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 don’t 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.
Good advice!
I just re-read your post “The One Bra You’ll Never Need”. I jave dyed all my white bras. I used
Rit Dyemore Synthetic fabrics. It’s easy. Just test early and often for depth of color. Also, the dye doesn’t run in the wash. I can now wear bras that showed under my clothes ( there were 6 of them!). So it saved lots of money by not replacing them. I’ve also purchased a couple white bras on ebay that were my brand and my size, which is hard to find (32C unlined underwire) at an acceptable price.
I didn’t know that Rit was stable in the wash! I always assumed it would bleed into other things. Thanks for the tip.
Hi Jennifer, great tips. Being stylish really means being confident. Getting dressed “on purpose” is something that I have lived for the past 20 years. It means being mindful about clothing choices based on the day’s activities, and wanting to feel stylish even if I don’t leave the house.
The other tip I would add is to consider teeth whitening. Nothing ages us more than a yellow smile. Subtle brightening can make a great difference. Cheers!
I agree. Our teeth do yellow as we age. All my tea drinking isn’t helping either:)
I ont give up tea for beauty. That’s just a step too far. LOL
Agreed:) xx
I can’t wait until I think it’s safe enough to get a professional bra fitting – I agree that bra fit is crucial to looking and feeling good. If you’re over 70 as I am you may remember the term “ foundation garment “ but a bra really is a foundation to feeling confident.
As someone who for health reasons struggles to maintain weight I wish all women who are overweight would be kinder to themselves. If your doctor says you’re healthy just wear clothes that fit your style and your body and don’t mourn your younger, skinnier self. I would love to have plump cheeks!
Thank you for saying that Janet! We need to love and embrace our current bodies. It’s a blessing to be alive. None of our aging body’s are without challenges but the grace we meet them with makes life so much more enjoyable.
We have just had 4 days over 40 degrees in Western Australia.
Too hot to go out the door ! I am 70 this year and I wear beautiful flowing caftans at home
and blow dry my hair and put some light make-up on.
You never know who might pop in and it makes me feel good.
And my husband always tells me how lovely I look. Love that man.Been married 50 years and he still compliments me.
Have any of you heard of Iris Apfel. I rest my case.
I am 66 and have gained a little podge over the last year as I used to do lots of running until I slipped and broke my back in 2 places. Now I have returned to work and am finding that other than basics such as plain T shirts, I tend to choose better quality clothes that are classic and well cut. A great quality crisp white Button down shirt, skinny denim jeans or straight black pants for work and a slim blazer for example. I add some gold jewellery, dark slightly cat eye sunnies and red lipstick. I wear a longer blonde bob that I tie back sometimes (Miranda Kerr style and look) Simple and very classy is what I try to achieve now rather than the latest fashion. I can’t believe how many years it has taken me to find my signature style but I now know what suits me. I do love the balloon sleeve blouses out now so I may splurge on one to wear out with jeans but it will be in a luxe fabric. I wrecked my feet by wearing Very high heels for most of my adult life so now I find I can Still wear kitten heels with pointed toes and achieve the same look. I look for brands that are wide for comfort. A pair of red kitten shoes can really vamp up a pair of jeans or floaty wide pants too. Also I have invested in a couple of classy belts to add some interest. Getting older doesn’t mean looking old. Best wishes to all of you beautiful, mature, fabulous ladies.
A few years ago, I went to a department store where I had purchased bras for several years. The sales clerk asked if I wanted a bra fitting and I said I did. She stood right there in the middle of the lingerie department and measured me poorly on top of my clothes and said what size I should try. I thought she was bananas and tried on and purchased two bras the size she told me. They were the worst fitting bras I had ever bought. A couple of years later, I went to an upscale department store and the clerk in the lingerie department offered to measure me. She went into the fitting room with me and measured me, then brought me several well-made bras to try. She checked the fit of each of them. Some of them had a frame that was too wide for me, some had too little coverage for my body, and one very plain one fit perfectly and felt really comfortable. She suggested that I wear it around the department for about 15 minutes and then tell her how it felt. I did try it and determined that it was a great fit and comfortable, so I bought it after nearly fainting with sticker shock. I liked it very well, so I decided to see if I could find that exact bra on ebay. I did find it and ordered more at a significantly lower price than at the department store. I have bought bras on ebay several times since then, most of the time staying with the same style.
