AARP Hearing Center
If your online shopping cart is filled with leather joggers, oversized turtlenecks and pleated pants, we need to talk. What on earth are you thinking? I know we're all fed up wearing the same old thing day after day and the holidays are approaching fast, but let's give those trends a 50-plus reality check. Not everything that looks great on a screen makes sense for our bodies and lifestyles. Here's how to get your trend fix — and skip the fads.
1. Want faux leather pants? Skip the joggers and buy the leggings.
The whole point of wearing leather at age 50-plus is for the edgy attitude (the reason we love biker jackets so much). While leather joggers may appear more forgiving and easier to wear, the second skin fit of leggings and absence of extra fabric and details make them a better choice. Leggings like the Spanx Faux Leather Leggings in very black ($98, nordstrom.com), Old Navy High-Waisted Stevie Faux-Leather Pants for Women in pleather ($40, oldnavy.gap.com) or Violeta by Mango Faux Leather Leggings in black ($60, shop.mango.com) make a versatile base for sweaters, blazers and untucked shirts and blouses. Just be sure they're long enough to cover your belly and posterior and have enough volume to balance the long trim proportions below.
2. Want a sweater dress? Skip body-hugging styles and buy a shift shape.
Shapely knit dresses that show off curves look appealing on models, but let's be realistic: Are you ready and willing to tug on shape wear to make that work? Instead, choose a midi-length sweater dress like the Prologue Women's Balloon Long Sleeve Sweater Dress in cream or brown ($40, target.com), Violeta by Mango Knit Midi Dress in dark heather gray ($80, shop.mango.com) or a knee-length style like the Everlane The Cashmere Turtleneck Dress in oatmeal or black ($180, everlane.com). All have a relaxed fit that floats over curves. The best sweater dresses are roomy but not too loose; you still want a sense of shape.
3. Want a chic black quilted bag? Skip small crossbody styles and buy a large crossbody.
Quilted bags with a chain strap are back on top, but select one with room for more than a wallet and cellphone. This is not the ‘80s or ‘90s when tiny bags (remember baguettes?) ruled. You'll only end up having to carry a tote along, too. A crossbody — like the MZ Wallace Crosby Crossbody in black/silver ($295, bloomingdales.com), Zara Quilted Maxi Crossbody Bag in black ($50, zara.com) or the Aldo Cozette in other black ($60, zappos.com) — that is large enough to haul your essentials (including extra masks, hand sanitizer and a water bottle) won't let you down.
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