The New Rules for Dressing In Your 60s in 2024

My clients have told me that it feels strange to be in your 60s in 2024. What do we do when celebs like Demi Moore and Michelle Pfeiffer are making 65 look like 25 and the expectations for looking ageless are unrealistic and out of the reach of most? We focus on the things we can control, and learn to love ourselves as we are. When the focus shifts away from looking younger to simply dressing better, we take the power back. We can all look (and, as a result, feel) better with a few simple style strategies and tweaks, and they don’t require endless amounts of time and money.

In the 60s edition of my Decades series, I dive into the highlights and challenges of dressing in this decade, hear from some stylish ladies in their 60s from my Ageless Style Community, and share some strategies for looking your best in your 60s.

I’ve also identified some style staples and tried and true pieces that my clients and other ASC members have relied on, and put them all in this 60s catalog.

60s Stores

As you’ll see from the comments below, the list of stores we shop at in our 60s is long, but some of the names that came up most frequently include Nordstrom, Dillards, J. Crew, Von Maur, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Belk, Loft, Nordstrom, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Quince, Winners, The Bay, Witchery.

Highlights & Challenges

The 60s often brings with it a little bit more freedom both in terms of time and money, although not always. You may be retired, so you have more flexibility in terms of what you wear and are likely wearing more casual. Cons include post-menopausal changes, size and weight changes, and other physical changes. Many of you have said that the selection of items that suit you, your body, and your lifestyle seems to shrink as you age, as many of the very trendy items no longer appeal to you.

Level Up Stores & Brands

Buy less, buy better is something we all need to do more of as we age. If you’ve been shopping at Old Navy, consider leveling up to The Gap, J. Crew or Banana Republic. If you are shopping at Forever 21, consider H&M, COS, Mango, or & Other Stories. Consider switching to Loft instead of Talbots, or Anthropologie instead of Chico’s. Switching up your regular store can make a big difference in your style.

Focus Your Prints

Consider skipping prints at over-50 stores and stick to solids and stripes from these stores instead. Buy prints from brands known for their iconic prints, including Sezane, Johnny Was, Anthropologie, Desigual, Farm Rio, etc. “Safe” include SIMPLE neutral animal prints, two color stripes and dots, and classic plaids.

Focus on Fit

The best fit, for every woman of every body type and every size, are clothes that skim the body and are tailored to her shape. Not oversized, and not tight. Buy fewer items and spend the rest of the money to have them tailored so they fit you perfectly. Your clothes will look more elegant, expensive, and flattering with the right fit.

Level Up Quality

The best way to improve your wardrobe in your 60s is to stop buying poorly made items and spontaneous sales purchases and spend your money on well-made pieces that will fit and drape beautifully. You can find quality pieces no matter your budget, and increasingly quality and price are unrelated, so look for the best quality pieces at your favorite stores.

Express Personal Style Through Accessories

Lean into your personal style by collecting accessories that truly speak to your personal style. When you think of your ideal style and look, which accessories complete those looks? If you just focused on those, your style would get an instant upgrade.

Buy Less, Buy Better

I’ve said this a couple of different ways in this post/video already, but it is so important. If you stopped buying 3 mediocre tops and bought one fabulous top instead, your wardrobe would get an instant boost.

Elevate Your Essentials

Your essentials don’t have to be boring. They can represent your style, your personality, and your preferences. And they should be the best quality that you can afford.

The 60s Squad

These beautiful ladies from the Ageless Style Community share their perspectives on style in their 60s.

Debbie

Approaching 70’s living last years in 60’s . I love being free to wear what I like keeping current not having to jump on every trend but enjoying the ones I choose ! Also after all the years of having worn so many different decades fashion the favorites come back and it fresh and fun. Only downside is footwear challenge – can’t wear the perfect shoe for an outfit must substitute a tolerably comfortable one Not always possible even though you would prefer a different shoe one has to walk! That is disappointing but hey! Life brings changes . Enjoy every good day fashionably and thankfully! Favorite stores- Marshall’s and TJMaxx, Nordstrom Rack Talbots outlet nearby fabulous prices , Loft, Ann Taylor, Walmart has upped their game in Time and True and dresses. and a few boutiques in Florida on travel that have special items found nowhere else. We have too many stirs in DC area it’s mind-boggling.

Karen

I like to shop! My favorites are J Crew, Banana Republic Factory, Petite Studio and Nordstrom. Now retired from a tech/corporate setting, I feel like I can wear more feminine clothes and more casual. I love all the choices available to us and at various price points.

Julie

Knocking on 63s door. Favorite places to shop: Dillards( no relation), J Crew, loft, Ann Taylor, banana republic, Belk, Spartina, and smaller local boutiques. I live in a 55 and better, very active SC coastal community ( Margaritaville) so the dress is resort casual with many themed parties. I still need to wear casual professional wear under a white lab coat and closed toe shoes for work until I retire in about 110 days. SD red, soft, preppy, classic, romantic. I am dangerous shopping at J crew… I can always find something I want.

Gail

I will be 61 on June 11th. I am loving this phase of my life as for me age brings freedom . As an Insurance Broker / Agency Owner in the Financial Services Industry I have had to dress in a very specific corporate manner . I felt that in order for me to earn respect of my peers and the team I manage I needed to present myself in a specific manner . Now at the tail of my career I have given myself the freedom to dress more like myself . I shop at J Crew, Anthropologie ( opposites attract !) and I am a Gemini so I have 2 personalities  after all . I also shop at Thrift shops, local boutiques , Nordstrom , Quince and Marshall’s if I have the patience for it . I am exploring online brands as I expand my wardrobe . I am now choosing to wear what I want to wear not what I feel I should wear . I fought this transition for several years and with the help of Nada and all of you I am on well on my way .

Leonie

62, love it. From South Africa. Love shopping.

Linda

I will be 69 in July and I feel grateful. I have migrated from going to Chico’s (except for their pants) to stores like; J Crew, WHBM, Ann Taylor and Nordstrom Rack. Nada has helped me with “older looking tops not to buy”. I do like TJ Max and Marshalls but I have not been to either of these stores for a long time. I love the flare, fluid jeans and trousers that are high waisted. Also like book cut. Back in the day, I loved peasant tops and slight platform sandals. I am looking to change my casual look.

Zwisel

I’m 68 an find lots of nice things at Marshalls, I sew, so I know about the quality of fabrics. I live in the eastern part of Puerto Rico in a resort/community so my clothes are mostly resort wear, lounge wear. When I need nicer clothing I go to San Juan, the capital of PR, where there are lots of boutiques and malls. My style hasn’t changed to much with age, just more selective and refined. Sometimes one of my daughters will see a piece of clothing and say: Mom, it had your name written all over so I bought it for you 

Donna

I am 67. Up until about 5 years ago most of my clothes were hand me downs or thrifted. Now I like Talbots, LOFT, Macy’s, JCPenneys, the most. I still go to the thrift stores but it is harder to find something specific. I have learned in the last 5 years what I love in my closet so now I shop for what fills a hole in it.

Kimberly

What is your experience shopping and dressing in your 60s? And which of these tips was your biggest takeaway? Let’s discuss in the comments!