Forget the fashion rulebook! After 50, style becomes a celebration of confidence and experience. Do we care about trends anymore? You’ve honed your taste, discovered what flatters your figure, and frankly, you’re just too busy living your best life to worry about trends. Now’s the time add texture to your neutrals, embrace bold colors, and rock those statement pieces,knowing you look and feel fantastic. In the words of Gore Vidal “Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn”. That is the beauty of being over 50, 60, or 70. Curate a wardrobe that makes you feel confident and authentic. Here’s How you can Own your Own Style After 50 with Confidence.
This blog post was originally published in (2020) but is completely rewritten on this date.
Your style should not only represent your vision and creativity but also fit your lifestyle. Many women our age are no longer working and have a much more casual lifestyle. Your style should be a unique blend of your tastes, interests, and lifestyle reflected in the way you dress. Consider how you want the world to see you and how you want to reflect your personality. Here are my eight suggestions.
Here’s How you can Own your Own Style After 50 with Confidence
#1 Trust your instincts and be authentic
Your style should reflect and celebrate your life. Curate a wardrobe that reflects your personality, whether it’s a timeless elegance, a bohemian spirit, or a playful mix of textures and colors. Authenticity is the key – when you wear clothes that make you feel confident, you’ll outshine any trend.
#2 Utilize Your Basics
Are they a pair of perfectly fitting jeans that make your legs look a million bucks, a crisp white shirt that goes with everything, or a classic blazer that instantly elevates any outfit. These are your style heroes. As long as the item is flattering and works rock it. Get ready to mix, match, and conquer your day with a newfound appreciation for the foundation of your fabulous style.
#3 Choose a Signature Piece
Fashionable women own a signature item or two that becomes part of their personal identity. Items that can dressed up or down depending on the ocassion. A pair of great black pants, blue jeans, a great cashmere sweater, or even a t-shirt, or a unique denim jacket. They are a silent declaration of confidence, and strength. A signature piece is an extension of your personality, and a reminder that you can conquer anything you set your mind to.
The CP Shades Lily Skirt has to be a signature for me. I can dress it up for a wedding, or pair it with flip flops and a tee as I have here for casual wear like running errands.
#4 Shop Smarter
Shopping smarter for your wardrobe is all about intention. Before you hit the stores, take a mindful inventory of your closet. What gaps exist? What colors and styles do you gravitate towards most? Focus on versatile pieces that can be easily mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. Think quality over quantity.
#5 Less is More
Study which pieces you like to reach for the most in your closet and ask yourself why. Wearing fewer pieces in more ways isn’t about restriction, it’s about unlocking a whole new world of possibilities. It’s all about getting creative, mixing and matching with playful abandon.
#6 Accentuate your Strengths
Don’t be afraid to accentuate the positive just don’t overdo it. By choosing clothes that flatter your natural assets, you’ll get an instant confidence boost.
I often tie my shirt at the waist, as my waist is the only smallish part of my body. It draws the eye away from the “larger parts”.
#7 Look for Inspiration in Others
Chanel your inner fashion muse. Whose style do you admire and why? Celebrities are a living runway, offering a treasure trove of ideas to inspire. Browse their looks, browse pinterest and instagram, watch stylists on youtube, clip magazine articles, and create a mood board filled with inspiration. It isn’t about dressing like them, it’s about using their style to unleash your own.
I have long admired Ali MacGraw, Diane Keaton, and Meg Ryan. In fact, I wrote about Ali MacGraw’s timeless style here Ali Macgraw aging gracefully
I love Ali’s gray hair, her ethnic accessories, and her bespoke style that she has owned for decades. How many of us can be that comfortable with ourselves? She has forged a path for us all to follow with age and grace. I enjoyed this article about Ali Macgraw’s jewelry style in Town and Country here.
Diane Keaton is known for her signature menswear-inspired staples, a great white blouse, interesting hats and signature wide belts, exuding a unique blend of whimsy and sophistication. You rarely see her without one of her signature hats or belts and she often rocks the monochromatic look.
I adore Meg Ryan’s girl next door look. Her tousled hair, and her playful masculine aesthic reflects her approachable charm. You might enjoy this article in Vogue about Meg Ryan.
