30 Best Outfits for Women Over 60 with Styling Tips

Donna Walmsley By Donna Walmsley · Updated · 10 min read

Most style advice for women in their sixties is a list of things to stop doing: no bright colors, no short hems, nothing too fun. It’s easy to follow, and it leads to a dull wardrobe. The bigger risk is dressing so carefully that nothing you wear looks like you.

For everyday basics, also see these practical outfit ideas for women over 50. Looking for something seasonal? Try our spring outfit ideas for women over 60.

The 30 ideas below cover the basics: cuts that sit well on a changing figure, fabrics that are comfortable all day, and colors that work near your face. Some are quiet and some are bold, so take what suits you and skip the rest.

Styling Tips

  • Opt for fun prints and mix them with solids for a balanced look.
Styling tips outfit for women over 60
  • Choose quality outfits over quantity.
  • Try wearing jeggings for casual wear.
  • Invest in a couple of good-quality mom jeans.
  • Choose minimalist but statement-making accessories.
  • Opt for tunics and dresses that complement your body shape, especially when it comes to semi-formal wear.
Tunics and dresses for women over 60
  • When buying cardigans or similar layering pieces, try going for ones that are longer length.
  • When you can’t decide what to wear, go for the simple classic combinations such as black and white, as they’ll never disappoint.
  • Stay updated with the latest trends by following style icons such as celebrities and fashion bloggers of your age group. Check out these 16 Best Over 60 Bloggers & Influencers To Follow.
  • Don’t be afraid of experimenting; this applies to outfits as well as hairstyles and hair cuts.
  • When it comes to skirts, A-line and pleated skirts are some of the must-haves.
Quality basics for women over 60

Dos & Don’ts

Do this
Get key pieces taken in or hemmed by a tailor. Shoulders and waist make the biggest difference.
Keep one bold piece per outfit, like a colorful bag or a printed scarf, and let the rest be plain.
Check the fabric before the style. Soft knits, stretch cotton and drapey crepe stay comfortable all day.
Sit down in anything new before you buy it. If it digs or rides up, it will bother you by lunchtime.
Avoid this
A loose top with loose trousers. Pair one loose piece with one slimmer piece.
Shoes you can’t walk in. If they hurt in the shop, they will hurt more at the party.
Wearing several prints at once. One print with solids around it looks calmer.
Hems and necklines you keep tugging at. If you’re adjusting it all day, it doesn’t fit.

Outfit Ideas

↓ 30 – Go Monochrome

When you can’t decide what to wear, build the outfit from one color family. All grey or all brown works well, as long as you mix light and dark shades so it doesn’t look flat. Gail Rolfe, a 60+ influencer, journalist, mother and entrepreneur, shows how good it looks.

outfits for women over sixty

SHOP THE LOOK:

↓ 29 – Buy Something Bold & Colorful

If you’re buying new outfits this season, make sure at least one piece is bold and colorful. It doesn’t need to be a particular shade. Red, blue, green or yellow all work, so pick whichever one you keep going back to.

SHOP THE LOOK:

Not sure yet? Start small with an orange handbag.

SHOP THE LOOK:

↓ 28 – Add More Floral Prints To Your Wardrobe

Floral prints lift a plain outfit, and they tend to lift your mood too.

They’re easiest to wear in the daytime and suit spring and summer best.

SHOP (SIMILAR) FLORAL DRESS: Plus-Size Casual Asymmetrical Maxi Dress $35.99

If you’re unsure about florals, start with a dark background like navy or burgundy. They’re easier to wear than white or pastel grounds.

↓ 27 – Shoes & Bags Can Make A Big Difference

It sounds simple, but shoes and bags are easy to overlook. Even a plain outfit looks finished with good shoes and a nice handbag or clutch. Readers often ask what size of bag to carry. There are no hard rules, so go with what’s comfortable and what you actually need to carry. These pointers might help:

  • For a party where you only need your phone, a clutch looks neater than a full-size bag.
  • For travel or a work meeting you’ll carry more, such as makeup, a passport, a wallet, files and sunglasses, so a bigger handbag makes sense.
  • Skip any new oversized handbags unless you really need one, since the look has faded. Medium sizes are more practical, such as a crossbody, an envelope purse or a baguette bag.
fashion tips for women over sixty
what to wear in sixties
  • Keep two or three good-quality, reusable tote bags for shopping trips. A printed one with some personality is a nice bonus.
what to wear in sixties
  • Bamboo bags are worth a try too. They’re lightweight and biodegradable, and they work with both casual and semi-formal outfits.
fashion tips for women over sixty

SHOP THE LOOK: Bamboo bag by Miuco $37.99

↓ 26 – Add Some Animal Prints

You’ve probably worn animal prints at some point, and there’s no reason to stop. Subtle ones look great when paired with solid colors.

