Before you can “change your style,” you have to know how you want to change it and what suits your lifestyle. Do you go to an office, or maybe you’re retired or work from home and don’t need a professional look? I work from home, go to the gym three days a week and walk dogs every day. Because I was used to dressing for the office and the board room, finding my look for this lifestyle has been challenging.
Something that’s helping me buy the right clothes is knowing what style I want to achieve, identifying my style icons and buying pieces with these two things in mind.
Many of us—including me—list women like Audrey Hepburn and Jackie O as our style icons. While they’re great choices, what if we think about listing living women in our age bracket? Their look and how they accessorize may help us achieve our desired style easier than looking at photos of women from 40 and 50 years ago.
My current style icons include Lauren Hutton—did you know she’s on the cover of this month’s Italian Vogue, which at 74, makes her the oldest covergirl on a major magazine—Sharon Stone, Cindy Crawford, Helen Mirren and Lauren Ezersky. That’s quite a range! Now that I’ve identified the women and the style—simple, elegant, classic, pulled together… with a little rock ‘n’ roll—I want to keep in mind when I shop, I need to think about my lifestyle. While I don’t need much glam cocktail wear, I do want to up my casual game so I look more put together and less like I just came from the gym.
I may be making a huge assumption, but I’m guessing most of you are in that category as well.
So how do we add a few pieces to make us look more “put together” as we go about our daily routines?
Another one of my style icons is my Instagram friend, Dutch, over 50, silver-haired model, Petra van Bremen. Since Petra works at staying fit, she can wear a lot of things many of us can’t, but we can take cues from her style and make it work for us, regardless of our body shape.
Petra’s outfit in this photo is a perfect example of elevating a sporty, casual look and sticking to the “two colors rich, three colors poor” rule of thumb. Both her sweater and the fabulous scarf draped around her neck look like they’re the same color and fabric… perhaps cashmere. Her jacket is in the same color family, and it adds texture and interest. As a fun, trendy addition, her slim-fitting black pants have the Rolling Stones “tongue” on them. You know I love that! She’s kept her bag and shoes the same color as her pants, which emphasizes her classic look from the waist up. I give Petra a “10” with this look!
Here are some pieces to help you achieve Petra’s look. I’ve included multiple price options for Regular, Petite and Curvy Women, plus longer sweaters–instead of a jacket–to cover those areas you don’t want to showcase.
8 thoughts on “HOW TO FIND YOUR STYLE OVER 50”
I CANNOT WAIT TO GET MY HANDS ON ITALIAN VOQUE……………..I heard the whole issue is dedicated to older women!
I didn’t know that!!! I know they shot three different covers with Lauren Hutton that went out… The only place in San Antonio I can buy Italian Vogue is at one Barnes & Noble. I went in the other day to buy this issue only to be told they run at least a month behind and only receive two-three copies. It was also expensive $$$ Something like $25! They have my name and I will be checking back for Lauren’s issue. xoxo, Brenda
A great example of upping your casual attire. I try to be put together every day even when walking my dog or heading to the gym. It makes me feel good and you never know who you may cross paths with during your daily routine.
Do you know of any over 50 fashion blogs that you can recommend?
Hi Joanna, If you’re already upping your casual game, then brava to you! Do I know of any great over 50 Fashion Blogs? LOL! You’re already here! In case you missed some of my background, one of the founders of MORE Magazine chose me to be in her book about women over 50 https://1010parkplace.com/invest-classic-clothes/ and I’ve started a fashion series to give women over 50 some pointers about dressing well, building a great wardrobe and shopping online. Incase you missed these… https://1010parkplace.com/fashionable-italian-women-50/ https://1010parkplace.com/10-tips-to-be-fashionable-over-50/ You might also look at my STYLE INSPIRATION posts where I visit with three of my friends–who are some of the top ’80’s supermodels and the most fashionable women I know–and that’s saying a lot. Scroll through these posts. They’re walking encyclopedias of style! https://1010parkplace.com/tag/style-inspiration/ I hope to see you here, again! Thank you! Brenda
I have already featured Lauren on my blog, from that Vogue Italia issue. Flawless! Love Petra’s look too. I’m very much of a monochromatic person as I’m tall and have a tummy (which is a huge problem to remove), and there is no way on Earth I could live without scarves and pashminas. I think at this point in my life I could travel around the world with 2 black outfits and tons of accessories to change them up. There are no longer porters to carry one’s luggage, and I don’t have a husband any longer, so I’m travelling light from now on. Spot on, Brenda. xx’s
Totally agree, Marsha! I’m tall, monochromatic or at the very least two colors. Traveling light is the only way to go! During my Italy trip last month, I had a roller bag I brought onboard the plane and a LV weekender, and that was too much! Navigating the Italian train platforms up and down steep stairs is challenging with anything more than a roller bag, so next year… I’m ditching the weekender! xoxox, Brenda
I always felt a need to stay current in fashion. As I’ve gotten older I lean more toward classics but, I usually add some mod touches, too. I believe it’s important to stay in touch with what’s ‘hot’ at the moment so as not to appear like we’ve given up and given in to ‘old age’. I hope that never leaves me. You are a great example of how to keep up with style, Brenda!
xob
Thank you for the sweet compliment, Barbara. I agree with using a trendy piece here and there. They make us look “with it” and younger. I’ve noticed the women who don’t acknowledge fashion trends could use some help with their wardrobes. As a matter of fact, I ran into a friend this morning who is loving my Fashion Friday blogs and she was telling me about her coworkers, who, sound like they’ve given up when it comes to their wardrobe. So sad. Makes me wonder how to help them. Perhaps I’m wrong, but I think the women who are reading my fashion blogs are already interested in clothes and looking current. What do you think? xoxo, Brenda
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