#8 Make Accessories Your Best Friend
Accessories serve as the finishing touches that allow you to infuse your personal flair into any outfit. Buy some vintage pieces that allow you to craft a unique and expressive style that truly reflects your individuality. Toss those heels for a great pair of unique boots, white sneakers, or artistic flats. Don’t be afraid to wear a statement necklace.
My choices are pretty basic, horn, and wood, and ethnic and or vintage silver for jewelry. I always love a great scarf as well.
I am curious who Inspires you and why?
You might enjoy the articles below for more information.
Who What Wear How to Define Your Personal Style
Manpeller Finding your Own Style
Over 50 Women with Ridiculously Good Style-Who What Wear
How to Define Your Style After 50
25 Secrets for Women over 50-Town and Country
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different patterns, textures, accessories, and shoes. It all boils down to feeling good in your own skin—your style should reflect and celebrate your life, your individuality, and your personality. Try not to shop too much; try not to buy into trends the moment you see them. Let your thoughts marinate; give a lot of thought to something before you buy it. Shop vintage for a collected look, seek out unique artisan accessories.
As always thank you for reading Here’s How you can Own your Own Style After 50 with Confidence. Has your style evolved over the years? Finding and refining your own personal style can be fun. From the clothes we wear, to the books we read to the activities we enjoy, style encompasses our entire life. Own your style, be proud of it, and embrace fashion as a way to express who you are and who you want to be. You have earned it!
PER READERS REQUESTS-I wasn’t planning on linking this post, as it is more of an informative post. However, I have been deluged with requests so I am linking what is available. The off white jacket with the patches and custom monogramming is by Cara Brown Designs. You can contact Cara here about her Life Jackets. The jacket is an old Max Mara Weekend Jacket. I found one and linked below.
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Having a very hard time in my early 50s style-wise, not so much because of the age, but because of the slide toward menopause… Being +15 lbs over my fighting best, and being upset that despite best efforts not an ounce falls off my frame, I have a tough time finding myself style-wise. My style used to be defined by my lithe silhouette and European upbringing. Now, though I still fit in those clothes, I no longer have that ‘greyhound’ grace, and that sadly shows in the fit, and translates into how I feel: not great. Buying larger sizes feels like defeat. It’s terrible. Don’t know, maybe I’ll find some inspiration here, but really feeling out of sorts stylistically right now.
Love your blog! As a child of the 70s I lean towards the classic, tailored looks like Lauren Hutton, Faye Dunaway, Cybill Shepherd…clean lines, trousers, flared pants and fitted jackets. I’m glad to see a lot of the classic 70s cycling back thru (not so much disco but BRING IT, love that too!)
Thanks for all the effort you bring to your blog 😉
Hi Valletta
You can’t go wrong with the classics! I think BR is doing a great job with beautiful classics currently. Thanks for your kind comments!
Hi Cindy-
I really enjoy your blog. Your sense of style is great in both clothing and decor.
I would love to see a post on sundresses appropriate for those of us over 60. I absolutely like the dresses shown online and in the media,, , but they are more suitable to the younger crowd. Too “girly”, or young looking.. Can you give us some guidance, please?
Hi Mary
I have a hard time with those dresses as well. Juliet (from make mine a spritzer) and Mary Ann look darling in them. Too much pattern, layers and ruffles don’t look good on me. I like you, love them on others. We are doing Spring fashion next week. I have a couple of dresses to share.
Fabulous post, Cindy — and thanks for the great reminders of these three lovely style icons. You inspired me to search for more of their looks, too. Thanks for your inspiration!
Hi Cindy
So glad you enjoyed it!!
Cindy,
I loved this post. I’m a fan of the way the three actors you showed us. In part, because I’ve always admired their style of everyday clothes. Thank you for sharing the tips in staying and being comfortable in your own style
Karen B.
Hi Karen
I love those three women’s style so much!
Great post! I have always loved fashion and have discovered as I’ve grown older (I am 69) I am much more brave in my fashion choices. Frankly I don’t care if others like what I’m wearing. I’ve got to like it!
My favorite moment earlier this year happened when I walking downtown in my city. I had on a long brown leather skirt, boots, a cream sweater and a silver Concho belt (my signature piece). A young man was driving by and yelled out his window “You are rocking it Lady!”
