Beauty and Fashion Splurges That Are Worth the Money at 50+

What’s considered a splurge these days? It can mean anything from a $45 lipstick to $200 jeans. Every woman has a “someday” beauty and fashion bucket list in her head, but what’s on it varies from person to person, bucket to bucket. Though fast fashion knock-offs and drugstore dupes continue to pave the way for cheap chic, the urge to splurge is far from over. Want to get a little extravagant without breaking the bank? Here are the beauty and fashion indulgences that’ll make you say, “No regrets. It was worth it!”

(Left to right) Aimee Kestenberg Day Dream Leather Hobo Bag in Black Croco; Coach Lana Polished Pebble Leather Shoulder Bag in Black; Melie Bianco Brigitte Large Satchel in Black

Saks Fifth Avenue; Nordstrom; Anthropologie

1. A black bag that makes you feel posh

For most women, their bag is practically a body part. Crammed with everyday essentials, it hangs from shoulders, drapes across the body or dangles from hands and elbow crooks. Deluxe designer bags like the Chanel 2.55 often top social media dream lists, but who can afford to spend thousands on a bag — or even wants to? Take my advice as a personal shopper and wardrobe consultant for women 50-plus: Skip right past the ostentatious styles and logo-laden prints, and head for sleek modern hobos and shoulder bags like the Aimee Kestenberg Day Dream Leather Hobo Bag in Black Croco ($298, saksfifthavenue.com), Melie Bianco Brigitte Large Satchel in Black ($128, anthropologie.com) and Coach Lana Polished Pebble Leather Shoulder Bag in Black ($495, nordstrom.com). They look lavish without being too showy, have secure zippered closures and interior security pockets, work with jeans and the most tailored clothes, leave your hands free and are roomy enough to haul it all without stress and strain on neck and shoulders. Why black? It’s resistant to coffee spills, sits happily on the floor of cars and restaurants, and looks right day or night.

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(Left to right) SLVRLAKE Grace Wide-Leg Jeans in Dark Wash Denim; Mother The Tomcat High Waist Ankle Straight Leg Jeans in Lasting Impression; Madewell The Curvy '90s Straight Jean in Belmere Wash

Bergdorf Goodman; Nordstrom; Madewell

2. Jeans that make you feel rock-star sexy

Jeans are one of the hardest-to-fit items of clothing. If you’ve always wondered how anyone could buy jeans that cost $200 or more when you can buy jeans for $30, the answer is: Try them on. Nothing against low-cost jeans, but premium brands have the kind of ooh factor reserved for cashmere sweaters and really good thread-count sheets. They offer more even low-key neutral washes and denim with a lived-in feel (even the dark washes!). Plus, they have built-in stretch that hits the sweet spot between structure and comfort. Say no to ripped knees and frayed edges, and choose styles with a contemporary fit that are not too extreme like the SLVRLAKE Grace Wide-Leg Jeans in Dark Wash Denim ($239, bergdorfgoodman.com), Mother The Tomcat High Waist Ankle Straight Leg Jeans in Lasting Impression ($218, nordstrom.com) and Madewell The Curvy '90s Straight Jean in Belmere Wash ($128, madewell.com), all in a dark wash or black to keep the elevated look going.