What To Wear Over 50: A Gentle Style Reset That Starts With You
There’s no shortage of advice out there about what women over 50 should be wearing. Most of it feels outdated, patronizing, or clearly written by someone who’s never dressed a real body in midlife…let alone tried to button jeans after a sushi lunch.
I’ve learned that as we age, our lives shift, our bodies change, and our wardrobes need to catch up. What used to be your go-to might suddenly feel too fussy, too flat, or just… vaguely irritating. That doesn’t mean your style is gone. It means your clothes need to meet you where you are…not where you were ten years (or ten pounds) ago.
These are five things I’ve embraced in my own closet lately. They’re not rules. Just gentle updates that have made getting dressed feel a little easier, a little more current, and a lot more comfortable. This post has been very popular, so I’m updating it for new readers to discover.
1. Add Texture and Pattern (They’re More Forgiving Than You Think)
Shiny, smooth fabrics tend to catch the light in all the wrong places… including ones I didn’t even know I had until I caught a glimpse under dressing room lights. That’s one reason I’ve started leaning into soft textures, especially near the face.
Textured fabrics like tweed, slub knits, matte crepe, or nubby cotton all diffuse light instead of spotlighting every fine line. And pattern plays a quiet trick of its own. Small, tone-on-tone or scattered prints soften contrast and give the eye something else to focus on, so it doesn’t land directly on wrinkles or shadows.
You don’t need to wear a head-to-toe pattern if that’s not your style, but I’ve learned a patterned scarf near my face can brighten things up without overwhelming me.
Try this: If a top looks a little off, notice the surface. Is it too shiny? Too smooth? You might not need a different cut, just a fabric with texture or pattern that flatters your features instead of fighting them.
2. Rethink Black (Especially Near Your Face)
For years, black was my go-to. It was easy, it was everywhere, and it always felt “chic”…especially when I didn’t want to overthink what I was wearing. But somewhere around my late 50s, I started to notice it wasn’t doing me any favors.
As our coloring softens with age, black can start to feel too harsh. It deepens shadows, exaggerates fine lines, and has a sneaky way of making us look more tired than we actually feel (which frankly, is rude).
This doesn’t mean you need to banish black altogether…I certainly haven’t. But I’ve become more thoughtful about how I wear it. I try to opt for navy, charcoal, or deep taupes. When I do wear black, I’ll wear it further from my face, break it up with a scarf, bold earrings, or a jacket in a better color.
Try This Mini Style Experiment:
Hold a black top and a navy or charcoal one near your face in natural light. Compare how you look. Is the black draining and overpowering you? You can learn more about intensity here.
3. Choose Comfortable Shoes (Without Giving Up Style)
Let’s be honest, most of us have spent decades in shoes that were more about looks than logic. High heels, narrow toe boxes, zero arch support…our feet didn’t stand a chance and we’re paying the price for it now.
I used to think that comfortable shoes meant giving up. Now I think the opposite: I’m not giving up anything, I’m just not willing to be in pain by lunchtime.
The good news? Comfort brands have come a long way. There are plenty of stylish options now with actual arch support, cushioning, and toe boxes that don’t require origami-level foot folding. Sleek loafers, modern sneakers, and ankle boots with low heels exist, and they’re worth seeking out. I have an entire category on comfortable footwear options here.
What I do now: I shop with a clear boundary: if they pinch, slip, or make me walk funny, they’re not coming home with me. No matter how cute they are.
Take a look at the shoes you reach for most often. If the same two pairs are always in rotation, pay attention. That’s your closet quietly telling you what actually works for your life right now.
4. Makeup Should Support You, Not Work Against You
Makeup after 50 isn’t about doing less, it’s about doing what actually works now. Our skin changes, our features soften. What once looked fresh might now feel flat, harsh, or simply… not right.
I used to wear foundation every day. Now? I lean toward tinted sunscreen or a sheer moisturizer with a hint of coverage. It smooths things out without settling into lines or making me feel overdone. Full-coverage products tend to sit on top of the skin, and I’ve found they often emphasize what I’d rather not highlight.
These days, I focus on what helps me look a little more awake: softly defined brows, a touch of soft eyeshadow, and lipstick that brings some color back into my face. I still wear blush, but I apply it a bit higher than I used to, and I go easy on powder because anything too dry seems to age me faster than time does.
If your makeup isn’t quite landing anymore, don’t scrap it all. Try just one change like a brighter lipstick, a dewier base, or a lighter hand with your brows. One small update can make everything else fall into place. You may also enjoy The Best Fall Lip Colors for Mature Skin
5. Curate Don’t Accumulate
I wish I could say I’ve stopped falling for every shiny new trend, but the truth is… I still get lured in now and then. It’s easy. A bold color, an “it” silhouette, a sale… it all whispers promise. And sometimes it works, but more often, it ends up in the donation pile or hiding in the back of my closet.
You may also enjoy 10 Common Shopping Habits That Quietly Sabotage Your Wardrobe
What I’ve learned is that chasing trends doesn’t always lead to better outfits. It usually just leads to more stuff and more confusion.
