the-shoulder look is beautiful on you! The one shoulder style. I know that the neck and décolletage area age as we do, but this is the perfect way to still be sassy and cover up the parts that aren’t so much. I just turned 68, have grown out my hair to its natural dark brown/silver combo, and refuse to pigeon-holed by “them” into wearing certain styles. Still, I will admit, I’m pretty run-of-the-mill. But, I remember my mom wearing peddle-pushers and a white short sleeved blouse pretty much every day. I am not going to do that! I don’t like sleeveless anything because of the flabby upper arms, but I will still wear sleeveless sometimes. I feel like I spent my time as a slave to fashion and now I’m doing what I want to do and feel comfortable in! I think I may have sent this already, but i wasn’t done yet!
Hi Kate
Aren’t you glad you grew your hair out? My daughter came home one weekend over 8 yrs ago and said mom your hair looks like a drizzled mess. My husband was on board and I have never looked back. Ditto we no longer have to be a slave to fashion. That is the beauty of aging, isn’t it?
I think you should wear what looks good on you….age is just a number!! If the body can rock a look then wear it. You definitely rock in all these pictures! Be confident in yourself because some people are jealous that you can look good….
Hi Nancy
That is so kind of you to say that. Trust me all pictures are taken at the perfect light. There are tons of wrinkles, digits, discolorations you name it! We are all in this aging thing together!!
Cindy, you look fabuous in your off the shoulder looks! I love the sweatshirt look, it looks casual and elegant at the same time. Thanks so much for having me on the blog today. It was a ton of fun!!!
Hi Tania
I have had so many of my readers tell me that they subscribe to your blog. I had to check you out and now am a subscriber. It is all about empowering women our age (well yours and above!) to feel good about themselves and you do a wonderful job of it!
You look great and yes, I do not like my 67 year old neck but am thankful for good health and a good life. Keep blogging. Makes me happy to read your post and enjoy your photos.
As always Linda thanks for your kind words and wisdom. It’s all about doing the best we can with what we have, right?
You look great and on you it’s a yes! I’m not comfortable which is odd because I will wear a t-strap sun dress. I feel too exposed and for me personally it feels too young and yet on you it looks great. I will say I prefer the total off the shoulder rather than the one shoulder look or the cold shoulder look. I guess I prefer the full commitment. Lol. The black top is my favorite on you and your accessories are spot on. Thumbs up for YOU👍😘
Kathy you probably don’t have huge shoulders like me. I can not wear tiny straps for that reason. I have big bones, big shoulders and a big butt! You have fabulous taste and could style up a storm. You just have to start taking pics of yourself. I fought it like crazy and I still am not comfortable. All of you have helped me get over it somewhat.
“Wear what makes you feel good and what makes you happy!” Very true, but if you need to ask someone’s opinion, it probably doesn’t fall in that category. While I think you look fabulous in all the photos (because you aren’t wearing the cold shoulder look which is just ugly at any age) I also think you look ten years younger in your “meet Cindy” photo. There’s something about dressing older that makes us look younger and vice versa.
Hi Dee Ann
I love your comment. It has a lot of validity as long as we don’t dress like grandma, right? I need to update that pic, it is about 4 or 5 years old, so sadly I was quite a bit younger in years and wrinkles!! Thank you so much for weighing in. I am not a fan of the trying too hard look.
Look at what a model you’ve become. You look great in all the looks. Me? Well, stapless bras don’t quite work on me. And I do have a tumor ( not malignant) on the back of my nexk. So those are the only reason’s I would not wear those looks. But I would not stop because of my age. Only lumps and large bumps. But you look fabulous!!!! I really think it’s just an individual body thing. Love how you put it all together and pose. Bravo!
Strapless bras are a pain aren’t they? Sandra you can wear anything and look fabulous because you know your style, what looks good and you wear it with confidence. You know you are my idol!!
What a good post. The thing I noticed when I looked at the pictures was your smile. I can not tell you how much that makes the outfit shine. Also I enjoyed the link to Eugenia. Have a lovely weekend.
