Ladies, let’s celebrate style, confidence, and the beautiful bodies we’ve earned through our journey to our 50’s and beyond! I made this Style Tips for Women Over 50 post to share with you how I’ve learned to embrace my shape as I grow older. I’ve learned that our age doesn’t mean we can’t have fun with fashion and feel fabulous in our clothes.
Our bodies naturally change as we age – maybe we’ve gained a few curves, lost some in other areas, or noticed a shift in our weight distribution. These changes are a normal part of life and nothing to be ashamed of. I know my weight distribution has changed and it can be frustrating at times, but we have to learn to “work around it” and celebrate the life we are living now. Here is a helpful article I read from the Mayo Clinic.
In this post, we’ll explore some common body shapes and offer styling tips for each. I paid special attention to the apple shape (which I identify with) and discussed some common body changes that come with menopause. Whether you’re dressing for a special occasion or want to feel great in your everyday wear, I’ve got you covered.
Remember: Style has no age limit, and every body is beautiful!
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Styling Tips for Women Over 50 – Embrace Your Shape
Disclaimer: Hey there! Just a quick note about the photos you’ll see on our post. The women featured in the product photos on this blog were not intentionally selected. They’re simply the images available on the brand websites we used for reference. We’re all about showcasing our recommendations, and these were the pictures we had to work with. Hope you enjoy checking out the items as much as we do!
Hourglass
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Dahlia Tie Front Mini Shirtdress | Flare Jeans | Cap-Sleeve Maxi Dress
Description: Curvy with nearly equal hip and bust measurements; well-defined waist legs and upper body are proportionate.
Style tips
- Embrace your curves with wrap dresses and belted styles to show off your waist. You can rock the form-filling styles!
- Boot cut or slightly flared pants as well as high-waisted pants and skirts accentuate your waistline
- Form-fitting knits show off your balanced proportions
- Wrap dresses flatter the waist however if you are large busted, these can be problematic and may require a camisole or something underneath
Avoid: Straight cuts, boxy styles, unbelted dresses, and baggy clothing.
Apple
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Stretch Boat Neck Bodice Sheath Dress | Leaf Print Shoulder Detail Tee | Sleeveless Printed Tie-Front Shirtdress
As an apple shape myself, I know the challenges we face, especially with weight distribution after menopause. But fear not, we have plenty of stylish options!
Description: Broader upper body, less defined waistline, and a fuller mid-section, often with narrow hips.
- V-neck tops elongate your neckline, and dark colors on top
- Ruching or shirred fabric at the waist, nothing too tight in the midsection
- Wear the right bra – invest in a few good ones and have a professional fitting if you have not had one in a while
- Bootcut or slightly flared pants/jeans to balance your proportions
- Wear your dresses and skirts a little shorter to accentuate your legs
Pear
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Poplin Palm Print Dress | High Waist Wide Leg Trousers | Organic Cotton Tiered Maxi Dress
Description: Your hips are larger than your shoulders and bust. You have a defined waist and typically will have a larger backside with narrow shoulders and slim arms.
Style tips
- A-line skirts and wrap dresses flatter your waist
- Balance proportions with peplum, boat-neck, or wide-collar tops
- Choose darker colors for bottoms and brighter hues for tops with necklines that draw the eye upward. Scarves or statement necklaces work great!
- High-waisted pants and skirts often look great
- Empire waist and baby doll style dresses are another good option
Description: Wider hips and backsides and thighs also with a small waist and bust and typically narrow shoulders and slim arms
Style tips
- A-line skirts and wrap dresses flatter your waist
- Balance proportions with peplum, boat-neck, or wide-collar tops
- Choose darker colors for bottoms and brighter hues for tops with necklines that draw the eye upward. Scarves or statement necklaces work great!
- High-waisted pants and skirts often look great
Rectangle
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Capitaine Shirtdress In Linen | Jean Utility Jacket | Ribbed Open Cardigan
Description: Waist, hip, and bust measurements are similar; shoulders and hips have the same width. You have a straight sleek figure.
Style tips
- Try wrap dresses to define your waistline
- Layer with long cardigans or jackets for vertical lines
- Create curves with off-the-shoulder tops and belted waists
Athletic
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Essential Tee Dress | Utility Straight Pants in Twill | Washable Stretch Silk High Neck Midi Dress
If your body is muscular but isn’t particularly curvy, you might have an athletic body type.
Your shoulder and hip measurements are about the same.
Your waist is narrower than your shoulders and hips, but it isn’t overly defined and looks more straight up and down.
Stylists often point to halter, strapless, and racerback styles.
Strong and toned, the athletic shape provides a great foundation for various styles.
Description: Muscular build, not particularly curvy; shoulder and hip measurements similar; waist narrower but not overly defined
Style tips:
- Pencil skirts show off your straight figure
- Ruffles and gathering add feminine details
- Belted dresses and tops create the illusion of curves
- Halter, strapless, and racerback styles highlight your toned shoulders
Styling Tips for Women Over 50
Let’s all have fun with fashion and learn to embrace our shape! These are my recommended styling tips for women over 50:
- Choose tops with subtle gathering at the waist (my personal favorite!)
- Try monochromatic dressing as in all black, all white, all cream, and then accessorize with a scarf or chunky necklace.
- V-necks and open necklines draw attention upward
- A-line skirts and dresses skim over the midsection
- Choose flowy fabrics that breathe and don’t cling to the tummy area
- Dark, solid colors on top can have a slimming effect
- Show off those fabulous legs with knee-length skirts or dresses
- Invest in good undergarments for proper support.
- Choose fabrics that drape well and have some stretch for comfort
- Tailoring can make a world of difference in how clothes fit
- Accessorize to draw attention to your favorite features
- Don’t be afraid to try new styles – you might be surprised!
- Invest in a few classic pairs of pants in solid colors and a great pair of jeans
Embracing Changes After Menopause
This is perfectly normal! Here are some tips that I personally use that can also help you feel fabulous:
- Focus on comfortable, breathable fabrics
- Layer with light, flowy pieces to manage hot flashes
- Choose styles that skim the body rather than clinging tightly
- Embrace color – it can lift your mood and brighten your complexion
- Remember that confidence is your best accessory!
Remember that fashion should be fun at any age. Experiment with different styles, and most importantly, wear what makes you feel amazing. After all, true beauty comes from within, and a confident smile will always be in style.
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