First of all thank you for all of your kind thoughts on my sister’s passing. I have always thought I had such an incredible readership and now I know. You guys truly are “my tribe”. I can’t thank you enough for all your support. Today, I am joining a couple of my favorite bloggers Vicki Archer and Susan from Une Femme d Un Certain Age and we are talking about finding our own style. I know it sounds elusive. 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. Most of us are comfortableI in our own skin. Style is not about age, and it isn’t about the latest trends. Style is about working with what you have and making it your own, no matter your age. Finding and refining your own personal style is a struggle let’s face it. From the clothes we wear,to the books we read to the activities we enjoy, style encompasses our entire life. What kind of music do we listen to? Which movies and artists inspire us? Where have our travels taken us? This is what defines our personal style. Do you feel like you are owning your own style after 50? If not let’s talk about how you can.
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. Consider how you want the world to see you and how you want to reflect your personality. Here are my seven suggestions
Here ae my suggestions for owning your style after 50.
#1
Trust your instincts and be authentic
Your style should reflect and celebrate your life. We have earned it haven’t we?
#2
What are your basics?
As long as the item is flattering and works buy multiples
For me, it would probably be jeans, tees, a button-down linen shirt, and turtlenecks.
#3 Choose a Signature Piece
Fashionable women own a signature item or two that becomes part of their personal identity.
Currently, the CP Shades Lily Skirt has to be a signature for me.
#4 Shop Smarter
Invest in pieces that will stand the test of time
#5 Less is More
Study which pieces you like to reach for the most in your closet and ask yourself why
#6 Accentuate your Strengths
Don’t be afraid to accentuate the positive just don’t overdo it. I have a small waist although nothing else is.
#7 Look for Inspiration in Others
Whose style do you admire and why?
I have long admired Ali MacGraw, Diane Keaton, and Meg Ryan.
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.
Diane Keaton almost always cinches in her waist with a great belt. You rarely see her without one of her iconic hats and she can rock the monochromatic look.
I adore Meg Ryan’s girl next door look. With her tousled hair, often a simple turtleneck & masculine boots, she pulls off a seemingly effortless casual look.
#8 Make Accessories Your Best Friend
Use accessories to express your creativity. Buy some vintage pieces for interest.
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 enjoyed this article about Ali Macgraw’s jewelry style in Town and Country here.
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. 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!
As always thank you for reading Owing Your Own Style After 50. Has your style evolved over the years? How would you describe your style? I can’t wait to hear Susan and Vicki’s spin on this. Please share your thoughts and check out their posts. I know you will enjoy!
VICKI ARCHER
UNE FEMME DE UN CERTAIN AGE
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!