The Ultimate Guide to Style for Women Over 60

Photo Credit: @positivelydenise_

What to wear, how to feel good in it, and why your closet might be holding you back

There’s a weird thing that happens around 60. Your wardrobe still looks kind of like you—but something feels... off. Maybe it’s the way certain pants don’t sit quite right anymore. Maybe your go-to “special occasion” dress hasn’t seen daylight in five years. Or maybe you’ve just been wearing the same handful of outfits on rotation because figuring out what actually works now feels like more work than it should.

The truth is, most fashion advice for women over 60 misses the mark. It either tries to dress you like you're still in your 30s, or it swings way too far into “aging gracefully” territory—as if your only style options are beige cardigans and orthopedic shoes.

This guide? It’s not that.

We’re covering the most common questions women ask in their 60s—and giving you real answers. Whether you’re recently retired and trying to rebuild your everyday wardrobe, struggling with a changing body post-menopause, or just want to feel stylish again without spending thousands—we’ve got you.

And yes, there are outfit ideas and shopping links. But more than that, this is your style reset—based on what works now, not what used to.

 Want a printable outfit guide that simplifies getting dressed every day? Grab our What to Wear at 60 Guide and get over 100 curated outfit ideas, shopping links, and style tips.

 Bonus: Download the free Amazon Style Cheat Sheet for instant inspiration straight from your favorite online store.

For Daily Style Tips Check us out here @autumlovedaily

What do I wear now that I’m retired?

Retirement changes more than your schedule—it changes your style. Suddenly, your weekday “uniform” of structured workwear doesn’t make sense anymore. But the switch from blazers to sweatshirts isn’t as simple as it sounds.

The key here is defining a new uniform. One that feels easy to throw on but still put-together. Think of it like a soft reboot: elastic waistbands, but elevated. Knit dresses that drape well. Cardigans that aren’t oversized security blankets. Pants with stretch and shape.

Many women default to ultra-casual once they retire, and then wonder why they feel frumpy. You don’t need to go full glam to feel confident—but having a few go-to looks that make you feel like you tried will shift your entire day.

Outfit ideas:

• A-line midi dress + denim jacket + slip-on sneakers

• Soft pull-on trousers + fitted tee + lightweight cardigan

• Tunic top + straight-leg jeans + loafers

If you need help rebuilding your wardrobe from the ground up, our What to Wear at 60 Outfit Guide has dozens of plug-and-play outfit formulas for every season.

 How do I dress my post-menopausal body?

This one’s personal—and universal. Hormonal changes after menopause often mean weight shifts (especially in the midsection), fluctuating bust size, and skin sensitivity. And yet, brands rarely design with these changes in mind.

You don’t need to hide your body. But you do need to understand it—so you can dress it in a way that feels flattering and comfortable. Wrap dresses, for example, are great because they let you control the fit. Empire waist tops create shape without clinging. Tummy-control jeans? They’re not a gimmick if you find the right pair.

It’s also about fabric. You want pieces that skim—not squeeze. And structure that supports without adding bulk.

Shopping tip: Try ordering the same item in two sizes or cuts (regular and petite, or short and long inseam). Returns may be annoying, but the right fit is worth it

Sleeveless Square Neck

$42.99

Two Piece Sweater

$56.99

Do I dress for me, or do I dress my age?

Short answer: You dress for you. Long answer: That might look different now than it did in your 40s, and that’s not a bad thing.

You might still love color and trends, but maybe you wear them differently now. Instead of bold head-to-toe prints, you try a scarf. Instead of crop tops, you go for a structured crop jacket over a longer blouse. The idea is to play—to experiment without feeling like you’re trying too hard.

There’s no rule that says you have to give up fun clothes after 60. It just means finding the version of those things that feels authentic to you now.

Try:

• One statement accessory per outfit

• Mixing a trend piece with a classic staple

• Color blocking in rich tones instead of neon

Lana Suede Shoulder Bag

COACH

$495.00

Long Sleeve Sweater Wrap Dress

ELOQUII

$99.95

Why is it so hard to find clothes that actually fit?

Because most brands still haven’t caught up with the fact that bodies change. It’s not just about sizing—it’s about proportion, fabric, rise, and drape. And for many women, it feels like an endless game of returns.

