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Petite Dressing

Dress for your Body Type and Height

ClassyTrendy · February 10, 2025

21 Fresh Ways Fashionable Women in Their 50s Style Their Basics

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Basics are the main heroes of every wardrobe, but fashionable women know that the secret to making them stand out lies in how they’re styled. The innovative approaches below prove that basics are anything but boring when styled with a little flair.

Table of Contents

  • Wear striped tops
  • Wear lightweight zip-up jackets
  • Fold your khaki pants
  • Go for loose-fit white tops
  • Front-tuck your tops
  • Try skin tone heels
  • Wear your camel coat with V-neck tops
  • Wear your blazer with jeans
  • Wear polo sweaters in soft colors
  • Accessorize with minimalist jewelry
  • Wear flare jeans
  • Wear ankle boots with stretchy jeans
  • Polish your leather shoes
  • Add bright-colored scarves
  • Wear your midi dress with knee-length boots
  • Mix and match your jeans and blouse
  • Wear ivory sweaters with jeans
  • Layer cozy cardigans with dresses
  • Layer V-neck tops with long cardigans
  • Wear white sneakers with skirt
  • Wear pinstripe button shirts with jeans

Wear striped tops

Stripes are the understated champions of casual elegance. A well-chosen striped top not only adds a playful edge to your look but also works wonders in accentuating your natural shape.

Wear lightweight zip-up jackets

Lightweight zip-up jackets are a fusion of practicality and style that radiates modern flair. The streamlined silhouette gives structure to your outfit while offering just the right amount of warmth for this season.

Fold your khaki pants

A subtle cuff on your khaki pants can redefine their entire vibe. Rolling up the hem not only adds a relaxed touch but also subtly highlights your ankles, lending a sense of lightness to your outfit.

Go for loose-fit white tops

Yes, a loose-fit white top is a blank canvas for endless styling possibilities. Its breezy shape exudes an effortless charm while giving your figure a sense of balance, especially when paired with more structured bottoms.

Front-tuck your tops

Want to create a flattering silhouette without breaking a sweat? Master the front-tuck—by tucking just the front of your blouse, tee, or sweater into your bottoms, you define your waist and add dimension to your outfit.

Try skin tone heels

Shoes that match your skin tone are a styling hack that never fails. They seamlessly blend with your legs, creating the illusion of extra height.

Wear your camel coat with V-neck tops

The warm, earthy tones of a camel coat balance the femininity of the V-neck, which beautifully frames the collarbones and elongates the neck. When layered together, this duo creates a sleek silhouette that feels timeless and sophisticated.

Wear your blazer with jeans

The magic of pairing a sharp blazer with casual denim lies in the balance. The tailored structure of the blazer contrasts beautifully with the relaxed vibe of jeans, creating a look that’s modern yet sophisticated.

Wear polo sweaters in soft colors

Polo sweaters in soft, muted hues are the great heroes of stylish basics. Their collared neckline adds a touch of sophistication, while the subtle tones keep the vibe effortlessly chic.

Accessorize with minimalist jewelry

Minimalist jewelry may be subtle, but its impact is anything but small. Clean lines and understated designs draw attention to your features without overwhelming your outfit.

Wear flare jeans

Flare jeans are having their moment again, and for good reason—they elongate your legs like no other. The fitted upper half transitions into a dramatic flare at the hem, creating a balanced and flattering shape.

Wear ankle boots with stretchy jeans

The snug fit of stretchy jeans paired with ankle boots is a combo that just works. The boots add a touch of edge, while the slim fit of the jeans ensures a streamlined silhouette.

Polish your leather shoes

Sometimes, it’s the smallest details that make the biggest impact. Shiny, well-maintained leather shoes elevate any outfit, showing you care about the finer things.

Add bright-colored scarves

A bold scarf is the simplest way to breathe life into your basics—wrap a red, emerald, or cobalt scarf around your neck or drape it over your shoulders to draw attention upward. It brightens your complexion and adds a playful yet chic touch to your look without overcomplicating it.

Wear your midi dress with knee-length boots

Transform your midi dress into a standout look by pairing it with knee-length boots—such a combination creates a cohesive, elongated silhouette while adding warmth and style. The sleek boots complement the flow of the dress, making it perfect for any outing this season.

Mix and match your jeans and blouse

Gone are the days of “this top only works with that jeans”—it’s time to play mixologist with your wardrobe. The high-low mix creates contrast that draws attention to your natural waist and showcases your personal flair.

Wear ivory sweaters with jeans

An ivory sweater paired with jeans is peak understated chic. The creamy hue adds a touch of lightness to your look, perfect for those dreary days when you want to feel bright and fresh.

Layer cozy cardigans with dresses

Let’s upgrade your favorite dress with a cardigan. This pairing is equal parts snuggly and stylish. Go for a belt to cinch your waist and create shape, or leave it open for a breezy, relaxed feel.

Layer V-neck tops with long cardigans

For a polished yet laid-back vibe, layer a sleek V-neck top under a long cardigan. It’s a combo that creates a vertical line that naturally elongates your body, making you look taller and leaner.

Wear white sneakers with skirt

Nothing feels fresher than pairing a feminine skirt with crisp white sneakers. This unexpected partnership gives your outfit a playful edge while keeping it comfy enough for a full day on your feet.

Wear pinstripe button shirts with jeans

Pinstripe button-downs aren’t just office staples—they’re the ultimate casual chic weapon. The vertical stripes visually slim your torso, while the structured fabric adds polish to your denim.

Posted In: ClassyTrendy

Hello there! My name is Chi Li, 5'2", founder of PETITE DRESSING, the clothing line for women 5'4" & under. Are you petite and have you been frustrated with what to wear?
This is an issue few truly understand and even fewer brands truly address.
Being petite myself, I have been writing about fashion for short women since 2016 and my brand petitedressing.com has touched the lives of millions.
My styling concepts for petite women not only focus on the perfect fit but also on flattering & elongating the petite frame for a lean silhouette, optimizing the proportions.
Shop my clothing line here.

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