6 Style Myths Women Over 60 Should Ignore (And What To Wear Instead)
If you’re a woman over 60, you’ve probably heard all the style myths about what you should and shouldn’t wear. Somewhere along the way, a memo went out saying that once we hit this age, we’re supposed to tone everything down…our wardrobes, our lipstick, even our personalities. It’s as if we’re expected to quietly fade into the background. Well, I never got that memo. Or if I did, I ignored it completely.
Who decided we needed a style expiration date anyway? I’m sitting here in a sweater I’ve owned for almost 15 years, wondering who made up these ridiculous fashion rules for women over 60. I know that finding your style after 60 can be challenging, but it’s also liberating. When we feel good in our clothes, everything else feels more manageable. But these outdated “rules” keep too many women from experiencing that confidence. You may also enjoy 6 Things to Wear Over 60
Fashion Myth #1: Women Over 60 Shouldn’t Wear Jeans
I can’t help but laugh at this one because I basically live in jeans.
All those style guides say jeans are “too casual” for mature women. But here’s the thing, it’s not about avoiding jeans, it’s about finding denim that actually fits. After 60, comfort matters as much as looking good (maybe more), but that doesn’t mean we have to look dowdy.
My favorites are mid-wash, high-rise jeans with a little stretch, but I also love pull-on jeans, wide-leg styles, and white denim. They’re a wardrobe staple for me and always will be. Jeans have a modern look and relaxed vibe that works beautifully for our casual lifestyles.
What to wear instead: Focus on finding jeans that fit your body today, not the body you had at 30. Look for styles with stretch, a comfortable rise, and a leg shape that flatters your proportions. Dark wash and high-rise styles are particularly flattering for older women but I find medium wash the most versatile.
I wrote more about The Jean Style Every Woman Over 60 Should Own and 5 Style Rules To Live by After 60 to Look and Feel Your Best.
Wardrobe Myth #2: Sleeveless Is Off-Limits for Older Women
The older I get, the less I like to show my upper arms. But the truth is…nobody’s staring at my arms. They’re all too worried about their own stuff…and if they’re not, I don’t care what they think,
I passed a woman on the street this week wearing a sleeveless black dress, and my first thought was “wow, she looks confident!” My arms certainly don’t look as toned as I’d like, but these arms have hugged loved ones who are no longer with me and cuddled babies and grandchildren so they’re too precious to treat with disdain.
Do I love the “bingo wing situation” and crepey skin? Heck no. I’m trying to battle it with Pilates, free weights, and this body retinol lotion. But in blistering weather, you’ll find me in a tank top or sleeveless maxi dress, enjoying life. I often carry a lightweight cardigan for air conditioning set at arctic levels, but I dress for comfort and joy now, not for outdated rules that tell women to hide themselves.
The real rule for women over 60: If you feel confident and comfortable, wear it. Your comfort level is the only guideline that matters when it comes to what you choose to wear. Taking care of yourself includes wearing what makes you feel good.
Style Misconception #3: Fashion Trends Are Only For Young Women
There’s this unspoken idea that once we hit a certain age, we’re supposed to stick to the “classics” and leave trends to the younger crowd. The fashion world suggests we should dress like we’re frozen in time, but I disagree.
You don’t have to chase every trend, but you don’t have to ignore them all either. I think of trends like seasoning…a little keeps things interesting, but too much and run the risk of looking like you’re trying way too hard.
The smart approach to trends after 60: If something catches your eye, try it. See if it works with pieces you already love. That’s usually a good sign it belongs in your rotation.
Fashion Belief #4: Style Doesn’t Matter for Women Over 60
This might be the most damaging myth of all, and clearly stupid. Society has a way of making women feel less relevant as we age, but style is one of the most powerful forms of self-care we have to stay visible and engaged.
EARRINGS / SIMILAR NECKLACE
I don’t get dressed to impress anyone but myself, but when I feel put together, I feel more confident. The most stylish women over 60 I know have one thing in common: they refuse to disappear.
The truth about style after 60: Getting dressed with intention is an act of self-respect that ripples through every part of your day. Good style never goes out of fashion, regardless of age.
Style Rule #5: Looking Stylish After 60 Is Expensive
I learned this one the expensive way, after years of buying random stuff I thought I “should” wear instead of sticking with what I knew worked on me. Turns out, looking put-together has way more to do with confidence than your credit card balance.
Some of the most stylish women I know shop smart, rewear what they love, and mix high and low pieces with ease.
Focus on these budget-friendly style tips:
- Buy clothes that fit the body you have today…don’t squeeze yourself into something that used to fit.
- Choose a simple color palette that works together which also makes it easier to get dressed in the morning.
- Use your accessories to update what you already own and add personality to your look.
You don’t need to spend more to look great. You just need to know what works for you and wear it with purpose.
Fashion Rule #6: Floral Patterns Are Aging on Women Over 60
Here’s the thing, some florals absolutely are aging. Those tiny, busy prints that look like they were pulled from 1980s wallpaper? The ditsy florals on cheap polyester? Yeah, those will age you. But avoiding all florals because of the bad ones is like never wearing jeans because you had one terrible pair. The right floral print can actually make you look fresh and current.
