I’ve got some fashion posts saved up so I thought I’d share another one with you. When I get dressed up, that’s when I want to take pics of myself. You certainly wouldn’t want to see me in my everyday clothes, which are mostly yoga pants and tennis shoes. Some days I don’t get dressed up at all, but when I do, I like to look nice. I love having lots of versatile pieces in my closet to mix and match. So, I’ll show you a little bit of how I mix up my clothes.
Let me also preface these fashion posts with this. I am NOT a fashion expert by any means. I’m not high-end couture style nor do I follow all the trends. I’m a middle-aged woman who still likes to look good and dress my age, so I always try to be fashionable and age-appropriate too. Everyone has their own style and you need to feel good in what you wear, so don’t think that I’m trying to tell everyone how to dress. I am not. You have to figure out your own style, body type, and what you are comfortable wearing. I’m not the expert at all, just sharing how I dress and put things together. I’m definitely a classic dresser, probably no surprise there. But I’m not all button-down and super preppy. I do like some flair and pizazz with my wardrobe, so I try to get out of the box sometimes.
Just for reference, I am 5’8” tall and weigh 128 lbs. And yes, I do know just how fortunate I am not to have a weight problem. But, if you missed my post last year on Staying Fit over 50, I have been working out for 30+ years so I know that has had an impact on my metabolism. That and good genes!
I know we all have different sizes and shapes, so you have to find out what works for you. I love watching those what to wear shows, they really do help you to see how different styles of clothing work on different people. It’s all in knowing what looks good on YOU and your body type!
I do love boots too and have enjoyed the tucking the jeans in the boots trend that has been around for a few years. I think it’s a youthful look and can carry over to women over 50 with no problem. Oh, here’s another thing. There are so many fashion blogs out there for younger women. They are stylish and really know how to put things together, so when I want to find out how to wear something or what looks good and what doesn’t, I do look at some of these style blogs on Pinterest and then use their ideas for myself. Booties are really big now and I invested in 2 pair of booties this year, a black pair and a tan pair, both in suede and I think they are going to be fun this year. I’ve enjoyed them already. But, I am about 2 years behind in that trend. They hit the scene more than 2 years ago, so there you go. Late again! It might take me awhile to find something I want to try, but I have fun when I do.
And if I really want to know something about fashion, I’ll ask my niece, Lauren. She’s very classic in style at 32, but she knows how to put things together and always looks great. She will tell it like it is too!
Today’s post will be about my black mostly flat boots, which I found at a yardsale when I was still in Birmingham, for $5. They were nearly brand new and have served me well. They are riding boot style and very comfortable. When these wear out, I’ll definitely find another comparable pair and I have a feeling this might be the last year for them.
These pics were all taken in Asheville at the Grove Park Inn.
Let’s talk about boots and jeans. Tucking jeans in boots has been happening for a few years and I love the look. Now, for me the jeans have to be form fitting to look good. I don’t like baggy jeans tucked into boots, so keep that in mind. I do wear my jeans on the snug side, because I just like that look. Not too tight, but form fitting for sure. Look for jeans with lycra/spandex for stretch, those are very comfortable. Skinny jeans work well for me and my shape and that’s what I tend to wear. They tuck into jeans really well too, as do jeggings (jeans/leggings combo). I do get particular about how much of my backside shows though when I have on form fitting jeans or pants. We’ll get into leggings in another post, but that’s one of my pet peeves. I do NOT want my rear end hanging out when pants are really form fitting. That just doesn’t look good to me at all, so be sure and look at yourself in the mirror from behind too!
This outfit is just simple skinny cropped jeans (from Kohls on sale), with a long aqua sweater that I got online from a flash shopping site called Everyday Icing. They have jewelry and a few clothing pieces and they are on Facebook. This cute coat I found in Savannah back in early Spring at an antique store. I love its houndstooth vintage style! The 3/4 sleeves are very retro. I do love layering clothes, so I have lots of jackets that I can mix up in my wardrobe.
As you know, I love jewelry too and love layering jewelry. I’m a more is better kinda girl, when it comes to jewelry. I’ve always loved chunky jewelry way back in the 80’s and had lots of it back then too. I’ve always worn bigger pieces of jewelry. These stacking bracelets are the Grace stack from All Inspired Boutique. Love them stacked with my turquoise watch, which also came from Everyday Icing. There are so many great sites to shop jewelry now and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. I’m not into fancy jewelry, but give me my costume jewelry every time.
