Folks assume that turning 50 means turning a fashion corner into drab territory, but in no uncertain terms, fashion is ageless – it only gets better with time. So, buckle up as we spill the tea on some layering tricks that will keep you looking chic, no matter what the calendar says.
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Go for Pantsuits
Pantsuits aren’t just reserved for boardrooms anymore – they’re the perfect combination of sleek and stylish, especially for women over 50. The tailored fit instantly elevates your look, elongating your legs and giving you a streamlined silhouette.
Try Drapey Cardigans
A drapey cardigan is your go-to layering piece when you want comfort but refuse to compromise on style. Its fluid, open design creates soft lines that gently skim your figure, giving you a relaxed yet refined look while subtly concealing any areas you might not want to emphasize.
Layer Blazer over Black Turtleneck
There’s something undeniably sophisticated about a black turtleneck layered under a crisp blazer – it adds dimension to your outfit but also works wonders in creating a longer, leaner appearance. The high neck draws attention upward, elongating your frame, while the blazer adds structure and polish.
Wear a Puffer Vest
A puffer vest may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think “chic,” but its practicality paired with the right pieces creates an undeniably stylish look. By adding warmth without bulk, a puffer vest defines your torso while allowing your arms the freedom to move.
Try Matching Top and Coat Colors
Monochrome layering never fails to deliver an effortlessly chic look. By matching the colors of your top with your coat, you create a clean, uninterrupted line that instantly elongates your body and makes you appear taller, pulling together an outfit.
Balance your Outerwear with your Bottom
Creating balance is key to mastering the art of layering – it ensures that your figure isn’t lost under layers of fabric and instead creates a look that flatters your body’s natural shape. It’s all about contrast – using slim bottoms to offset voluminous outerwear – and it’s a strategy that guarantees chic every time.
Layer a Blazer Dress over a Cami Dress
Take your layering game up a notch by throwing a blazer dress over a cami dress for a look that’s equal parts sophisticated and modern. The sharp lines of the blazer dress add structure to the fluid silhouette of the cami dress, while also allowing you to play with contrasting textures.
Wear Fur Coats with Flared Skirts
If you’re feeling a bit more edgy with your layers, this is one good way to execute a nice play with your proportions. Fur coats are generally voluminous and the flare that sticks out on the edge of the skirt can definitely give your look that extra flair.
Play with Fabric Textures
One of the simplest ways to make any layered outfit more interesting is by mixing different fabric textures. Pairing a soft knit sweater with a leather jacket or a silk blouse under a wool coat creates a contrast that adds depth and intrigue to your look, breaking up monotony and keeping your style fresh and dynamic.
Try Blazer and Jeans Combo
Few layering tricks are as timeless as pairing a blazer with jeans. The tailored structure of the blazer elevates even the most casual of denim, giving your look a refined yet approachable vibe, and the sharp lines of the blazer instantly create a sleek upper body.
Pair Black with Vibrant Colors
Black is the ultimate neutral, and when layered with vibrant colors, it allows those shades to truly pop. Layering bold hues over a black base adds a striking contrast that draws attention to your outfit in all the right ways, making your look feel fresh and modern.
Go for Matching Lengths
When you match the lengths of your coat and the pieces beneath, you create a sleek, streamlined silhouette, ensuring your outfit appears cohesive and elongates your frame. Such a trick is perfect for anyone looking to appear taller and more balanced, as the uniformity in length naturally draws the eye up and down your figure.
Incorporate Striking Details
When layering, sometimes it’s the small details that make the biggest impact – incorporating striking details adds personality and draws attention to areas you want to highlight, like your waist or neckline. By layering thoughtfully, you can ensure that every outfit has a focal point that feels uniquely yours.
Wear Chunky Knit Cardigans
A chunky knit cardigan isn’t merely about warmth – it’s about adding cozy texture and dimension to your outfit. The voluminous knit adds interest and personality while keeping you snug in cooler weather, giving your look an easygoing yet stylish vibe perfect for fall layering.
Try a Denim Jacket over a Neutral Dress
When you combine the classic cool of a denim jacket with the understated elegance of a neutral dress, you get a perfect blend of casual chic. The jacket adds structure and a laid-back vibe, while the neutral tones underneath keep the look polished.
Try Multifunctional Outerwear
Why settle for one look when you can have multiple with the right outerwear? Multifunctional coats and jackets, like reversible pieces or styles with detachable layers, allow you to switch up your outfit without compromising style.
Wear Tailored Pieces
There’s something about a tailored piece that can make any outfit look instantly sophisticated. Whether it’s a structured blazer or well-fitted trousers, tailored garments give you a sharp, defined silhouette by accentuating your waist and elongating your frame.
Be Bold with Leather Jackets
Leather jackets aren’t just for the rebels – they’re a timeless layering piece that brings a dose of attitude to your wardrobe. They hug your frame in all the right places and instantly balance femininity with boldness, defining your shoulders and giving you a sleek silhouette with a bit of an edge.
Wear Tights with Tall Boots
Layering tights with tall boots is a brilliant trick for creating the illusion of longer legs and a streamlined silhouette. The tights cling to your form, while the boots provide structure and coverage, drawing the eye upward and making your legs appear leaner.
Wear Buttoned Cardigans over Crew Neck Shirts
A buttoned cardigan over a crew neck shirt is a layering move that adds both texture and charm to your outfit. The cardigan offers warmth while the crew neck shirt underneath creates a clean, simple base, allowing you to play with contrasting colors or textures.
Maximize your Basic White Tees
Don’t underestimate the power of a simple white tee—it’s the ultimate base layer for any outfit. Whether you’re layering it under a blazer, a cardigan, or a denim jacket, the white tee brings a fresh, clean look that balances more complex or bold outer layers.
Go Denim on Denim
Double up on denim for a look that feels cool, contemporary, and effortlessly chic. The key to pulling off this bold layering trick is choosing pieces in slightly different shades or washes, creating subtle contrast while keeping the look cohesive and your frame elongated.
Wear Scarves under Belted Coats
Layering a scarf under a belted coat is a practical and subtle way to add texture and depth to your outfit. The scarf peeks out just enough to add visual interest, while the belt cinches your waist, defining your figure without adding bulk.
Opt for Neutral Shades
Neutrals may be understated, but they have an unmatched ability to make any layered outfit look sophisticated and timeless. Layering pieces in neutral shades, such as beige, gray, or cream, creates a neat look, ensuring you always look polished and refined without trying too hard.
Try Animal Prints
Incorporating animal prints into your layered look adds a bold, playful touch that keeps things interesting and gives your outfit an eye-catching focal point that doesn’t overpower your look. Such prints add dimension and texture while accentuating your curves and giving your outfit an edge.
Pair Long Cardigans with Jeans
Wearing a long cardigan with jeans strikes the perfect balance between comfort and style. The elongated lines of the cardigan create a streamlined effect, making you look taller, while the jeans provide structure and contrast.
Go for Bright-colored Blazer
No doubt, a bright-colored blazer is the perfect way to inject life and energy into your fall wardrobe. Layering a bold blazer brings out your personality and creates a focal point that lifts your entire outfit, whereas the blazer’s structured fit naturally defines your shoulders.
