When you are over 60, you probably realize it is critical to be selective about what you wear. This is the age when you know that not everything looks the same on you, and therefore finding the right styles that truly suit you can really make a big difference.
Since I have a petite clothing line for women 5’4″ and under, I constantly receive feedback from my customers, many of whom are over 60. Based on their feedback on what works the best and what are less flattering, I’ve put together this detailed guide for you.
Table of Contents
Styling Goal
Comfort should be your main priority. Choose clothing structures that allow you to move more freely and comfortably without overshadowing your natural figure.
Invest in high-quality and versatile basics. Your mix-and-match game will be composed of classy pieces so stick to basics that feature elegance and versatility.
Be more experimental with your dynamic colors. Don’t stick to the misconception of wearing only neutral colors and add more life to your ensembles by going for vibrant hues.
Don’t over-accessorize. Wearing too many accessories can create a cluttered and busy appearance that may be overwhelming and detract sophistication from your overall look.
Styling is actually much simpler at 60 and over as you can probably tell from these styling goals I just listed. Now that we have briefly covered that, let’s dive into the various clothing styles that will wonderfully embrace your beauty and grace.
Wear Tailored Matching Suits
As we age, proper fit and tailoring become top priorities when it comes to choosing clothes and that is for one good reason and it’s because the tailored seams say so much about the comfort and the quality of the clothes. Matching suits, just like this elegant skirt suit we have right here, bring sophistication and grace that fully radiates your overall look.
Plus, tailored suits are also mostly made from high-quality materials that drape well and feel luxurious against the skin. Investing in a well-made suit can not only enhance your appearance but also provide long-lasting comfort and durability.
A well-coordinated outfit exudes timelessness, so a matching suit would look flattering on women of all ages, most especially more mature women in their 60s.
Wear Pleated Maxi Dresses
Maxi dresses offer a modest, comfortable fit that surely ticks the boxes of what ladies in their 60s would want to wear. Pleats are universally flattering details but they can be especially beneficial for women who wish to conceal midsection bulges and add height to their figure.
It’s also very apparent that maxi dresses just bring a sense of elegance and timelessness thanks to its flowy silhouette. The longer length and graceful draping create a sophisticated look that is both age-appropriate and simply fashionable!
Not to mention how pleats also add an extra touch of refinement, which further elevates the dress to a higher level of style.
Wear Structured Blazers
Our bodies tend to look somewhat “droopier” as we age and this can really affect the overall appearance. This is why structure is very important to look good in one’s 60s, hence why I also strongly recommend wearing structured blazers for ladies in their 60s.
Structured blazers have the ability to hold shape, which helps keep your posture looking polished and this is due to the strategic placements of darts, seams, and even buttons of the blazer. They are also versatile as you can wear them for both casual and corporate settings without compromising elegance.
Wear Puff Sleeves
Puff sleeves add more visual volume to the frame, which women in their 60s tend to naturally lose in their bodies as time goes by. This added volume not only adds more shape to your body but also adds a dainty and feminine touch to your whole outfit.
They also tend to look quite catchy and dramatic depending on how big the puff sleeves are, so it takes little to almost no effort to style them because they already make a style statement on their own! My only tip is that you also consider your body shape when wearing puff sleeves because they might end up becoming overwhelming especially if you already have broad shoulders to begin with.
Opt for Neutral Colors
Neutral colors are simply timeless and as we all know, classic colors like black, white, brown, and beige will always transcend fashion trends. Clothing pieces that come in neutral hues can be worn year after year without appearing outdated, which can make them a practical choice for mature women who may prefer investing in pieces that last.
Apart from its classic charm, choosing neutral colors also simplifies the process of putting together an outfit because they effortlessly coordinate with each other and with a variety of accessories. This can save time and effort, especially for those who prefer a more streamlined approach to dressing.
Wear Cozy Knit Dresses
As we all age, comfort becomes a priority in terms of clothing choices. This is why I felt the need to include wearing knit dresses in this list because of how soft, stretchy, and comfortable they are to wear.
Knit dresses, especially those that come in plain and neutral colors, allow you to accessorize without looking tacky. Its simplicity serves as a canvas for style accessories like belts, scarves, or jewelry pieces.
Try Pastel Colors
Sure, neutral shades are timeless and that’s why they are pretty much your foolproof choice when it comes to styling. But this shouldn’t limit you from exploring brighter colors, especially those that are cool to the sight like pastel colors.
Pastel colors possess a subtle luminosity, which helps brighten up the complexion and therefore create a more youthful look. Brighter pastels like baby pink, sky blue, and lilac can be really great options for bringing additional radiance especially when you pair them with white clothing pieces and accessories!
Go for Lace Dresses
The delicate and intricate patterns of lace are simply elegant and graceful! Wearing a lace dress in your 60s can help maintain a sense of timeless sophistication in your attire without thinking too much about accessorizing.
They also usually feature feminine details such as scalloped edges, floral patterns, and sheer panels, which can enhance the femininity in your ensemble without appearing overly youthful or inappropriate for your age.
Wear Satin Wrap Dresses
The flattering adjustability of the wrap silhouette and the radiant sheen of satin make an opulent mix that can totally bring out your natural beauty without trying. This is a great choice if you’re looking for a dress that ensures that your feminine figure is accentuated while also looking graceful and elegant.
