Who Says What Women Over 60 Should or Shouldn’t Wear
I have been meaning to write a post on this for awhile because the concept is so irritating. This is such a personal thing. What works for one person over 60 might not work for another. Publications and stylists that are focusing on this are encouraging self-doubt. I don’t wear shorts, tank tops, or short skirts but I know plenty of women over 60 who can and should. I don’t mind a little distressing on my jeans, and I like my combat boots, but realize many find that unflattering. The point is we are all different, and we know our strengths and weaknesses and what we are personally comfortable wearing. No one should be telling us we should wear this and should not wear that. Style is an intensely personal matter, and age should not dictate a universal wardrobe. These arbitrary mandates inspire unnecessary insecurity rather than actual style.. Who Says What Women Over 60 Should or Shouldn’t Wear.
Leather jacket similar here, turtleneck similar here, leopard skirt, several on Poshmark here, or (similar here), combat boots several here, sunglasses similar here.
The Myth of the Universal Rule
“This makes you look old”. “Mature Women should not be wearing this,.” “Older women” should only wear the classics”. What works for one person over 60 might be completely wrong for another. We all have different body types, lifestyles, and our own personal aesthetics that make us unique (thank god). The manufactured guidance that what works for one works for all, is silly. It undermines our personal confidence and identity. We aren’t 20 somethings anymore, we know our own style and how to rock it.
Sweatercoat here, comfy jeans here, denim shirt here, less expensive option here, cowboy boots here, bag here, sunglasses similar here.
Confidence over Conformity
There are certain items that create polarization, distressed denim, short skirts, sleeveless tops, combat boots, and shorts to name a few. Comfort and owning our own style is all that should matter. If something makes us feel good, we should go for it. We are aware of our “strengths and weaknesses” and our personal “comfort levels” when dressing. A stylish outfit is one that makes us feel great, regardless of whether it adheres to a manufactured universal rule.
Poncho here, jeans here, shirt here, boots here, hat here.
Own It-Our Style Our Choice
At a certain age, we finally have the courage to stop listening to the “fashionistas” and flipping through magazines that dictate the rules, choosing instead to listen exclusively to our own hearts. That, truly, is the moment our personal style becomes unstoppable. The older I get, the clearer my investment philosophy becomes: buy the best quality closet staples you can afford, those foundational pieces that will genuinely stand the test of time. Once that strong base is established, let your accessories and statement pieces do the heavy lifting. Use them to crank up the volume, and defy what’s supposedly “age-appropriate,” but unequivocally own our own style.
Blazer similar here, jeans here, chambray shirt here, shoes here,sunglasses here.
Further Reading:
How to Achieve a Collected Look in Your Wardrobe
How to Own Your Own Style After 50
How to Make your Style your Own with Unique Accessories
How to Wear Combat Boots Over 50
Many of you know that I have become a big fan of Shopmy. There are many affiliate platforms to choose from but ShopMy ticks all of my boxes. They aren’t trying to be Instagram, they believe ‘the future of shopping isn’t algorithm-driven, but trust driven. Authenticiy and curation is key which is right up my alley. Anyway, you can find my entire storefront here. You can click on the categories such as Over 50 Fashion, IG and Blog Posts, Home Decor, Outfits of the Week, and more. I am constantly updating my storefront with favorites like Nordstrom Rack faves, Saks Off Fifth, and others so you can find the latest for less. I have spent many hours curating this shop so I hope you will enjoy it!
Blazer similar here, skirt here, boots here, eyeglasses from Specs by Kyla, or similar here, or here. Vintage rhinestone pins from my collection.
Thanks for reading my rant Who Says What Women Over 60 Should or Shouldn’t Wear. I will hop off my soapbox now. The next time you see a list of things women must wear or should avoid simply because of their age, I hope you have the courage to snicker and move on. We have earned the right to ignore that nonsense. We’ve established our foundation with quality closet staples, we know our bodies and our personal comfort zones, and we understand that true style has nothing to do with following someone else’s outdated manual. Throw out the rule book, listen to your heart, and wear what makes you feel fabulous. The only style authority you need is the confident woman looking back at you in the mirror.
Cindy! You’re a wonderful inspiration of a woman over 60 who’s comfortable with herself and knows her style. And you always look amazing. One of the loveliest benefits of age is no longer feeling the need to wear whatever’s trending regardless of whether it flatters our particular size and shape. While I do love to update my closet with new and fresh pieces, I don’t feel bad taking a pass on those that don’t feel right for me. I still make a mistake here and there tho. Ha! xo
Hi Juliet
So well stated. I still make mistakes constantly, but I don’t feel the need to do whatever is “on trend” anymore
I loved this! You speak for me. At 79 (and a half!), I’ve just ordered my first pair of faux leather pants! Cropped, straight, black … I thought they would be fun for the holidays. I mean, really. If not now, when?
