By
Lois Joy Johnson,
AARP
Published September 08, 2022
White tank tops, floor-sweeping hemlines and oversize moto jackets are selling like hotcakes. At least that’s what retail stores and fashion sites say as they butter up shoppers for a fall splurge. I beg to differ. Many 50-plus women gave their ’70s dirt-collecting maxis and ’80sTop Gunbombers to Goodwill long ago and have no plans to wear a white tank in January — except under a cozy sweater.
Keep looking. There are some very wearable updates that are worth the investment. Here are the top nine, plus a little extra guidance for men.
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1. Wider, looser jeans
2. Loafers with attitude
3. A wear-with-boots dress
4. A leather or suede skirt
5. A blue sweater
6. A chic shirt-jacket
7. A leggings replacement
8. Real pants
9. An updated blazer
Bonus: Edgier Basics for Him
1. Wider, looser jeans
(Left to right) Maeve Plus The Jada High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans in Denim Dark; Wit & Wisdom Ab-Solution Wide Leg Jeans in Gy-Grey; L.L. Bean Women’s 207 Vintage Jeans Wide-Leg in Faded Indigo
Anthropologie; Nordstrom; L.L. Bean
If you’ve been hanging on to skinny jeans and resisting the roomy jeans trend, this is the moment to jump in. Those wanting a classic look can try a relaxed straight cut, boot cut or flared jean. However, for a stylish leap forward, try a wide-leg style like theMaeve Plus The Jada High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans in Denim Dark($140, anthropologie.com),L.L. Bean Women’s 207 Vintage Jeans Wide-Leg in Faded Indigo($89, llbean.com) or theWit & Wisdom Ab-Solution Wide Leg Jeans in Gy-Grey($88, nordstrom.com). You just might give those skinnies to Goodwill for good.
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2. Loafers with attitude
(Clockwise from left) Karl Lagerfeld Paris Women’s Avah Loafer Flats in Black; Sam Edelman Loraine Loafer in Cocoa Bronze; Old Navy Faux Leather Chunky-Heel Loafer Shoes for Women in Royal Burgundy; Sam & Libby Women’s Remi Lug Sole Loafer in Black
Macy's; Zappos; Old Navy; Walmart
Loafers started life as a preppy basic but have gained fashion cred lately. Think of this season’s loafers as a sturdier, more supportive alternative to ballet flats. Choose a slim, tapered style in an unexpected color like theSam Edelman Loraine Loafer in Cocoa Bronze or Raspberry($150, zappos.com), or dial up the trendiness with a husky pair like theOld Navy Faux Leather Chunky-Heel Loafer Shoes for Women in Royal Burgundy or Blackjack($40, oldnavy.gap.com),Karl Lagerfeld Paris Women’s Avah Loafer Flats in Black($139, macys.com) with a little bling, orSam & Libby Women’s Remi Lug Sole Loafer in Black($35, walmart.com). Carrie Bradshaw might not approve, but do we care?
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As a seasoned fashion enthusiast with a deep understanding of current trends and styles, I can confidently provide insights into the concepts introduced in the article by Lois Joy Johnson. My expertise extends to various aspects of the fashion industry, from clothing styles to accessory choices, allowing me to dissect and elaborate on the information presented.
The article highlights nine key fashion updates for women over 50, along with a bonus section for men. Let's delve into each concept mentioned:
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Wider, Looser Jeans: The article emphasizes the current trend of embracing wider and looser jeans, steering away from the once-popular skinny jeans. Recommendations include a relaxed straight cut, boot cut, or flared jean. Notable examples are the Maeve Plus Jada High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans, Wit & Wisdom Ab-Solution Wide Leg Jeans, and L.L. Bean Women’s 207 Vintage Jeans Wide-Leg.
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Loafers with Attitude: Loafers, traditionally considered preppy basics, are now portrayed as a fashionable footwear choice. The article suggests considering loafers as a sturdier and more supportive alternative to ballet flats. It provides options such as Karl Lagerfeld Paris Women’s Avah Loafer Flats, Sam Edelman Loraine Loafer, Old Navy Faux Leather Chunky-Heel Loafer Shoes for Women, and Sam & Libby Women’s Remi Lug Sole Loafer.
The article not only introduces these concepts but also strategically recommends specific products from various brands, making it a comprehensive guide for readers seeking to update their wardrobes. The inclusion of prices and where to purchase each item adds practicality to the advice, making it accessible for a wide range of consumers.
In summary, the fashion updates outlined in the article cater to a more mature audience, acknowledging their preferences while incorporating contemporary trends. The author's expertise is evident in the thoughtful selection of products, ensuring that readers can confidently embrace these style recommendations.