Best Outfits for Petite Women Over 50: Upon entering the second phase of your life, also known as the famous fifties, you may feel like this change is monumental. You are getting older, and wiser, and while you may not be able to do some of the things you previously did, one thing that you don’t have to leave behind is fashion!
I would say the older fashionistas have a better fashion sense than the youngsters. After all, their ensemble comes along with a whole lot of grace, wisdom, and experience, which elevates their look to the next level!
They say fashion is for every age. What clothes to wear, matching accessories, and appropriate shoes are all timeless aspects. And the senior ladies get to enjoy them more than anyone else with the statement and elegant looks they come up with.
What to Wear if You Are Petite?
Styling for women over 50 is not as tricky as everyone assumes it may be. Ideally, you can wear whatever you want to as long as it fits you effortlessly.
If you are under 5’3, mainstream jeans or tops might end up being longer on you and appear unflattering. To fix that, opt for heels and tuck or tie your shirt at the front to make it look your size.
You may feel a little overwhelmed by the thought that you can not wear your favorite mini skirt or denim shorts anymore. We bring joy to inform you that you can still serve some looks in your favorite skirt and shorts if you style them appropriately.
So grab your favorite pieces and get ready to style!
Fashion Tips for Thin Women in Their Fifties
There are several tips for you to stay in fashion, without having to leave your comfort!
- Choose your clothing according to your body shape. It is imperative to cater to your body shape while dressing to look effortlessly chic.
- Stockings might be your new best friend if you think your legs are not in the most remarkable shape. They come in so many patterns, from florals to fishnets, and pair flawlessly with mini skirts and shorts!
- Full sleeves are the way to go if you are uncomfortable with showing off your arms. Not only will they give you a confidence boost, but they appear exquisite with any ensemble.
- Dress to your comfort! Wear the clothes which seem most appealing to you rather than following the latest fashion trends. Keep it elegant and classy.
- When it comes to jewelry, less is more! You can effortlessly pull off some chunky, bold rings, but keep it dainty on the neck and ears.
- Try to avoid layering too much foundation because it ends up looking cakey. Go for a more natural, no-makeup makeup with gold, bronze, and warmer-toned eyeshadows with some natural lashes. Add a pop of color to your face if the occasion calls for it with a bold lip – red, shocking pink, burgundy, or plum. Here are some more skincare tips you must try.
- Bring shape your look! If you opt for a loose top, wear fitted bottoms to add some curves or vice versa.
Below are some of the best outfits for petite women in their fifties. From office looks to loungewear, from a garden party to the beach, we have a look in store for every possible occasion. Keep scrolling to gain some inspiration!
Celebrity Edition
↓ 47 – Jennifer Lopez in Pleated Pants
↓ 46 – Everday Casual With Julianne Moore
↓ 45 – Jennifer Anniston in Pinstriped Suit
Business Formal
↓ 44 – Waist Coat & Plaid Complement Each Other Effortlessly
This is perfect for busy office days where you have to attend endless meetings on end. Not only is this comfortable for the hustling workday, but oh-so-stylish! From the petite waistcoat to the plaid palazzo pants, we are in love with the entirety of this look.
↓ 43 – Add a Statment Belt When Styling a Blouse With Ripped Jeans
↓ 42 – Silk Blouses are Perfect for Any Occasion
Greece Ghanem is the one to look up to when it comes to styling for senior ladies. She pulls off this fit effortlessly with the silk blouse and those statement pants. Moreover, we love that she kept her makeup and accessories to the minimum and let this gorgeous outfit do the talking.
What an absolute boss lady!
↓ 41 – Pair a Neon Blouse with a Black Skirt
↓ 40 – Opt for Emerald Green Studs for Elegance
↓ 39 – How to Style Business Outfits?
The printed blouse looks stunning and matches the pants immaculately. Moreover, the trench coat and straightened hairstyle provide just the right amount of glamour which would also be perfect as a travel outfit.
↓ 38 – Simplistic Styling for Meetings
It is true when they say, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” The frayed hem on the white pants and the belted waist, along with the printed shoes, bring in texture and a pop of color, respectively. Smear on a deep burgundy or red lip and oversized shades to truly stand out!
