6 Things to Wear Over 60
How many times have you run across a list of things we should never wear over 60 that is written by a person in their 30s? Too many times for my comfort level because, at 68, I’ve lived long enough to know what works for me. It feels like the older we get, the more we’re dictated to, but I believe we should wear what makes us feel confident. Today, I’m sharing six things I’ve chosen to wear over 60 because they help me look and feel my best. No rules are involved! You may find some of these work for you, too.
You may also enjoy reading 6 Style Myths Women Over 60 Should Ignore (And What To Wear Instead)
Here are 6 Positive Things to Wear Over 60
1-Wear What Fits Your Current Body Shape
Your body deserves to be treated with love and respect, regardless of its size or shape. Fluctuating weight is a common fact of life for most women over 60, but donāt let it negatively impact how you feel about yourself. Dressing for your current weight is a form of self-care and self-respect.
Buy and wear clothes that fit you right now. You deserve better than to squeeze yourself into things that fit 15, 10, or even 5 pounds ago. Tight clothes also make you look larger than you are, and no one needs that.
If you plan or hope to lose weight in the near future, buy a few quality basics that fit you now. They’ll bolster your confidence and help motivate you on your journey to healthy eating and weight. If you adore clothes that don’t fit you right now, move them to another closet so you don’t see them each morning. Here is a simple way to clear out your wardrobe.
2- Wear an Updated Haircut
Whether you’ve chosen to go gray or not, your hairstyle has a huge impact on your appearance. A stale haircut that dates you isn’t serving you well. If your hair texture performs best in a bob, tweak it to look more modern. Have the back stacked to a graduated bob, or try adding some wisps in front or side-swept bangs.
If you love a short haircut, try adding some gel for added texture with a piecey look or to get an extra lift on top. Small changes can make your hairstyle look more current, so investigate your options and experiment with new products.
If you struggle with thinning hair as I do, you may enjoy Causes & Treatment for Thinning Hair in Women Over 50.
Here’s how I style mine to add volume-
2- Wear A Supportive Bra To Help Everything Fit Better
Few of us escape menopause without changes to the shape of our bodies. Things shift and usually drop. I’m looking at you, droopy knees…but the biggest drop can happen to our bustline. I’m not well endowed, so I can wear bras without an underwire, but I still need the support and lift I get from a well-structured bra.
Most women are wearing the wrong size bra, but over 60, it’s more common. By our age, our breasts have lost or gained volume and are not usually as high as they used to be. Small fluctuations in weight will affect how supportive our bra is, plus breast tissue loses firmness as we age. Wearing a supportive bra that keeps things in the proper place also improves how we look in our clothes.
Visit the lingerie section of a large department or specialty store and get a professional bra fitting each year. This ensures you’re wearing the proper bra for your current body. I always suggest owning bras in ‘nude’, which will be invisible under your clothes. Here are some of the comfiest bras for older women.
3-Apply A Body Moisturizer Everyday
By 60, our skin doesn’t produce the same amount of collagen and natural oils as our younger skin. To counteract that, I find it invaluable to slather a good-quality moisturizer all over my body when I’m fresh out of the shower.
Formulas that contain squalane, hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, and lactic acid are some of the best for moisturizing aging skin. I also reapply to my legs and arms each night, which may seem like overkill, but the extra effort makes a world of difference. Here are some of the Best Lotions and Skin Creams for Crepey Skin.
4- Wear Updated Jewelry In Midlife
Jewelry goes in and out of style. One year, bold jewelry is in, and the next, it’s out. The way we choose to add accessories should come down to personal preference, but stay abreast of what’s current so you look up-to-date. A classic strand of pearls, worn alone, can look dated on women over 60. Try supersized costume pearls for a fun twist that makes a statement or layer them with other necklaces.
Earrings draw attention to your face, so have fun with these. Unique bracelets or brooches update your outfits with little financial investment. Here is where you can play with trends and get lots of bang for your buck. And in case you haven’t heard, brooches are back in a big way, so pull yours out and have fun with them.
5- Never Skip Sunscreen Over 60
It’s never too late to protect your skin. Yes, most of the damage and skin cancer we’re dealing with now was caused by a lack of care in our youth. That doesn’t mean we should expose it to more assault now. Our skin is thinner and more fragile over 60, so it needs even more protection from the sun. Age spots on the back of our hands are from sun damage, so remember to protect them as well. Here are some of my favorite sunscreens for our fragile skin over 60.
