Fashion for women over 50 – don’t box yourself in, tailor your fit | Robyn Ingerson

If you only do one thing when preparing your next outfit, make sure it’s this, writes Robyn Ingerson.

Dressing your age, such a foreign concept, but one that is nagging me on a daily basis.

I categorise my body shape as a classic “egg on legs”.

It is genetic, and I have enough examples to reference from our family tree, glamorous ones too.

There are a few dominant traits of the “egg on legs”.

Generally skinny legs, slim hips, all good so far … no waist, slight belly, ample breast with broad shoulders – a challenging combination.

It takes commitment and fashion IQ to pull a modern wardrobe together for this unique shape, that exudes a fashionable confidence.

As if navigating menopause, ageing with energy and grace, embracing the empty nest is not enough, now there are certain rules that apply to the wardrobe.

About 10 years ago, a fellow fashion friend gave me the sideways tilted head conversation – code for this is serious and not to be ignored; “You are now too old to wear shorts”.

I was horrified and defiant.

My legs were my best asset by far, and I was not ready to relinquish. However, several years down the track I sadly agree.

Shorts and short dresses are purely for hot days in the privacy of my own home or at the beach. Period.

So where does this leave my wardrobe? Dressing in your 50s is all about expressing confidence, style, building on your unique fashion handwriting developed over time while appearing comfortable and current.

Finding pieces that best express your mood, personality, but also complement existing items that you share a history, still fit, and you can’t bear to part with.

I have a pair of fine wool tailored bootleg pants that are older than my son, that tell stories of late New York nights in Soho, first dates and job interviews.

Those pants have given me “chutzpah” (self-confidence) in the past, and we all need clothing that does that!

The key tip I learnt through my fashion design days, is the illusion a well-tailored garment can provide, creating waist shaping in an instant.

Stylish young women in pastel outfits standing together. Picture: iStock

Elegant confident brunette woman in black glasses, a pink suit, a shirt, a black bag. Picture: iStock

I have adopted this for years, ensuring all my shirts, jackets, dresses and even swimwear have waist shaping. There is not a boxy anything in site for this old gal.

It is important to invest in less items but those that fit well and are tailored. You will know straight away.

As your body shape evolves, it is always good to shop with a friend you trust to tell you the honest truth. It can be brutal but required. Key investment items are a bootleg jean, a tailored blazer, a detailed white shirt and a wrap dress – all providing waist shaping and a sharp silhouette.

It is good to embrace both neutral shades such as camel, ivory, and soft grey as well as the jewel palette, emerald, ruby and sapphire, as they flatter more evolved skin tones. The jewels provide pop and pazazz, while the neutrals scream sophisticated Upper East Side!

Accessories are key, bags, scarfs and minimal jewellery that tells your story.

Textured items consisting of tweed, silk, cashmere, print, leather and denim are all pieces you should hold onto as they rarely go out of fashion.

I have had special moments with my daughter now trying on these items I have kept for 30 years and enjoy seeing her wear them in her own way, the fashion circle of life.

You can’t afford to throw out all you have acquired over the years. Having a good recycle store nearby can be such a plus not only for turning in some of your old friends but also finding new ones. Sustainability in fashion is no longer a buzzword but a necessary conscience, supporting the longevity of a beautifully designed item, as well as being more aware of your purchases.

I have been fortunate through my fashion career to visit some incredible vintage and preloved stores. This is where the excitement lies – finding pieces that can tell stories, or ones you can enhance, like the Julia Roberts black boots I bought in LA.

Fashion is meant to be fun, at any age. It is your signature. Your trademark. Trends come and go, but your own style is worth working on. I may have given up the shorts, but never a bootleg, stretch denim jean. I’ll go out wearing them!

Originally published as Fashion for women over 50 – don’t box yourself in, tailor your fit | Robyn Ingerson