A professional bra fitting is invaluable.
SOMA has front closure bras with support and stripes that don’t fall down. Check them out. I have been wearing them for years now.
At 91years old, I wonder if there ‘special ‘ rules for us, too !! I keep my mind active by playing Scrabble and other games on my iPad. I’m not so active physically as I use a walker . I like stylish and colorful clothes that are not too tight . People remark that I look great !! Enjoy your blog and read it every time . I am 102lbs and 4ft 8in tall . Any suggestions for me ? Have a great summer !!
I think you are amazing Lucille!! BRAVO! I prefer tools and tips to rules. My biggest tip is to dress to make yourself happy and feel confident! You could use the search function on the top of this page and it will pull up some posts on petite dressing.
Wow!!!! God bless you young healthy Lady…
Great advice, Jennifer, and I love the practicality of you “6 over 60” list. I agree with each of these. If I made a list for myself it would be “7 over 70” and I would include shoe guidance. I love a heel, the higher the better, but for me that shipped has sailed. Two hip and two knee replacements, a spinal fusion and a toe joint replacement later I have to be very thoughtful & careful about footwear. But I refuse to wear stodgy comfort Oxford with no style. Happily, there are a lot of shoe manufacturers now who make attractive, stylish footwear. Takes a bit of work to find which brands/styles work best but they are out there.
I remember my mother saying the same thing about the bra fastening in the back. I taught her how to fasten the bra in front if her & then to move to her back, then slip her arms through the straps. She loved it and alway put her bra on this new way.
That’s how I put my bra on too.
I have been putting my bra on that way since I fractured my shoulder 20 years ago, much easier and all you have to do is slide it around . What could be easier than that!!😂😂😂
I do it also now that I have three hooks and yes to the person that said make sure your back is dry after shower.
Me too, I’m 65 but I’ve always done it that way.
I fasten the bra and put it on over my head. Works well almost every time.
That is the way I put my bra on, also! I had rotator cuff surgery last year and I still have trouble stretching my arms to my back. Just make sure your back is completely dry after a shower or the bra will get stuck and twisted!
Yes. I now have a torn rotator cuff, so I just slip my right arm in, then pull my bra over my head and then the other shoulder. An advantage to having slightly deflated breasts. lol. Of course it is an advantage to be basically an H frame. I could step into my hooked bra, if I could bend down.
I have done this from the beginning!
Me too, taught that when i first started wearing a bra!
So have I. I thought that was the way it was supposed to be done.
Me, too – since age 12! LOL.
Maria,
I have always put my bra on like this, our mother taught us this in a very easy way.
I place my bra on my mid drift with the back to the front. I close the hooks, spin the bra around so cups are on the front bring the shoulder straps one by one over your shoulders and there you have it on.
Me too.😃
Me too
Me too, for years!! I also have sport bras with hooks in the front & so comfortable.
Always put my bra on that way now!! It doesn’t work though if you are hot and sweaty.
A little talc might help. Put talc on a towel to apply – fold into a long shape.
The professionals hate that way you put on a bra!! I can no longer reach around to the back to close or unhook the bra. I had surgery where I lost function in my arms from nerve damage. I cannot reach around like I used too so, I put on a bra they way you do!! I am happy I can do that!!! Phewey to the professionals. I do what I have to do to get it done!!
I’ve always put it on that way. lol So much easier than trying to fasten in the back and adjust the girls.
