Q: I am a woman in my early 60s who enjoys dressing nicely and keeping up with the current trends. Unfortunately, it seems like most stores cater to women in their twenties and thirties, or they sell “old lady” clothes. There doesnʼt seem to be a whole lot in-between. Iʼm too old for mini skirts and shorts with “hottie” written across the back, but Iʼm not ready for elastic-waist pants and sweatshirts embroidered with kittens, either! Where can I go to find some summer clothes that are affordable, stylish, and age-appropriate?
A: First, kudos for not falling victim to those dreadful kitten sweatshirts! (Why retailers think that women of any age want to plaster themselves with calico flowers and appliques of baby animals remains something of a mystery.) Fortunately, most fashion trends can be adapted to fit women of any age. Below are three of the seasonʼs most talked-about trends, as well as some shopping suggestions to get you started.
1. Tangerine
Call it tangerine, call it sherbet, call it melon. No matter which delicious name you choose, youʼre sure to notice this summery shade popping up everywhere from sneakers to swimwear. And while their neon cousins might be best-reserved for the very young, most orange and coral tones are more than appropriate for grownups! To start, pair a tailored white Bermuda short with a silk blouse or loose-fitting sweater (like this one by Ann Taylor Loft) in the seasonʼs hottest hue. Or, flip things around and try a bright-colored capri pant with a neutral top. For dressier occasions, go for a knee-length dress like the Cap-Sleeved Geometric Print Dress by Kate Hill or the Lena Shirtdress by Lauren Ralph Lauren. If youʼre just easing your way into the tangerine trend, a sherbet-colored shoe, like the Meg Espadrille by Michael Michael Kors, is a great place to start. Another tip? Donʼt completely rule out those trendy too-young-for-me stores. This chic Banana Republic scarf would look great on women of any age.
2. Color Blocking
Color blocking—which pretty much looks exactly the way it sounds—is right on trend for spring and summer. For an age-appropriate way to wear this multicolored melange, look for dresses and skirts (avoid anything uber-short) featuring large sections of contrasting colors. At just $22, this Liz Claiborne dress is an easy way to test drive the trend without making a huge investment, while the tangerine-toned Sleeveless Colorblock Dress by Jones New York Collection combines two of this seasonʼs hottest trends. (Worried about bare shoulders? Pair your dress with a lightweight cardigan in a contrasting color for an added layer of interest.) Shoes and accessories are another affordable way to bring color blocking into your summer wardrobe. Fun choices include the Bandolino Sling Color Block Sandal (a steal at $49.95!), the Sperry Montauk Leather Boat Shoe, the Pash Colorblock Leather Flat by Calvin Klein, and the Cole Haan Jitney Tote.
3. Bold Prints
Bold prints—both floral and geometric—are making a big splash for summer. If youʼre a larger-framed woman, go for a dress in an all-over print (like this Charter Club faux wrap dress, available at Macyʼs) or a flowy print caftan. If youʼre petite, choose smaller-scale prints and limit them to one piece of your outfit, such as a blouse or skirt. Chicoʼs has a good selection of summery print tops and bottoms, with most items available in sizes made to fit smaller women. And if all-over prints arenʼt your thing, keep in mind that a bold print shoe (like the J. Crewʼs Cece Printed Ballet Flat) looks great on just about anyone!
Rebecca Frey is a costume designer, wardrobe stylist, and personal shopper. She has worked on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Saturday Night Live, and Conan, and is also the owner of Seek New York, a NYC-based company that provides a friendly, low-pressure approach to style and offers personalized shopping tours with licensed NYC guides. Every Tuesday, she answers your most pressing shopping-related quandaries. Need Becky’s help? Email your questions to emily@askanewyorker.com.