These days, I try to be more deliberate. I still enjoy knowing what’s current, but I filter it through my actual life, what I wear most. What feels good, flatters, and plays well with the rest of my closet.
Before I bring something new in, I ask:
- Does this fit the life I really live?
- Can I wear it at least three ways?
- Do I feel like myself in it?
Try this: Take a look at what you’re wearing on repeat. Those pieces are already doing the heavy lifting. Let them teach you something before you add more.
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Why This Matters
Style after 50 isn’t about reinvention, it’s about recalibration. Your life has shifted along with your body, your calendar, and maybe your tolerance for anything that digs in or rides up.
If something’s been feeling off lately, don’t assume it’s you. It’s not.
Start small. Your closet is full of clues. Sometimes all it takes is a quiet morning, a good mirror, and a little coffee-fueled honesty to realize it’s not you that’s the problem…it’s the clothes that aren’t keeping up.
Now I’m curious, ladies…what’s one thing you’ve changed in how you dress after 50?
Thanks for reading, and remember to wear what makes you feel confident and fabulous!
I would love to not wear foundation , but I I have broken capilliaries on my face . Any suggestion ? Qk
There are many lasers that will zap the capillaries and make them go away. Check with your dermatologist
A while back, Jennifer highlighted a makeup called “No Makeup Makeup”….a creme that went on with a soft brush. I tried it…it really covers those broken capillaries I have on my cheeks, but still looks natural. Jones Road also makes a tinted moisturizer called “Just Enough” that does a fairly good job on covering them. Finally, Perbelle CC Cream is a heavy lifter for me on days I’m outdoors a lot. It has SPF 43 in it…and a little goes a long way to cover my capillaries and still make me look like me.
Laurie, I agree with you on the Perbelle CC Cream! I’m a big fan of it for days when I need to wear foundation (I’m 56); I even got my 79-year-old mother using it now, and she loves it, too.
Good tips I just efitedy closet and will go through again with your tips in mind. Love tge make up tips…I had given up on make up altogether once I turn 52 because what I was doing ageded me…girl from the 80’s. Now I will make another go with your tips in mind. So happy to see what TO wear over 50 and not anotherthe don’ts
At almost 81, and fair like Jennifer, I was very pleased with No Makeup Makeup. I brush it on those places where my skin has a need for blending and not all over my face. This is a very nice subtle makeup. On most days eyebrows in blonde done lightly, a little Merit Cheeky cream blush higher on my checks and creamy rose lipliner, then Natural Fusion lip moisturizer in color Glisten. Ready for my day. Less is more as we age and the good thing is it is easier to be ourselves and not try to please the anonymous other.
YES!! Great point Sydney
I find np matte lipstick to be very drying on my lips. Can you recommend a brand that feels moisturizing? Thanks Jennifer for the good tips.
Karen H. – try Thrive Cosmetics (online), they make a moisturizing matte liquid lipstick.
Thanks Christine! I’ll check it out.
Good tips! I do wear foundation over a primer. I do invest in great products that look and feel good. I also wear eyeshadow, eyeliner and mascara. I do think we can look faded as we age and need colour. Lipstick is lighter and sometimes brighter and not the dark colours I always loved. I also wear coloured eyeglass frames (currently purple). I have fun wearing costume jewelry. As for clothing, mostly I wear an attitude.
I love this Janet! Wearing things with attitude makes all the difference.
I still use foundation. I like Giorgio Armani’s Luminous Silk. It’s lightweight and has a large selection of shades. Like you, Jennifer, I’ve deepened my eye makeup, topping a lighter cream shadow (Younique) with a darker soft powder (Thrive) and blending well with a brush, and have moved to a deep plum lipstick (Burt’s Bees). Also creme blush in apricot (Peek). I’m strawberry blonde, and just had my hairstylist weave in bits of gold, copper, and red shades. I receive more compliments on my appearance now. I enjoy sharing with and learning from friends and others at my workplace.
Your hair color sounds rich and glorious! It’s so fun to play with colors and experiment with new products.
Fantastic ideas! I never knew that textures belong near the face! I will keep that in mind!
You are so right about the foundation and the creases. I only use a tinted moisturizer now. Yes, and matte everything! Those sparkly things just make any lines more obvious. I have friends my age who have given up makeup entirely, but that won’t be me. It’s a matter of finding what works to enhance the face without looking theatrical.
I won’t ever give up wearing makeup either Kay. I find it fun and love to play with it.
I haven’t worn foundation in years. I opt for a multicolored blusher instead. It gives me a hint of color while still evening out my skin tones.
Great advice… love those shoes btw.
Terrific idea Cyndi! Evening things out is important on my skin.
Cyndi – What brand and actual color name of multicolor blusher do you like to wear?
Yes to texture but not heavy texture on the bottom half. Great tips!
You always have the best style information for us over 60 women. Thanks so much, Jennifer! If I wear black (rarely) I put a light scarf by my face to help with my complexion changes. One issue I’m having is my neck getting red welts (allergy??) from, I think, jewelry. Have you heard of this? I only wear 14/18k now and still have issues. You are a treasure and I appreciate your perspective!