Semi Formal Outfits
↓ 37 – Traveling Outfits for Fancier Occasions
The color palette of this ensemble is so refreshing! On top of that, the combination of this airy blouse with the printed midi skirt is so elegant. Add a little oomph to this look with heeled boots instead of flat ones, and this attire is ideal for a Sunday brunch or a vacation!
↓ 36 – Make a Statement in Unique Pants
This fit is one for all my daring ladies out there who never wish to blend in! If you look closely, the studs match the colors of the earrings. Now that is the dedication I want when putting together an attire!
↓ 35 – Billow Clouds & Ocean Waves
How cute is this gorgeous mustard yellow two-piece?! The pattern on this exemplaryght on trend.
↓ 34 – Accessories for Every Outfit
If you thought ripped jeans could not be worn as formal wear, we encourage you to think again. This look is effortlessly formal, and the secret to that is accessories! Adding just the right amount of bling can change your entire appearance, and that necklace, gold watch, and handbag do just that and more.
Here’s a complete list of the Best Accessories that you need to add to your wardrobe in your fifties.
Formal & Casual Dresses
↓ 33 – What to Wear to Your Wedding in Your Fifties?
Looking for the perfect wedding dress or formal dress in white? This sheer, beaded dress is the answer to all your searches. Breathtaking!
↓ 32 – Add a Pop of Color To The Olive Attire
We love that the open back on this piece adds just the right amount of sexy and sophistication to the attire! Add a pop of color with an orange bag like the one below or any bright-colored one. And those heels are indeed a unique must-have!
↓ 31 – Pay Tribute to Your Heritage With Traditional Pieces
“Women who wear black lead the most colorful lives.” This gorgeous lady is walking proof of that! Her ensemble may be a perfect black, yet screams joy and color. Plus, you can opt for your traditional accessories, hats, bags, or shoes to pay respect to your culture!
↓ 30 – Whimsical White for Your Midlife Years
This cute white dress can prove to be a must-wardrobe staple. You can wear it to various occasions, whether it be a wedding, beach day, or a day for running errands. Not only that, but it can also be styled in numerous ways – make it boho by adding long kimono, or trendy and feminine, which it already is.
Make sure to pair it with suitable accessories to complement the occasion!
↓ 29 – You Can Not Go Wrong With Gold Accessories
How cute is this lilac pleated dress?! The look appears flawless with white and gold accessories and is perfect for a date.
↓ 28 – Add Accessories in One Color if the Dress is Printed
Did the fascinator hat make you think of the queen of England? I would not blame you because I did too. On the subject of fascinators, this gorgeous one compliments the elegant white dress with just the right amount of color.
Bold and printed accessories with a printed dress might end up looking overwhelming. But the black accessories and shoes bring out the entire fit, making it perfect for attending a wedding! And they complement the clothes.
↓ 27 – Choose a Dress with Detailed Sleeves
Even if your ensemble is plain, you can make it fancier by opting for a dress with unique sleeves.
↓ 26 – Printed Halter Neck Dresses for Beach Days
Dressy Casual Outfits
↓ 25 – Go for Heels to Stand Tall
You need to add heels and the right accessories if you wish to make your casual attire formal. Plus, they give you the perfect boost of height.
↓ 24 – Pretty in Pink for Slender Women
How adorable is this pink blazer?! Channel your inner Barbie with this fun blazer and muted, dusty pink handbag. The pink paired with the white gives off very summer and fun vibes, which we love. And the neck scarf brings this entire style to the next level.
↓ 23 – Patterned Stockings Make Everything Look Better
The words trendy, fashionable, elegant, and so on-point stand out while looking at this gorgeous attire! The matching top and jacket set, along with the leather shorts and fishnet stockings, appear flawless paired together.
The monochrome palette is something you can never go wrong with. And that amazing hairstyle ties the entire ensemble together. We could go on and on about this look but would fall short on words. What a vision to behold.