Wear what makes you feel good!
Hi Becky
I love that!!
Fabulous post Cindy!
In addition to all you’ve shared, I think another important element of “positivity” when we age is to make a tiny effort with respect to the “face” we show the world each day. As in so many other things, YOU are a perfect example and role model! Your hair, makeup application and I guess I’d just characterize it as overall “grooming” is Goldilocks perfect. Not too much, not too little, just right. Always. I don’t know or see you in real life, but I have a feeling you typically take the time to “put on a little bit of a face” (nothing too elaborate) each day, and especially before heading out in public.
I’ve been recently inspired by a new friend in my Pilates class who is the same “vintage” as me (75). She wears the usual workout gear like all the rest of us but makes an effort with her hair and a tiny, tiny bit of (workout appropriate) makeup that just elevates her natural beauty and makes her glow. I get the sense she’s not doing this for OUR benefit, but rather for her own. As if to say, “I still have some decent stuff to work with here … I feel good about myself and want to put my best foot forward as I go through my day … I’m worth the few extra minutes it will take to apply a little “eye” and “lip” and run a brush through my hair before heading out the door. Even if just for exercise class.” (To be fair, this woman has a lovely, loving personality and inner beauty as well. But it’s the way she “presents herself” that sets her apart and makes her a “people magnet” …. others are just naturally drawn to her.)
I’ve followed her lead and now put a tad more time and effort into prepping the face and hair I intend to share with the world each day. This may sound odd or arrogant, but I’ve found it makes a HUGE difference in my attitude and overall confidence. And, not so coincidentally, I think it makes a HUGE difference in how we “women of a certain age” are treated by others, too. Those we come into contact with, whether at the grocery or the plant nursery or wherever our retired lifestyles allow, (and even our spouses!) notice. When we don’t look like a ‘bag lady”, we reduce the odds of being treated like one.
Only to say that in addition to what we pull out of the closet each day, the very few minutes devoted to hair and makeup, can have a big impact, too. As previously stated, you’re the perfect example.
Thank you, Cindy, for always inspiring us to “be our best selves”. I think I speak for many when I say that even though we don’t know you personally, we consider you a true friend!
Hi Anne
Wonderful points! You ladies are my tribe!! I love you all!
One signature accessory I love is Chico’s belts, which will dress up the simplest outfits. And they are available for a song on e-Bay.
Hi Heidi
Great suggestion!!
Cindy,
I love your blog and all of your suggestions on style especially for us ladies who are in our 60’s, 70’s who still live to dress chic!
I was wondering where you purchased your jacket on the beginning of. This article. It is cream with embellishments. It is gorgeous and could be styled many ways! All of your suggestions are spot on for me. Could you place links please? Blessings, Debbie
Hi Deborah
I think I also responded to your question earlier but it looks like it disappeared as well. I am so sorry. That jacket is from Cara Brown Designs. She custom makes them for each person. I provided the jacket (from ebay) and she “decorated” it.
https://www.instagram.com/carabrowndesigns/
Hi Cindy,
I love this article and I will keep it to inspire me along the way. You just brightened up my day.
Thanks!
Georgia
Hi Georgia
I am so happy to hear that!!
In my everyday life, I don’t have much chance to get dressed up. However, on a recent trip of duration, I had lots of fun deciding what to wear to dinner each night with shoes and accessories. It was like I was using my body as a canvas and each night I snapped a picture so I could remember the outfit. I wasn’t doing it to impress anyone but it was my own way of expressing myself and being able to wear some things that were many years old but timeless. Cindy, you certainly have found what suits you best and for those of us who enjoy the same styles, you are our mentor, to others, you are inspiration!
Hi Wren
You have such great style. I bet it was fun and how smart of you to snap pictures. I have to go back and look at the blog on occasion to remember how I styled this or that. It is so easy to have too much. The right accessories can make or break an outfit!!
Fantastic post thank you Cindy. I love your style so much ! I now do that “buy better buy less” and invest in quality pieces, so nice to open your closet and see less things! Have a lovely day.
