Fashion Choices After 50

I frequently find myself watching various fashion videos on YouTube, particularly those addressing topics like “what to wear after you turn 50” or “how to maintain a stylish appearance as you age.”

Many individuals hold strong views about what is deemed unacceptable attire for those over 50.

We’ve all come across the advice encouraging us to embrace our style and wear “whatever we please” regardless of age. However, let’s be honest with ourselves.

I have no intention of sporting mini skirts or crop tops. Similarly, giant platform boots will remain in the closet, except for Halloween or the occasional Pride celebration. And no, I’m not about to don a bikini—I’d prefer to avoid the “Magda” look.

That said, if I were living in Florida, perhaps those choices would be more acceptable. I’ve observed both men and women in their 80s confidently wearing bikinis and speedos. Good for them! However, that kind of attire wouldn’t work in the Midwest.

Certain clothing pieces are also eliminated from our wardrobes for the sake of comfort. Once I hit 50, I disposed of all my underwire bras because I simply didn’t need them anymore.

I also made a conscious decision to stop wearing extremely high heels, although I still own a few pairs of wedges. They rarely see the light of day, but I appreciate their presence in my closet, just in case I have a nice dinner where my husband can drop me off right at the entrance.

Yet, there is one clothing item I refuse to wear: oversized underwear.

Absolutely not.

Regardless of how “comfortable” they claim to be, I refuse to go down that path. I exclusively purchase my underwear from Victoria's Secret or find stylish pieces on Poshmark.

Here’s a glimpse of my collection of cute bikini underwear from Victoria's Secret, all organized neatly. Just opening my drawer brings me joy and a sense of satisfaction.

Age doesn’t dictate what I can wear! I even own a few thongs—though they're not pictured—that I wear with my yoga leggings. Believe it or not, there are comfortable thongs out there, and I’ve found some at Target.

My husband Charlie isn’t particularly into lingerie. Early on, I would buy sexy outfits, garters, and corsets, thinking that was the expectation. While some of these items still linger in the back of my drawer, they haven’t seen the light of day in years.

It turns out, Charlie simply enjoys seeing me as I am.

Let’s be real: I don’t resemble a Victoria’s Secret model. No matter how much yoga or cycling I do, at 60, my body has changed. My behind is not as perky as it once was, and I have cellulite on my thighs.

But honestly, I don’t mind. You can choose to have sagging curves in unattractive underwear or in charming, lacy pieces. I opt for the latter.

If I ever reach a point where I require adult diapers, let’s hope they create stylish options.