What would you add to this list that you’re embracing over 60? Here are more style tips for women over 60.
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Thanks for reading, and remember to wear what makes you feel confident. Fashion is a form of self-expression and self-care, which should also be enjoyable.
if I had a dollar for every time my mother said ” shoulders back, head straight ” I’d not be wondering about myself and appearances .I’m 81 and now saying those same words to my husband with PD. Appearance is so important for so many reasons. Keep on marching girls!!
You’re right, Mimi. Posture is so very important!!
You are right MIMI. My mom told me the same things for years. She threatened me with wearing a leather strap around my neck attached to a stick. It never got to that.
Iām am 84 now with back problems, so itās more difficult to walk straight, but I am trying.
Mimi.
Poor Queen Victoria was CD required to wear a flower with thorns under her chin to remind her to sit up straight as she did her schoolwork, some 8-10 hours of it!
These tips hit the nail on the head … especially the fourth one. I just invested in a few pieces that make me feel pretty with my more “round” figure, but they will still look great and hang well even if I hopefully manage to drop a few of these menopause pounds. In the meantime, I am also taking up your advice on putting those smaller-sized clothing items away until I can fit in them again. It is nothing but depressing to stare at them everyday!
Excellent tips. Iād add comfortable but stylish footwear to the list. Itās much easier to be and stay active if you can walk without your feet being pinched or aching. A halting gait can be unnecessarily aging and preventable with quality and well fitting shoes.
Rena
I agree on proper fitting, supportive footwear. That doesnāt mean dowdy in todayās market. My current favorite brands are Taos, Teva, Vionic and Gentle Souls. I taught my daughters (age 44 & 34), who as teachers are on their feet all day, to buy the best quality footwear they could afford. Theyāve both told me what a difference this has made for their backs and legs.
Totally agree, but there are those of us on tight budgets. My go-to-shoes? Skechers. Hands down.
Iām 68 and Iāve noticed two things that absolutely age me 10 years, no matter what clothes, make up or hairstyle Iām wearing , and that is my facial expression and my posture.
I have auto immune conditions that cause constant fatigue and body aches. I find myself stopping and grimacing a lot. Looking really haggard and old!! Yuck!! So Iām making a concerted effort to stand and move more gracefully and be aware of my face. I have found I actually feel better doing this. Not to mention that small children donāt run from me crying as much. ?
I’m so sorry to hear about your pain. You’re a brave lady and so right…our facial expressions make a huge difference.
Thank you for reminding us to watch our posture and to pull ourselves up tall! As I watch same-age people move, the ones who look most vibrant are the ones who are NOT hunched over the grocery cart, but rather the ones who stand tall with shoulders back and who move with as much grace as the sometimes achy body permits. I have had the good fortune of having a fitness instructor at my YMCA who reminds us of this. Now I hear her voice in my head every time I find myself slumping.
I hear my mom’s!!!!
So do I!! I have been told by former work friends that I glide when I walk..such aa great compliment!
Oh I’m so glad u said that. I’m 59 and high spirited. Quite work 7 yrs ago bad back. I still try to do some things thru pain. It’s hard and I feel the look of pain on my face. So I made an effort to not let it show. Still in pain but I look good. Thanks for hearing me.
Whats your secret? I have a back injury . Permanent debilitating pain. How do I the look on my face.
I to have terrible back pain. I try not to let it show but sometimes when you hurt so bad it is hard.
I have noticed that women with ‘patterned skin’ i.e., wrinkles, spots, non-clear complexion, look great in clothing that is more delicately patterned, like a heather weave. Think of the tiny delicate pattern of a lightweight Chanel style woven jacket, or a heather wool sweater. A satin weave, on the other hand, shines a bright light on non-smooth skin. So I’d choose a silk crepe blouse over a silk satin one, for example, especially near the face.
Props to Imogen Lamport at Inside Out Style blog for this insight.
Ever thought of that but a very insightful comment!
If you wear glasses itās important to keep them in an up to date style. Itās amazing how confident and stylish that can make you feel.
Exactly!!
Please tell ladies to stop wearing leggings, unless they are going to the Gym! Itās been almost a 40 year trend!! Enuf already!!
I know what you mean. There are leggings and then there are tights masquerading as leggings which belong under a dress or long top. Modest leggings are helpful and popular with women who have health and mobility challenges so it’s all in the styling.
