Searching for sophisticated yet modern styles for women over 60 can feel like a minefield. Everywhere you look, everyone tells you one thing: look frumpy.
Magazines and online blogs give women over 60 the same advice decade after decade. Traditional retailers aren’t much help either, thanks to limited variety and sizing options.
And don’t even get us started on those online styling box services. They take one look at your age and send the same grandma-boxy shirt to every woman your age. (Or their algorithm does, anyway.)
If you’re tired of the same old advice, this is your ultimate guide to outfits for women over 60. Throw out the dated fashion rules and prepare yourself for real advice and looks that feel fresh, luxurious, and polished.
Table of Contents
6 Steps To Finding Work Styles for Women Over 60
Guess what? Finding work clothing styles for women over 60 that show your personality and look professional is easier than you think. And it doesn’t involve dressing drab to “dress your age.”
In fact, At NLW, we don’t believe in dressing your age. Why? Because flawless style looks fantastic at any age. Most people don’t wake up one day, realize they’re 60, and change their entire outlook and fashion sense.
All it takes is a few simple steps:
Finding Styles For Women Over 60: Clean Out Your Closet
Yep, open up the doors to that room that makes your mornings stressful, and take everything out. Go through each item and decide what you’ll keep and need to get rid of. If you don’t love it and you don’t wear it, donate it.
Identify What Items You Need
Ask yourself, where will you be wearing these clothes? What dress codes do you follow for work? What climate do you live in, and what’s practical for that weather?
Finding Styles For Women Over 60: Figure Out Your Sizing
Your body changes over the years. That means that the same sizes and silhouettes won’t necessarily suit your frame now as they did in your 20s.
Grab the measuring tape and jot down your bust, waist, hip, and inseam lengths. That way, no matter where you’re shopping, you’ll know what size you need. Remember that items aren’t meant to fit you off the rack. This is normal! You will be size x in one brand and size y in another.
Additionally, get ready to embrace the world of alterations. That’s because clothes aren’t designed to fit everyone off the rack. They’re designed for one fit model. Tailoring your clothes allows you to get your dream pieces without feeling limited by size constraints.
Make a new rule: Buy styles for women over 60 that fit, flatter, and uplift you.
Focus Your Color Palette
You don’t have to resign yourself to an all-black wardrobe. Just like you shouldn’t wear a bunch of different colors and patterns at once.
To have cohesive outfits for women over 60, follow our Hierarchy of Color (pictured above). This chart is part of our proprietary Style System. It shows our clients how to keep their closets from being a disorganized, hectic mess.
Here’s the idea:
– Divide your closet into thirds.
– Dedicated the largest third to core colors: black, white, gray, and navy
– Dedicate the second largest section to tonal colors, aka shades of core colors and other neutrals like brown and olive. (This is also the perfect place to use textures!)
– Leave the last third to accent colors and patterns: bright colors and statement prints.
This maximizes your wardrobe versatility and reduces that “I don’t know what to wear” feeling.
Finding Styles For Women Over 60: Prioritize High-Quality Items
We believe that everyone, regardless of age, gender, and job, should invest in high-quality clothing items. This is because they look and feel better, and they last longer.
Many people like to shop for cheaper, lower-tier brands to save money, and we get it. But if a piece is well-made, you won’t have to replace it every month because it stretches out, rips, etc. Remember, it’s expensive to buy cheap.
However, we especially believe this for dressing over 60 years old. That’s because you’re more mature at this age. You know what you want from your life and your closet, so it’s time to invest.
Find A Style Role Model
The best way to know what to wear when you’re over 60 is to have a great example to follow. You don’t need to copy or replicate another person’s style exactly. (Actually, it’s best that you don’t. That way, your clothing accurately represents yourself and feels authentic.)
But especially if building outfits isn’t your strong suit, having an example will guide your selection process. (Plus, if you work with a professional stylist, you can show them exactly what you’re aiming for.)
Look up to stylish, powerful, executive women and see what you think they’re doing well in their style. Or things you’d like to incorporate into your wardrobe.
Remember these six tips, and you’ll make better decisions while shopping. Say goodbye to sloppy and frumpy; say hello to a calm, elegant, modern, and minimalist wardrobe.
Outfits for Women Over 60 for Every Dress Code
A NLW Client in new outfits we created for her.
We don’t want to just set you up with the building blocks to create your dream wardrobe. We will show you three simple outfit formulas you can recreate. We have one for each of these three common styles for women over 60:
– Casual
– Business Casual
– Business Formal
Plus, we’ve included product recommendations to make your life much easier.
Casual Outfits for Women Over 60
Trying to find outfits for women over 60 for your casual office dress code? Or perhaps you need something for the weekends that still looks put together without feeling stuffy. Here’s our formula:
– Button-up Blouse
– Dark wash Jeans
– Earrings & Belt
– Sneakers
Here’s an example of how to bring these four easy elements to life. Start with a statement shirt. We picked out this silky button-up from Vince.
We liked it because it balances traditional workwear and silhouettes (a button-up) with a more trend-aware pattern and colors. The floral pattern allows you to show off your style while still looking office-appropriate.
corduroy.
Product by Vince, shop here.