↓ 22 – Opt for the Perfect Casual Yet Formal Look With Leather Pants
This look is the way to go for all our minimalist lovers. You can not go wrong with this combination: the turtleneck, leather pants, and coat are all classics. And adding magic to this attire are those gorgeous boots! The leopard print on them is not unique but adds just the right amount of pattern to this ensemble.
↓ 21 – What to Wear with Capri Shorts?
What a stylish yet modest way to wear shorts! The red of the blouse against the tan on the shorts is a crisp and fun combination. Similarly, you should opt for a bold contrast against your shorts. Add some dainty gold hoops to add a little bling, and you are good to go! Side note, we are in love with those shoes.
↓ 20 – Zebra Print & Light Ripped Jeans For The Win
Add a classy pair of heeled ankle boots in white instead of black to stand out!
↓ 19 – Monochrome Melody for 50+ Skinny Women!
A fun, casual fit with so many patterns in play! The stripes and the floral pants look unique, and the color palette is immaculate with a pop of yellow.
↓ 18 – Best Friend Twinning for Golden Jubilee
You may be a senior and genuinely young at heart, which is perfect because you are never too old to match your best friends! The trio looks stunning and, honestly, urges us all to grab our best friend and wear matching outfits.
↓ 17 – Opt for Big Hoops & Flared Pants for a Youthful Vibe
↓ 16 – Add a Statment Belt to Ruffle Skirt for Señora
↓ 15 – Add a Printed Piece
You can not go wrong with garments in solid colors. However, a great way to elevate your look is by adding a printed piece, including shoes, a scarf, or accessories. In this case, the footwear tie this entire ensemble together!
↓ 14 – Tie an Oversized Shirt at the Front Instead of Tucking
Lately, tucking tops are becoming increasingly mainstream. You should switch it up and tie the front of your shirt like shown below!
Shop the outfit:
Casual Attire
↓ 13 – Nail The Fall Vibes in a Knit Midi Skirt & Cape Shawl
Adding elements of red to this monochrome outfit is an excellent decision, as it immediately makes you stand out. And the red lip is classic!
↓ 12 – Boots can be the Ideal Footwear
This outfit is perfect for an everyday winter look. The belt and the scarf make it all the more special and unique. Additionally, these boots can be the perfect match for so many of your looks. Not only are they comfortable, but they also elevate your fit to the next level.
↓ 11 –The Casual Fit for Thin Women
The easiest and quickest way to style an amazing outfit is to opt for similar co-ord sets. Half the work is done for you. Thus, you only need to focus on accessories and shoes!
↓ 10 – Pair a Knitted Summer Top with Sandals
The yellow knitted top is so fun and perfect for the transition period between spring and summer.
Recommended: 29 Best Summer Outfits for Women Over 50 With Styling Tips
↓ 09 – Last-Minute Date Attire
↓ 08 – Running Errands During Winter
If you do not feel like getting out of bed, this is what you need. It is cozy, comfortable, and stylish for running around town and ticking errands off the checklist.
↓ 07 – Outfits to Wear With Short Hair
This look is the perfect amount of rustic along with boho. And the polka dots are simply a cherry on top of an amazing outfit! Also, have a look at these gorgeous Short Hairstyles for Women Over 50.
Buy the similar shirt below:
https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/927260113/vintage-60s-deadstock-brentford-nylons
↓ 06 – Comfortable Everyday Outfit
This attire is perfect for a laid-back, chill day. You might want to grab your favorite book and bask in the sun while wearing this fit.
↓ 05 – Winter Essentials
↓ 04 – Light Colors for Slim Women
The bright and light coral top is such a refreshing and incredible sight on harsh and hot days. Along with that, those colorful abstract pants are such a unique fit for the top. Finally, the lilac handbag and minimalistic jewelry truly bring the entire look together.
Athleisure
↓ 03 – Golf, But Make It Glamorous
This cute printed skirt along with the white is perfect for golf days.
↓ 02 – Loungewear For The Streets
This ensemble is the definition of upscaling athleisure. And the key is to accessorize aptly!
↓ 01 – Beach Babe Look for a Getaway
FAQs
Q. How should a woman between forty to fifty dress?
Well, I would answer that by saying however she likes! There is a notion that women a certain age are supposed to dress a certain way, which I am extremely against.
