Over 50? 10 Things You No Longer Need to Wear
If you’re a woman over 50, you may wonder whether you should change your wardrobe.
And while you can wear anything you want, I’ve rounded up 10 things you no longer have to wear!
Let’s explore the evolving world of fashion for those who have gracefully crossed the age of 50. Embracing the wisdom that comes with age, it's time to reassess your wardrobe and make strategic changes that reflect your maturity and evolving style preferences.
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In this post, I’ll reveal the top 10 items you may want to consider parting with now that you're over 50 and suggest stylish alternatives that better suit your life's journey. So, let's dive into this fashion transformation and learn how to dress confidently and fabulously in your golden years.
#1. Too Much Makeup
As we embrace the wisdom and experience that comes with age, it's essential to prioritize what truly matters in our lives. One area that can benefit from a touch of simplicity is our makeup routine.
1. Less is More: The Minimalist Makeup Bag
Gone are the days of drawers overflowing with makeup products. Today, it's all about having a streamlined makeup bag containing only the essentials. With a pared-down collection, you'll save time and energy while still looking fabulous. Stay tuned for my upcoming makeup set reveal, which promises to simplify your routine even further.
2. Rethink Your Makeup Routine
As we age, our priorities shift. Instead of spending hours applying makeup, consider focusing on a simple, easy routine that allows you to dedicate more time to the things that truly matter in life. In an upcoming post, I’ll share my favorite makeup routine and brands to help you achieve a hassle-free, stunning look that complements your lifestyle.
3. Embrace the Beauty of Simplicity
The journey to embracing simplicity in our makeup routine is about understanding our preferences and needs. By decluttering our makeup collections and adopting a minimalist approach, we can enjoy a more fulfilling and meaningful life after 50. Keep an eye out for our future posts on makeup routines and product recommendations that cater to your evolving preferences.
#2. High Heels
As we grow older and wiser, we often learn to prioritize comfort over style, especially regarding footwear.
Bid Farewell to High Heels
My number two on the list is high heels - those ultra-high, uncomfortable shoes. Having witnessed the potential consequences of wearing uncomfortable footwear, such as bunions, hammer toes, and varicose veins, I've come to appreciate the importance of taking care of my legs and overall comfort.
Embrace Comfortable Shoes
Nowadays, I prioritize comfort above all else regarding my footwear choices. I've abandoned most of my high heels, keeping only two pairs with a modest inch-and-a-half heel. The rest of my collection consists of comfortable flats that allow me to feel at ease throughout the day.
Join the Comfortable Shoe Club
I'm curious to know if you, too, have transitioned to more comfortable shoes. Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let's celebrate the beauty of comfort and well-being together as we continue to make conscious choices that prioritize our health and happiness.
#3. Fashion Trends
As we gain more experience in life, we often learn the value of personal style over following the ever-changing fashion trends.
Let Go of Fashion Trends
Number three on my list is trends. I no longer need to chase every new trend fashion magazines or brands dictate. Having seen countless trends come and go, I now choose to focus on wearing what makes me feel comfortable, confident, and happy.
Embrace Personal Style
Instead of blindly following trends, I now wear clothing I genuinely love and feel good in, including colors that suit my complexion and make me feel beautiful. I believe embracing our unique styles and focusing on what makes us feel the best version of ourselves is essential.
Update Your Wardrobe the Right Way
If you enjoy keeping up with fashion trends, that's perfectly fine. However, it's important not to feel pressured to adopt every emerging trend. Instead, occasionally update your wardrobe with new pieces that truly resonate with your style and bring joy to your life.
#4. Dressing for Others
As we grow and evolve, we often realize the importance of dressing for ourselves and prioritizing our personal preferences over the opinions of others.
The Pressure of Dressing for Others
In the past, I often dressed to match my friends or wore outfits that I knew my boyfriend or husband would like. But number four on my list is dressing for others – something I've decided to let go of in favor of prioritizing my own happiness.
Embrace Your Unique Style
Now, I choose to wear clothing I genuinely love and feel good in, regardless of what others think. Instead of seeking external validation, I prioritize my own happiness and satisfaction when choosing my outfits. I dress for myself and am content with the person I see in the mirror daily.
Own Your Personal Style
It's essential to recognize the importance of embracing your unique style and prioritizing self-expression over the opinions of others. By doing so, you'll feel more confident and comfortable in your clothing and cultivate a stronger sense of self-worth and self-esteem.
#5. Clothes that Don’t Make You Feel Good
Avoid Buying Clothes You Don't Feel Good In
Number five on my list are clothes that don't make me feel good. It's important to resist the temptation to buy items simply because others think they look good on you or because you feel obligated to purchase them. Instead, focus on selecting clothing that makes you feel comfortable and confident.
Dress for Yourself and Your Happiness
When choosing clothes, prioritize how they make you feel when you look in the mirror. You should feel happy and confident with the person looking back at you. Remember to wear clothes that truly make you feel good about yourself.
An Example of a Feel-Good Outfit
Recently, I wore a comfortable and flattering outfit that I absolutely love. It's a simple t-shirt dress paired with a white denim jacket, perfect for warm weather. The dress features an A-line silhouette, which is great for those with fuller figures or a little extra hip or belly. This dress's flared design helps hide any perceived flaws, making it an ideal choice for feeling comfortable and confident.
