Fashion on the edgy side – standout clothes for older women

November 16, 2021

This article was written for Annabel & Grace, which is now part of Rest Less.

Fashion on the edgy side - standout clothes for older women
Mix up your colours ladies!

Just because we are over fifty (or sixty, or seventy) it doesn’t mean we aren’t still interested in fashion. So, if that’s how you feel, let’s explore what clothes for older women can look like on the edgy (but not mutton dressed as lamb) side.

We could all do with sharpening our style from time to time. We are lucky to live in an age when anything goes and so have the freedom to express ourselves in whatever way we please. Here are a few ideas from some websites you may not generally think to look at because they are geared to a younger audience. But we’ve often found these are the very best places to find edgy pieces that get your style juices flowing…

 

Experiment with mixing and matching. We all have clothes in our wardrobe that we rarely (or never) wear. I have had fun recently pulling out those items and mixing and matching them – whether that’s putting clashing colours together or clashing patterns in the same colour range. You could pair a floral with a fine stripe for example – it’s fun to try and sets you up with a few new outfits to wear without having to buy anything new. Pictured above: Red maxi Greenwich dress, Deco silk scarf and Rayner boucle jacket – all from Saint & Sofia. More info

You could simply add one piece that says “I’m not dead yet!” This amazing technicolour dreamcoat from Joe Browns is a great example of how to stand out in a crowd. More info

Or, go completely in the opposite direction. Much as I love colour and find it uplifting to wear, I very occasionally go back to black. Here I am sporting my (admittedly toned down) rock chick look with a black Greenwich dress (which I keep mentioning because it is sooooo comfortable) and a brilliant cross body handbag in saffiano leather bag (other colours and straps available). Worn with Annabel’s Agnes B decades-old leather jacket and some ancient suede boots I found in the back of my wardrobe. Check out the Saint & Sofia up to 40% off All Black Event (ends 30 November) here

Reader Paula Wild got in touch and recommended we look at Fat Face and White Stuff. So I did. Fat Face has a Preloved.Reloved section on its website where you could easily bag a bargain/help reduce your environmental footprint. Or check out their fashion made using recycled materials such as their Alice Short Fur Coat More info

White Stuff is a quirky fashion lifestyle brand with a focus on offering quality products with intricate detailing, unique prints, and subtle branding. If you are looking for a standout jumper, check this brand out. More info

 

You only need just one piece to make a statement. Top left: Crolenda vegan leather shirt from French Connection. Top right: a pair of chunky leather Chelsea boots available in khaki, stone or black and half sizes for £69 from M&S. Bottom left: Deceptively simple roll neck tunic top from COS. Bottom right: Gloria wrap blouse from Young British Designers.

Instead of a neutral coloured puffa, you could try a more colourful coat. It will keep you looking current, cool (and of course, warm!) How about these practical 3/4 length Crombie coats from Hope Fashion? Annabel’s in Cobalt and I’m in Forest Green. We loved the raw edges and statement zebra pattern lining. More info

Co-ords are popular for good reason. Just look at this matching jacket and printed high-neck slim-fit T-shirt from Scotch & Soda. Wide legged, high rise trousers also available, should you prefer that duo. (Just not all three at once!) Lots of different colours and patterns to choose from. Instant edgy style!

How about a biker jacket? Annabel lent me hers (again) when we were photographed in Hope’s brilliant new skirts. This outfit was completely out of my usual comfort zone but I felt a million dollars in it. Check out Me+Em’s nappa leather jackets – definitely a worthwhile investment.

Other tips you might find useful:

  • Add a belt to your jacket or coat
  • Stand out with big patterns – don’t be shy
  • Load up with your costume jewellery – layered necklaces, all your bracelets or perhaps a brooch pinned in an unusual place to add a little je ne sais quoi
  • Turn up sleeves of your jacket for an instant contemporary edge
  • Wear a see through blouse with a body underneath – you don’t actually show anything but you’ll definitely look sexy!

So let’s shake things up a bit. Even if only one of the above tips floats your sartorial boat, then that’s brilliant. We may be 50+ but WE ARE NOT OLD!

More style tips and fashion finds here

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