I’ve been putting it on that way for 40+ yrs :)) …just thought everyone did it that way. My husband laughs when I lean forward to make sure the girls fit into each cup correctly. Lol!
Oh my gosh! I’ve always felt like a freak doing it like this! I’m so glad there are other women who do it this way!
Have always done it this way and never have given it another thought. -Brenda-
I invested in a black and nude strapless bra. Can either slip over my head in step into. No more bra straps sliding down my arms.
Me too – been doing it since day 1.
Hello , just browsing and read your blog and comments from readers. I’m 63 tomorrow, wearing English size 6 – 8 clothes, growing my natural silver vixen hair as long as I want it to be, do yoga 5 times a week, it keeps me slim, energised, and engaged with everything, I like a drink most nights, not so into food other than protein. I’m maintaining a better figure than I had when I was much younger, I feel fitter and healthier than those previous days, and I in all honesty can say I’m in better shape than many women 35 years my junior. I have no answers, but it isn’t just lucky genes, no such thing!!
Annesandra from England.
I am the same age as you and feel the same way. Yoga is a game changer and will help anyone get into shape. You don’t have to be fit to start our slow. I try to do it 5-6 days a week and have been doing it for years. As little as 15-20 minutes of stretching is beneficial. Walking is another way to keep fit.
My hair is super short and I let the grey come it and now have a few highlights to keep it bright and fresh. Aging isn’t fun but if you accept it and eat right it doesn’t have to be a negative time of life. Drink lots of water, take care of your skin and use sunscreen. I have a saying given to me by a physical therapist years ago. “NEVER, NEVER, NEVER STOP MOVING!” It’s a motto I will follow the rest of my life. Namaste.
Love your comments Sailing Chef! …. esp. NEVER NEVER NEVER STOP Moving! I’m with you! Stay precious!…
Oh well done you. Good on you 👍🏻👍🏻
I get front closure bras. They are EASY to put on with no fuss!!
I used to be just like you at your age. Extremely fit, doing back to back gym classes, yoga and palates, now in my late 70’s loosing my husband 3 years ago to cancer, I don’t seem to have the same motivation to go to the gym which we both did 5 times a week & bike ride on the weekends, now up a dress size.
😔 Health but not as fit. 😒
I’m so sorry to hear about your husband.
Trauma can change a lot of things. Keep moving, find other ways to move, walk a dog, yours or someone else’s, find a friend to walk with. It helps to stay committed.
So sorry to hear you lost your hubby. One dress size is not terrible! Just make the most of today and tomorrow will probably be good too.
I hear you on that. I’m 78 now. Lost my husband 4 yrs ago. At first I was thinning out the house trying to get ready for downsizing to a smaller home and a lot less land to take care of. I’m still not there after 4 yrs. Motivation is waning. Everyone seems to think I’m really slow at this which I am but it’s a huge task with a shop and garage to handle also. There’s wood to be split, a driveway to plow, a field and 12.000 sq foot lawn to maintain. I tried hiring some out but ended up doing it over myself. I’m not a perfectionist but no one seems to be on the same page as I am even with explicit directions. Snow on the fence, gravel on the lawn from someone else plowing. More work for me than it’s worth trying to fix their mistakes. Every house I look at is smaller than mine but I’d have to pay more for it than I’d get out of my house and 20 acres. Friends have said don’t move it’s not worth it. I’m beginning to think they’re right. I can’t find the time to go to a gym anymore. Walking I can do although it’s not steady, but I usually get in 2 miles just working around the house inside and out. I love my house and may just stay put till the Lord calls me home.