New to animal prints? Start with a small piece like a leopard-print handbag or a zebra-print scarf, then move on to shirts or skirts. You can also explore Hermes scarf outfits.

what to wear in sixties

SHOP THE LOOK:

SHOP THE LOOK:

SHOP THE COAT (SIMILAR): Leopard Fur Coat $49.99

fashion for women over sixty

For more ideas on wearing animal prints every day, follow 60+ fashion blogger Susan:

fashion for women over sixty
fashion for women over sixty

Treat leopard as a neutral. It goes with black, camel, navy and burgundy without much thought.

↓ 25 – Comfort Comes First

Remember this whenever you shop, especially for shoes.

Don’t buy something just because it looks good. If it isn’t comfortable, you’ll spend the whole day waiting to take it off.

There’s no point in sexy heels if they leave your feet sore. These brands are good places to start for comfortable shoes:

outfits for women over sixty

↓ 24 – Don’t Stop Having Fun

Your age shouldn’t stop you from wearing your favorite colors or trying a new trend. For more ideas, see our guide to how to wear all grey outfits.

what to wear in sixties

↓ 23 – For Plus Size Women: Choose Loose Tops Over Tight Ones

How to dress for over 60 and plus size: Readers often ask how to look slimmer in their sixties. One of the easiest ways is to choose tops that aren’t tight around the waist.

It’s an old trick that still works. A looser top skims over the midsection instead of clinging to it.

what to wear in your sixties
what to wear in your sixties

↓ 22 – Belt It Up

If loose outfits make you feel shapeless, a belt gives them structure. It marks your waist and keeps the eye on your shape rather than the fabric.

what to wear in sixties for women

Wear the belt at your natural waist, the narrowest part of your torso. It works even over a loose top.

↓ 21 – Go For Vertical Stripes Instead Of Horizontal

Vertical stripes lead the eye up and down, which gives a longer, leaner line than horizontal ones.

outfits for women over sixty

↓ 20 – Choose Statement Sleeves

Not everyone worries about the belly. For some of us it’s the upper arms that feel bulky.

If that’s you, try statement sleeves such as bishop or puffed ones.

They’re fashionable right now, they draw attention away from the upper arm, and they can turn a very simple outfit into a statement one.

what to wear in your sixties

↓ 19 – Invest In Quality Over Quantity

At this stage, buy fewer things and buy better ones.

One well-made outfit a season beats four cheap ones, so check the fabric before you buy.

The same goes for your time. Make some for yourself, whether that’s a bike ride, a yoga class or a set of new paints.

↓ 18 – Pair Your Casual Outfits With Jeggings

If leggings feel too old-school, try jeggings. They go with most outfits, from casual to semi-formal.

Jeggings outfit for women over 60

↓ 17 – Mom Jeans, Ever Favourite

There’s a pair of jeans for every figure, so choose a cut that suits your shape and your taste.

Ankle zip jeans with a white tunic make an easy weekend outfit.

Mom jeans and white tunic for women over 60

Go for a mid or high rise. It sits more comfortably around the middle than a low-rise cut, and our jeans guide has more styles to try.

↓ 16 – Choose Smart, Minimalist Accessories

Keep accessories simple. For a long day in the sun, black and khaki with a fedora hat is all you need.

↓ 15 – Choose Tunics That Go Perfectly With Your Shape

Tunics come in many cuts, so pick the one that suits your shape. Wear them with leggings or stretch jeans.

A tunic skims over the midsection, which is why so many women like them. Skip the very baggy ones and choose a slightly A-line shape instead. Our guide to Street Style Outfits For Women Over 40 & 50 has plenty more ideas.

They’re comfortable too, which makes them a good summer option.

Tunic outfit for women over 60

↓ 14 – Choose Longer Cardigans Over Shorter Ones

Longer cardigans work best with leggings and jeans because they cover the hips and lower torso. They also look neat with straight-leg jeans or tights. For something a little different, take a look at casual outfits for women over 60.