Hi Susan
Yes!! They are so flattering, why not, right?
Bravo Cindy. Nearly every time I shop I struggle to find clothes that fit and aren’t made for woman much younger whose bodies haven’t reached a tipping point. That and colors. Just because they deem that orange or brown look is the In Color doesn’t mean we all look good in it. I try to dress in my own style which is arty and colorful but I have to admit the pickings are slim. A boutique here and there. But if I see the owner/manager is tall and slim I know it’s likely a waste to go in. When you are vertically challenged and maybe have a hip issue – good luck. But what you said about accessories really hits the nail on the head. With a few well fitting basics in your personal best colors you can really be individual. I see many women of a certain age who make an effort and look fantastic. I am not impressed with fads and poor quality. Nor endless spending. I just tweak things now and then with something new or recycled. My grandmother used to say that your smile was your best accessory. She was right!
Hi Cindy—I am not receiving yours posts in my inbox or junk folder. I happen to check today to see if there was a post since Sunday and this one came up. Please place me back on your list. Thank you
I find you an inspiration Cindy. Like Diane Keaton, Helen Mirren and many others, dress your way and look great. I once saw an older woman in my local store dressed in a leopard print sweater, belt with a denim shirt and rhinestone brooch. I had to ask her if she was a Cindy Hattersley follower, she laughed and said yes. She looked great.
I recently had to find something to wear for a cocktail type wedding. I am not into ruffles, sequins, etc. it’s just not me. Needless to say, I bought a second hand dress in a dusty pink tone, which to my surprise looked great on this 71 YO body. Together with my cream cashmere shawl, my pearls, kitten heels and a cute pink floral clutch and Charlotte Tilbury glam, I set out. I was surprised to receive so many compliments, even complete strangers (young women) came up to me and told me I was absolutely gorgeous. Maybe we’re not as invisible as we think we are.
Thanks for your good advice Cindy…be you.
Becky your wedding attired sounds absolutely perfect! Thank you for your support and kind comment!
Applause!!!!! I’m so tired of “what every woman over 50 needs in her closet”… UGH! I’m 67 I know what I like and I don’t need approval.
Hi MP3
Couldn’t agree more!!
As a retired Interior Designer, I have always had “fun” with fashion…. regardless of age. I do miss the days I could toss on a sleeveless dress or mini and feel comfortable in it, but alas, the body ain’t what it used to be. I love shopping at Anthropologie and Free People, and the sales staff know me well. When I decided to marry at age 70, I found my dress at Anthro! A wonderful cream satin sheath trimmed in heavy black lace. I accessorized it with a vintage jet-black necklace found on Etsy. In my younger years I wouldn’t have been so brave with my choices. With age comes knowing yourself and what makes you happy. I guess that’s why I married at 70! Love your words.
Becky!
Congrats! Who says you can’t find love again, right? I love Anthropologie and Free People. I just wish FP was more consistent with their sizing! I would have never had the confidence at a young age to just be me either!!
Cindy, I love your fashion choices. You present the total picture that makes it all work–the hair, makeup, and accessories. Thank you for sharing your ideas!
I think the most important exercise I ever did was to confirm my color “season” (Light Summer) and my body type (Soft Dramatic KIBBE). Those two things have saved me more time and money than one can imagine!
I’m 5’8″, tall, long torso and top heavy. I cannot wear capris or straight leg pants without looking like I’m wearing floods! I must wear v-necks, or surplice, ruched etc. no boat necks, nothing boxy, nothing with too much fabric or it looks like I have “pigeon breast”!
Find what looks good on *your* body and with *your* coloring and it will all fall into place!
Great post, thanks!
Speaking of age…..over the last few months I tried shopping for a dress to wear to my daughter’s upcoming outdoor Spring wedding. The stores have pitiful inventory so naturally I looked online (and in store when I inevitably returned the items). Anyone notice how they don’t make cocktail attire for the menopausal body? I am a petite 5′, not overweight, but my post-menopausal weight distribution is that of an apple, complete with DD size girls. I knew I would have to get a dress altered, but often I had to try on a size 10 just to get the dress to close! It was an unpleasant experience. Then, 5 different dress returns later, I discovered Chiara Boni la Petite Robe. An Italian designer (she’s 70 something now) who pioneered making beautiful, stylish dresses out of scuba-type material (also eco-conscious)–basically ALL her dresses stretch and are essentially like having built in spandex. Found a lovely dress online at SAK’s for 55% off. And it fit! As far as what you wear at “our” age? We’re way too old (& too wise) to give a hoot what people think and we deserve to wear whatever makes us feel good. What works for a tall thin woman with gorgeous flowing hair isn’t going to work for a petite curvy woman who’s thinning fine hair demands the usual “bob” . I do rely WAY more on accessories now than when I was younger. And when I find an item that fits particularly well, I buy several pieces in different colors and look for sales. Avenue Montaigne ALEX pants are my latest go-to! I’m really tuned into proportion and complimentary colors at the moment.