Hi Claudette
I somehow never got rid of the toothy childhood smile! Thank you for the kind words. I adore Eugenia. She exudes class in every way!
Hi, Cindy. I’m visiting your blog from Jennifer’s site, and I think I’ll subscribe to yours as well. I think you look ever so chic and fabulous in your cute tops! I really get weary of those who try to tell us what we should and should not be wearing! If you look good in a style and have the confidence to pull it off, why not? And, yes, I occasionally wear a pair of ripped jeans. Just call me a fashion rebel!
Hi Cindy. I’m visiting from Jennifer’s site and have now signed up for yours as well. I plan to now wear a beautiful poncho I bought in Capri off one shoulder as you styled.
As a 72 yr old, I’m not a fan of the cold shoulder look, but I love the off shoulder look. Go figure! I have several that I like a lot. My favorites are from Soft Surroundings because of the built in bras.
Hi Holly Welcome!
I am so glad to have you. Do you follow my friend Sandra Sallin? She is almost 80, sharp as a tack, great sense of style, and knows her makeup! Check her out I think you will love her if you love Jennifer!
Hi Kathy
I agree with you! It took me awhile to jump on the ripped jean bandwagon, but I have a pair or two now. I only hate it when they are ripped at the knee…why do they do that? At my age it looks like I fell down and skinned my knee!!
Hi Kathy
I agree with everything you said. It is totally individual. One size fits all just because we are a certain age is dead wrong. I never thought I would be wearing gray hair at this length, but it seems to work. I warmed up to the ripped jeans as well. But don’t you hate it when there is a rip straight across the knee? I do not get that one!
I like the one shoulder look better than both. That’s just me both seems to make one look wide. One just a little sexy. By the way I have two pairs of the isle Jacobsen shoes, I love them!
Hi Lorrie
I am with you. I have wide shoulders and a large behind. I feel like that look accentuates the two larges parts of my body…not a good thing!!
I love your look and it is fine to expose shoulders…..why not? It’s casual, sexy and very Cali! I think all your looks are very appropriate for older women if styled like you did. I’m almost mid seventies ( yikes) and wear the look occasionally. I live on the central CA coast and it feels like summertime to expose a shoulder or two….especially when I wear a cashmere sweater with one shoulder exposed , yes, in the summer fog, during No Sky July and Fogust. 💕
Hi Gay
Thank you so much for your comment. This look was a bit challenging for me. Love the cashmere one shoulder look as well. Everything is fine in good taste, right. We just have to be careful at our age….
Hi Gay
Pardon me if I commented twice. I thought I commented earlier but it appears it did not show up. I am glad you pointed out the cashmere off the shoulder look. I love that too with a great pair of jeans. We live in the same neck of the woods FYI!!
Hi Cindy,
Yes, absolutely! You look very chic, in my opinion. Your smile is where my eyes go, not your neck!
I never thought about wearing a poncho like that, I have several and am looking forward to trying them out that way! Great for these foggy summer days, you get some warmth but show a little skin, too!
I personally like the cold shoulder look too, if the cutouts aren’t extreme, especially in a sweater. At this point in our lives I say, wear what makes you feel good and makes you happy!!
XO Heidi
Hi Heidi!
Thank you for your sweet comment. This look was a bit of a struggle for me. You are right we need to wear what makes us feel good. The beauty of age, we no longer have to please anyone but ourselves!
YOU CAN DO IT!
ONLY BECAUSE I KNOW YOU, I UNDERSTAND your HESITATION!
THE PONCHO ESPECIALLY……..
THE SHIRTS I found do not stay down!They ride up so you are constantly tugging them down……..not too attractive in my opinion.
I THINK THIS IS A WONDERFUL LOOK ON YOU!
CONGRATULATIONS for stepping OUTSIDE your COMFORT ZONE!
Next MONTH A TURBAN!!!!!!!!!
XX
I meant to comment about them riding up. It involves constant tugging the shirt down and pulling the bra up! Oh boy a turban…me in a turban now that might be a Saturday Night Live Skit! Only the Contessa can wear a turban and look glamorous!
