Fashion isn’t strictly limited by age. Just because you’re getting older doesn’t mean that you’re running out of fashion choices.
There are plenty of comfortable and stylish clothes out there that will help you embrace your body and reflect your personality without having to dress like a stereotypical senior. The key to dressing fashionably at an older age is to adapt and curate your wardrobe based on your body’s changing form and needs.
While there’s no one single style that will fit all seniors alike, there are a few classic items worth having in your wardrobe regardless of your personal style.
1Own a solid pair of white sneakers
Of all the different types of footwear currently on the market, nothing offers more comfort and versatility than a solid pair of white sneakers. For a pair that will complement all your day-to-day outfits, pick one with soles that aren’t too thick or too thin because according to grayingwithgrace.com, the soles are the most crucial feature to look for when shopping for shoes. Besides the thickness, you’ll want your sneakers to have hard, shock-absorbent, and slip-resistant soles that will allow you to maintain a firm grip, even in wet and slippery conditions.
You’ll also want your shoes to have enough padding to reduce the pressure on your ankles and heels. This way you can walk both safely and comfortably, even if you suffer from age-related conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis.
If you have trouble bending over or tying your shoelaces, consider finding a trendy pair of Velcro shoes. These are much easier and faster to wear than other types of footwear and they’re also completely adjustable, allowing you to loosen your shoes to account for any swelling that can occur due to various health conditions.
2Pair your cardigan with the right clothes
Cardigans have a bad reputation for being old-fashioned but if you pair them with the right clothes, you can be assured that you’ll look both fashionable and elegant while also remaining cozy and comfortable. A cardigan can be much more than just a thin layer that you throw over a blouse or a shirt; cardigans nowadays come with a lot of personalities and can even be the star of the outfit.
Many cardigans have loose, statement sleeves that can add a little flair to your evening outfits while others sport large, decorative buttons that dress up your casual wear. You’ll also find cardigans in chunky, bold knits as well as fine, delicate fabrics that can be worn year-round depending on their material.
If you prefer wearing flowy dresses and skirts, opt for a chunky, slightly-oversized cardigan that hits you at or above the hip but if slim-fit jeans and tight-fighting trousers are staples in your closet, opt for a longer cardigan with a simple design and add a waist belt to tie the whole outfit together.
3Add a silk scarf to any outfit
Silk scarves have long been known to add elegance and style to pretty much all outfits but the true beauty of a silk scarf actually lies in its versatility. To add a fine designer finish to your look, tie it around the handle of your handbag or wear it as a headband or around your bun to add a youthful and whimsical touch to your outfit.
For a more poised look, you can tie a silk scarf around your neck or let it fall gracefully over a simple cardigan or an elegant overcoat.
4Never underestimate the power of the right pair of sunglasses
Not only will the right pair of sunglasses shield your eyes from the harmful rays and the distracting glare, but it can also protect you from many of the common eye problems you may face as you age.
A high-quality pair with anti-reflective lens coatings and a glare-reducing tint can delay the development of cataracts, protect your eyes against the light sensitivity typically associated with glaucoma, and slow down the development of wrinkles around your eye. Plus, choosing a pair that flatters your face can instantly make you look sharp, no matter what clothes you have on.
When it comes to selecting the perfect pair, you’ll find a wide selection of colors to choose from, however, older men and women usually prefer dark-colored frames. As for the outline, a good rule of thumb is to go for classic shapes that contrast with the outline of your face. For instance, if you have a square- or a heart-shaped face, you’ll want to pick a round or an oval pair that can soften your distinctive jawline.
In that case, Aviator frames may be your best bet. But if you have a round face, then a square frame will be the perfect way to accentuate your brow- and cheekbones. If you’re not sure which shape will suit you best, opt for a classic pair of Wayfarer frames, their iconic shape flatters pretty much all faces.
5A wool overcoat is a timeless winter essential
While a wool overcoat may certainly come with a hefty price tag, you’ll definitely be getting your money’s worth from it. For a color that never goes out of style, opt for a navy blue, black, camel, grey, or charcoal coat.
These classic colors can add a timeless appeal to your outfits, making you look effortlessly elegant while keeping you comfortably warm. As for the length, a thigh-length wool coat will match any item in your closet. From your blazers, your button-up shirts, and your knit sweaters, to your sports jackets, your dresses, and your skirts.
Fashion for seniors shouldn’t be about replicating the fashion trends intended for the younger crowds. Instead, it should be about embracing your unique needs and finding the perfect style that can represent your personality while making you feel both comfortable and confident.
While the suggestions above will not make a complete wardrobe, they will certainly go a long way in making you look and feel like a person who’s aging like a fine wine rather than a person who’s just aging. By pairing them with your existing wardrobe staples, you can enhance pretty much all of your outfits, reflecting a more refined and age-appropriate style.