Hi Gemma
What is it with the “girls” anyway? Mine have never been small but now ugh!!! And the belly…it is all a challenge, that’s for sure. Thanks for sharing those brands. I will look into them!!
Absolutely agree! Better yet we should be saying mind your own business, if you don’t like what I’m wearing look at something else besides me.
Hi Andi
Ha!! Go girl!!
I’ve always worn what I like! I’m 68yrs old tall and slim so I wear what fits by body type. My opinion is if they don’t like it they are jealous. You look great in all your outfits, Cindy!
Hi Nancy
Women our age are not like or mothers or grandmothers. We know what looks good on us, and applying mass rules makes no sense. We are all different and know our own bodies.
You really own your style, and I admire that. It can be hard to learn. Your outfits here are really cute, especially the last one. Wow!
The do and don’t rules fall on deaf ears with me. By now, I know what looks good on me and what looks stupid and way too young, so I do my own thing. After being tied to my computer for five years, writing a book and getting it published, I’ve finally bought a number of new pieces, and they’re all pretty flashy: silver jeans, beaded pants, etc. In the next week or two, I’m doing a blog similar to this one you’ve written so we’ll see what people say. BTW, I especially love the way you use multiple pins on your pieces. You have such great style! xoxox, Brenda
Love your style, Cindy! As I’ve stated before, we are built differently and I can’t rock certain looks they way you can but I do take inspiration from it all.
Less than age, I can feel limited by living in the middle of nowhere, and my casual lifestyle. My goal is to appear to be current and comfortable with a dash of jen ne sais quoi. Casually stylish without trying too hard.
The denim ensemble with the brown blazer, vintage pin covered blouse buttons, and Artiemis mules is my all time favoritel
I love what you said about living away from cities and having a casual lifestyle but still wanting to be current. It’s like that for me as well. I once wore a blazer to a near by wine tasting and people said “you’re so dressed up” 🙂
Hi All,
For me, I have given up reading most fashion magazines for advice. I look to people like Cindy for inspiration. There are outfits, I love, but I don’t feel comfortable in them. I’m a classic woman at heart. So, I buy what makes me feel good. Sleeveless, no, Short skirts, no, blazers yes, turtlenecks and jeans, yes.
Everyone should be comfortable and feel good in their clothes.
Cindy, You are adorable as is your style! I may not be able to wear your clothes, but I so enjoy looking at what you wear! You “paint” such gorgeous pictures with your style! I LOVE your artwork!
From one Cindy to another—-a woman of style is like viewing a lovely work of art. Each is unique and creative. It makes me happy to enjoy each one’s different approach to fashion and style. You have a great style that is delightful while mine is more classic with lots of leather! It’s fun to be able to rock these outfits “at our age” and we should not be diminished or dismissed by so called fashion experts.
Cindy I love your style on you. It wouldn’t work for me except for jeans and shirts with a tee underneath. My DD girls look ridiculous in tank tops. On our very hot days I wear thin tees and Bermuda shorts. Most days now I wear my jeans either slim, straight or wide leg with tees underneath shirts. My lifestyle is very casual mountain country here in Southern Colorado. I shop online, no negative sales people. Brick and mortar stores are over 50 miles away up in Colorado Springs, so no, online works for me. I’m petite at 5’1” tall but no longer have my tiny waist, so no tucking in shirts. I like to look good but dress for my own comfort. By the way, I’m almost 81!
Sydney H
I’m 5 ft. And also no tucked in shirts. But love jeans, tees and vest. I’m 79 & live right outside of Austin TX
I’m 5 ft. And also no tucked in shirts. But love jeans, tees and vest. I’m 79 & live right outside of Austin TX
I love your style Cindy! You give some great advice to us, mature women. I look forward to reading your blog every day. Keep up the good work!
Thank you for this post, Cindy. I’m 73 and wear shorts almost daily — 5” to exercise and 7” for other shorts. It’s hot in southwest Florida and I wear sleeveless tops all summer. I might wear combat boots if I lived in a cooler climate 🙂
My answer to these naysayers is “If you don’t like how I look, look at somebody else.”
