Buzz
Embrace your age gracefully! Just because you’re in your 60s doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style or appear dated—you can always dress appropriately for your age and still exude elegance. When curating your essential wardrobe, focus on selecting clothing and ensembles that highlight your best features and complement your current lifestyle.
Action Plan
Revamping Your Closet
Dedicate time to thoroughly declutter your wardrobe and drawers. Streamlining your closet can be a daunting task, but it’s a task worth tackling only once. Adopt a decisive approach—if you don’t adore it, it’s time to bid it farewell. If you’re contemplating holding onto something for a “just in case” scenario, it’s best to let it go.
Eradicate overly revealing or uncomfortable clothing from your wardrobe. Discard shorts, skirts, and dresses that sit more than 4 inches (10 cm) above your knees; tops with plunging necklines or exposed midriffs; and jeans featuring large rips, embellishments, or excessively snug fits.
- Don't overlook your footwear! Bid farewell to towering heels that hinder your comfort while walking.
Purge any worn-out or outdated garments from your closet. Dispose of items that are stretched, faded, stained, or no longer fit properly.
- If an item in your wardrobe screams 'dated' or resembles something from your younger years, it's time to part ways.
Curate a wardrobe that aligns with your lifestyle. If you primarily spend your days at home, prioritize comfortable yet stylish attire that won't leave you feeling underdressed for unexpected visitors. For those frequently on the go, consider your daily activities and social engagements when selecting your wardrobe.
- For lounging at home, opt for chic yet cozy fabrics like cotton, jersey, and rayon.
Dress to flatter your body shape and accentuate your best features. Bodies come in all shapes and sizes, and it's natural for them to change over time. Assess your current physique honestly and identify areas to highlight and areas that may require attention.
- An apple-shaped body tends to carry weight around the midsection. Opt for clothing that skims the waistline and fits snugly elsewhere.
- A pear-shaped body
features a narrower upper body and wider hips and thighs. Choose clothing that accentuates the upper body and balances out the lower half.
- An hourglass figure boasts well-defined curves at the chest and hips. Select clothing that emphasizes your curves elegantly.
- A rectangle-shaped body has minimal curves. Opt for clothing that creates the illusion of a defined waist and adds curves to your silhouette.
Consult a skilled tailor to achieve the perfect fit and look. If you possess a beloved garment—new or old—that requires adjustments, entrust it to a tailor. Tailoring offers an economical solution to ensure your clothing fits impeccably and enhances your appearance.
Style Tips for Women in Their 60s
Ensure your wardrobe includes versatile layering tops. This is crucial for creating personalized outfits, embracing fitted attire, and adapting to varying weather conditions. Begin with lightweight tank tops as your base layer, then mix and match heavier fabrics for added layers to achieve different looks. Essential items to have in your collection:
- Basic tank tops in black, white, and cream. Consider adding a few more in solid colors for variety.
- A long or ¾ length sleeved cardigan in white or cream, and black.
- A fitted black blazer with a hip-length cut.
Invest in quality denim jeans and trousers. Ensure you have a dark, straight-leg pair for cooler days, and a white denim pair for warmer seasons. Opt for black, grey, or tan trousers, including ankle-length and capri-style variations.
- Straight-leg jeans offer exceptional versatility. Dress them up with a blazer or down with a simple cotton shirt or sweater. They complement various footwear options, including flats, wedge sandals, and boots, making outfit selection effortless.
Maintain a staple black pencil skirt or a versatile wrap dress for special events. Aim for knee-length dresses and skirts. A black pencil skirt pairs effortlessly with a variety of tops, depending on the desired level of formality. Wrap dresses with belts or ties offer comfort and flatter all body types.
- Pair your pencil skirt with a peplum top or a silky blouse for a dressier appearance. Opt for a t-shirt or button-up shirt for a more casual ensemble. The possibilities are endless with this adaptable essential!
- Your wrap dress is suitable for church, brunch, or weddings. Elevate or tone down its look with your choice of shoes and accessories.
Invest in a selection of comfortable yet chic footwear. Selecting appropriate footwear is paramount. Prioritize style without compromising safety and comfort. Invest in shoes that complement various outfits.
- Consider grey, black, or tan flats for their sleek design and neutral versatility.
- Add flat or low heel suede booties (ankle-high boots) to your fall wardrobe.
- Keep a pair of kitten heels handy for occasions requiring a touch of refinement.
Showcase your personality with accessories. Opt for jewelry that adds flair without being too flashy. Choose vibrant earrings, beaded necklaces, or stylish bangles. Keep a variety of colorful scarves, belts, and sunglasses on hand to complement your outfits.
- Accessorize with a necklace when wearing a top with an open neckline.
- Add a patterned scarf to a solid dress for a splash of color.
- Make a statement with a sunhat and oversized sunglasses on sunny days.
Fashion Tips for Men in Their 60s
Opt for well-fitted shirts to enhance your appearance. Invest in slim-fit polos and button-down Oxford shirts. Ensure your shirts reach midway down your pants' fly for the perfect fit and look. Consider raglan-style baseball shirts for casual wear, as they accentuate your arms and shoulders while broadening your chest and back.
- Avoid oversized clothing, which can make you appear heavier and less stylish.
- If you've gained weight around your waist, leave your shirts untucked to avoid drawing attention to your midsection.
Opt for neutral tones and understated patterns for a polished appearance. Stick to solid colors or subtle patterns like pin stripes and plaid. Steer clear of bold colors and large patterns, as they can age you and appear too trendy.
- Grey, beige, cream, camel, navy blue, and brown are ideal color choices.
- Be cautious with black as it can wash you out.
Choose comfortable yet stylish slip-on shoes. You no longer have to sacrifice comfort for style. Keep loafers or deck shoes for casual outings, and low-cut boots or monk strap shoes for formal occasions.
- Pair suede loafers with fitted jeans and a blazer for a casual yet refined look.
- For added sophistication, opt for leather double monk strap shoes with your suit and tie.
Elevate your outfits with scarves, hats, and ties. Use these accessories to inject pops of color and patterns into your attire.
- Add a floral tie or striped silk scarf to both casual and formal ensembles.
- Opt for a fedora hat with a brightly colored or patterned ribbon.
- Show off your playful side with polka dot socks peeking out from your shoes.
Experiment with belts, watches, and jewelry to accessorize. Keep it simple with black or brown leather belts and minimalist chains, rings, and watches.
- Roll up your oxford shirt sleeves to reveal a stylish gold watch.
- Add a sleek gold or silver chain to complement a solid black or white sweater.
