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As junior style editor here at YOU Magazine, I am fortunate enough to have met and styled many of our readers aged 60 and over for our weekly Ageless Style column. Speaking to them, it’s clear there are a number of wardrobe woes that many ladies within this age group share. Below I have rounded up some tips to help solve some of the most common of these concerns…
Comfortable shoes don’t have to be boring
Jenny Lee Lock, 75 (Photo: Victoria Adamson)
Comfort is key at any age. However, as we get older, things like proper support and a steady, flat heel become increasingly important. Often shoes designed with such things in mind can feel frumpy and dated. But, that doesn’t have to be the case. There are loads of great shoe options our there that embrace both comfort and style.
As modelled by Jenny Lee Lock (75) above, a good quality leather loafer ticks all the right boxes. Not only are they a sturdy footwear option with a sole made to last, they can also be worn with socks (stick to above the ankle, white styles) for even more comfort. If loafers aren’t for you, a suede boat shoe or lace-up biker boot are also great alternatives.
Try out your favourite store’s petite section
Melva Folkes, 86 (Photo: Victoria Adamson)
It’s very common for women and men to get shorter as they age. Adapting to new proportions can be tricky, and often makes people feel like they no longer know how to dress themselves in a way that still feels like them.
In recent years, the high street has got much better at catering to people of all body types, many offering whole edits targeting specific needs. For shorter women, I recommend heading to brands like Next, Nobody’s Child and Whistles – all of whom have great offerings for women 5′ 3″ and under. This is particularly great for trousers as it can save a lot of money on tailoring costs.
Alternatively, a great tip for special occasions, as proven by Melva Folkes (86) above, is to look for ‘midi’ style skirts and dresses when out shopping. Where they might be designed to fall at the mid calf, on shorter women they will land at the ankle, creating a gorgeous full-length effect.
Embrace shades that complement your skin tone
Marilyn Lifsey, 80 (Photo: Victoria Adamson)
It’s really important to wear prints and colours that make you feel good. However, it’s also a great idea to keep in mind shades that suit your skin tone when buying new pieces. It is incredible how embracing complementary hues can freshen a look and make your skin glow.
In general, earthy shades (think khaki, peach and browns) complement warm skin tones, while jewel tones like deep red and blue look great against cool skin tones. An easy way to find out which shades looks best on you is simply to experiment with pieces in different colours that you already own. Alternatively, there are lots of helpful resources online to help you do this. Our tip is to search for articles on ‘finding your season’ for easy how-to guides.
Invest in pieces that can be dressed up or down
Olive Jones, 92 (Photo: Victoria Adamson)
It’s so easy to mentally separate your wardrobe into pieces that are for formal occasions, and things that are for casual days. However, a really easy way to feel put together everyday (and to improve the cost per wear of your pieces) is to mix your dressier pieces with your smart – and vice versa!
For example, Olive Jones’ (92) preppy cardigan, full length skirt and embellished bag (above) is perfect for a special occasion. But, the outfit could also be deconstructed, with each item being worn with more casual pieces to jazz up an everyday outfit. Her Chanel-inspired cardigan would add a chic touch to a pair of jeans and Mary Janes, while the A-line skirt would add a special feel to a plain white t-shirt.
Embrace Print
Margaret Hibbard, 82 (Photo: Victoria Adamson)
A common concern I hear when styling women in their 70s, is that they feel invisible and that they tend to opt for clothes that help them blend into the background. Often their reasoning for this is that they don’t want their clothes to look too young for their age. This shouldn’t be the case. There are so many easy ways for older women to continue showcasing their personal style without looking ‘too young’.
My advice for ditching a wardrobe of black, shapeless clothes is to invest in a few printed pieces. In this way, you can stick to the silhouettes that make you feel comfortable while also injecting some colour. Polka dots are always a chic option, or a ditsy floral print is perfect for the summer months. Then, simply pick out a colour from the print with which to match your accessories. For example, Margaret Hibbard’s (82) ivory pumps and boucle jacket perfectly tie in with the white spots on her dress.
When in doubt, go monochrome
Maggie Hackney, 75 (Photo: Victoria Adamson)
One fail-safe formula I reach for when feeling uninspired in the morning is to embrace a monochrome outfit. It’s chic, effortless and takes minimal thinking to put together. Above, Maggie Hackney (75) does it well, mixing different shades of grey for a perfectly put-together outfit.
Other on-trend colours to try that good look at any age include navy, brown, or even burgundy. Want an easy way to find items in the same shades? Look for pre-made co-ords to ensure the perfect colour match.
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