I am not sure Jennifer meant we should have really short hair. My hair is a little longer bob now – an inch below my ears – and I got so many compliments lately from people who have known me for years. Also so many well dressed women have that āI slept on the back of my headā scrubby part in their hair. We really have to check the back of our head! Perhaps wet it a little and brush it out or blow dry that section. Maybe a hair stylist can speak up.
And I love my pearls so much! Itāll be hard to jazz them up.
Totally agree that a little longer bob is actually more flattering on some of us and, sometimes, really short can be aging. Everyone is different! Moisturizer, sunscreen and a bra that perks you up are all necessary. I can’t emphasize enough, though, that exercise and proper eating can allow you to maintain your figure and mobility. Too many people “cover-up” their “assumed” older woman weight gain or distribution when actually losing those extra pounds makes you look younger than ever. I think that’s important for everyone’s health including young people.
My hair is down to my waist! Longest itās ever been. Still original colour except a few greys on the side. Iām 62. I find itās easier to clip up being so long. I love wearing it down but feel others think Iām trying to be young.
Other people’s opinion isn’t what counts. If you love it, you should wear it.
I know what you mean! A woman I saw had a stylish short stacked gray bob. The back of her hair was sticking up AND flattened, as though she only combed the front and sides after sleeping on her back! I always use a hand mirror to look at the back of my Bob.
I see that slept on my back look everywhere! You’re so right…a quick spray of water and blow dry freshens that whole look up.
True! I always use my standing mirror to check the back of my hair before I am ready to go! This is important if you have a shorter layered cut.
I slide an up to date pendant on my pearls and it looks great.
I love pearls and truly believe that they DO NOT age women. If anything, they
provide us with a touch of class no matter what outfits we might wear. In addition, this beautiful whiteness of pearls brings much needed life and light to our complexion.
Thank you for standing up for pearls! I totally agree – they add a touch of class!
What do you recommend for those bleeding lipstick lines?
Michele, I found a miracle product about 10 years ago! It is DuWop Reverse Lipliner, a clear pencil yourself to line outside your lips. I literally put it on once in the morning and my lipstick never bleeds the rest of the day…even red. You can order it from Sephora, Amazon, etc. One pencil lasts me about 8 months, and I literally do use it every day. Iām 66 and have lines from drinking through straws!
Does drinking with straws cause wrinkles? I have been using straws for years to prevent drinks from staining my teeth. Maybe I should stop!
It can cause pucker lines just like smoking can.
I line and fill my lips with a pencil then cover with Jane Iredale stay on Lipfixation. Then I add lipstick but not all the way to the edges. No gloss for me…ever.
a little foundation is helpful.
Always! š
I donāt know if I can mention a brand on this blog, but I would refer you to the London based makeup company, Look Fabulous Forever. Go to their site. Not only do they sell an excellent product to apply before lipstick to keep lines of color from creeping away from your lips, they have excellent videos to show you exactly how to use each of their products.
Another thing I think is important to health and appearance, is proper dental care. Keeping your teeth is important to the structure of your face. Clean teeth, not necessarily bleached, are a must for times you are near people. With pretty teeth, your are more likely to smile a genuine smile.
Yes! Teeth are so very important!
Yes to the new bras! It is said that the bust should sit midway between your elbow and shoulder. Mine were headed south! I am average in bust size, but did go with an underwire for the first time. It is a little more uncomfortable at first, but after a bit you do get used to it. It really does improve the shape of things! Macy’s did offer a helpful bra fitting.
Okay, so I’m not yet in my sixties, but I am a “mature” woman š and all of your tips are absolutely on point — especially never too late to start taking care of your skin! But I gotta say I think women need to kick to the curb that whole “mutton dressed as lamb” thing. If a garment is flattering to you (i.e. fits right and suits your body). is appropriate for the occasion, and (most importantly) is your style, you should feel free to wear it. I expect to wear thigh-high boots, skinnies and dusters into my 70s — not because I’m trying to look like a lamb, but because it’s my style.
I agree! That “rule” is someone else idea of what works for women. We need to wear what makes us happy that we feel confident wearing.
Now this comment rite here! I guess some of u all would gasp at my clothes and shoes then. Whatever I can find to fit my extra long legs is what I wear. It can be hard finding pants long enough. I wear whatever I want as long as I’m not showing too much. I got my leggings and my long gray weave and my thigh high š¢. Lol. Wear what u want!!!
