Style Over 50: The New "Rules"

“What Women Shouldn’t Wear Over 50”

“How To Look Good At 50”

We’ve all seen variations of these titles - which usually end up being some patronising, insulting or, at best, hilarious article, dictating how to dress correctly at 50. Because apparently, when the clock strikes midnight on your 50th birthday, suddenly your fairy tale princess life ends and all you’re left with - or even looking like a - a pumpkin. So you need to revelatue your entire style and fashion decisions.

Now I’m no scientist but I’m pretty sure that when you turn 50 you don’t instantly end up with 20 more wrinkles, grey hairs, hot flushes, and a bigger middle. You might become more aware of the signs of ageing, but they havn’t appeared overnight. Because the only real potential sudden shift is psychological. Your physical changes will happen gradually.

So what these “50+ Style” articles are ignoring is that a woman’s style may shift at 50 because of emotional reasons. It’s all well saying ‘you should now wear this and avoid that’, but it means nothing if there’s no sensitive rationale and understanding behind it. Because, after all, clothes and style are just a reflection of who you are inside.

So when blogger Jo from Mother Of Teens asked me what style at 50 really means, I decided it was finally time to stop with those “rules” write some new guidelines:

1. If you feel now is the time to broaden your style horizons - do it!

A year ago a lady said to me “when I was in my late 30s, I lost my confidence; I had kids and started taking less care of my appearance. Now I'm in my 50s, I feel I need to get back to my real self.”

Whatever path your life has taken, there has probably been a point where you started to feel less confident in your appearance. But, on turning 50, it’s a great point to evaluate your life so far, think about where you want to go next, and take control. And the same goes for your style. If you’re ready for a change - go for it. If you want to try a particular style, do! Because ultimately confidence is the true essence of style.

2. Only give your wardrobe a total overhaul if your body is currently changing

One of the biggest mistakes one can make is to buy a garment that’s too big or small and say you’ll eventually fit into it. It never works because we all lose and put on weight differently at different times of our lives.

So as your body changes you may need to shop differently. A new cut might suit you for the first time, whilst ones that you used to wear are no longer flattering. You might need to find new shops too.

Just don’t make any prior-assumptions. The best thing you can do is prepare yourself mentally, and do your research, knowing that, however your body evolves, it’s completely natural and there are places to shop. And then only as and when your body changes, start adapting.

3. Encourage yourself to step out of your safe zone.

A very common phrase I hear amongst customers is: “I only wear navy as it makes me feel safe.”

I have nothing against navy. In fact, it is often a very flattering choice. But if you’re wearing navy to feel safe, then there’s a problem. Yes it’s important to feel comfortable in what you’re wearing, but as is feeling beautiful, gorgeous and sexy. And dressing to feel safe is not that.

So, next time you feel yourself drawn to the navy (or any other colour that makes you feel safe), honestly consider if you’re picking it for healthy reasons. And if you’re not, then it’s time to give yourself some love and care, and tell yourself you can wear something else - even if it means starting with baby steps.

4. If “She “Can Wear That” then why can’t you?!

“Well X can wear that but I couldn’t”. Sounds familiar? Yes that person may be a different shape, age, height or colouring to you, but that doesn’t mean you can only look one way to pull of an outfit. If you admire what someone else is wearing, give it a go yourself! You might need a slightly different cut or colour, but let it inspire to you. Don’t shut yourself off before giving it a go. Because if it doesn’t work - what’s the worse that can happen? You take it off and that’s that.

5. No trend or look is off limits - it’s all in the detail

According to lots of articles, if you wore a look when it was trendy the first time round, then you shouldn’t wear it again.

Well, given ‘trends’ are being recycled more now than ever, I’m afraid to say that pretty much rules you out of most clothes. So unless you’re willing to spend the rest of your life walking around in a garbage bag, it’s time to put that rule firmly in the bin.

The trick is in the detailing and styling. If you’re keen to wear a style that is very ‘on-trend’, try to find a variation that includes subtle modern aspects, rather than one that could be vintage. Alternatively, if you want to go full retro with one piece, make sure to pair it with items that are clean, crips and clearly form a different era. That way, rather than looking like you’ve just stepped out of a time machine, you look fresh, cool and effortless.

So remember: if you start to listen to your feelings and your body, rather than those conventional rules, then you will find the right style for you and continue to be the best version of yourself today. Your style will change over time, but it should only do so when the time is right for you.