10 Pieces Every Woman Over 50 Should Have In Their Closet
/Something I haven’t talked about much (that’s a big part of all of our lives) is clothing. In general, the fashion industry designs with younger people in mind, and in society, many styles are deemed “off limits” for women over 50. We’re told that pieces like ripped jeans aren’t appropriate for women our age—which, as you know if you read my article on aging myths, is a nonsensical and outdated way of thinking.
All women deserve to feel comfortable and confident in their clothing, and express themselves however they want to. To me, that means having a closet of staple pieces that are timeless and serve as a solid foundation for any look, any time of year.
To give us all a little fashion advice, I asked Susan Feldman, founder of In The Groove, for her top 10 items of clothing that every woman over 50 should own.
A little background on Susan:
Susan Feldman is the founder of In The Groove, a new life-style destination for age-defying women. In The Groove is a community that celebrates and engages these women as the evolving and relevant women they are. Founded with a sense of humor, community, and self-awareness, In The Groove is on a mission to free women from rules, age limits, and expectations.
Prior to In The Groove, Susan was the co-founder and visionary behind One Kings Lane, the go-to destination for home decor. Susan has been featured in national publications including Elle Décor, House Beautiful, INStyle, New York Magazine, BusinessWeek, and The New York Times. She has appeared on Bravo’s Million Dollar Decorators and NBC’s The Today Show. Susan was named to Vanity Fair’s “New Establishment” list twice in the past six years. She has also held executive positions at Ralph Lauren Swimwear, Polo Jeans, Warnaco/Authentic Fitness Corp., and Liz Claiborne. Susan has an MBA from UCLA’s Anderson School of Management and a BA from Stanford University. Since 2013 Susan has served on the Parsons Board of Governors.
Without further ado, here’s what Susan picked out for us, as told by her.
Susan:
I would describe my style today as classic with a twist. It's taken time for my personal style to evolve to a place where I have a clear sense of what works for me and what doesn't. I know what makes me feel good and what doesn't—so there’s no need for me to go chasing after fashion trends. I invest in pieces that will work for years or I love wearing all the time. But that doesn't stop me from sprinkling in some fun fashion pieces that won't break the bank. At the end of the day, find what works for you and embrace it. Don’t compare your style to anyone else. After all, the key to looking your best is always confidence. These 10 items are a great foundation to any wardrobe!
1. Leather Jacket
A great leather jacket will take you many places, and you can dress it up or down. I like this version, which has a slightly oversized silhouette.
2. White Shirt
The way I see it, you can never have too many white shirts. In fact, if you find one you like, buy two.
A cashmere wrap is uber versatile. It’s the perfect layering piece. You can wear it as a scarf or a wrap when it’s a little chilly out.
4. Loafers
There are millions of loafers out there, but I would highly recommend investing in a pair of Gucci loafers. Yes, they are very expensive, but in my experience they pay for themselves. They are made to last a lifetime—and they will because they never go out of style.
5. Leggings
There are many great leggings on the market these days. It’s hard to pick just one. I love this pair from Everlane because they’re heavy enough that I can wear them to work out and when I’m feeling kind of casual. I just throw a big sweater or big shirt over these leggings and I’m good to go.
A black cashmere sweater is another workhorse in my wardrobe. You can never have too many, because they’re so versatile. Feeling casual? Pair it with a pair of jeans. Thinking a little dressier? It will look awesome with a pair of black pants.
7. Kimono
I have a lot of basics in my wardrobe. I like to think of them as foundation pieces, which is why I am obsessed with kimonos. They are a super easy way to have fun and look special.
8. Trench Coat
A trench coat goes with everything, and you can be sure you will look chic and stylish when you’re sporting one.
I love all gold hoops—big, little, thick, or thin. You don't have to think much about them and they always look good. And if you have multiple holes, I say the more the merrier.
10. Black Suede Pumps
Invest in a pair of black suede Manolo Blahnik pumps, or something similar but still high quality, and you’ll always have a pair of shoes you can count on.
There you have it—10 items that look good on everyone and that you can style in a million different ways for nearly any occasion. I hope you found my recommendations helpful, and that you’ll check out In The Groove for more fashion, wellness, and lifestyle advice!
Photo credits: Madewell, J.Crew, GUCCI, Everlane, Anthropologie, Bloomingdales, Nordstrom.