It is really hard to find cloths especially pants long enough. I wear 38 and 40 length pants, my jeans are mostly mens pants the only ones who have that length. Usually womaens extra long pants are 34 length and looks like i am waiting for a flood.
Amen to that sister!
I so agree with you Jennifer on the hair cut short! The older we get our hair should be shorter! Yes, we need a good bra (usually spending more to get) that fits properly, it makes all the difference in the way you look.
Thank you for this “reminder” post!
Iām not recommending short hair. Iām suggesting that if you do wear yours short, you wear it in a modern style.
Absolutely! I love my shoulder length hair. Itās still full and makes me feel amazing. Thatās the key…feeling amazing whatever your style!
Thank goodness I can say yes, I do all of those! My local department store had a Wacoal Fit for the Cure. My fitter was excellent and brought me at least 15 different Wacoal styles to try before we found the perfect fit. It definitely made my figure look younger and thinner! Sometimes I think about if Princess Diana were still alive, what a fashion icon we would have had to emulate since sheād be almost 60 now.
Princess Diana was very chic and stylish. I’m fairly certain she’d still be that way at 60.
Princess Diana had people to dress her appropriately!
Roxanne… I too wear Wacoal bras….after trying so many over the years, I finally found the one bra thatās comfy, it brings the girls right where they belong., straps stay put. I wear underwire….. I LOVE these!
I wear jeans a lot and button down shirts. It’s hard because I live in a small town where a trip to Wal-Mart is a big deal. I play racquetball 2 to 3 x a week so I wear shorts and gym shirt and then come home and clean up to either sweats or shorts.
Very simple and great suggestions. I am amazed at how many ladies have never had a “professional” bra fitting. I’m not talking about a salesperson working at a store that takes 2 measurements and dictates a size, but someone who understands the female body and how breasts change during life and how different body shapes need different means of support. After years of having fittings in a department store or a famous all pink looking “lingerie” store, I made an appointment with a professional bra fitter. The difference was absolutely amazing. I see mature women all around me with no support. I understand comfort, but a poorly fitting bra is very uncomfortable and unflattering as well. Thanks for your realistic posts.
Support is critical!
I have found if I buy bras that hook in front Iām in business. I also went to a sport bra to provide the support I need. Iām 80 and have very short hair that is grey. I use a shampoo that is for grey and blond hair. It is purple and give my hair the sheen and luster without the purple look. Iām conservative in my dress and try to stay in the fashion of the day. I also use yoga exercises just about every morning before I get out of bed. I take violin lesson and play with the local university symphony orchestra. I love every day!
You sound amazing Mary Ann! Way to go.
Where do you find these store to special fit a bra?
All fine department stores have bra fitting specialists as do stores like Soma.
Where did you find a professional bra fitter?
Most major department store and specialty lingerie store have professional bra fitters. My Macys has a great team there.
Good tips, but I have questions about the jewelry tip. Might it depend on the type of look you want? If my style icon is Audrey Hepburn, might that understated classic jewelry be exactly the ticket? True, it’s not contemporary, but does it really make me dated? If it matters, I’m not quite petite (5’5″, size 6) and I sometimes I feel like bolder jewelry is wearing ME, not the other way around.
Yes, it absolutely depends on your style goals. Audrey had a clean aesthetic with tiny classics. She often paired them with dramatic hats, gloves and head scarves which elevated her style to something trendier and eye catching.
Thanks for the input, Jennifer! I’ll have to think more about adding pops of the dramatic!
Good tips. Thanks. I want to see the cute outfit you had on in the opening picture but itās covered wit a large white caption. Thatās a tease.
My first thought was that after 60 you really must wear clothes but hey, we’re all different! Just started using daily moisturizer and I sure agree about the hair cut and the bra. Your advice is timely and on point. Thanks, Jennifer and have a lovely weekend!
Lol! Have a great weekend Susan
Your advice is so right on all six counts! A professional bra fitting is on my to do list. Thanks so much!!!
The best advice! Thank you. -and I had a recent bra fitting analysis and ordered that size in a bra specialty store. The bras fit fine! While at a department store I saw a cute lacy bra in another brand but same size and it didn’t fit! Not close. I checked and re-checked the size label to see that it matched the paper tag. It did. So different fit in different manufacturers even with a professional fitting. And it was recent! Be careful…..
Great post, Jennifer — full of such timely and true information! I need to jump on that moisturizer train, pronto!