By the time we hit 50, mostof usmay want tobenefit from a dresser reevaluation.
Our bodies, faces and existence have changed over the decades. However, our fashionselections haven’t alwayssaved up.
But do we want hard-center rules? Actress Ellen Barkin famously declared in O, The Oprah Magazine that ladies over 50 need toin no waywear blue denims to dinner. I (and my 7 For All Mankind denims) beg to differ.
Forget the rules! We just want a few hints to amazingfashion and answers to questions approximatelya way to get it.
Below is a master listing of go-to pieces for women who need to combat the frump and appearance smart, energetic, younger and appropriate. You can wearthosefundamentals to work, out to dinner and anywhere else:
1. Dark denim, mid-rise, boot-reducedenims
The boot-reduce hem leaves room for booties (a footwear choice for nearlyevery occasion).
TIP: Keep periodapproximately 1/8-inch off the floor (dependingon the shoe), and make sure the jeansfit well (with a touch stretch) in butt and hips. Take the waist in, if necessary.
2. Dark denim, mid-rise, straight-leg denims
Skip the tight skinny denims (unflattering on mostpeople), and get these in dark blue, with out a fading or whiskering. Pair with flat ballet slippers, moccasins, loafers or kitten heels, and tuck them into tall boots in cooler weather.
TIP: Straight-leg denims go flawlessly with longer jackets or tunic tops. Check out options from Uniqlo, 7 For All Mankind, J Brand, Levi’s or Not Your Daughter’s Jeans, in expenses from about $forty to $200.
3. White denims (boot-reduce or straight-leg)
In warmer weather, wear with wedge sandals and tunic tops or a crisp military jacket and white tank. When it gets cooler, pair with brown or black boots and a sweater or jacket, and a quite scarf.
TIP: Be certain to wearunderclothes that matches your skinshade with any white pant.
4. Great-fitting pants
Look for a light-weight wool blend (wool/Lycra is first-rate) in black, charcoal or military. The reduce of the pants is crucial and the durationought to be exact. Take your footwear to the store (and to the tailor, if necessary) to get a idealin shape.
TIP: Wear with a silky blouse, a T-shirt or a tank with a cardigan or jacket. Look for pants made by using Theory, Tahari, Joseph, Banana Republic, J. Crew or Ann Taylor in chargesstarting at approximately $60.
5. Black outfitted jacket
Short and snug (now not tight) jackets that hit at the hips are a excellentappearance. Black is maximum versatile, howeverdon’t forgetnavy and cream, too. Wear it with jeans, skirts, dresses, pants — the whole lot.
TIP: Wear tanks, T’s and jewel-colored blouses underneath, and take a look at out a number of the longer, much less–fittedalternatives to put on with skinny jeans. Some to try are from Theory, Tahari, Ann Taylor, DKNY, Chico’s and Target, in costsbeginning at approximately $50.
6. Black pencil skirt
Versatile, elegant and exceptionally flattering, regardless of what your size. Wear it to the knee (or barely shorter if worn with black tights), and ensure it has a touch stretch and some draping butisn’t always tight. Pair with black tights and booties, or patent-leather-based pumps for night. Don’t put on a flat shoe, but a mid-heel or high-heel pump, wedge shoe or boots. (Here’s a video approximately how to buyfootwearwhich can be both fashionable and sensible.)
TIP: A black jacket couldappearanceexcessive with this skirt; instead, stability the appearance with an extended tank and a cropped multicolored jacket. The first-class–becoming pencil skirts I’ve found are from Diane von Furstenberg, Michael Kors and Tahari in feesbeginning at about $120, howeveryou couldkeepround.
7. Cardigans
These are a year-round fashionaccessory and the exceptionalmanner to cowl up palmswhich might beless than toned. Look for lengthy and three-quarter-duration sleeves that hit you at or above the hip. Longer cardigans are tremendous with straight-leg jeans or pants, howevernow not with skirts. The best cardigan I’ve determinedto this point is the Classic Cardigan from Merona at Target ($19.99 and up).
TIP: Get a size or smaller than usual or you’ll emerge as with a “Mumsy” sweater, that canappearance frumpy. The sweater’s in shapeneed to be snug, and neverput on it closed: The factor is to cowl your arms and add shadein your outfit.
8. Tank tops
Buy those staples in bulk, as soon as you discoverthose you like exceptional. Get them in white, black and cream to put onbeneath the cardigans, jackets, blouses and sweaters. I put on them underalmosteverything for a smoother appearance.
TIP: The matchneed to be snug, so size down if necessary, and make certain they’re longenough to tuck in and stay put. Uniqlo, Target’s Mossimo Supply Co., American Apparel, Banana Republic and Gap all have extraordinary tanks in expensesbeginning at about $10.
9. Dresses
Dresses make anybody feel quite and sexy, and there are 3patterns that flatter girls over 50 pleasant, no matter our size or shape:
Wrap clothes, especiallythose withlong or three-quarter-duration sleeves — knot the belt on the side, never in front, and do no longer tie it in a bow!
Sleeveless sheath attire worn with snug-becoming cardigans or jackets, that areperfect for almost any occasion
“Fit and flare” dresseswhich aregeared up on top and flare out barelystartingat the waist, creating a flirty, swingy appearance.
Jewel coloursappearancetrue on all pores and skin tones; maintainperiodon the knee.
TIP: Have at least one perfectlyfitting LBD (little black dress) in any of thosepatterns, which may be dressed up or down. Great-becomingclothesmay befound at Target (Merona), Diane von Furstenberg, Theory, Nicole Miller, Hugo Boss, Ann Taylor and Chico’s at all rate points.
10. Cropped black leather jacket
No, a black leather jacket isn’t always too young for the ones over 50. Wear it with the entirety you own: denims (very cool with white jeans), skirts and clothes. This staple is more pricey than the others, so savearound for one that suits right (cropped at the waist is first-class) and is classic-looking, so that you can put on it forever.