AARP Eye Center
It happens every year just around this time. Suddenly, all your clothes look tired, boring and out of date. You vow to clean out your closet, start a giveaway pile and follow stylish over-50 women on Instagram. Helpful, but in truth, none of these will fix the immediate “what to wear” problem. As a fashion editor-stylist, I know all it takes is one or two trending items at most to reset your attitude and refresh your wardrobe. Choose your favorite.
Left to right: Abercrombie & Fitch Women’s Premium Crepe Tailored Ultra Wide Leg Pant in Cream ($100, abercrombie.com); Zara Women’s Belted Faux-Leather Trench in Ecru ($90, zara.com/us); Asos Design Curve Knit Midi Dress With Tie Waist in Taupe ($50, asos.com/us)
Abercrombie & Fitch; Zara; ASOS
1. Just add beige
Endless months of wearing black and other dark neutrals like navy, brown and gray can give anyone the blahs. One of the fastest ways to brighten up a wardrobe is to go lighter by adding a statement piece — like a dress, trench coat or pants — in a beige, sand or cream color. Not only are paler neutrals trending, but they’re also classic hues that will stick around for seasons (or even years!) of style.
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Clockwise from top left: Sam Edelman Women’s Loraine Loafers in Silver ($170, bloomingdales.com); Seychelles Mya Metallic Clogs in Platinum Leather ($140, freepeople.com); Steve Madden Victorine Mary Jane Flats in Gold ($69, macys.com)
Bloomingdale's; Free People; Macy's
2. Opt for metallic shoes
One pair of gold or silver “daytime” shoes can infuse the most humdrum closet with a glam/punk/rock star edge that’s anything but dull. Keep the aesthetic modern by pairing metallic loafers, flats or clogs with basic everyday jeans, pants and midis — not with glitzier “evening” pieces. Since trend forecasters predict a wave of sparkle, shine and shimmer for the spring and summer, you’ll be way ahead of the curve and your clothes will have a festive feeling even on drab days.
Left to right: Banana Republic Women’s Western Shirtdress in Indigo ($180, bananarepublic.gap.com); Nic + Zoe Top It Off Denim Jacket in Atlantic ($178, bloomingdales.com); Old Navy Extra High-Waisted Cropped Wide-Leg Jeans for Women in Light-Wash ($45, oldnavy.gap.com)
Banana Republic; Bloomingdale's; Old Navy
3. A denim upgrade
Like a black leather jacket, anything denim gives every 50-plus wardrobe a cooler, more modern aesthetic. The easiest fix is to add a pair of wide-leg, high-waist jeans. This creates a new proportion that updates and upgrades all you wear with it. Not a jeans fan? The new wave of denims include plenty of shirts, dresses and jackets in refined styles. Remember: It’s the mix that makes it work. For example, you might wear a silky blouse with a jean skirt, a denim dress with a leather jacket, or a cropped denim jacket with a floral midi dress.
