Dressing fashionably when you’re young is one thing, but pulling off a stylish wardrobe when you’re a mature woman is a whole different ball game. What kinds of clothes are considered ‘age-appropriate’ for someone 50 or older? And how do you pull off today’s trends without looking like you’re trying too hard to be ‘hip’?
It might be challenging, but it’s not impossible. There are still plenty of options for older women – you just need to know where to look! If you have a party, work event, or some other special occasion coming up, make sure to check out these top clothing stores for a 50-year-old woman who hasn’t lost her sense of style.
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Fashion For Over 50 And/Or Overweight
There are people who think that style, fashion, and trends are only for the young. That older and/or bigger people (and older and/or bigger women, especially) can’t pull off looking elegant, smart, sophisticated, or fun. Those people are also dead wrong! While your wardrobe at 50 should be different from your wardrobe at 20, you don’t suddenly lose all sense of style just because you’ve gotten older or heavier.
In fact, there are plenty of fashionable older women who can out-dress women half their age. All it takes is a good eye, some patience, and an eff-you attitude for all of the naysayers in the world.
What To Look For In Dresses For Women Over 50
Versatility
When you’re young, you have all the time in the world to go through several outfits before picking the right one for the occasion. But as an older woman, you don’t always have that luxury (or the patience).
One of the best things about cocktail dresses is that they’re appropriate for most events, and much more versatile than formal dresses or elegant evening gowns. If you choose the right style, you can wear it as a wedding guest and to casual dinner parties alike, plus you’ll save a lot of time getting ready!
Comfort
The old adage goes, “beauty is pain.” While that may have been true while you were strutting around in 6-inch heels in your youth, you don’t want to sacrifice comfort for fashion when you’re older.
Pick a dress that makes you feel comfortable and confident. Get a cut and fit that flatters your figure without being restrictive or too revealing. And double-check the time, date, and location of your party before buying a dress to ensure that you’ll be comfortable during the event itself. You don’t want to end up wearing summer fashion for a winter affair, right?
Class
Your wardrobe should reflect your personality but also your age – denim shorts and t-shirts don’t exactly scream ‘experienced and mature’ woman. When picking out cocktail dresses, it’s important that you keep things classy, smart, and sophisticated.
Avoid clothes that are too skimpy or too casual, especially for dressier cocktail events. Stick to more timeless styles and silhouettes. But don’t be afraid to take risks and try out new trends! Life is too short to live by arbitrary fashion rules.
Hot tip: a little tailoring can go a long way. Loose or ill-fitting clothes can make you look a lot older (and dowdier) than you are. If you can, get your evening dresses and other wardrobe items altered so that they fit you perfectly.
Budget
You don’t need designer dresses or expensive outfits to be fun and fashionable. Plus, part of getting older means making smarter financial decisions – your days of impulsive, reckless spending are behind you, right? Whether you’re overhauling your entire wardrobe or just adding a few new pieces to your collection, only buy things you can actually afford. Consider thrift stores and secondhand shops, especially if you have a vintage aesthetic.
The Top Cocktail Dresses For Over 50 Women
Split Sleeve Midi Dress With Obi Belt
Retailer: ASOS
Price: $AUD 76
Wear this to: A get-together with friends
Shop the ASOS DESIGN Split Sleeve Midi Dress with Obi Belt here.
Sheath/Column V-Neck Knee-Length Chiffon Cocktail Dress With Ruffle
Retailer: JJ’s House
Price: $AUD 153
Wear this to: A classy evening wedding
Shop the Sheath/Column V-Neck Knee-Length Chiffon Cocktail Dress With Ruffle here.
Roland Mouret Arch Dress
Retailer: Net-a-Porter
Price: $AUD 1,704.58
Wear this to: An awards ceremony or major work event
Shop the Roland Mouret Arch Dress here.
Camilla Pleated Dress
Retailer: The Iconic
Price: $AUD 99.99
Wear this to: An elegant but low-key dinner
Shop the Camilla Pleated Dress here.
Stella Bow Detail Dress
Retailer: David Jones
Price: $AUD 300
Wear this to: After-work drinks
Shop the Stella Bow Detail Dress here.
Conclusion
Getting older doesn’t have to mean getting frumpier. In fact, it’s even more reason to put your best foot forward, live your best life, and look better than you ever have before. Invest in your clothes and invest in yourself – these cocktail dresses are the perfect addition to any mature woman’s wardrobe.
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