The good news? There are brands that get it. Amazon carries multiple fit options. Nordstrom offers extended sizing and real-time reviews from women over 50. Zappos has petite and wide selections that actually make sense. You just need a few go-to labels that work—and once you find them, stick with them.

Colorblock Two-Piece Trench Coat

Desigual

$319

Miramar Stripe Track Jeans

rag & bone

$218.00

Look for:

• Fabrics with stretch and structure (knit ponte pants, structured cotton blends)

• Tops that offer length without being oversized

• Inseam options (especially if you’re under 5’4" or over 5’8")

• Plus-size options that aren’t shapeless tents

Quick fix: Take a few pieces to a tailor. One tiny tweak—like hemming a tunic or nipping the waist—can make even affordable pieces look custom.

What do I wear for special occasions?

The invites don’t stop at 60. If anything, they start rolling in faster—weddings, cruises, retirement parties, reunions. The trick is finding pieces that feel elevated without being uncomfortable or over-the-top.

Enter the three-outfit formula:

1. The easy dress (think wrap, midi, or shift in a luxe fabric)

2. Silk pants + blouse (for an elegant but effortless vibe)

3. A matching skirt set or two-piece look (which doubles as separates)

Grid Pattern Tiered Midi Shirtdress

English Factory

$120.00

Tie Belt Long Sleeve Midi Shirtdress

Julia Jordan

$159.00

Pair with block heels, a clutch you actually want to carry, and accessories that elevate. Metallic flats, layered necklaces, or a bold lip can take something basic and turn it into “you look amazing” territory.

Need help planning? The What to Wear at 60 Guide includes special occasion looks you can customize to your vibe.

How do I dress for each season without adding bulk or baring it all?

Seasonal dressing is trickier when you want to stay cool and covered—or warm without drowning in fabric.

Fall: Stick to light layering. Thin knit tops, cropped cardigans, ankle boots. Avoid bulky sweaters that swallow your shape.

Winter: Invest in a good base layer (like a Uniqlo HeatTech top) and top it with lightweight coats or structured outerwear. Skip the oversized puffer unless it’s truly freezing.

Spring: Transitional jackets, breathable knits, and cropped pants are your best friends.

Summer: Linen everything. But make sure it’s blended with cotton or rayon for less wrinkling. Try wide-leg pants and floaty blouses instead of short shorts and tanks.

Seasonal essentials:

• Thin layering pieces

• Linen blend trousers

• Lightweight trench or moto jackets

• Simple sneakers, strappy flats, or slip-on loafers

Stripe Relaxed Fit Cotton Button-Up Shirt

Polo Ralph Lauren

$168.00

Gender Inclusive Samba OG Sneaker

adidas

$110

Are my accessories making me look older?

Not if you’re choosing them with intention.

Some accessories do age your outfit—like clunky shoes, outdated purse shapes, or overly fussy jewelry. But the right ones? They can modernize and polish even the simplest look.

Here’s what works now:

• Leather crossbody bags in structured shapes

• Low block heels or sleek flats

• Statement earrings (that don’t pull on your earlobes)

• Layered gold or silver necklaces that brighten your skin

Phoebe Crop Jacket

Barbour

$350.00

Baylee Grommet Mary Jane Flat (Women)

Dolce Vita

$130.00

And if you’ve had the same bag since the Bush administration—it might be time for a new one.

The Best Hair Styles For Women 60+

This is the style piece no one talks about—but it makes a difference. A fresh cut, a new lipstick, or just switching up your nail color can shift your entire vibe.

Try:

• A chic pixie or soft layered bob

• Lipsticks with a satin finish (less drying than matte)

• Neutral or bold nail polish that contrasts nicely with your skin tone

• Glasses with modern frames (they count as an accessory too!)

Bottom line: You don’t need a full makeover. Just a refresh.

Style at 60 isn’t about reinvention. It’s about returning to yourself—while letting go of the pieces, habits, and hangups that no longer serve you. You don’t need a closet full of clothes. You need a closet full of things that make sense for your life now.

Start with what you have. Keep what fits. Shop for what’s missing. And let this guide be your roadmap.

 Want a printable outfit guide that simplifies getting dressed every day? Grab our What to Wear at 60 Guide and get over 100 curated outfit ideas, shopping links, and style tips.

 Bonus: Download the free Amazon Style Cheat Sheet for instant inspiration straight from your favorite online store.

You’ve got the style. Let’s make it easier to wear.