You should wear what feels best to you, be mindful of the occasion you are dressing for, and most importantly, wear what you are most comfortable in. You can pull anything off from mini skirts to baggy pants if you accessorize it correctly and wear it with complementing pieces.
Q. Can I still wear boot-cut jeans or only skinny-leg jeans?
Yes and yes! You can wear boot-cut jeans, flared jeans, or any other style you feel like experimenting with. Bootcut pants serve to balance the thighs and hips by being slightly more comprehensive from the bottom. A few of the ways to style boot cuts are presented above.
Just make sure to accessorize it appropriately and wear the proper design of the top to pair with your bottoms. Do not forget to invest in some comfortable yet classic footwear to complete your entire look. If your pants are a bit too long, then heels are the answer to your worries!
Q. How short is too short on a skirt length for my age?
Who set a limit on skirt length?! You can get away with whatever length you wish to wear on your skirt. The first thing you need to consider if you choose to wear a shorter length is whether you have the right body type.
Secondly, are you confident enough to flaunt your legs? If not, then there is nothing to worry about because you can wear stockings/ hosiery. Thirdly, you need to choose the perfect top to match your mini skirt. I would suggest styling a looser, airier blouse to complete your look.
Q. Where to buy outfits for petite older women?
Usually, most of the brands are fashion-friendly for all age groups and cater to older women. Here is a list of some of the brands you can browse to get your perfect look.
- Chico’s: This brand is exclusively for women aged 45 and above. They carry a versatile age-appropriate range from these striped pants (here) to this silk wrap (here).
- Nordstrom: Check out this chic blazer (here), perfect for the office look!
- Everlane: These wide jeans (here) are the perfect staple for your wardrobe.
- White House Black Market: Have a look at this super cute dress (here).
Petite doesn’t mean thin. It means short.
Hi there,
It mostly refers to a short person having a thin or average body shape.
Kind regards,
Team OutfitTrends
Where can we purchase the yellow knit top?
Hi Tina,
The yellow top is from Mango but it’s now out of stock. I found these similar options for you, I hope this helps 🙂
Lace Crochet Long Sleeve Crewneck Sweater
V Neck Off Shoulder Top
Crochet Cardigan Kimono
Round Neck Knitwear
Best regards,
Team Outfit Trends
Where to buy the outfits posted? Particularly, the black lace dress?
Hi Pamela, most of these outfits are available on Amazon.
Best regards,
Team Outfit Trends.
NO!!!! It doesn’t just mean thin or even average body type. It means proportions are not as long as other the average. This sometimes means shorter legs (as in inseam) but sometimes also means measurements from nape (or shoulder) to mid-rift or short torso. But that doesn’t mean you do not have womanly curves. I am a solid petite 8/10 or medium but I am not skinny or thin. I have womanly curves. It is more than a little disheartening to be dismissed by you “style” guide. I kept thinking you would get around to styling a short woman over 50 with curves. But all I found was the comment section. So alas I challenge you to style all petites over 50 not just thin ones.
The above comment is absolutely true. It is obvious that many designers do not really know the meaning of “petite”. I am 5’1″ and struggled all my adult life to find clothes that fit. I have been told by the majority of shops and Buyers for large stores like Dillards, Belks and others that they do not have enough requests for petite sizes to justify offering a regular space or one at all. This can’t be accurate. There are millions of us who have had to wear clothing that did not properly fit us. Many of us still have to shop on line to find stylish petite clothing. We rarely can go into a store and have a nice selection to select from and know it fits before we buy.
I’m a very petite woman who is shorter than most at 4’8” ! So I can only wear petite size clothes. Not much to chose from in the stores as of lately!
Hi Linda, we hope this article was helpful for you? Let me know if I can assist with anything else.
Best regards,
Team Outfit Trends.
Try loft!
I agree with many of the comments above. I am 4’10” and in my sixties. The recommended outfits in this article and not only outrageously expensive, but are being shown on women who are not just thin, but underweight. The average 50-60 year old woman has a figure and may not have the kinds of budgets to dress like a model.