Cindy this look is a definite YES on you! I love everything you pulled together here and it’s not only appropriate, but fresh and youthful. Why not bare a little shoulder? I like the idea of focusing on my parts that are still looking good. I am going to share this post today. LOVE your style. I am now off to buy that poncho and a few other things you have here!! xo
Hi Kim
I know I responded to this yesterday but it appears to have disappeared. I agree about focusing on the parts that still look good. At my age there aren’t many! You will love the poncho. We need to meet at Warmth soon!
You look fabulous Cindy! I couldn’t agree more about the neck. No matter how tall I stand or how high I lift my chin it seems to have twice the folds of skin it used to have. Great post!
Xx
The gobble gobble neck is a problem…and it ain’t going to get any better unfortunately! We just have to work with what we have!!
Yes to bare shoulders. I think it was Donna Karan who first made the statement/observation about bare shoulders quite a while ago! I have an off-the -shoulder cashmere sweater that I adore…once I jetted the strapless bra (hate bras!) and starting wearing a bandeau/tube style. I say yes to leggings, a big nixya to torn jeans which I think are both silly and insipid. Seems like Judith and I are both cranky this morning!!!
Hi Cranky!
Ha! You are never cranky. I have embraced a bit of tearing, but please not at the knees! Love the idea of a one shoulder cashmere. What could be simpler and more luxurious?!!
It’s the saggy upper arms that really show your age. Wish more summer dresses and tops had better coverage!
I agree Lois. Three quarter sleeves are our best friend!
I love Olukai flip flops they are the best! Thank you for the fun post. You look so good in your tops Cindy but i don’t think the cold shoulder look is for me, they tend to be quite full and my girls are pretty big already so the gathering there is not good, makes me look one shape, and I like to show off my waist while I have it! Happy Thursday!
Hi Francesca
I agree about the waist. I have always had a small waist, big butt and …and I still have some semblance of a waist miraculously. We all just have to do the best we can and not give up. However, we don’t want to look like we are trying to hard either! I am not a fan of that cold shoulder trend either…just didn’t get it..thanks so much for weighing in!
Sorry to be a nattering naybob, but NO, no way would I wear anything off the shoulder, or the silly “cold shoulder” look. I am fit and actually like my neck and I wouldn’t do it. Grown women outside of Spain or Latin America look silly trying to pull this off. Call me cranky, but I don’t like torn up jeans, either!
I agree with you — No cold shoulder, ripped jeans, leggings or animal prints for me. I’m old enough to know what works for me and fads don’t work.
Totally agree with above comments. Look to be ‘mutton in lambs clothes’…trying too hard..
Be the best who /and age you are.
Grow old gracefully and with class.
Hi Patricia
Thank you so much for weighing in. We all need to grow old gracefully!
Hi Mkay
I have to say I like a “little leopard”, and leggins with a tunic, but totally agree with you regarding fads. We should embrace what works on us whatever it may be!!
Hi Judith
Your comment made me smile. You know your style and are not going to be coaxed into anything you know isn’t right for you. I LOVE IT!!!
Cindy, just to be clear, you look GREAT in everything you wear!
Showing my neck is preferable, and less frightening to others, than the saggy, baggy upper arms. Off -shoulder makes me feel stylish and somewhat chic! My experience is that statement earrings distract from my aging neck. Or maybe they just trick me into thinking so! Oh, and Cindy, Korkease forever!
Oh boy Linda are you right about the arms! Yikes! I agree about the statement earrings as well…or is it a trick!! Ha love your comment and yes I wish korkease wouldn’t discontinue their styles so quickly!! I love them!
Yes of course!
Visiting from Jennifer’s blog. Great to see how you all style the look!
Hi Janet! Welcome and thank you so much for stopping by!
YES! Off the shoulder is great for over 50 – for the very reasons you mentioned – plus it’s fun! 🙂 Thanks for always having such wonderful topics and resources! You look fabulous in everything! Hope you have a lovely week!
Hi Barbara
You are so young and vivacious looking you could wear anything! Thanks for the positive reinforcement!