Style Over 50: Begging for Leggings

Editor's Note: This post was updated in May 2013.

Last Saturday night, I was with another very attractive, statuesque over 50 woman who was dressed in black leggings. I’m going to call this woman “Louise.” Louise is a successful human resources executive at a large corporation and lives in New York City. Not surprisingly, on the weekends, she likes to shed her suits and pumps and dress casually. On Saturday, Louise and her husband went with my husband and me to listen to music. Louise wore leggings with an oversize black T-shirt, wide belt and tall shearling-lined boots. This was not a good leggings look, despite the fact that Louise is tall and trim.


TEMPTING TUNICS
Instead of the oversize T-shirt, tunics are a flattering top for leggings, jeggings and skinny jeans. Check out 62-year-old Vera Wang at the recent Elle Magazine 25th Anniversary party. She looks rockin’ in her black and gray minimal V-neck tunic and leather booties.

Now check out Diane Von Furstenberg at Elle Magazine’s 25th Anniversary party. I’m not sure what’s going on with the feathers. But I love the romantic styling—open neckline, light fluttery fabric—of this tunic. This is a sleeveless top, which Diane has paired with a light-weight black sweater, avoiding a bulky look. You don't want the tunic to be too boxy or bulky. In truth, I think Diane may be wearing skinny jeans. But her stylish top will look good with leggings as well. If Diane, age 64, can look smashing in a tunic, 50-something women with a similar shape will, too.

If the tunic doesn't have much structure, the material should be light, airy. I don't think you want to add bulk to your shape with a heavy fabric. That's why I like this tunic from Michael Stars.





Michael Stars Short Slv V-Neck Dolman Tunic


Personally, I like long tunics or dresses over leggings or jeggings. That's why I like these next two long tunics from the Shopbop. I love the draping with the black tunic.



Chalayan Grey Line Handkerchief Shirt Tunic


And I love the spring/summer simplicity of a white tunic.




T by Alexander Wang Habotai Cross Front Tunic





SWEATER SAFETY
Long sweaters and knit jackets over a light tunic is always a safe bet for leggings. For example...




Gassato Cashmere Longline Cardigan (was $168, now $128) in 3 lovely pastel colors or hot pink from the Pure Collection.



LOTS OF LEGGINGS
Basic black leggings, like these Old Navy Womens Stretch Leggings are everywhere. It's just a matter of finding the right price, color, quality and size. The Old Navy leggings ($10.00)  are available in Sizes XS thru XXL and also come in grey.







Land's End has several different legging styles and colors. The Women's Knit Leggings - Gray Heather, L ($12.99-$22.99) below are their top rated leggings.







And, lastly, jeggings (jean leggings) are available. One of my over 50 girlfriends swears her jeggings (sorry, I don't know the designer) are the most comfortable jeans she's ever owned. Here's a pair of Old Navy Womens The Rock Star Super-Skinny Denim Leggings.

Stylish Tops: The Drape Escape

For me, a woman in her fifties, a frequent fashion challenge is how to look sophisticated without looking stuffy. One of the easiest solution is to wear something with draped styling. Draping may date back to Ancient Greece and Rome, but it's minimal style--usually in monotones and void of embellishments--give it a very modern look. The tops above and below are all by Michael Stars. Until tomorrow, at least, many of the clothier's garments are up to 60% off. For example, the Michael Stars Cashmere Blend Asymmetrical Open Vest above has been reduced from $148 to $74. Pair this vest with a 3/4 sleeve T-shirt and jeans or slim skirt for a very un-stuffy look. Below are a few more styles, but visit the Michael Stars website for the entire selection.



Michael Stars Shine Draped Surplice Top for $72





Michael Stars Luxe Slub Dolman Draped Cardigan for $44





Michael Stars Shine Long Sleeve Drape Neck Top for $40.60





Michael Stars 1x1 Slub Long Sleeve Shirred Wrap reduced from $98 to $68.60.





Michael Stars Luxe Slub Asymmetrical Turtleneck for $51.80

Long, Snow-Ready Cardigans On Sale

In honor of our third "snow day" in a month, I felt it was only right that I should feature a couple of thicker, warmer cardigans. As the long sweaters in this post demonstrate, heavier knits can be just as stylish as the light-weight cardigans I featured in yesterday's post, Over 50 Style: Long, Light-Weight Cardigan. Once again, I'm focusing on Jones New York cardigans because the clothier is having a "Sweater Sale" right now. The Jones New York Cable Cardigan (Pattern) is on sale for $95.99 before today's discount. Below is another JNY cardigan, plus a list of other "Sweater Sales" online.



Jones New York Novelty Stitch Belted Cardigan (Khaki) for $129.



MORE SWEATER SALES
Here are a few more places to look for cardigans on sale. (Click on names to go directly to the website.)

Ann Taylor

Banana Republic

Gap

J. Crew

Macy's

Old Navy
Women's Plus Sizes

Victoria's Secret

Style Over 50: Long, Light-Weight Cardigans

Long, light-weight cardigans are a sophisticated look--day or night. When belted or buttoned, they show your curves without adding bulk to them. They're a great transitional piece, taking you from winter through cooler spring evenings. Cardigans like the Jones New York Belted Cardigan (Khaki) at the top of this post and the ones shown below are flattering styles for over 50 women and can be found all over the Internet.

But wait...from now till 11:59 PM on January 27th, Jones New York is having a Sweater Sale. My Fashion Over 50: Pick of the Day is the Jones New York Ruffle Front Cardigan, Ships 2/3 (Black) for $89, which I don't have a picture for. But click on the name to view--it's really pretty in the new rattan shade. Below are some other JNY sweaters. You'll have to act fast to take advantage of the one-day sale.



Jones New York Long Color Block Cardigan (Pattern) for $68.99







Jones New York Long Sleeve Open Front Cardigan (Purple) for $95








Jones New York Long Sleeve Open Cardigan (Black) for $64.99








Jones New York Long Sleeve Belted Rib Shawl Collar Cardigan (Pattern) for $88.99







Jones New York Long Sleeve Cardigan (Grey) for $103.99









Jones New York Open Front Dolman Cardigan (Yellow) for $61.99. The color is actually gold, not yellow.