Dressing stylishly after fifty comes down to three things. Fit, quality and colour. Choose clothing that fits your current figure rather than the figure of ten years ago, invest in materials that drape softly and stay beautiful, and wear colours that make your skin glow. An elegant blouse with wide trousers, a fine-knit polo with good trousers and a light cardigan are building blocks that always work. You stay modern through details: a contemporary trouser leg, good shoes and accessories that show your personality. There are no rules about what you may no longer wear at a certain age.
No rules, but guidelines
For a long time there was talk of what women should no longer wear from a certain age. Those rules are outdated. Women of fifty, sixty and older are more stylish and self-assured than ever, and wear what suits them. What does change is your body: your waist shifts, your skin takes on a different tone and you may feel less like wearing clothing that pinches or draws a lot of attention. You can respond to that cleverly.
Fit: dress your current body
A good fit can make a big difference to comfort and look. So look at how a garment fits now rather than at an old size number.
- High waist: trousers with a high waist give support and lengthen the silhouette. The Philippa ultra high-waist trousers in brown have pleats that give room at the hips, while the high waist keeps the line sleek.
- Wide legs: a flared or wide leg balances your figure and looks modern. The Daphni trousers with pleats and flared leg in black are a lovely example of this.
- Material: supple and fine-knit can be comfortable, but sturdier fabrics can work just as well.
- Shoulders right: with blouses and cardigans, the shoulder determines whether something fits well. A seam that falls exactly on your shoulder makes the difference.
Quality over quantity
After fifty you often already have a decent wardrobe, and you know better what you do and do not wear. That is the moment to buy less but better. A few well-made pieces that last for years do more for your look than a full wardrobe of half choices. When buying, pay attention to how a fabric feels, how the seams are finished and whether buttons are firmly attached. Materials such as fine knitwear, satin look and good trouser fabrics still look polished after many wears.
Colours that make you glow
Over the years the tone of your skin and hair changes, and with it the colours that suit you best. Black can become harsh next to the face; navy, charcoal or chocolate brown are then often softer. Soft light shades such as pearl cream, light blue and soft grey bring light to the face. Grey or silver hair looks beautiful with cool shades such as navy and light blue, and with cream and white.
| Do you want | Try |
|---|---|
| Less contrast | Navy, charcoal, cream or tone-on-tone |
| More contrast | Black, bright white or a brighter colour |
| More depth | Combine different shades and textures |
Five building blocks
- An elegant blouse: the Rosamund lavallière blouse in pearl cream has a satin look that brings light to the face and a bow you can tie or let hang loose.
- A fine-knit polo with character: the Liorah cable-knit polo in navy has gold-coloured buttons, a detail that makes jewellery unnecessary.
- Trousers you love to wear: slim-straight, flared or wider, depending on your preference.
- A light cardigan: the Veronique cardigan in light grey is fine-knit lyocell and wears lightly, ideal for the changing temperatures of May.
- Good shoes: loafers, elegant sneakers or slip-ons with a small heel. Comfort and style go together.
Staying modern without following trends
You do not have to follow every trend to look contemporary. A few small adjustments make a big difference. Trousers with a modern leg shape, such as flared or wide instead of narrow, immediately make an outfit current. Try wearing a blouse half tucked in instead of fully in or out. Choose modern glasses and a contemporary haircut; these often determine your look more than your clothing. And combine classic with something unexpected, such as an elegant blouse with white sneakers.
What you do not need to do
- Think that one silhouette is mandatory. Oversized, fitted and structured can all work well.
- Avoid colour because of age. Light, dark and bright can all work.
- Give up colour or print because it supposedly does not suit your age. Wear what you find beautiful.
- Sacrifice comfort for style. With the right fabrics and fits you can have both.
Outfits for a week in May
At the office: the pearl cream blouse with the black flared trousers and loafers. For a lunch with friends: the navy cable-knit polo with white trousers and sneakers. For a family party: the blouse with the brown high-waist trousers and a light grey cardigan over your shoulders. Three outfits, a handful of pieces, and polished every time.
Discover more timeless pieces in our collections Premium for Women, blouses for Women and trousers for Women, or be inspired by our Signature Occasions for Women.
Shop the look
Rosamund: lavallière blouse, pearl cream
Liorah: cable-knit polo with gold-coloured buttons, navy
Philippa: ultra high-waist trousers with pleats, brown
Daphni: trousers with pleats and flared leg, black
Veronique: fine-knit lyocell cardigan, light grey
Frequently asked questions
Which trousers look good on women over fifty?
There is no trouser style that works best for all women over fifty. Choose based on body shape, comfort and the line you find beautiful yourself.
Can I still wear white after fifty?
Certainly. White, cream, black and every other colour are not tied to age.
How do I dress in a modern way without looking too young?
Keep the base classic and add modern details, such as a contemporary trouser leg, good sneakers or a striking piece of jewellery. Quality and fit are more important than trends.
Which shoes are stylish and comfortable?
Loafers, elegant leather sneakers and slip-ons with a small, sturdy heel combine style and comfort. They suit wide trousers just as well as a skirt.