Create a power casual over 60 style by tucking this blouse into jeans. We recommend a dark wash because it looks more chic than light or faded colors.
Keep this ensemble up-to-date by swapping out your usual skinny jeans for a kick-flare pair from NYDJ. You’ll get just enough flare and feel way more comfortable and mobile than you would in skinny-tight skinnies.
Product by NYDJ, shop here.
Now let’s pull together this casual or no-dress-code outfit with accessories. We always vote on keeping your accessories minimalistic. That way, your outfit doesn’t look too busy, which can make you look immature or under-experienced.
For example, pop on this classic black belt by Nordstrom’s in-house brand. You’ll look polished while also defining your waist.
(No more shapeless dresses and tent-like blouses for these outfits for women over 60!)
Product by Nordstrom, shop here.
If you like, you can add a dash of sparkle with these small hoops from Nadri.
Product by Nadri, shop here.
Then last but not least, bring it all together with a pair of white sneakers like this option from Vince. So many people think that they can’t wear sneakers to work. But if you work in a casual environment (and take care of your shoes), this is just right.
Product by Vince, shop here.
They’re subtle enough to fit in at the office and comfortable for a long day.
Business Casual Outfits for Women Over 60
There are plenty of contemporary, cool, and put-together business casual styles for women over 60. One is this five-piece outfit:
1. Sleeveless Top
2. Button-up Cardigan
3. Trousers
4. Bracelet
5. Flats
Start with a sleeveless top. We love this mock neck option from Brunello Cucinelli. We know that many of our female clients over 60 prefer more conservative necklines, and this gives you exactly that.
However, what balances it out is the soft knit of the fabric and the sleeveless cut. You won’t feel too hot during hot flashes, and you can instantly layer it.
Product by Brunello Cucinelli, shop here.
Speaking of which, let’s talk about the cardigan. Many women over 60 prefer to cover the top of their arms- no problem! So if this is you (or you just run cold), a cardigan is a must for this outfit.
Product by Boden USA, shop here.
Cozy up in this rib-knit, collared cardigan from Boden USA. This cardigan may seem simple, but it’s actually an interesting piece that can jazz up your ensemble.
The collared look is unique and plays into the more professional side.
Product by Isabel Marant, shop here.
Now that you have your tops figured out, for this outfit for over 60 style, let’s talk pants.
Add contrast to this monochromatic moment with these gray trousers. We chose this option from Isabel Marant because of the beautiful textured print and the flattering silhouette.
High waists look good on all body types, especially if you want more room in your stomach and hips.
Product by Nadri, shop here.
Roll up your sleeves; it’s time to accessorize.
For outfits for over 60-year-olds, go with classic gold or silver pieces.
Such as this gold chain bracelet by Nadri. Gold and silver jewelry always looks good with any ensemble. It’s much more versatile than “fashion” jewelry and more classic, less trendy than rose gold.
Product by Chloe, shop here.
Last but not least, slide your feet into these comfy flats by Chloe. Our clients (especially those seeking styles for women over 60) prefer low or no heels, and we agree. Heels just aren’t as practical as flats and boots.
These scalloped-edge flats won’t tire you out or leave you with achy feet.
Business Formal Outfits for Women Over 60
Business Formal outfits for women over 60 don’t have to feel stuffy and old-fashioned. You don’t have to wear dull pantsuits or uncomfortable pencil skirts to be taken seriously at the office.
Instead, try these five items together:
1. Blouse
2. Blazer
3. Wide-Leg Pants
4. Earrings
5. (Low) Heels
First, keep things clean and classic with this white blouse from Misook.
Product by Misook, shop here.
It’s timeless, not generic. The slightly gathered neckline and eyelet cuffs elevate this basic.
What are we partnering this blouse with? Our favorite current silhouette for women: wide-leg pants.
Product by Reiss, shop here.
For so long, styles for women over 60 were all about the skinny cut or a slim leg. But we’ve found that wide-leg trousers are universally flattering and comfortable.
These ballet-pink pants from Reiss give you room to move around without worry. They also have an elongating effect, which is ideal if you want to add height to your ensemble.
Product by Smythe, shop here.
The main difference between business casual and business formal is that business formal is more structured. So bring in that element with a blazer. We matched ours to the blouse for a color-block effect and to ground this look in core colors (white).
Product by Aqua, shop here.
Want to add a dash of drama to this formula? Reach for dangly earrings, like this hammered-metal pair from Aqua.
Since the rest of the outfit is low-key, you can have more fun with your accent pieces.
Product by Jimmy Choo, shop here.
You can always wear the flats from the last outfit formula. But if you want to feel dressed up for a conference or presentation, opt for low heels.
These nude pumps from Jimmy Choo add elegance without too much height.
And just like that, you’ve got three effortlessly chic outfits for women over 60.
Are you looking for help finding more styles for women over 60? Apply for our women’s styling services. From helping you define your brand to revolutionizing your closet, our team of experts has you covered.
*Disclosure: Next Level Wardrobe only recommends products that we’d suggest to our clients or personally wear ourselves. All opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, Next Level Wardrobe may earn a small commission. Read the full privacy policy here.
