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Being Older and Fashionable

I started watching a video on YouTube by a woman warning other women over 50 about what not to wear. Sometimes these fashion no-nos are funny, but this time it really annoyed me so much I shut it down after only a couple minutes. Why do women always try to establish rules to make other women feel bad when they're doling out advice?

I'm a be comfortable, live-and-let-live non-fashionista. My wardrobe is basically jeans, sweat pants, leggings and oversize t-shirts, all of which I thrift now. I do have a few dusters and dresses I can wear for formal occasions, but I don't have to deal with many of those any more. I could care less about what other people, especially other women, think of what I wear.

That said, I also have some opinions. I think a lot of women of a certain age (why can't we just say older women?) try to cling to their long-lost youth with how they dress. I know someone in RL (who shall remain nameless) who is my age but dresses like she's still 20, and her very stylish outfits don't match her face or body, and instead just silently scream of that kind of desperation. Add in the fact that she never smiles or looks happy and you have a real magnet for judgment. Dressing like you're twenty when you're sixty just makes you look older and rather sad, in my opinion, but again, live and let live. If that kind of thing makes you happy, be happy.

If you want my advice on how to overcome the age thing, you really can't. You can look good at the age you're at, however. Dressing in colors that are flattering to you is superior to wearing too-young trendy clothes. I happen to look quite good in black and white or gray because of my white hair and pale eyes; those colors emphasize my best assets. I don't think older women have to opt for pastels or florals, either. If strong colors make you look vibrant, go for them (another thing I think is pretty on older women: a loose top in a strong color paired with a long white skirt or trousers.)

Clingy or form-fitting clothes may look good on you if you have a fabulous body, but at this age most of us don't, so it's better to opt for something with a little drape that has nice lines. I love seeing older women dressing up in a slightly too-big long sleeve button up shirt or a plaid blazer over a solid-color pullover and jeans; that's effortlessly chic. Don't date yourself by trying to dress like the kids; be timeless instead.

Also, think about how less is more. To me, opting for a nice pair of stud earrings and one bracelet beats bedazzling yourself from head to toe. Seeing older women festooned with tons of jewelry and accessories depresses me; it doesn't work as age camoflauge and doesn't do our skin any favors. Also, try to avoid chokers; they don't cover up what you're trying to hide and everyone ends up staring at your wrinkly neck.

Finally, just a reminder, these are my opinions, not rules, and you are not required to follow them. Dress in what makes you happy at any age, because happiness makes you pretty no matter what you wear.

Image by justynafaliszek from Pixabay

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Maria Zannini said…
I've never been a slave to fashion even during the 80s when I worked in an office (that served the public) and liked to dress up. Back then I was stylish, but I wore what made me feel good.
Today, it's blue jeans and pullovers. I do spend more on good walking shoes though.
February 6, 2026 at 11:19 AM
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