The wrap silhouette of the dress features a waist cinch, which creates a flattering hourglass shape to accentuate your natural curves. On the other hand, satin fabric has a luxurious and soft texture that drapes gracefully over the body, providing ease of movement and ensuring comfort throughout the day.
Opt for Lightweight Denim
If you’re going for jumpsuits, tops, or skirts that come in denim fabric, try to opt for more lightweight options such as soft denim. While the usually structured denim can also be flattering, they may still end up quite heavy and uncomfortable for certain types of clothes.
Also, denim has a youthful aesthetic but is still age-appropriate for someone who’s in their 60s. The softer texture of lightweight denim can give your casual wear a more comfortable and stylish vibe.
Wear Velvet Pants
Velvet fabric has a rich and luxurious texture and its very distinctive sheen instantly adds glow to an ensemble. In addition to this, the plushness of velvet pants can elevate a look and that is what makes it suitable for women in their 60s who are looking for minimal but elegant pieces.
One tip I’d like to share is to try going for darker colors when choosing your velvet pants, as lighter colors may seem too bright, considering that it’s already quite shiny to begin with. Darker colors, especially black, are slimming and more luxurious-looking on more mature women.
Wear Floral Dresses
What’s not to love about floral prints, right? Floral patterns add a youthful and vibrant touch to pretty much any outfit by injecting more energy and dynamics into your look. This can help counteract any perceptions of aging and promote a sense of vitality to your dress.
Floral prints also have a visually softening effect that can be particularly flattering for mature women. The organic shapes and delicate motifs of floral patterns will subtly soften your features and create a more feminine and approachable aesthetic.
Try Midi Skirts with Slits
For a woman in her 60s, midi skirts can convey a sense of sophistication and style without appearing too trendy as they possess a length that’s modest and not too revealing. The slit in the midi skirt adds a nice touch to the ensemble by showing just a slight hint of skin while also giving an elongating effect.
Additionally, the slit in the midi skirt makes it easier for you to move as it is practical and comfortable for everyday wear. The vertical line the slit creates also adds height and slims down your figure for a more flattering and balanced look.
Wear a Denim Jacket
If you feel like giving your ensembles or dresses a casual touch, the easy way to do it is to throw on a nice denim jacket! They are also incredibly versatile so you can wear them on a number of occasions and can also adapt to transitioning weather.
As I have mentioned earlier, structure is quite essential for women in their 60s and denim jackets typically have a structured silhouette that can help define the waist and create a flattering shape. This brings more shape and depth to your look while keeping a casual and elegant aesthetic to your overall ensemble.
Wear Plaid Skirts
Plaid skirts give you that perfect balance between being age-appropriate and fashion-forward, and that is what makes them a great choice for women in their 60s who want to look stylish without feeling like they’re trying too hard to keep up with younger trends. The classic appeal of plaid never goes out of style, which makes their beauty still wearable in years to come.
They also have been a fashion staple for decades and this particularly timeless quality makes plaid skirts a versatile and enduring addition to a woman’s wardrobe. You can easily pair them with a number of classic pieces to put together a classy look.
Try Statement Jewelry
Many women in their 60s tend to steer away from statement jewelry because of the common misconception that they are only for younger women – that’s absolutely false! While minimalist jewelry will always be an elegant choice, statement jewelry pieces like dangling earrings and bright-colored necklaces can be as sophisticated while also adding more life to your look.
Statement jewelry can look great with plain ensembles in order to avoid monotony. It’s basically all about the right combination of colors, sizes, and designs!
Wear Elegant Sheer Tops
Sheer fabrics drape beautifully over the body and its distinctive texture can add a touch of femininity and softness to your tops. Sheer tops are perfect for showing a hint of skin without being overly revealing, therefore creating a refined look for ladies in their 60s.
Also, they offer a sense of lightness and airiness that can be perfect for mature women who prioritize comfortable clothing pieces. They can be a good style option for the hotter seasons because of these characteristics and still maintain an elegant appeal.
Wear High-waisted Pants
Most women in their 60s tend to struggle with a bulging midsection, regardless of their weight and this is mainly because this is also a part of aging as our posture deteriorates and our skin sags. High-waisted pants can effectively provide gentle compression around the midsection to help smooth out any bulges or imperfections.
They also often offer a more comfortable fit because of the fact that they sit just slightly above the natural waistline rather than lower on the hips. This will efficiently alleviate any discomfort or pinching that may occur with low-rise pants, making them ideal for all-day wear.
Whether you are petite or not, you will also surely find its elongating effects more flattering and beneficial. This will create a nice balance between your upper and lower body.
Try Skin Tone Jumpsuits
Giving your outfit a sense of cohesiveness effortlessly brings elegance and balance to your look. Skin tone jumpsuits blend seamlessly with the natural tones of your skin which can also be particularly flattering for mature women who may prefer a more understated style.
As mentioned earlier in this post, neutral colors such as skin tones have a timeless quality that is suitable for different seasons. Opting for a skin tone jumpsuit can give you that sophisticated and minimalist aesthetic that can make you look fashionable without the need for too much accessorizing.
Wear Tweed Skirts
There’s something just exquisitely charming about tweed skirts thanks to the fabric’s very distinctive texture and pattern. This very detail makes a tweed skirt very elegant and sophisticated especially when paired with classic tops such as a chiffon blouse or a white button-down shirt.
Additionally, tweed fabric is typically made from wool, which is known for its warmth, durability, and luxurious texture. This means that tweed skirts are not only stylish but also very comfortable to wear, especially during the colder seasons.
