Styling Over 50: Why You're Lost and How to Get Back On Track

Styling Over 50

Why you’re lost and how to get back on track.

Welcome to the age of confusion, where getting dressed feels more like a chore than an act of self-expression. You’re over 50, and suddenly, the closet that once held all the answers is now a chaotic mess of clothes that no longer serve you. Sound familiar? Let’s break down why you’re feeling lost and, more importantly, how to get back on track.

Why Are Women Over 50 Struggling to Get Dressed?

1. Your Body Has Changed – and You Don’t Know What to Do with It

Remember the days when you could throw on anything and feel fabulous? Yeah, those days are gone. Your body isn’t the same as it was 20 years ago. After kids, time, and the natural ebb and flow of weight gain, you might be staring at a reflection that feels foreign. What worked in your 30s isn’t working now, and that’s okay. But it’s also why you’re feeling lost. You haven’t figured out how to dress the body you have today, instead of the body you had before.

2. Your Taste Has Changed

Once upon a time, you’d sacrifice comfort for those killer heels. Now, the thought of wearing anything higher than a kitten heel makes you shudder. You’re craving quality over quantity and comfort over trends. But here’s the catch: your closet is still full of clothes from the days when comfort wasn’t a priority. You’ve changed, but your wardrobe hasn’t kept up.

3. Your Life Goals Are Different

You’re no longer dressing to impress at the club (unless you are, in which case, carry on). Maybe you’re gearing up for retirement, transitioning to an executive role, or re-entering the dating scene. Whatever it is, your life is different now, and so are the reasons you’re getting dressed. Your wardrobe should reflect these changes, but right now, it doesn’t.

4. The Mall Is a Minefield

Shopping used to be fun. Now, it’s overwhelming. The entire mall seems to be either too young or too old, with nothing in between. There’s no one-stop shop that caters to all your needs, and it’s leaving you frustrated and empty-handed.

5. You’re Bombarded with Trends – But None of Them Are for You

The fashion world is louder than ever, thanks to social media, and it’s full of younger influencers setting trends that don’t resonate with you. Finding inspiration is tough when everything seems to be designed for someone 30 years younger.

How to get back on track with your personal style

Now that we’ve diagnosed the problem, let’s get to the fun part: the solution. You can rediscover your style, and it starts with understanding who you are today and where you want to go.

1. Discover Who You Are Right Now

You can’t just copy and paste what you see on Instagram and hope it works. You need to get real about your current body type—not the one you had 20 years ago, not the one you might have after losing 20 pounds, but the one you have right now. Are you an apple, pear, inverted triangle, hourglass, or rectangle? Embrace your shape as it is today, and start dressing to flatter it.

2. Define Your Style Goals

What’s your next chapter? Are you diving back into the dating pool? Climbing the corporate ladder? Planning for a well-deserved retirement? Your style should reflect your life goals. If you’re re-entering the dating scene, investing in a wardrobe full of business suits isn’t going to cut it. If you’re transitioning into a new career, you’ll want to focus on polished, professional pieces. Knowing your goals will help you make intentional choices about your wardrobe.

3. Find Your Personal Style Adjectives

It’s time to put some words to your style. Are you aiming for feminine and elegant? Modern and edgy? Classic and refined? Here are a few style adjective combos to get you thinking:

• Effortless & Chic

• Bold & Confident

• Sophisticated & Understated

• Feminine & Timeless

• Edgy & Urban

Once you’ve identified your style adjectives, it’s easier to make decisions about what belongs in your wardrobe and what doesn’t.

4. Seek Inspiration from the Right Sources

It’s crucial to find role models who resonate with where you are in life. Tracie Ellis Ross, with her fearless, eclectic style; Sarah Jessica Parker, who embodies playful elegance; Naomi Campbell, who’s all about bold sophistication; Grece Ghanem, a master of modern minimalism; and Michelle Obama, who exudes polished confidence. These women are not just style icons; they’re trailblazers who know exactly what works for them. Ask yourself, why do you like their style? Is it the way they mix prints, their love of bold accessories, or how they always look put-together?

Conclusion: You’re Not Stuck – You’re Evolving

You’re Not Stuck - You’re Evolving

Here’s the good news: you’re not stuck. You’re simply evolving. Your style isn’t something you have to leave in the past; it’s something that can grow with you. The key is to rediscover who you are today and make conscious choices that reflect that. By getting clear on your body type, defining your goals, and finding your style adjectives, you’ll create a wardrobe that makes you feel like the best version of yourself.

If you’re ready to take the next step and truly align your style with your life, we’re here to help. At A Creative Cliché, we specialize in helping women over 50 rediscover their style and confidence. Don’t let another day go by feeling lost—let us help you find your way back to a style that makes you feel incredible.

Remember, your best days are ahead of you, and so is your best style.