The intent of this blog is to empower women over 50 to embrace their personal style with confidence and joy. We aim to dismantle the conventional biases associated with age and fashion, focussing on what truly matters: how you feel and express yourself. In this series, we’ll explore the concept of being ‘Style-Wise’ and provide tips and inspiration to help you curate a summer fashion 2024 wardrobe that reflects your unique personality, lifestyle, and wisdom. Say goodbye to outdated ‘age-appropriate’ rules and hello to a liberated, stylish you!

Breaking Free from the “Age-Appropriate” Trap: Embrace Your True Style!

Do you find that phrases you once used freely now annoy you? I do!

On the top of my list is the term age-appropriate. It’s a term that frames many of my clients’ fashion decisions and keeps them stuck.

Age-appropriate carries a patronizing tone that can feel restrictive, suggesting that people of certain ages (that’s us!) should limit ourselves to a narrow set of styles or trends. It implies that there are arbitrary rules dictating what is acceptable for someone based on their age, rather than their personal style preferences or lifestyle.

Let’s be honest, the notion of what is “age-appropriate” can reinforce outdated stereotypes about age and style, confining you within boundaries that don’t reflect who you are or how you feel. But style is not about limitations—it is about expression.

Why It’s Time to Shift from ‘Age-Appropriate’ to ‘Style Wise’

Let’s create a new word! Style-Wise.

Being style-wise is about making choices that are smart, savvy, and individual to you. It’s about recognizing that you possess the wisdom to know what makes you feel good and what suits your personal style, lifestyle, and comfort. 

This wisdom is what should guide your wardrobe choices, not a number that denotes your age.

Personal Styling - What To Wear Over 50 - The Style Equation

5 Ways to Make Style-Wise Choices

  1. Know Your Body: Embrace clothes that fit well and flatter your unique body shape. Understanding what cuts, fabrics, and styles showcase your best features is fundamental to feeling confident and stylish.
  2. Reflect Your Lifestyle: Your wardrobe should mirror your daily activities and environment. Whether you’re leading meetings, attending yoga classes, or enjoying a getaway weekend, your clothing choices should support and enhance these experiences. 
  3. Express Your Personality: Never shy away from colors, patterns, or accessories that express who you are. If you love vibrant colors and bold patterns, wear them! Find ways to incorporate them into your outfits while feeling true to your sense of style.
  4. Assert Your Independence: It’s time to move away from seeking permission or approval for your fashion choices. You should never feel the need to justify why you can or cannot wear something based on your age. Break free from others’ opinions dictating what is or isn’t suitable for someone “your age.” Your style choices are yours alone to make. 
  5. Stay Curious and Open: Fashion is ever-changing, and keeping an open mind can lead to delightful discoveries. You might find that something unexpected suits you perfectly. Embrace new ideas, and allow your style to evolve.

Being ‘Style-Wise’ means rejecting outdated notions and embracing a wardrobe that genuinely reflects your personality, comfort, and lifestyle at any stage of life. It is not easy, but this liberating approach will let you explore and evolve your style in ways you never could when you conform to what others expect you to do.

So, next time you’re shopping or deciding on an outfit, think style-wise, not age-wise. 

Need some examples? Let’s take a closer look at 3 fashion trends for summer 2024 that you can enjoy wearing, even though when you see them on a runway, they definitely fall into the “No Way!!” category.

1 – Sheer Clothing

Here are some of the runway shots for this trend (I left out the ones of models without undergarments!). To be real, that’s a look I can’t imagine having worn at any age!

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But here’s another way of wearing see-through tops that is flattering and even solves a fashion dilemma that many women face.

These sheer tops over an opaque camisole are so elegant! Pick a flattering color: black, white, gold, hot pink, and they will level up basic slacks or even denim. If you are someone who doesn’t like to bare her arms, this is the perfect level of coverage. Click pic to shop this trend!

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2. Micro Shorts

You may think wearing shorts is in your past, especially with the micro short trend raging this year. Let the 20-somethings enjoy those, while you check out the short suit. This is so classy and flattering!

The micro version notwithstanding, shorts are longer now, and more flared. Pair linen shorts with a jacket or vest and you’ll be keeping your cool all summer long. I realize not everyone is going to embrace shorts—I for one will be applying a little concealer in a couple spots and a fair amount of self-tanner. 

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3. Polka Dots

The third trend is not new, it never really goes away. But when you see outfits like this, you know polka dots are having a moment. 

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That means they are easier for you to find and enjoy. If you are someone who isn’t super comfortable with prints, think of polka dots as a gateway pattern that you can use to dip your toe into the fun world of prints or even print mixing!

Click pic to shop this trend!

Embrace Your Personal Style: Summer Fashion 2024 Women Over 50

Remember, embracing your personal style is all about celebrating who you are without being constrained by outdated fashion norms. We often find ourselves boxed in by societal expectations, but it’s time to break free and rewrite the rules. Embrace the colors, cuts, and patterns that make you feel confident and vibrant. When you choose outfits that resonate with your personality and lifestyle, you’re not just dressing up, you’re expressing your authentic self.

Your style evolution should be a journey filled with enthusiasm and exploration. Every new trend or classic piece you incorporate into your wardrobe is a step towards a more liberated and authentic you. Whether it’s a dash of bold color, an unexpected accessory, or a daring silhouette, your choices are an extension of your individuality. Age is a number, but your style is timeless and infinitely yours. So, step out with confidence and let your wardrobe tell the story of who you are, not the story others expect you to tell.

Join The Style Equation Community

Ready to take your style journey to the next level? Join The Style Equation Community (TSEC), a vibrant and supportive network dedicated to empowering you to explore and enhance your personal style. At TSEC, you’ll find a wealth of resources tailored to your needs, from personalized style guidance to inspiration from fellow fashion enthusiasts. This is a place where you can experiment with new trends, share your fashion triumphs, and seek advice without judgment.

Our community is built on trust, encouragement, and a shared passion for style. Whether you’re rediscovering your wardrobe, looking for ways to incorporate the latest runway trends, or simply in need of a confidence boost, TSEC offers the support and motivation you need. Join us, and redefine your style narrative with the backing of a community that celebrates individuality and authenticity.

Click here to become a part of The Style Equation Community today!

fashion for women over 50

Do you find it difficult to sort through social media and online resources to find fashion for women over 50 styling help? Reinvent Your Personal Style for This Chapter of Life Without Feeling Overlooked. Learn more about The Style Equation Community here!