In case you missed my jewelry case, here it is. It’s completely full, but at least it hangs on the wall out of the way. I got this from Wayfair last year and it was a great find.
Not the clearest pic, but you get the idea. You can tuck in cropped jeans too. One of my little tricks with boots and jeans, I wear socks and pull them up over my jeans and that helps hold the jeans in place too.
I love how this sweater is longer in the back. That’s one thing I really look for now, longer tops. As I mentioned, one of my pet peeves is a woman who is wearing tight pants or leggings and doesn’t cover up her butt. Long tops are a must for me now and I really am particular about how I look from behind. Always check yourself in the mirror and see how it’s looking from the rear view! I think the longer top trend is right on for older women. They flow over problem areas and make you look good. I even buy shorter dresses and wear them with leggings and boots. I’ll show you some of those later on.
Scarves are a great fashion accessory and I have lots of these too. Great way to add some style and color to any outfit. I have some lightweight ones for summer and heavier ones for winter. There are a lot of ways to tie scarves, so check out some ideas online. I need to find a few ways to tie them myself.
Here’s one more outfit with the same skinny jeans and black boots. I love, love longer sweaters and always get compliments on this green one that I found at TJ Maxx a couple of seasons ago. Very versatile and they look great layered with boots and scarves. I wore this to the Country Living fair and was asked more than once where I got my long sweater.
I tucked in my fitted white shirt and wore a belt with this look. That belt is from TJ Maxx too. As you can see, that’s one of my favorite shopping spots. I have been shopping there for years and always find great looking clothes at a reasonable price. The navy and white infinity scarf came from Everyday Icing too. Infinity scarves are the best! They hang nicely and you don’t have to think about how to tie it.
So, those are some ideas for you on how I put my clothes together. I have a full closet with lots of things I mix and match, so as I put more things together, I’ll add more and more of these posts. I hope y’all enjoy this topic as much as I do.
Feel free to add your comments and we’ll have a fun fashion discussion! Are you loving tucked in jeans with boots too? It’s a very youthful look that we over 50 ladies can definitely pull off.
If you want lots more fashion ideas (of course, lots of them are young women!) check out Lindsey’s Wednesday link party, What I Wore. I’ll be joining her party when I do fashion posts.
Barbara (WA) says
I am short, apple shaped, almost ready for Social Security & fashion-challenged so I love this helpful subject! Very sadly, I just had all my jewelry stolen, again (third time in 40 years of marriage). They even took my jewelry storage trays. But, you know, I am going to have fun building my collection and am still going to store them conveniently. Yours looks so pretty!
Kristy McDonnell Rayment says
Newly 50 here and love this post. I just started working with a personal shopper at, Macy’s and it’s a, wonderful free service. My girl there has put together so many wonderful ensembles and I feel great now when getting dressed. She helped me find my style that works for me! My mom is a super stylish naturally but I didn’t inherit that from her naturally. I needed help! You look great. Awesome post!
Kathy says
LOVE your style, I also wear the same look you have shown us. However I haven’t seen 128 lbs. since high school, you are a lucky girl.
Cindy E says
I am 55. I am certainly not ready for the Alfred Dunner line- no offence – it is just so matronly I think. I am on the tall side but I am overweight – more in the middle section now – so the skinny jeans tucked in the boots don’t do it for me. I always wear a flared jean or a wide boot cut. We all do have to find what works best for us and not be a slave to fashion trends. You look fantastic by the way!
I think, if your like me and somewhat overweight, a shoe/boot with a heel can be your best friend – flats just add to the dumpy look – unless one is thin! I never liked to wear accessories – jewelry, scarves, etc.., but as I get older I see I need something more to look polished, your looks here have inspired me!
Bonnie says
Rhoda, please keep preaching the message of “no leggings without a long top”! If these women only knew how that looks. Especially when it is very apparent there is nothing underneath those leggings. Only last year did I embrace scarves, and I have to say I feel much more pulled together now.
Alli says
I love long sweaters and skinny jeans tucked into boots, too. I’m 55 and loving it. I feel we can be fashionable and look our best at any age. And here I was thinking that all fashion bloggers were 20 something. You look amazing!
Janet says
I agree! I love the long sweater look and believe there is no reason to go out looking sloppy, even if you are going to the gym. Keep these posts coming!
