Getting older doesn’t mean your fashion sense has to fade away! I’ve spent decades helping women over 60 discover their personal style while staying comfortable and confident. Finding your signature look is all about embracing who you are now, not trying to dress like you did at 25. Let’s explore how you can look fabulous without trying too hard!
1. Know Your Best Colors
Honey, those vibrant hues that flattered you at 40 might wash you out now! Your skin tone shifts with age, so reassess your palette.
I recommend standing in natural light with different colored fabrics against your face. You’ll instantly see which ones make your eyes sparkle and which make you look like yesterday’s leftovers.
2. Invest in Quality Basics
Darling, nothing says ‘I’ve got my life together’ like well-made staples! A perfectly tailored black pant, crisp white shirt, and cashmere sweater create endless outfit options.
Though they cost more upfront, quality pieces hang better on your body and last for years. Remember: we’re aiming for timeless, not trendy!
3. Embrace Structured Silhouettes
Where have all the shoulders gone? After 60, our bodies redistribute in mysterious ways! Strategic structure is your secret weapon against gravity’s persistent pull.
Jackets with subtle shoulder pads, A-line skirts, and boot-cut pants create balance while skimming over areas you’d rather not highlight. Structure says ‘intentional,’ not ‘hiding.’
4. Master the Art of Layering
Whoever invented the cardigan deserves sainthood! Layering isn’t just practical for unpredictable thermostats; it adds dimension to otherwise boring outfits.
Try a lightweight scarf over a simple dress or a sleek vest under a jacket. The trick? Keep layers thin and varying lengths to avoid the ‘bundled up’ look that adds visual pounds.
5. Find Your Perfect Jeans
Forget what your granddaughter wears—those low-rise skinny jeans aren’t doing anyone favors! Your perfect denim awaits in a mid-rise straight or slight boot-cut style.
Though the hunt may feel like searching for the Holy Grail, once found, they’ll be your faithful companion. Stretch is your friend, but avoid anything resembling jeggings!
6. Play with Proportions
Balance, darling, is everything! If you’re wearing something voluminous on top, go slimmer on the bottom and vice versa.
Wide-leg pants look divine with a fitted top, while slim trousers balance a flowy blouse. The goal is creating an intentional silhouette, not looking like you’re drowning in fabric or stuffed into something too restrictive.
7. Accessorize Thoughtfully
Though I adore statement pieces, resist the urge to pile on everything at once! One fantastic accessory beats five mediocre ones every time.
Consider scale too—if you’re petite, massive earrings might overwhelm, while tall frames can carry larger pieces beautifully. Quality over quantity applies doubly to accessories, my stylish friends.
8. Update Your Eyewear
Heavens, those frames from 2005 are dating you more than your birth certificate! Eyeglasses sit front and center on your face, making them your most important accessory.
Consider your face shape and coloring when selecting frames. Don’t shy away from modern styles—the right pair adds instant sophistication while brightening your entire visage.
9. Discover Flattering Necklines
That crewneck might be cozy, but is it doing your neck any favors? V-necks, scoop necks, and open collars draw the eye downward, creating a lengthening effect.
If your neck shows signs of time (whose doesn’t?), consider stand collars or scarves for coverage without hiding. Experiment to find which styles make you feel most confident.
10. Embrace Modern Classics
Forget dressing ‘age-appropriate’—that phrase should be banned! Instead, aim for modern classics that transcend trends.
A well-cut blazer, dark wash jeans, and leather loafers work at any age. The trick is finding contemporary versions of timeless pieces rather than identical items you wore decades ago. Evolution, not revolution!
11. Master the Third Piece Rule
Want to instantly elevate any outfit? Add a third piece! Beyond basic tops and bottoms, include something extra—a jacket, statement necklace, or beautiful scarf.
This simple trick transforms ordinary into extraordinary with minimal effort. Even jeans and a tee look intentional with the right cardigan or vest added to complete the ensemble.
12. Consider Fabric Quality
Honey, those polyester blends aren’t doing your skin any favors! Natural fibers like cotton, linen, silk, and cashmere not only feel divine against mature skin but drape beautifully.
They also regulate temperature better—a blessing during those unexpected personal summers! Quality fabrics elevate even the simplest designs to luxury status.
13. Find Your Signature Lipstick
Nothing brightens a face faster than the right lip color! As we age, those bold reds might need softening to rosier hues that complement your changing complexion.
Matte formulas can accentuate lip lines, so opt for hydrating, satin finishes. A perfectly matched lipstick requires zero other makeup yet makes you look instantly pulled together.
14. Perfect Your Posture
Shoulders back, darling! The most expensive outfit looks cheap on slouched shoulders. Good posture instantly drops pounds from your appearance and adds confidence to your presence.
Try this trick: imagine a string pulling you up from the crown of your head. Strengthening core muscles helps maintain this elegant alignment throughout your day.
15. Curate a Signature Style
After six decades, you’ve earned the right to know exactly what works! Developing a signature style simplifies dressing while creating a memorable personal brand.
Perhaps you’re the woman always in striking eyewear, or known for beautiful scarves. Whatever your signature, it should feel authentically you—not borrowed from someone else’s playbook.
16. Maintain Proper Fit
The difference between frumpy and fabulous often comes down to one thing: tailoring! Even inexpensive clothes look expensive when they fit perfectly.
Find a good tailor and become best friends. Simple alterations—taking in a waist, shortening a hem, or adjusting shoulder seams—transform off-the-rack into looks-custom-made for remarkably little investment.
17. Simplify Your Handbag
That overstuffed tote isn’t just weighing down your shoulder—it’s aging your look! Streamline to a medium-sized structured bag in a neutral color.
Quality leather improves with age, just like us! Inside, use small pouches to organize essentials instead of diving into a bottomless pit. A refined bag instantly elevates your entire appearance.
18. Care for Your Clothes Properly
Those beautiful garments deserve better than being crumpled in a laundry basket! Proper care extends the life of your wardrobe investments.
Hang knits to dry, use wooden hangers for jackets, and store seasonal items properly. Small efforts in maintenance translate to garments that continue looking fresh and expensive season after season.