10 Fashion Basics for Women over 50

OK first bit of a shocker, I said a Little black dress, I didn’t say classic. Now a LBD can come in many forms, it can be a classic dress that can serve you for any occasion, a little fancy for dress up or more casual for any everyday. Over the years, I have shared a fun examples I have in my closet that I use for winter fun events. But truth be told I have a new fav, a black turtleneck sweater dress ( I also own in brown). This is a perfect example of a dress that can from to any event.

For me the sweater dress is classic, I have worn it to so many events and not felt under-dressed nor over dressed. Quick switch of jewelry, shoe/boot or handbag and I am set for whatever life offers.

Few Options for you:

2) LWD

My next key piece was a little white dress or for you that might be blue or pink. Basically I am looking for a dress that I can wear in the summer as a classic piece. Yes I am aware that many of you/us love black anytime of the year but sometimes light is cooler or more appropriate. For this piece I am looking at something that will take me from a brewery/winery, to a party, to an evening with friends and maybe with the right accessories a summer wedding.

My little white dress is a sundress. A change in shoes, a pretty statement necklace and even a cardigan or shawl changes the look completely. This will work in any shade but it provides great options whatever the event.

Fun Options:

3) Jeans You Love

Next up is Jeans you love, yes that you love not what everyone is telling you are “fashionable” Every woman over 50 needs to find that jean that you adore, that make you feel great and that will go for many an event. I have two pairs, both are skinny/slender and a mid rise. A darkwash and a distressed.

I have gone through many versions of this, I use to love a boyfriend cut and really skinny but now i have culled my selection to two basics for me. Why keep a drawer filled with 20 pairs when I wear two. FYI this does not include denim in colours, I also own white, black and grey. My capsule is not that small.

Some style I love

4) Classic White Shirt

We all need a classic white shirt, it may be oversized, it may be a snug fit, regardless of the sizing it is such a versatile fit. Now truth be told I have searched for the perfect white shirt with the “perfect fit” for years. Sadly this bust of mine has created great angst and I always end up with one that just doesn’t quite make me squeel with delight.

What I personally found was a very large oversized white shirt that can work as an over shirt, a beach coverup and a pretty funky fun evening look at times. It works with my black pants and my denim and has also served well as a regular shirt. One day I will have to share how to make the over shirt fitted for the occasion.

A Few Classic Shirts

5) The Perfect Black Dress Pant

Every gal needs a pair of black dress pants but again like the denim there is no perfect style. This has to be a pair that you love that make you feel amazing. It may be a wide leg or a skinny leg, pockets or not, it only matters to you. It does however need to be a pair that works well with a T-Shirt and equally as well with a blazer and/or button down.

Mine are a black crepe pair, almost close to a jersey material, straight leg, no pockets (shocking) and no button or zipper. An easy pull on pair that have taken me to work, to dinner and even to a football game.

A Few Ideas For You

6 The Blazer

A list is not complete without a blazer and I do have a few. Ironically transitioning from work life to retirement life I did pack up many of my blazers to donate, yikes. Actually truth, I did not let the grass grow under me, work wear has all been packed away or donated. A few blazers were saved though.

I have always been a blazer gal and love both classic and deconstructed. My go to main staple has been in my closet for a few years is more of a casual cut and material but takes me everywhere.

You all have seen it pretty much everytime I travel, It is an off white jerey material but dresses up my denims and also pairs well with my dress pants.

A Blaze(r) of Glory

7. Skirts for all Events

Skirts are my go to, especially in the Spring and Summer seasons. I must have pockets and it has actually replaced shorts in my wardrobe. For a classic must have though, pencil skirt or a knee-length, A-line, every woman should have one classic skirt in her wardrobe. You could wear a the skirt with a blouse, a belt, and a pair of heels for a professional look at work, or dress it down with a t-shirt and a pair of sneakers for a casual outing. 

A Line or Pencil, Skirts are a Must

8 The Coat

There is no wardrobe capsule without the perfect coat. Every woman over 50 needs that go to coat for any inclement weather, or to act as a substitute blazer or cardigan. For this gal in the North, I have more than a few, no surprise, remember I shared my favs not long ago. Coats I need in my Wardrobe.

You can however limit your coats depending on your location, a classic trench can be season-less if you live if a warmer area, or one with a zip in lining if you are in a colder climate. For me a classic coat has always been a cashmere wool blend with two buttons, a long cozy blazer than can dress up jeans, work with a dress and even take you out if needed. (But I do have a great gingham trench as well)

A Few Classics at Various Price Points

9 A Fun Cardigan

No woman over 50 should not have at least one perfect cardigan in her wardrobe, again I have a few. It is the perfect layering piece and versatile. It dresses down the skirt or dress pant and creates a more casual vibe and is a great layering piece with your jeans.

A cardigan is for those times where the vibe is less structured, it is also the perfect layering piece to ward off that air conditioning chill, or take you from day to evening through cool evening nights. It should be relatively lightweight making it transitionally through the seasons.

My classic is a white linen unstructured cardigan, It has seen me through so many cool times. And a s a bonus because of the weight it folds up nicely into my purse so I can carry it everywhere,

10. The Classic Tee or Tank

Can any list be complete with a classic tee or tank to dress down the jeans, dress pants or skirt? Obviously you need that one piece to take your look from too formal to the perfect casual. Many will tell you that a classic white or black tee is a must but I am more of a Cami/tank gal.

There is something about the sleeveless shirt that speaks to me so I have modified my classic look. You will always see me in a black or white cami top instead of a tee shirt. Probably because I have never found the perfect tee but I did find the perfect for me shirt.

You may have noticed my list doesn’t include shoes, boots, handbags and jewelry, those are core items that deserve their own time in the sun. But for a quick preview of what is key in my mind:

Handbags- 1 large and 1 evening bag, stick to a neutral that can go with anything

Shoes- pair of sandals, pair of sneakers, pair of flat shoes and one fun heel

Boots- one low bootie and one outdoor boot ( winter or rain or both)

Jewelry- one statement necklace or a Scarf- one should always have one fun scarf ( two if you live in a cold climate)

Are there any basics you think I should have included that I missed? Please let me know. Also sharing is caring, so please feel free to send my post on to your friends and family.