How to Dress in Your 50s: Top 10 Style Updates to Make

You’re only as old as you feel, and sometimes how you dress can have a major impact on how you feel in your skin. Making some subtle updates to your wardrobe as you age can help you look and feel years younger. 

If you’re unsure how to dress in your 50s, it’s a time in your life when you get to write all the rules. Fashion for seniors can be fun because it gives you a chance to express yourself in a way you never could throughout your career or child-rearing years. Find what works for you and embrace a style that fits your body and your personality. 

Below are some valuable tips to help you improve your fashion and feel more confident in your skin. Remember, age is really just a number! 

  1. Update your wardrobe with classic pieces that fit well and flatter your body shape, but don’t be afraid to play with color. Bright and bold colors can rev up your look and add some life to your skin tone. Experiment with colors and patterns to find what works for you. 
  2. Invest in quality accessories. A timeless watch or statement jewelry is a great way to make you feel special and dress up an everyday look. 
  3. Embrace comfortable footwear. While it might be hard to pass on your high heels, wearing comfortable yet stylish loafers or ankle boots can provide you with the added stability your body needs as you age. When it comes to fashion for seniors, remember to marry form and function. 
  4. Update your frames. Try out different styles of eyewear to find a pair that suits your style and your face shape. If it’s within the budget, try choosing an everyday pair of glasses and a more statement-making pair that can be used on special occasions. 
  5. Adjust your pant width and sleeves. Just because you want to update your style doesn’t mean you have to reinvent everything. Pay more attention to proportions in your 50s by choosing higher waistlines or lower hemlines that flatter your changing body. 
  6. Pay attention to grooming habits, like skincare and manicures, to keep yourself looking well put together. If you’re not sure how to dress in your 50s, start by updating your skincare routine and grooming habits to benefit your aging skin. 
  7. Don’t pay too much attention to trends. As you age, focusing on body-flattering styles rather than trends is better. Leave the trends to the younger crowds and instead invest in high-quality, timeless pieces. 
  8. Invest in one flattering go-to dress. In your 50s, make sure you have at least one go-anywhere dress that you love, and that fits you perfectly. This way, you’ll never have to scramble at the last minute and settle for something unflattering. 
  9. Purge old items. Don’t hang onto things just because you’ve had them forever. Make room for items that will make you feel confident and stylish. 
  10. Shop at new stores. When it comes to fashion for seniors, the stores you shopped at when you were 30 probably won’t be the same stores you want to shop at when you’re 50. Look at retailers that cater to a mature audience and that offer modern and stylish options. 

Just because you’re in your 50s doesn’t mean you need to completely reinvent yourself. Instead, you should make style updates that boost your confidence, flatter your body and speak to your personality. Your 50s should be all about you, so don’t be afraid to start investing in your wardrobe and self-care a little more than you previously did. 
Looking for other ways to make the most of your 50s? Upside offers senior living without the facility. Choose where you want to live, get connected with services and events you care about, and get it all managed by a personal Upside Manager. Learn more about how it works.

Upside Corporate Headquarters

6365 NW 6TH Way, Suite 200

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309