Fashion is ageless, just like the fabulous women who embrace it. In your 50s and beyond, your style should reflect your personality, confidence, and zest for life. Forget about outdated rules and restrictions; it's time to set your own trends and celebrate your individuality. As the saying goes ‘You do you bnoo’. Welcome to 'The Menopause Style Guide,' where we offer some empowering fashion tips to help you shine at any age.
Fashion For Us in the Media
Recently there has been a variety of articles, social posts and discussions about how us ‘ladies’ should dress. Not happy with most of them, I have to say. Can you imagine Iris Apfel only dressing a certain way, because that’s what we should do?
Vogue Australia recently had an article ‘The 12 Best Clothing Brands For Women Over 50’, now whilst I love the older woman that is in the bulk of the article, she’s in her 80’s I believe, and the other models are all significantly younger than 50…mmm
We want to see us!
Gone are the days where we aspire to be something we’re never going to be, we (and I use that based off the countless conversations I’ve had with friends & clients etc) want to see images that we can identify with, and yes, show us how, maybe with a ‘zshoosh’ we can up our game a bit, or do something a little different.
I turn 50 in a month, and maybe my style is crap to some people, don’t care, I happen to feel fab. I don’t shop at the brands mentioned, apart from the odd staple at Uniqlo or Country Road. Sarah I know loves Cos, so there we got 3 out of 12. Everything in the article was what I’d call ‘safe’. Ironically as we age, we give less ‘f’s, so shouldn’t we be shown a greater variety of things? For some women, all of these brands would be their absolute go to, and I’m guessing Vogue knows their audience and this was exactly what they wanted to see.
I’m by no means slamming the article, the brands or Vogue, simply suggesting that we don’t want or need a box to fit into for fashion. We are old enough and wise enough to know that some dresses are suitable for business and some for martinis in a darkly lit bar. So show us that it’s ok to push fashion boundaries at any age, with lots of different styles.
Embrace Your Unique Style
“I think you have to be true to yourself, know yourself, and not be a trend follower. You’ve got to take a few risks.”
I love this quote from the late great Iris Apfel “I think you have to be true to yourself, know yourself, and not be a trend follower. You’ve got to take a few risks.” She has SO many wonderful ones, have a Google and get inspired. And no, I’m not saying you need to dress like her either - just get comfortable using fashion to express who you are. If you can’t do it now, when are you going to?
Your style is a reflection of who you are. Don’t let anyone dictate what you should or shouldn't wear just because of your age. Embrace colours, patterns, and fabrics that make you feel confident and comfortable. Whether you love bold prints (says the Camilla convert here) or prefer classic neutrals, your wardrobe should be as unique as you are.
Invest in Quality Pieces
“Buy less. Choose well. Make it last”
As we age, comfort becomes just as important as style. Invest in high-quality, timeless pieces that offer both. You’ll only ever need one Carla Zampatti tux! A wardrobe of staples can be mixed and matched to create endless stylish outfits throughout the seasons. Even a great pair of sneakers can be a staple that can dress down a fabulous frock for a lunchtime with friends.
Play with Accessories
“People will stare, make it worth their while.”
Accessories are a fantastic way to express your personality and add flair to any outfit. Statement necklaces, elegant scarves, and stylish handbags can transform a simple look into something extraordinary. Don’t shy away from experimenting with different accessories to find what best enhances your style.
Celebrate Your Body
“Any body type is beautiful. It’s all about loving what you got and rocking it.”
Every body is beautiful, and your clothes should celebrate that. Our bodies carry us through life, and need to be loved. If you are having trouble with that, check out my Mirror Exercise and start to love it more, little by little. Choose cuts and styles that highlight your favourite features and make you feel fabulous. Whether it's a cinched waist, a low top to highlight your catchment area, or your idea of a perfect jean, find what works for you and wear it with pride.
Stay True to Yourself
“Being true to yourself never goes out of style.”
The most important rule in fashion is to stay true to yourself. Wear what makes you happy and confident. Trends come and go, but your unique style is timeless. Remember, the best outfit you can wear is self-confidence, and a smile - bonus, they are both free!
Style for the 50+ Woman Over the Decades
"Fashion is what you're offered four times a year by designers. And style is what you choose."
In the words of the fabulously stylish Lauren Hutton "Fashion is what you're offered four times a year by designers. And style is what you choose."
Fashion for women over 50 has evolved significantly over the decades. In the 1960s, women in their 50s often wore very conservative styles, with an emphasis on modesty and practicality. Think structured dresses and tailored suits, not the wee minis that became so popular. By the 1970s, fashion became more relaxed, with flowing fabrics and bohemian influences taking centre stage. The 1980s brought bold colours, power suits, and a focus on career wear as more women entered the workforce. I’m having shoulder pad flashbacks. The 1990s saw a shift towards minimalism, with sleek lines and understated elegance becoming popular. We skipped the heroin chic thank goodness. In the 2000s, fashion for women over 50 started embracing a more individual approach, with an emphasis on our personal style and comfort.
Today, the fashion landscape for women in their 50s and beyond is more diverse than ever. There's no one-size-fits-all approach; instead, the focus is on celebrating individuality and embracing styles that make you feel fabulous. You only have to go through your Instagram feed to find some incredible style queens that are 50+. Here’s a few I follow (too many to list them all oops), and if you have some more, tag us and let me know!
- Grece Ghanem
- Rasmit Kaur
- Luisa (thesilverlining_1970)
- Trinny Woodall
- Jordan Trent
- Cindy Swanson
- Kate Hawko
- Susan G Kanoff
Fashion in your 50s and beyond is about celebrating your individuality and embracing your unique style. Forget about societal expectations and dress in a way that makes you feel freakin’ fabulous. Invest in quality pieces when you can, play with accessories, and celebrate your body - you can create a wardrobe that is both stylish and empowering.
Here's to looking and feeling fantastic at any age!
And remember “A woman is never sexier than when she is comfortable in her own clothes." Vera Wang
Oh and next time you are shopping with your fave retailer and you don’t think they have enough representation of what you want to see - let them know. As we all speak up, change could just happen.
Oops, I didn’t mention shoes…next time!