By the time you reach your 50s, you’re a force to be reckoned with. You’ve hit your stride and figured out what works for you. Best of all, it’s finally time to put yourself first — whether that means focusing on your career, your hobbies or evolving your look. Below, Stitch Fix Stylist, Alicia, shares tips for owning your style during this milestone decade and dressing for all the occasions your fabulous 50s have in store for you.
Our top 5 style tips for what to wear at 50
1. Embrace color
While you can never go wrong with a dependable neutral color, bright and bold hues add excitement to your closet. Liven up your look with vibrant hues like turquoise, burnt orange, salmon or our Stitch Fix color of the year: matcha green. If you’re just dipping your toes into wearing the rainbow, Stitch Fix Stylist Alicia advises to “start with a small pop of color and go from there. Accessories, shoes and outerwear are great ways to gradually try new shades.”
2. Widen your neckline horizons
A simple way to shake things up in your 50s is to opt for more sophisticated necklines. We like boatneck tops to show off your décolletage—add a statement necklace, if you like. Oversized v-neck knits or sultry off-the-shoulder styles raise your top game to top-notch status.
3. Invest in luxe knits
Give yourself permission to splurge on your dream sweater (you deserve it!). We’re talking natural fibers such as silk, cashmere and supersoft cotton (preferably with a little stretch). Start working synthetics out of your rotation and opt for fewer, more luxurious basics to elevate your everyday look. “Think cost per use,” suggests Stitch Fix Stylist, Alicia, “a capsule wardrobe of high-quality, mix-and-match friendly pieces is worth the investment.”
4. Play up your waistline
It’s no secret that high-waisted pants and jeans are on the rise again—and for good reason. They’re comfortable, chic and showcase the natural curve of your waistline. We rely on this style tip to create extra shape and dimension: tuck in a button-down or sweater into the front of your high-rise jeans. It’s called a “French tuck,” and it’s a simple way to modernize even the most classic of silhouettes.
5. Find your perfect fit
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: there’s nothing quite like clothes that fit as if they were made for you. By the time you hit 50, you’ve learned a lot about what works (and what doesn’t) for you. Find brands whose pieces fit you to a tee to ensure comfort, confidence and style. “And if you love something, don’t forget to buy it in a few different colors,” recommends Stitch Fix Stylist, Alicia.
5 closet must-haves for dressing in your 50s
1. Bold prints
A power decade deserves a power print (or a few). Lively patterns, like polka dots, stripes or florals, are a fun way to reflect your unique style and personality. Add a pop-of-print silk scarf to a simple neutral outfit. For maximum sartorial impact, go all in with a head-turning coat or printed dress. Stand-out dresses for women over 50? We’ve got ‘em!
2. A classic button-down
Our latest style forecast shows that timeless button-downs are trending, and they’re not going anywhere anytime soon. Wear it under a cozy sweater or on its own with crisp denim and white sneakers. Aside from your staple white button-down, you’ll get major style mileage from a few colors and prints, too (read: oxford blue, powder pink or even standout stripes).
3. Chic loafers
Reaching 50 doesn’t mean you need to phone in the stylish footwear. Flats of all sorts are having a moment, including the humble loafer. This coveted silhouette is the perfect style to keep you on-trend all decade long. From quintessential penny loafers to updated slip-ons, “the beauty of these versatile flats is that they can be taken from day to night with ease,” says Stitch Fix Stylist Alicia.
4. A smart blazer
If you don’t have one hanging in your closet already, a blazer is an essential layering piece that never goes out of style. There are tons of options out there, from dressy tuxedo styles to understated neutral takes. Our Stylists’ current go-to shape: classic, plaid and a bit oversized (a.k.a., bookish in the best way). Just add a white tee and high-rise jeans for a look that says you’re in the know on style in your 50s.
5. Metallic accessories
Go for the gold, silver or bronze—because every 50-something’s closet benefits from a few megawatt accents. A shimmering clutch, pair of sparkling earrings or glistening heels are a fail-proof way to add a hit of texture and glam to any look. Whether you’re new to metallics or have loved them for years, Stitch Fix Stylist Alicia shares a simple way to keep your collection feeling fresh: “Try switching up your go-to metallic. If you typically gravitate toward gold, play with comeback-metallic silver.”
Get styled by Stitch Fix in your 50s
If these tips have you ready to hit your style stride, take your style quiz and schedule a Fix—then get ready to receive an array of clothes for women over 50. Try on your new tops, denim and dresses in the comfort of your own home. Only keep (and pay) for what you love, and send back the rest. Shipping and returns are always free, and there’s no subscription required. You make this your most fabulous decade yet, and we’ll make sure you do it in style.