Larger, bolder prints with clean lines work best. Abstract florals or watercolor-style patterns feel modern. Even classic roses work if they’re scaled up and printed on quality fabric.
Better floral choices: Skip anything tiny, busy, or overly sweet. Go for prints with impact and modern colorways.
What to Wear After 60: The Real Guidelines
The beauty of personal style at our age, is that it’s deeply personal and you get to make the rules. You don’t have to get it perfect, because there is no perfect. You just have to wear what makes you feel confident. Whether it’s finding the right jeans, embracing sleeveless tops, or trying a new trend, the only rule that matters is wearing what makes you feel confident and seen.
What style “rule” have you broken recently? I’d love to hear about the fashion choice that surprised you…or maybe what you’re still working up the courage to try.
Thanks for reading and being part of this amazing community of women.
Thank you for this much needed inspiration!! I am soon to be 71 yo and people say I have a youthful appearance. I dress for my body, I carry my weight in my stomach, so I wear clothes that do not hug me in that area. I do pick out a new trend occasionally, something that I can combine with other things in my closet.I especially love wearing denim jackets, I have several in different colors. They look great with just about everything in my closet. I will rethink sleeveless! I have not worn sleeveless dresses in a while. I refuse to look “dowdy”, there are too many options for us seniors out there!!
Hello! I’m so glad I found you! I’m 57 and I have struggled with what to wear and “how to style” outfits for decades. I am in a place where I can purchase good quality and I now understand that less is more. Thanks so much for writing this encouraging and fun and helpful content! And for including the links!
Welcome Katie! I’m so glad you’ve joined us. Feel free to email me with style questions.
This article cracked me up! I have 3 daughters who tell me when I do a “fashion don’t”. I love when they say- “that’s good for YOU”. But, translated, it means that’s it’s a good look for me. I appreciated their feedback and tend to dress a little edgy compared to other 60 something women. I like your laid back style and agree that as mature women we should work every day to be our best! Thank you for your blog. I recently got married and finding a dress was quite the challenge. Maybe do an article about formal wear.
Congratulations!
Great read! Years in specialty retailing (shoes and clothing) taught me to look at creative ways to do displays to appeal to customers. Now I look at creative ways to use my “personal store” aka my well stocked closet to do the same and create looks that make ME feel attractive and put together. And have the attitude of “who cares”. And guess what? The only negative comments I receive are along the lines of “why are you always so dressed up” typically from someone wearing sloppy shorts and a baggy tee. Of course I refrain from a negative response because my thought is you do you and I’ll do me!
Yes! I love dressing things up a notch too
My most favorite ‘rule’ to bust is wearing flowing, generous top over flowing, generous pants. A-line tunics with bell sleeves over lantern- and barrel-legged pants. A Bryn Walker knee length linen tunic over palazzo pants! I love the feeling of fabrics swooshing around my body, and the bonus is full coverage sun protection with plenty of air circulation!
Love that! How our clothes feel against our body and make us feel, is so important. I love the feeling of full maxi skirts swishing around my legs.
Jennifer, thank you this amazing post. I am catching up as I just returned from a wedding on Long Island, NY. Whoever came up with those myths certainly is not past 45 yrs. Thank you for being the myth buster. At the wedding I sported an off the shoulder turquoise gown with gunmetal beading and accessories. It was great to see other 65 yr+ on the dance floor alongside the 30 something’s. They only played two slow songs. Myths were busted that night. If we keep doing what we are doing, we will be forever young!
Amazing! I love to hear that Cheryl!!
A friend and I were just talking about European women, many of whom wear mini skirts, low décolleté’s, spaghetti steps, etc. without worrying about looking too young or exhibiting aging skin. We admire their confidence and aim to feel more free in our clothing choices.
YES!
Amen, amen, amen to this post, Jennifer! I am in total agreement with everything you’ve mentioned here. Age notwithstanding (I’m 71), I take pride in knowing how to wear what works (your blog is a perfect tutorial), to avoid what doesn’t and I refuse to lower my style standards due to age or anything else (smile).
For me, your blog is required reading. Keep doing what you’re doing!
Amazing. Thanks Debra
Love what you said about arms. I have been so careful not to show my old arms. You have made me proud of all they have done for 84 years. Thank you Jennifer. Love your post. Carol F.
xox
Thank you Jennifer for being such a positive force in our crazy world. I grew up in the 60s so I have seen and worn some crazy outfits in my time. Now that I’m in my 70s and have all the body changes that come with aging I sometimes struggle with what might be comfortable in summer heat but still look nice. I appreciate the reminder that what we need to focus on is making ourselves comfortable and happy with the way we look. No rules unless we break them is my new motto ! I will be wearing sleeveless, dresses and shorts if I feel like it. If someone doesn’t like my look they can avert their eyes…LOL I will say my husband always tells me how beautiful I look, he still sees me as the young gal he married.
Thank you Jennifer ❤️ I really appreciate your common sense suggestions.
