By the time I hit 50, I had a new way of thinking about fashion. I no longer wanted to be chasing temporary fashions or flimsy clothes. I instead started thinking about classic looks, high quality & practicality. Over the years – I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t, especially when it comes to clothing. Here are 11 clothing items that women over 50 can pass on in order to save money & still look great.
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Trendy Fast-Fashion Pieces
It’s easy to pick up those glitzy fast-fashion baubles, but they don’t last long. They are often poor quality & manufactured to be thrown away when the trend dies down. Instead, focus on basics, good quality clothes that last years & can be worn in different ways.
Ill-Fitting Clothes
As I grew older, I started to focus on fit over everything else. Clothes that are too tight can feel restrictive, while overly baggy outfits can make you look shapeless. Fit is flattering to your natural body shape & increases your self-esteem. So it’s worth taking time to try your clothes on or even paying for a tailor to get all pieces to fit you right.
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Overly Trendy Prints
I once bought a dress with a large abstract print that at the time looked fun, but after a few wears I realized how hard it was to style. Patterns that are too flashy are very easy to go out of style & you end up with clothes you hate. Go for patterns such as stripes, polka dots or timeless flowers that are never going out of style.
Uncomfortable Shoes
I used to put up with painful shoes just because they looked cool, but I’ve now realized it’s no fun. Shoes that pinch, rub or are excessively high could be stylish, but they will create lasting foot conditions. Now, I look for comfort at the cost of style — that means high-quality flats, wedge boots or comfortable sneakers that let me stroll all day.
Clothes with Excessive Embellishments
I once bought a top with sequins in it thinking it would be cute for a night out but, after a couple of wears, it started looking cheap & boring. Don’t use too many accessories like sequins, beads or rhinestones. Minimalist pieces that feature subtle details, such as delicate embroidery or a refined trimming, look much more grown-up & mature.
Outdated Workwear
When I quit my corporate job, I kept blazers & pencil skirts thinking I’d wear them again. But they’ve sat in my closet ever since. You are no longer the same person & those clothes are no longer relevant to you. If you are also retired, replace formal wear with a combination of tailored trousers, cardigans, or blouses that suit your new lifestyle.
Short Skirts or Dresses
Age doesn’t dictate skirt length, but shorter ones have tended to look less comfortable & more awkward as I got older. With knee-length or midi dresses, you’ll be chic but not clunky. Such lengths are great for any occasion & so much more wearable.
Tight-Fitting Denim
I used to squeeze into skinny jeans, but those were always tight & harsh. As I’ve come to embrace my shift in form, I’ve been wearing straight-leg or loose-fit jeans, which feel softer but are stylish too. They look good with everything from sneakers to ankle boots & they are much easier to stay on for hours.
Ill-Fitting Athletic Wear
I like the convenience of sportswear, but I know that it has to be practical & fitted. Extra-large sweatshirts or ripped leggings make you look frumpy. Shop for well-fitting activewear that doubles as casual wear, such as sleek joggers or a tailored hoodie, to look sleek but not too stiff.
Cheap Outerwear
A long time ago, I bought a cheaper coat because I wanted to save some bucks & it never kept me warm for more than a single winter. I realize now the need to pay good money for decent outerwear. An elegant coat in neutrals such as black, navy, or camel can transform any look & is definitely worth the investment.
Too Much Black
I used to wear black all the time because it’s slimming and easy to match, but too much can look harsh against your aging skin. I have since added more hues in my wardrobe such as jewel tones, pale pastels & earthy neutrals which bring brightness to my face & offer variety without compromising style.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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