#6. Cumbersome Hairstyles
Regarding hairstyles, opting for low-maintenance looks can save you time and stress. Number six on my list is avoiding cumbersome hairstyles that require excessive styling and upkeep. Hair wraps and curling irons may create lovely curls but also demand a significant time investment. Instead, I prefer to keep my hair routine simple and efficient.
Effortless Style for Busy Days
For those who want to spend no more than three minutes on their hair, there are plenty of hassle-free hairstyles to choose from. By selecting a style that can be easily done in the morning, you'll be set for the entire day. This is particularly helpful for busy individuals who don't have time to fuss with their hair throughout the day.
A quick spritz of hairspray can refresh your look if you go to dinner. Should your hair bothers you, use a barrette or clip to keep it in place. You can avoid the stress of constant hair maintenance by maintaining a straightforward hair routine.
Embrace a Minimalist Hair and Beauty Routine
Much like adopting a minimalist makeup routine, choosing low-maintenance hairstyles frees up time and energy for other aspects of your life. You can enjoy a more relaxed and carefree lifestyle by focusing on simplicity and comfort. So, let go of complicated and time-consuming hairstyles and embrace the ease of a low-maintenance hair routine.
#7. Buying Clothes that Aren’t Your Style
One of the most common challenges people face when building a wardrobe is buying clothes that don't match their personal style. Number seven on my list focuses on the importance of understanding and sticking to your unique fashion preferences. Doing so will create a versatile, easy-to-mix-and-match wardrobe that truly represents you.
The Benefits of Knowing Your Style
Building a wardrobe that works for you becomes easier when you know your style. As discussed in my capsule wardrobe video, having a cohesive style means all your clothes can be combined effortlessly, multiplying your outfit options. It's completely normal to have different style preferences on different days, but a constantly changing wardrobe can make getting dressed every day more challenging.
For example, switching between bohemian, preppy, and artsy looks might make it difficult to find matching pieces and maintain a consistent personal brand. Instead, consider focusing on a cohesive style that reflects your personality and makes you feel comfortable.
Creating a Consistent Look without Limiting Yourself
Embracing a specific style doesn't mean you have to pigeonhole yourself into a single fashion genre. Instead, focus on finding clothes that are consistent with your personal brand and make you feel like yourself. When trying on a garment, ask yourself if it goes well with other items in your wardrobe and if it represents your unique style.
Staying true to your style simplifies your wardrobe and allows you to express yourself more authentically. Keep an eye out for my upcoming video, which delves deeper into this topic and offers more advice on building a cohesive wardrobe that aligns with your personal fashion preferences.
#8. Using suntan lotion, baby oil, or iodine
Sun Protection and Skincare: A Healthier Approach to Tanning
Number eight on my list is about changing how we approach tanning and sun protection. Many of us, especially those who grew up in the '80s, might recall using baby oil and iodine to get a suntan. This practice involved mixing baby oil with iodine and applying the mixture to the skin, which would result in a reddish stain. Some even used mirrors or lay close to the pool to maximize sun exposure and achieve a deeper tan. However, we now know that this approach is far from healthy.
The Importance of Sunscreen
These days, it's essential to prioritize skin health and avoid excessive tanning. Living in Newport Beach, I still get some color during the summer, but I no longer actively seek out a tan. Instead, I use sunscreen whenever I go outside to protect my skin from harmful UV rays.
One of my favorite sunscreens is a spray-on product that feels like a moisturizing spritz. It's incredibly easy to apply and doesn't leave white lines or residue on the skin. I highly recommend this sunscreen for anyone looking for a convenient and effective option.
#9. Chasing Trends
Number nine on my list of things I no longer do is chasing trends. This concept ties back to the idea of buying what you genuinely like and dressing for yourself rather than being influenced by others. While it's perfectly fine to be aware of current trends, it's unnecessary to immerse yourself in the fast-fashion wheel.
Break Free from the Fast-Fashion Cycle
Vogue and other fashion publications often present new styles and dictate what's "in" and "out." But remember that their primary goal is to encourage constant change and consumption. By constantly chasing trends, you'll find yourself on a never-ending hamster wheel of clothing changes.
Instead, focus on purchasing items that make you feel good, happy, and confident. It's important to develop your own unique sense of style that resonates with your personality.
Keep Your Wardrobe Fresh and Relevant
Consider introducing a few new pieces each season to keep your wardrobe fresh and modern. This approach will help you maintain a sense of relevancy without forcing you to chase the latest trends constantly. Doing so will save time and money and cultivate a wardrobe that reflects your style.
#10. Wearing Too Many Accessories
Number 10 on my list is about avoiding the pitfall of wearing too many accessories. It's important to find the right balance between accessorizing and going overboard. You might remember a famous quote (though I can't recall who said it) that goes something like this: "Get yourself all dressed up, put on all your accessories, and then just take off one item."
Finding Balance in Your Accessories
When it comes to accessorizing, you don't need a necklace, earrings, bracelet, and rings on every finger to make a statement. In fact, the current trend leans towards a more pared-down and minimalist approach to accessories.
Instead of overloading yourself with jewelry, try focusing on one or two key pieces that enhance your outfit. This keeps your look stylish and fresh and allows for a sense of freedom and comfort.
Embracing a Lighter, Airier Style
By adopting a lighter, airier style, you'll find that less is indeed more. You don't have to sacrifice your personal touch or unique style; be more mindful of the accessories you choose to wear.
So there you have it! As we age, let's focus on feeling comfortable and confident in our fashion choices. Let's embrace our natural beauty, simplify our routines, and stay true to our personal style.