Fashion over 50 can often make you feel like your choices are limited.
However, we say forget “age-appropriate” fashion and think outside your comfort zone. Here are some ageless fashion style tips.
Try out these clever style tricks for curvy girls
A pop of colour
A pop of colour, R120, 30 to 40, Mr Price
To instantly uplift your look, throw on a pair of bright bottoms and highlight those pins! Bright colours work well as long as you pair them with the right accessories and shoes.
Best for:
Revving up a structured, tailored look, making a traditional formal jacket look less office-like and giving it a fresh, modern spin.
Wear with
Darker, sophisticated tones – piercing blue looks great with navy, while shocking pink might work with deep charcoal grey. Be adventurous and experiment with colour.
Why it works
It’s innovative and striking. If you don’t feel brave enough, try colour tights at first to get used to a block colour on your legs, and wear sexy shoes to give you flattering extra leg length.
A sweater dress
A sweater dress, R499, 6 to 14, Miss Guided at Superbalist
If you’re looking for a casual look with a bit of spice, pair a loosely fitted sweater dress with statement ankle boots or heels. It will give you enough edge and have you on trend.
(There are stretchy fabric dresses that are long and sassy, and stretchy fabric dresses that are short and snappy. Any age can wear any length, as long as you have the confidence and body shape to carry it off.)
Best for
Creating a casual but dressy look – the sweater dress bridges the gap between a shift and a t-shirt dress. Buy one if you want a relaxed dress that will really keep you feeling cool and chic.
Wear with
Heels to make the line long and lean. Keep accessories to a minimum – it’s all about the texture of the dress.
Why it works
It’s a modern classic, the basic that never goes out of fashion.
A power print
A power print, R1 099, 6 to 18, Poetry
Never underestimate the power of print! The right one ups your fashion cred – small and geometric is figure flattering, while bold and dramatic is all empowering.
Best for:
Feeling artsy and totally on-trend. A super trendy brush stroke print is flattering and hides areas you may prefer to disguise.
Wear with
Classic, toning one-colour cover-ups, such as a denim jacket or even a nifty little hold-you-in cardi.
Why it works
it’s flattering and versatile. Anyone can wear a print, whatever age or dress size – it’s youthful and feminine in a feel-good way.
The shift dress
The shift dress, R379, 32 to 46, H&M
Both you and your daughter can work a shift – it’s how you do it that matters. Give it more cover with a sleeved shift dress, or keep it youthfully minimal with bare arms.
Best for:
A quick fix that’s never age specific. The shift is synonymous with good design and works well for any occasion.
Wear with
Simple, but the-best-you-can-buy accessories. Court shoes make it daytime chic, while funky block heels give it an on-trend look for now.
Why it works
Make sure the proportions, colour and cut are just right. You can dress it down or spruce it up; it’s all up to you.
The ONE style trick Helen Mirren swears by
Smart tailoring
Smart tailoring, R799, 6 to 14, Forever New
Starting with a long-line tailored jacket to give a confident body shape, layers can be worked to suit your personal style.
Best for:
Looking put-together and professional at any age. The right jacket is the pivot point of any wardrobe, and getting that shape spot-on will make everything else in your cupboard look new again.
Wear with
Skinny jeans or a lean skirt, to get the proportion right.
Why it works
it’s a grown-up style that suits shapely woman who may want a trimmer, slimmer silhouette.