Ally says
I just love that you did this post. There are so many younger gals that blog about fashion. Not all of us can or want to wear 5 inch heels and dress like they do. I turned 50 this year but don’t dress it but I do try and dress cute. Most are surprised that I’m 50. I dress like you do and yes cover your butt when wearing leggings. We need more post like this so keep them coming,
Segreto Secrets says
You look wonderful and have such cute style!! Well done on the riding boots- too cute!!
xo. Leslie
Segreto Finishes
Tammie says
Love your look! I am also “ovet 50”. I love the long shirt/sweater look, but I am only 5’1″, so it just doesn’t have the same look on me as it does on you. Any suggestions?
Tammie says
*over 50
Rhoda says
Tammie, I’d say go with a sweater that hits you mid thigh. That is still a good look and would elongate the legs. Wearing a little bit of a heel on your boot would also make you taller and elongate too.
marley says
Hi Rhoda!
You look fab! Wondering where the white ribbed top in the last post is from? I am always looking for white tops to wear with everything.
Thank You!
Rhoda says
Hi, Marley, that top is from Gap and I’ve had it for a few years. I’ll have to do a post on my favorite places to shop. I shop all over.
Debbie Vogler says
Rhoda,
You look fabulous. I really like the light green color on you. Those workouts must really pay off,as you look great. Merry Christmas!
Mary Ann Boffey says
You are freaking adorable. I would love to see a plus-size over 50 blogger do something similar. Style’s are fun right now but I’m not always sure what is age-appropriate. Thank you for this post!
Rhoda says
Mary Ann, I’ve got a good friend, Vicki who is willing to model for me, so we will put some outfits together on her.
Ruth Anne says
Thanks for your blog post today. As one of your older readers, I appreciate your fashion sense and love how you put outfits together. I’m using longer scarves now and love the look. Chunky jewelry is another great trend that even we shorter women can get in on. Been looking at boots and think I’d like the lower heeled ones–yours look fab on you. Anytime you want to do another fashion post it will be very fine with me! Thanks again!
Nancy from RI says
I love that you are giving us “older” women style tips. Usually any fashion tips come from 20-30-somethings so this is very much appreciated. Plus that what you wear is age appropriate. Women like Goldie Hawe aggravate me wearing clothes that are more suited for women 40 years younger. You can still look stylish and sexy after 50.
Ruth says
I have large hips, normal body elsewhere. I find if I purchase sweaters, tops,dresses, etc that fall to the thigh area, they make my hips look larger. Any ideas?
Rhoda says
Ruth, I’ll have to think on that one. I would think if the tops are not super form fitting that they would skim over and make your hips look smaller, but maybe try some different lengths and types and see if you can find something that balances it all out. That’s the key.
Charlotte says
I’m over 60 and I love my skinny jeans. You look great in yours. Like you, I always want to make sure my backside is covered when wearing skinny jeans. Thanks for sharing. your ideas with us, your readers.
Tricia says
I too wear skinny jeans but ALWAYS wear tops that are longer in the back. I’ll be 66 in Feb. & am 5′ 9″ & 160 pounds. I try to keep in style for my age. I remember what my daughter said to me when she was a teenage 20+ years ago. She thought I dressed appropriately for my age but said, “Mom please don’t ever try to dress like a teenager as some of my friends Mom’s do. They embarrass us.” I always have kept that in mind when I buy clothing. You look great, Rhoda.
KATHYSUE says
Looking forward to more of these post. I love fashion and find it so interesting to see other’s take on fashion. Oh to have your body to dress, now that would be wonderful. You are long and lean and beautiful inside and out. Being over 50 is not so bad, in fact I think at any age one should do the best they can to look and feel their best. Life is a gift so let’s enjoy it!!
Keep up the good work Rhoda,
Merry Christmas,
Kathysue
Sandy Corbin says
I thoroughly enjoyed this article and hope that you do more. Love your fashion style. And that beautiful jewelry on your wrist!! But I also clicked the link to your Staying Fit after 50 post from last year. Wow,what an encouragement for me and a good way to start 2015 and stay with it. You should do more posts like that Rhoda. Not only for the inspiration you offer that it can be done and we can start getting fit at any age….but also for the good common sense info you offer. We got to keep moving!! Thanks again. Love your blog. I’ve been with you since the beginning.
Rhoda says
Thank you, Sandy for the encouragement to do more! I definitely plan to do more fashion and fitness posts, it’s a topic that so many love and we baby boomers are only getting older.