How to Wear: Dresses for Mature Women
The lack of clothing for older women in fashion magazines and high street stores is a puzzling phenomenon. As we get older, we should be feeling more confident and comfortable in our own skins. So why would we want to start dressing like wallflowers at best and bag ladies at worst? Here at Freemans we’re firm believers in the art of fashion after fifty, and we’ve got the outfits to prove it!
Obviously, the way we like to dress as we reach middle age isn’t going to be the same as the way we dressed in our twenties and thirties. Short skirts and sleeveless halter necks might feel a little too exposing – nobody wants to look like mutton dressed as lamb! Mature ladies fashion should be a little more elegant and understated, which is not to say everything suddenly needs to become frumpy and boring. Long sleeved dresses are actually very much on-trend at the moment, and knitted jumper dresses are entirely suitable for older women.
A good tip for mature fashion is to avoid anything too fussy or frilly, as these can be very ageing. However, you should also avoid going to the other extreme and dressing in baggy, shapeless clothes. Look for dresses that are well fitted without being too tight and clingy, and in simple, understated colours.
We love this floral printed stretch lace dress by Together is the perfect ‘big occasion’ dress. The ruched waist detail, back band and three-quarter length sleeves make it ever-so flattering and comes with a lined jersey body which smooths over any underwear lines.
Alternatively this grey, striped knit dress features a graduated stripe design, scoop neckline and three quarter length sleeves. Made from cotton and nylon, this dress is so easy to wear with a touch of added stretch – so you can be stylish with a great silhouette.
There’s a popular misconception that older women who wear black will invariably look like they’re on their way to a funeral. However, black dresses can actually be a great look as long as you mix your textures, perhaps with some detail such as transparent lace sleeves like this Singh Madan Lace Shift Dress
Don’t be afraid to accessorise as you get older, too. A little bit of costume jewellery can go a long way towards making a fairly plain ensemble sparkle. Don’t go too overboard though, some understated earrings and a necklace or choker should suffice.
Want to see more? Shop all women’s dresses here.