He sounds like a fabulous guy! Lucky you
Thank you for this wonderful post. I appreciate your insight and wisdom about aging gracefully but doing it “your own way.” You’re an inspiration! Have a great weekend, and keep up the good work!
Happy Friday Laura!
I love the article and agree with your points. One observation I have for women who don’t love their upper arms; I find when I go out with one of my friends, she’s always sweltering in her tank top/ dress while I’m much more comfortable with my sleeves because I am devoted to natural fabrics such as cotton and linen. I never wear polyester or rayon in summer.
That is a great point. Natural fibers are much comfier in hot weather! They do often cost more but are worth it.
After reading this post, I went right over to my closest J. Jill store and tried on a sleeveless midi dress that was just released. Another customer said, “Wow, that looks great on you!” Done deal and I do love myself in it. I haven’t worn sleeveless anything for some years. My skin has become very fragile and it’s not uncommon for me to have small bruises but I’m ignoring all that for a pretty dress. Thank for the little push.
Bravo Sharon!
great post and we should embrace aging not hide it!
You are spot on with all these concerns. I purchased a black linen vest top and was considering returning it because it was sleeveless. After reading your comments, I’m keeping it. I don’t plan on spreading my “wings” to take flight anyway!
Love it!
I love all of these ideas. One thing I think we do have to be careful about is the condition of our treasured clothing. If something is older or vintage, it needs to be very carefully cleaned and stored. If it smells musty that kills the fashion no matter how great it is. I know most of us don’t relish the dry cleaner, but it can be helpful for some older items. I think this is probably more of a challenge with winter clothing, but it pays to pay attention to any musty smells.
Great point Mary
This is such a great post! I’m laughing about #4. Style DOES matter to me; I love it and I feel free to try whatever I want. I enjoy putting thought into my outfits and accessories, and people do notice. I love your outfits because they’re simple, but look so nice and put together. Just from my observation having been on 3 trips recently, it seems that style DOESN’T matter to many. That’s why I’m laughing to myself. Some of the things you see on people make you wonder…
I agree about the arms thing and I’ve resolved hiding my arms with exactly what you say, no one is really looking at my arms or me, so I’ve started to take the “I don’t care” attitude and am wearing tee shirts and sleeveless again!
A question: what do you wear out to dinner on a casual weeknight?
You show many of your daytime outfits, would you just wear the same outfit or change clothes?
We go out for dinner a lot. Some are nice, white tablecloth restaurants and some are taverns. I’d love to see a post on what you would wear out to casual, weeknight dinners with your husband…in the summertime!
Have a great weekend! First day of summer…yay! My favorite season.
I usually wear what I’ve worn during the day unless it’s a nicer place, and then I will change my shoes and often my jewelry…if not my entire outfit
As usual Jennifer, spot on in advice. As to your question; one recent style choice that I’ve made which surprises me and that I love for summer wear are those which are described as ‘cropped tops’ that come in a range of styles/fabrics but don’t necessarily expose a bare a midriff (unless doing jumping-jacks ☺) but hit at the waistband of a bottom that eliminates fussing with a tuck-in method. Also I have discovered “they work with most cuts” in bottoms (skirts/shorts/pants) and still can reveal your favourite belt. In fact currently one of my favourite is a very open cotton embroidered/buttoned closure/ long sleeved box-cut style blouse/with a scalloped hemline that I underpin with a light weight/fitted lingerie camisole top when wearing by itself or as-is for an overlay in lieu of a cardigan, blazer etc. Last but not least; as I found I wasn’t wearing two (pricey) oversized tunic length linen shirts that often, I altered them to a crop length which has made them more versatile. -Brenda-
P.S.: Apologize for being so long winded.
The camisole idea is very smart. I love the shorter length tops and that’s a great solution to showing more of our tummy than we want.
Ooops, that should have read; “is a very open EYELET, cotton embroidered/buttoned closure/etc.” -Brenda-
I’m usually in a dress because I couldn’t find the right one until I saw it on you! I just got the t-shirt dress in the blue with dark blue stripes. I got the petite large as I don’t want clingy. It just looks so comfortable and it will be 100 today here. I couldn’t believe the price! I love your style Jennifer and get a lot of compliments when I emulate it. I wear shorts nearly every day now that it is so hot with linen or gauze tops. I went wild for me and bought a white with bright blue vertical stripes set of gauze wide leg crops and a short button front top. With my white fedora on it looks so smart and cool and comfortable. I have a 17” scar from total knee surgery and I still wear 7” shorts. I think I stopped worrying about what other people thought about my clothes at about 16 and I’m 80. I think my family would say that I’m kind but feisty.
I love that you’re feisty Sydney! Happy weekend
Beautifully said, and great attitude! Ignore the negative bloggers and have a fabulous weekend! Your followers love you. I live in jeans, dress for confidence with comfort in mind. I don’t like to fuss with things, like too much jewelry, bows, etc. Have had to give up high skinny heals because a brain tumor destroyed my balance nerve on one side. Not too noticeable but won’t risk a fall. I’m almost 69. You are a great source of information and advice for those of us that follow you. Keep it up happily!