How to Hone Your Personal Style Over 50

By the time we’re over 50, 60, or 70, we’ve done a lot of living and want our personal style to reflect our confidence. We want our clothes to tell the world who we are and allow us to step out confidently…knowing that we look our best. We’ve also recognized that life is short, so we need to wear our good stuff because there’s no value in saving it. Dressing to express our personal style is a skill we can learn, and like anything else, the more we practice, the more confident we become.

Few women discover their personal style and stick with the same formula for the rest of their lives. Dare I say that could be boring? Our style unfolds as our lives change and we grow emotionally. We may go through phases of trying on different looks the way one would sample at a smorgasbord, which helps us stay in touch with how our taste is changing.

In the hunt for a personal style that feels right, we need to pay attention to our inner voice in order to understand what we really love. We needn’t discard entire looks because the stereotypical vision of it seems too intense for us. Our personal style will likely be a blend of styles and feelings that are distinctive to us.

A touch of tomboy style doesn’t preclude a smidge of feminine. An elegant outfit can easily have a touch of whimsy. A classic look can have edgy bits, and bohemian style needn’t mean everything oversized and heavily patterned. Women are complex, and so is our personal style. We need to give ourselves permission to change course and start over as our personal style develops.

KNOW YOURSELF

• Everything starts with self-knowledge. How do you want to be seen? How do you want to feel in your clothes?
• What’s your lifestyle? There’s no point in building a wardrobe for a sophisticated urbanite if you live in a rural area and need clothes for your casual activities.
• Your wardrobe needs to be functional for your climate. If you live year-round in Florida, you don’t need a wardrobe of suede boots and faux fur jackets, no matter how much you adore the vibe.
• Understand your body shape and dress to accentuate your best features and downplay the ones you’re not crazy about.
• Buy what you love, and wear what fits your current shape. Wearing clothes that are too loose or too tight doesn’t give your body the respect it deserves.

GET INSPIRED

Pay attention to the women around you. Are there certain looks you gravitate to over and over? Be aware of the colors you’re attracted to and the shapes you like. My taste is constantly evolving because I’m inspired by the world around me and the direction that fashion is evolving.

COLLECT IDEAS

Start a Pinterest board and save images of outfits that appeal to you. After you have a large collection, go back through them and look for similarities. Are the colors in the same family? Do most of them have classic elements, or are they more creative? Are the details feminine or dramatic? This helps train your eye to see what aspects of an outfit you admire.

If you’ve always loved the classic style, be sure to keep it fresh and modern by styling pieces in new ways. Pop your collar. Half-tuck your shirt. Stay abreast of trends, but don’t be a slave to them, or you risk looking tragic.

Try new combinations and see what feels right. Take selfies in the mirror, which gives you a unique perspective of how things look. Do you recognize that woman in the mirror? Does she look the way you want to look? There are no wrong answers with fashion, so don’t let fear stop you from trying.

ACCESSORIES MAKE THE WOMAN

Personal style is all about taking fashion and making it your own with personal touches that only you can add. Be inspired by another woman’s style, but give it your own twist. Accessories are the game-changers that give your outfits personality. Collect the ones that spark joy, then mix and match them to create your signature look.

Keep your eye out for pieces that speak to you. You’ll find one-of-a-kind pieces in consignment stores, antique markets, and especially during your travels. Etsy is also a great source. Perhaps you’ve inherited ones with sentimental value that you can mix in a new way. Try pinning a broach on your sleeve or just peeking out from under a collar. Wear belts in fun patterns and fabrics.

Great style can be found at every price point, so don’t feel limited by your budget.

How would you define your personal style?