Hi Francesca
I do too. I have to buy some things at places like H&M and Zara because not everyone can afford Eileen Fisher. That being said the good things last.
thanks for this post and the list. Somethings I don’t wear simply because they are uncomfortable or I feel so akward! Plus I am not a skinny gal at all. I have certain stores I shop at that are affordable for me. Makes it easier to coordinate though there are those renagrade pieces. One thing I do now at 72 I haven’t done in a long time is to go sleeveless and to enjoy how I look.
Hi Linda
I totally understand the comfort issue! Who cares if you aren’t skinny! I am the heaviest I have been since high school. I hope to lose those pounds but if I don’t I will just have to make it work. Go girl! Wear what makes you feel good!
I AGREE with Everything you said. I am over 70 and love to play with clothes and makeup. That is who I have always been so why stop now. If you are blessed with good health enjoy every season of life being who you are. Keep having fun!!!
Hi Sue
Thanks for your words of wisdom! I am in the last year of my 60’s so I am right behind you!
I love your posts and read everything. The vest you are wearing with the white blouse and jeans speaks to me. So many of your things are vintage, but is there any chance this is a piece that I could find? I love this look.
I found a similar one n Eddie Bauer. It’s especially great when you don’t want to carry a purse too!
Hi Robin
Thank you for sharing…I love that vest!
Hi Pamela
The vest was from Banana Republic last year. I have not been able to find the exact one on ebay or poshmark. This one from LL Bean is a great option:
https://rstyle.me/+5W5JQj7IeOpyxgTCE8eh0g
You have a unique, beautiful style that I find so “Collected.” I love your advice on accessories!!
Oscar de la Renta’s quote is an example of why he designed such classic beautiful clothes that flatter women. He understood the difference between trends and style, and I must agree. In past style blogs on my website I’ve chosen the same three women with style I try to emulate, along with Rene Russo’s character in The Thomas Crown Affair. xoxox, Brenda
Cindy,
This is a great reminder. It’s taken me a long time to become comfortable with my own particular style. I would say the women that inspire me and that I feel I can parallel the outfits they pull together are the 3 you mentioned and I would throw in Helen Mirren as well. Now that I’m 70 I definitely feel more comfortable with what I “have to work with” and it gives me a boost of energy to be free of worry about what every other person is doing. You have become one of my favorite style icons and I am always inspired by your words and ideas.
xo,
Karen
Cindy, I am always inspired by your posts but this one was exceptional! When I was in my 20s and 30s I envisioned dressing elegantly as an older woman but I have to say that I am still at 71 a prepster at heart. Of course, I have tweaked my look to be age appropriate but my personal style has remained the same in fashion and at home. I aim for classic with a pop! Any time I stray too far from what works for me, the item doesn’t satisfy for long.
Love your style and joy. I want to step out of my tailored box but and afraid🤔. Any tips?
Hi Jess
There is nothing wrong with tailored as long as you own it! Maybe add some fun accessories, a pretty scarf with more color than you would normally wear, or a statement necklace? Some fun shoes in an animal print? Good Luck and have fun!
These are fabulous, Cindy! I couldn’t agree more. You have nailed your enviable style to a T and are effortlessly chic. xo
I agree with your style manifesto! I turn 71 next month and I have been “retired” since 1995. I gave away my business suits to a non for profit to help women go back to work. That made me smile. I have in time become more the me I was in college when I fell in love with BoHo, maxiskirts and dresses and ethnic patterns. I love Johnny Was Kimonos. I tend to dress with a neutral “column” usually black with fun Kimonos and jewelry. But since March and for the unfortunate forseeable future, it’s casual. As with Elizabeth, probably with a different slant, not the life I thought I would be living, but dang! I am living. I try to be grateful for that every day. Some days are easier than others. I am glad that your blog is giving back to you. You have given all of us so much.
You look fabulous, your house looks fabulous, your yard looks fabulous, etc., etc., etc. Thank you.
Hi Judie
Thank you so much for your sweet comment
I love this colaberation…My three favorite “style” bloggers. There is a wonderful synchronicity between the three of you. Each unique, but with a shared appriciation of a well styled life.
thanks so much. All three posts were terrific!
xok
Hi Kate!
We love you for your kind words. Thank you from the three of us!
