Staying Fit
As a fashion editor I laugh every time the fashion industry proclaims, “These are the hottest trends.” That's because they often have very little to do with our real lives and bodies at age 50. Bra tops and cutouts? Little bitty miniskirts and fluffy flip-flops? No thanks. What we actually need are sensible lifestyle clothes and accessories with just enough of a fashion twist. Here are 10 to put on your try-or-buy list:
1. Revised white tees
If there's one thing we never have enough of it's a stack of fresh white T-shirts. Aside from eliminating armpit and food stains, laundry mishaps and the dinginess of repeat washings, new tees provide a low-cost way to try a new silhouette. And, yes, even the basic white tee got a makeover this spring. Try a new elbow-sleeve tee like the Gap Modern Squareneck Elbow Sleeve T-Shirt in fresh white ($25, gap.com) to make upper-arm jiggles history, a boxier style like the Universal Thread Women's Short Sleeve Boxy T-Shirt in white ($8, target.com) to wear untucked and floating over high-waist jeans and pants, or a super-soft jersey tee with a high-low hem like the Old Navy Luxe V-Neck Tee for Women in white lilies ($10, oldnavy.com) to contour a curvy shape.
2. Slingback wedge espadrilles
We're itching to take off our sneakers but not ready for flip-flops or serious shoes. Wedge espadrilles hit the spot between comfort and structure and give us a little height (which, to be honest, we all benefit from). Even luxury brands like Gucci, Prada and Valentino Garavani are on board this spring but the best of the bunch are affordable hybrid slingbacks. Pick a closed-toe style if you haven't been on top of the foot grooming/pedicure routine, like the LifeStride Katrina Espadrille Wedge Sandal in black ($70, dsw.com/en/us). Or, opt for an open-toe style like the Lucky Brand Mindra in black or navy ($79, zappos.com) or the Bobs From Skechers Desert Kiss in black or taupe ($45, zappos.com) with crisscross instep straps.
3. A print midi dress
It simply works. A midi's got the comfort we crave, the relaxed, flowy calf-skimming length that makes sitting and crossing our legs easy, and it doesn't demand shape wear. Wear it with boots now; flats, mules and sandals later. Unlike trendy maxis, midis never look too boho beachy and the flash of lower leg and trim ankles adds a body-lengthening boost for all. Choose a sophisticated print, like the H&M Tie Belt Dress in light beige/leopard print, XS to XXL ($40, hm.com), the Who What Wear Women's Flutter Short Sleeve A-Line Dress in black/white Womens Plus ($37, target.com) or the H&M Lyocell-Blend Dress in dark blue/beige checked ($34, hm.com). A dark neutral color is what makes a print dress way more versatile and seasonless.