Longer cardigans for women over 60

↓ 13 – Don’t Stop Opting For Classic Looks

Classic, elegant pieces work at any age. A well-cut blazer, a straight trouser or a simple shirt will serve you better than whatever a magazine is pushing this month.

Choose a few classics that fit well and build the rest of your wardrobe around them.

Classic look for women over 60

↓ 12 – Follow The Icons of Style

Plenty of style icons are still setting the standard well into their sixties and beyond. Helen Mirren is a good example, known for well-fitted outfits that never look overdone.

Catherine Deneuve and Sophia Loren are also worth following for ideas.

Choose icons whose build is close to yours, and borrow what works on them.

↓ 11 – You’re Never Too Old For Tomboy Chic

Trends change, but good style has no age limit. Tomboy chic mixes menswear-style pieces, like a blazer or a plain shirt, with relaxed jeans.

↓ 10 – Let Your Denim Grow Old With You

Denim ages well. Straight-leg or wide-leg jeans, denim skirts and jackets all suit mature women.

Keep trying until you find a pair that fits properly. Stretch or soft denim is the most comfortable.

Denim jeans for women over 60

↓ 9 – Invest In A Good Quality Trench Coat

A good trench coat works with almost any scarf, so it earns its place in your wardrobe.

Trench coat for women over 60

↓ 8 – White on White Always Works

Dressing in one color means there’s no matching to worry about.

A white dress is a wardrobe staple that looks fresh and simple, and it’s easy to feel confident in.

↓ 7 – Allow Color Harmonies

Your hair, skin tone and eye color help decide which colors suit you best. Hold a color up to your face in daylight. If your skin looks clear and bright, it works.

Cool, soft coloring usually suits muted cool shades, while warm coloring suits earthy ones like rust and olive.

Color harmonies for women over 60

↓ 6 – Wear Red, Green Or Metallics For The Holidays

Some colors carry a holiday feel without any decoration.

If you celebrate Christmas, red or green pieces are an easy choice. Metallics suit any special occasion.

↓ 5 – There’s No Such Thing As Too Many Scarves

Most of us have scarves sitting in a drawer. Pick one out and wear it today, tied loosely at the neck or draped over a coat.

↓ 4 – Kimonos Can Be The Modest Coverups You’re Looking For

A kimono jacket is an easy cover-up if you want something modest and elegant, and many come in bright colors and bold prints.

Think of it as a scarf with armholes.

Kimono jacket for women over 60

↓ 3 – Wear Skirts For A Balanced Silhouette

An A-line skirt is a reliable choice.

A hem at or just below the knee balances your figure and stays neat whether you’re sitting or walking.

Pencil skirts don’t suit everyone. If you like the look, a pleated skirt is an easier alternative.

Pleated skirts move well, look polished and layer easily when it’s cold.

↓ 2 – Your Smile Is The Prettiest Thing You’ll Wear

Choosing what to wear to an event in your sixties is different from your twenties, when invitations arrived every month. Ignore what’s trending and pick a style and shape you like that flatters you.

Wear it with confidence and a smile, and you’ll look your best.

Wedding outfit for women over 60

↓ 1 – Good Nightsuits Are The Key To A Good Day

Good nightwear is worth buying. Look for a matching set in soft fabric with a simple, elegant design.

Sleeping comfortably helps you start the day in a better mood.

A basic skincare routine helps too: a night cream, a day cream and sunscreen.

Readers’ choice

Which look is your favourite?

Tap the outfit you would wear. Results show right after you vote.

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Donna Walmsley
Donna Walmsley
Mature Style Writer & Coach
Donna Walmsley is a style coach and content creator who works with women over 40, helping them dress with confidence and find their personal style. She has been running style workshops and creating fashion content for over 15 years.

2 comments

  1. I may not ever come back to this (I don’t care ENOUGH about looking good, something else is always more interesting than the work required to put things together), but I LOVE that you use REAL WOMEN to demonstrate your ideas. Some that are voluptuous, or have bodies that don’t best fit current aesthetics. They have wrinkles. Best. Thing. Ever.

  2. Love that you use age-appropriate models. I am so sick of ads with young women trying to sell mature women goods! I’m not sure if this site can help me but it doesn’t hurt to review.

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