Cindy I love this so much you have the best style of anyone I know . I think this is probably my favorite post ever. Thank you for sharing your secrets. I agree shopping less and choosing wisely is why you have great style- and you know how to put things together. Thanks I’m going to follow these rules!!!! xx Kim
Right on dear buddy. I agree with everything you have to say. Elizabeth turned me on to Bryn Walker and I never stopped. Well, that is they just closed their Santa Monica Store. So…. It will be hard to shop just online. I have started purchasing some Johnny Was to wear for my IGTV videos. So that is fun. I’ve also been wearing some Lulu lemon pants almost every day with a white top. It’s on repeat. I don’t think it’s style but it’s better than my PJs. I do adore fun jewelry and of course makeup. So where in the world am I? I have no idea. I started with one thought and here I am with??? Bottom line I do know what I like and I collect it. Loved this post. Of course I enjoy all of yours.
Wonderful ideas for personal style Cindy… and I like the company you are keeping wit these other gorgeous icons 🙂 xv
Cara Cindy
Bellissimo articolo, molto interessante. Io mi definisco una persona molto classica, nella casa nel mio modo di vestirmi, mi sento mio agio così, non possiedo un guardaroba fornitissimo ma alcuni pezzi mi appartengono da anni, a cui non rinuncerò mai le mie scarpe Ferragamo qualche borsa Gucci. Adoro Max Mara, e i foulard vintage. Ammiro le persone alternative che coraggiosamente osanoio non né sono capace. Le tre donne da te scelte sono top nella loro individualità. Il mio idolo è Margot Fonteyn, vestiva squisitamente. DIOR
Y. S. L. ALTRI TEMPI. Questione di gusto io non sono giovane ma non mi ritengo anziana 72 anni.. Una donna elegante è stata Marella Caracciolo Agnelli. Buona settimana Cindy.
Great tips, Cindy! I agree with all of them. And I love your style and inspirations, you’ve done such a great job making it your own.
Thanks for inviting me to join up with you and Vicki!
Great blog, as always! You have inspired me over the last couple of years to be a little more brave (faux leather leggings, leopard print scarf…thank you! 🙂 Would love to have the ‘small waist’ that would make other beautiful fashion and accessory items look good on me that are so great on you.. So beautiful!
“Your style should not only represent your vision and creativity but also fit your lifestyle.”
I think you will agree with me I have NAILED THIS!I have CAFTANS for DAY TIME,EVEIng and working in the GARDEN.If not in a CAFTAN I am in a Bryn Walker two to three piece Linen COLORFUL ensemble which takes me to the grocery store and doctors offices!I don’t LIVE the LIFE I had envisioned for myself years ago but I still dress as if THE COMPANY is showing UP!
You are so true to your style Elizabeth I so admire you for that. Somedays when I am sitting at my computer in my sweats I tell myself get with it. Eliz would be dressed to the nines!!
NOT TO THE NINES but I found out early on in this PANDEMIC to pretend LIFE WAS ON AS PER THE NORM and if I dressed with purpose and did my skincare I FELT BETTER ALL DAY!!
IT REALLY DOES HELP me.
Wise words for us all! When Summer and I went to the Contessa’s the other day Elizabeth was the picture of elegance. Me on the other hand…not so much!!!
Of all the blogs I read, I find yours are the most thoughtful and applicable for my life.
I believe that most of us are most beautiful when we allow the years to show in our hair and body, especially throughout the years if we have taken care of these wonderful bodies we have been given!
Love of life and others will show on the outside from inside!
Confidence in ourselves and what we choose to wear can’t be undermined by others: that is the gift of age!!!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful thoughts!
Great comment! I feel the same way. Thanks
Hi Gloria
Amen to the gift of age. We don’t have to please anyone but ourselves. We however can be the harshest critics! Thanks for weighing in!
Gloria your words hit home. “Love of life and others will show on the outside from the inside”. Please keep commenting.
Love it! At some point..hopefully, you get comfortable in your own skin. Hopefully, sooner rather than later.
Ty!
Hi Denise
So true!!
Thank you for this article and for the story on Ali McGraw….Love story was my favorite movie for many years!
Living in Los Angeles, I got a glimpse of her when she was with Steve McQueen, another hear throb. I grew up in the 50’s and 60’s and loved that era.
I eagerly watch and read all your newsletter’s and am so grateful to see style come back to life.. It is timeless and ageless!