You were so lucky to have shared so many activities with your late husband, and no doubt it’s a totally different life for you. My husband is not nearly as active as I am, so I am often solo outdoors , which is okay a lot of the time, but his company is good too. What I might suggest is that for your mental health, perhaps choose one favourite activity and get back into it…being with others could be very beneficial and help you physically too. I love my twice weekly Pilates , and the social aspect of seeing my enthusiastic partner and amazing instructor ,and sharing a few laughs while working out. I am 74 and life has certainly sent a few curve balls my way…but I try to just get on with it! Here’s a hug going out to you Australia ❤️
I’m sorry for your loss, but go back to the gym; you deserve to keep feeling good. Sending good vibes your way!
You are lucky!
All the comments was very helpful, Thanks im 69 will be 70 this year, Now every time i look in the mirror I’ll be reminded of what i read.Thanks again.
And don’t forget to wear your smile!
Thank you so much , thats what i do everyday. 🙏❤
I have found you look a lot younger when you smile and definitely feel younger!
Not everyone over six he has 1 foot in the grave. It would be great to see fashion and beauty for the elegant slim well maintained and active woman over 60.
Perhaps, you should make content for that demographic, eh?
Recently I stood in the elevator with one of my neighbors. She had her halting gait with her. We were talking about aging. She told me she was 78 and was sure I would be 10 years younger than she was. I doubted it and told her I was 83. She asked my what my secret was. I have no secret, I just do my exercises every morning, watch my diet and stay interested in the world. But then I realized I have something I am very happy about: 5 grandchildren in the age of 31 to 2 years. They all ask my attention according to their age. It can be very exhausting , shopping and going for lunch with the oldest and playing on the floor with the youngest of 5 and 2 years! But it keeps me fit and young.
By the way, spring is coming, don’t forget to use a sun-protector nr. 50 for your face and hands.
Advice of my dermatologist !
Elly
That’s fabulous Elly! Taking care of our health early certainly pays off in our aging years. Grandchildren are the very best!
Jennifer, I totally relate to you about the fine, thin hair. Also the bar as well. LOL
I would love to chat with you sometime.
That’s so good to hear you say that, I’m 83 not particularly slim!😆but I love clothes and makeup, but most of all I love my family .I have nine grandchildren and two great granddaughters. They help to keep me young.
I dress in bright colours to please me and make me feel cheerful.
My grandchildren are Mostly grown up now, the youngest is ten years old. But they give me lots of joy, granddaughters keep me on my toes clothes and makeup wise.
Anne
In the summer when it’s humid, or when a hot flash hits, it’s very hard to slide any bra from front to back or back to front. Along with Soma, Bali has quite a few front hook bras with and without underwires. That’s all I buy now.
I’m soon to be 79. But I’ve been yold I look 15 years younger. I have grownup and younger grandchildren. They keep my mind sharp. But I discovered creativity. I refurbish wood chairs. Sketch, and design pottery. This keeps me focused and boosts my self esteem. Hobbies are very important.
Good advice
Hi I found your blog very helpful. I’m 62 and snuggle with weight and dress. Thanks for the advice.
Mostly great advice! On shorter hair, yes in a more stylish way. Gel and hair products do help. But not all women look best in short. I tend to a longish short style now. I think for me, a bit longer is better. It does not hit my shoulders!
Mine is a bit longer these days too, but like you, it does not hit my shoulders.
A bob , I was told, made me look ten years younger than my short cut.
I will soon be seventy five, trying to dress my age and yet stylish. I am 5’2” and weigh 106, I just got a pixie haircut and have finally went from blond to gray! I am signing up to receive your post..
Welcome, Brenda!
I love everything about this post! I’m 69 and currently do most of my shopping at Old Navy! Love their sales and the way the clothes fit me. I feel cute, up to date, but not like I’m trying to look too young. Signed up to get your newsletter, hoping to connect more. ~Kathy
I need to check out Old Navy. Welcome Kathy
Definitely! I think they have a lot of pieces that work quite well for women over 60! Some how they make me look current, but not like I am trying to be a kid again. Love this blog and all the comments ❤️
I will definitely try Old Navy never thought about it at 66!
But very disappointed in the styles out there for quite some time
Thanks