I have the same problem in recent years, Cheryl. Those lovely statement necklaces are no longer wearable. I do love my gray pearls, cool and smooth.
Oh you should check with your doctor about having a nickel allergy. My original wedding rings were in white gold and I noticed that I would develop blisters and itchiness usually on my left hand. Overtime any white gold I had could not be worn as it caused welts or in the case of my ears, weeping. I packed it all away and the skin sensitivity went away! I wear an id lanyard at work and one day commented to my dermatologist that I had this crazy itch on my belly…she looked at it and said that it looked like a nickel allergy! Of course the cheap base metal of the lanyard clip (which hung low on my torso) and the white gold all have nickel as a component. My dermatologist told me to ditch the white gold and the lanyard and just clip my id to my shirt and the itch went away! I have had the diamonds reset in yellow gold as well as any white gold earrings and the jeweller put a yellow gold plate on the back of a beloved pendant that caused big welts on my chest when worn. I rarely were costume jewelry unless it is nickel free and no, that old tip about painting the ear posts with clear nail polish does not work. Nickel is absorbed into the body and you may not react for many years but believe me after suffering with the equivalent of a second degree burn on my left hand I was happy to finally find the answer…and I now have a lovely yellow gold and diamond ring because…I did keep the man!!
Jennifer, I stopped wearing foundation two years ago and switched to CC cream. It has sunscreen, cream & a light tint, just enough to give a touch of colour. I also tried a bit more colour on my lips. I normally wear a nude, plum or mauve. This summer I tried pink. Not a light sweet pink but one more towards a fushia. Red is still too strong a statement. I feel silly wearing it but the day may come when I find the courage to step out in red. Ha!
I still wear an all black column (top & pants) but top it with a colourful scarf or jacket. I find the column of black is slimming and is a blank canvas for other colour.
An interesting thought on smooth fabric and it’s effect on our wrinkles. I do like my leather jackets. I’ll have to do an experiment. ????
Great post! As for foundation, I switched to Bobbi Brown serum foundation. I find that it smooths and moisturizes. Give it a try!
Sounds great Gail !
This was a great post Jennifer…so true about heavy foundation settling in lines…yikes! Agree about brighter lips…now if I could just get rid of those lines around the lips!
Those lines are such a challenge. I have lots or them too so rely on my lip pencil to keep lipsticks from sliding.
I think I have written this tip before, but some lip filler can sharpen the lip lines and prevent lipstick bleeding. Plus a good injector can use a little bit of filler on the vertical (or smoker’s lines) as well
Some good advise here! I’m just starting to play with darker make up colours xx
I agree about foundation going into the lines on my face but I need something to even out my skin tones (notice the plural). Any thoughts?
I wear tinted sunscreen Dottie. Tinted moisturizers are a great option too!
Yes to all five points! I gave up foundation makeup some time ago, but occasionally I wear Bobbi Brown’s tinted moisturizer which doesn’t “settle” in wrinkles so much. Just the other day at the grocery store, the young check-out woman said to me, “I love your red lipstick, but I don’t have the self-confidence to wear it.” So, people do notice our chosen makeup statements. I struggle to find eye shadow. Any suggestions? Also, I recommend Vionic shoes.
I am a huge fan of the Tarte pallets which come in lots of tones. My favorite is the nude Basics 2 Naked pallet which is cool toned and totally matte…https://rstyle.me/n/c3juvc39zw
Wonderful ideas!
Love your black and nude mules. Very chanel-esque! Who makes them?
xoxox
They are a few years old from Marc Fisher and available here http://shopstyle.it/l/TFNA
Great tips, Jennifer…I do all of these. Great reminders we should hear often.
Love All the Tips!!!! You hit the nail on the head with each one. Might try the on; stop wearing foundation, never thought of it that way in which it “enhances” wrinkles, but will try it!. I also like to “add-in” a bit of trend myself, a scarf, belt or shoes, I feel special and in style. My shoes have also gotten a bit shorter in the heel. I feel more confident when they are on-trend too. Thank you for all the Tips.
I’m glad you liked them Holly!
Shoes…used to be my favorites! I wear 7.5 an easy size to find in great looking shoes, but today it’s about comfort, comfort, comfort. I wear a lot of active wear for that very reason! (Don’t like sneakers/running shoes with stylish outfits). Happy to hear that shoe companies are taking notice!(I do have a nice pair of Bernie MeV which are comfy). Trends! I tend to add simple touches of trends….a black belt with a bit of leopard on front….same with a nice black slip on shoe.
Thank you for covering this topic!
It’s no longer n option for my feet to suffer for the sake of fashion.
I use Doll 10 ‘this covers everything liquid filler’. I am an 81 year old redhead with a bit of redness on my cheeks. This in the light shade and a bit of blush. My husband says my complexion glows. You can cover as little or as heavily as you want. I don’t use very much and I also use it as my undereye concealer.