Good Answer Kay!
Great response, Kay! I love your answer!
I love your style, Cindy! It is completely different than mine; it is beautiful and unique to you, and it always makes me smile and feel joyful! I enjoy looking at all types of styles on women our age. I learn a lot from your posts and I believe that there are no boundaries to the art of fashion that makes each of us feel confident and alive! Keep up the good work!
Jayne
I agree whole-heartedly with you. And your style is both unique and gorgeous. I’m 76 and since retirement, I’ve been experimenting with my personal style. I finally think I’ve gotten it together. I’ve eliminated a few things and added many. And I feel free to avoid fashion trends if they don’t serve me. One thing I have also changed is my slavish attachment to color charts. It’s fun to have your colors done, but adhering to a limited palette can be boring. I would have missed out on some cool browns that they are showing this season.
Bravo, Cindy! A brilliant ‘rant’ & one so many of us want to wage. I adore when you wrote, ‘ Once that strong base is established, let your accessories and statement pieces do the heavy lifting’. Super advice. I think the trick for all ages is finding what compliments our body shape & what does not. I never looked good in a short skirt, I only wish I did! If one’s goal is to feel relevant to the times & you love fashion, knocking out a great haircut, eyeglasses (if you wear them) is bang for your buck. Like interior design, when I need help figuring out what style I love & I need ideas, I lean on magazines, & of course the internet. You have always been an inspiration, & have incredible style. Keep speaking up for us old broads and dressing so beautifully. You make us ‘over’s’ very proud!
I follow another blogger who is older but writes beautifully on aging. She has been attacked on Instagram for wearing sleeveless. I think that is horrible. I say, if it’s hot, wear the sleeveless dress or top. I do!
Love your style Cindy! It is very different from most…in a good way.
At 68 I don’t feel the need to give up on my appearance, although I feel clothing companies & some older women think we should. I don’t dress to impress anyone but myself! Love your style Cindy!
Hi Beth
Great point. We don’t have to give up, but we want to look good on our own terms-
Love this!
I love that Beth!! 👏🏻
Hi Beth
I couldn’t agree more. There are a couple of brands that you readers really support and they don’t give me the time of day because I dont’ think they realize that we buy a lot of their clothes!
If I read “age appropriate” on fashion advice one more time, I’ll scream. Style is style and never fades with fads or trends. Cindy, your style is fabulous and you always look beautiful and comfortable in it. It took me too many years to count before I “found” my style and I’m 76. I love what I wear, I feel great wearing it and I think I look pretty darn good. And I’m not going to listen to a 40 year old tell me what to wear. So there, I’ve vented and it feels great!!!
Hi Lindsay
It is particularly irritating when someone half our age, with half of our life experiences tell us what we should and shouldn’t wear.
There’s a well-known influencer who insists midlife women should not wear prints. I tried for a few months to come to terms with this idea, even following her suggestions, ordering a few solid color items, and pushing my color and pattern to the back of the closet. Finally, I came to my senses. Why would I take the advice of someone who, in my opinion, looks blah and boring? In fact, why would I listen to anyone but myself regarding what I like to wear? Cindy, you are a style icon — and if I take anyone’s advice, it will be yours!
Hi Bette
I am not a huge “print person” only because they aren’t necessarily my thing-however I know plenty of women my age and older who love and look great in patterns! Wear what you love.
Cindy About 12 years ago I was helping my daughter find a dress to go to dinner in Paris during a short trip that she had been invited to . It was a very hot day and we were both frazzled and had been looking all afternoon. Finally we were upstairs in a very major store I won’t name. The saleswoman was critical ..!..and made a comment that older women shouldn’t wear camisoles. I had on a camisole with a short sleeved garment over it unbuttoned. It had to be 90 outside. We found a lovely dress for my daughter but that comment has stuck with me for years. Instead of that rudeness it would have been nice to say what an exciting idea to look beautiful in a Parisian cafe with someone you enjoy. ..and said she hoped we were cooling down or offered water. I admire older women who make an effort to be visible in this culture. as it doesn’t always value us. I do see older women who seem to have given up with their total appearance all around me these days. Being meaningful to me may be saying hello to a neighbor or helping with childcare or the effort to do your hair before stepping out to grocery shop..something simple but encouraging which we all need right now. Thank you for taking lot of time to find things for us. Donnie
Hi Donnie
Excellent points!!
Thank you, my thoughts and feelings exactly! I have finally come to an age where I wear what “I” feel good in not what others feel good in. I love your style and have been a long time follower. Look forward to your posts!😊
Hi Jes
Isn’t it refreshing to no longer be a slave to fashion?