As the years go by, we’re often told that we need to start “dressing our age.” But even if you do believe in that adage, it doesn’t mean you have to start donning elastic-waisted pants or sticking to tunics once you reach the age of 60. You can still embrace your stylish side and keep an eye on what younger people are wearing without doing a complete 180 into ripped jeans and crop tops. Read on to discover five stylist tips on how you can dress youthfully over 60.
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If you’re over 60 and want to turn heads for your style choices in a good way, you should think about the shape of your clothing.
“Seek out modern silhouettes that flatter your body shape and embody contemporary fashion trends,” Usman Khan, an experienced fashion designer and CEO of Sewinging, recommends.
According to Khan, you can then choose youthful styles like tailored blazers, sleek jumpsuits, and trendy wide-leg pants.
“These pieces can update your look while maintaining chic sophistication,” he says.
Most older adults are quick to turn their heads at the idea of a crop top. After all, showing off your midriff feels awfully youthful. But Michelle Barrett, a seasoned stylist and founder of Capsule Closet Stylist, tells Best Life that people over 60 don’t have to eliminate it from their wardrobe completely—it’s all about how you’re pairing it.
“If you love a crop top but feel it is too young for you, wear it with a high waisted pair or jeans or trousers,” Barrett recommends. “It will bridge the gap but give you the same look.”
It’s not just the cut of your clothing you should think about when it comes to pairing the mature with the youthful, says Max Ciampi, a stylist working in the luxury retail industry and director at Savile Row Company. Instead, Ciampi notes that blending casual and dressy pieces can create an “effortlessly stylist outfit” that is still youthful for those over 60.
“I recommend pairing some tailored trousers or blazers with a casual t-shirt or sneakers to create a look that’s style savvy and casual at the same time,” he says. “This look also showcases versatility and an ability to adapt to contemporary fashion without sacrificing sophistication.”
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You don’t have to stick to plain and muted clothes once you get into your 60s.
“Using vibrant colors and playful patterns as a part of your wardrobe is a great way to add a youthful touch to your overall look,” Ciampi shares. “Bold hues or interesting prints will add energy and vitality to your look while breaking away from conventional norms.”
Khan recommends incorporating “bright yellows, electric blues, and rich fuchsias,” as well anything from “floral prints to geometric patterns,” into your wardrobe as you get older. This will add “energy and visual interest” to your outfit.
“Vibrant colors can effortlessly elevate any look while exuding confidence and zest,” he says. “You can also play with mixing patterns or opt for statement pieces like printed blouses or patterned scarves to infuse a youthful vibe into your style.”
If wearing a brightly colored shirt or printed pants feels a little too outside of your comfort zone, you can always start on a smaller scale to bring more of a younger style into your look.
“Accessories are an easy way to add a dose of youthful flair to any outfit,” Khan explains. He advises going for “bold statement necklaces, oversized sunglasses, or trendy handbags,” as these pieces instantly make you look like you’re operating with a “fashion-forward mindset.”
For more masculine accessory choices, Ciampi suggests experimenting with “stylish hats, patterned socks, colorful pocket squares, or unique eyewear” for your outfits.
“These accents inject both personality and individuality into your look, showing a confident and youthful approach to style,” he adds.
