Our bodies, faces and lifestyles have changed over the decades. However, our fashion choices haven’t always kept up.

But do we need hard-core rules? Actress Ellen Barkin famously declared in O, The Oprah Magazine that women over 50 should never wear blue jeans to dinner. I (and my 7 For All Mankind jeans) beg to differ.

Forget the rules! We just need a few guidelines to great style and answers to questions about how to get it.

Below is a master list of go-to pieces for women who want to fight the frump and look smart, energetic, youthful and appropriate. You can wear these basics to work, out to dinner and anywhere else:

1. Dark denim, mid-rise, boot-cut jeans

The boot-cut hem leaves room for booties (a footwear option for almost every occasion).

TIP: Keep length about 1/8-inch off the floor (depending on the shoe), and make sure the jeans fit well (with a little stretch) in butt and hips. Take the waist in, if necessary.

2. Dark denim, mid-rise, straight-leg jeans

Skip the tight skinny jeans (unflattering on most of us), and get these in dark blue, with no fading or whiskering. Pair with flat ballet slippers, moccasins, loafers or kitten heels, and tuck them into tall boots in cooler weather.

TIP: Straight-leg jeans go perfectly with longer jackets or tunic tops. Check out options from Uniqlo, 7 For All Mankind, J Brand, Levi’s or Not Your Daughter’s Jeans, in prices from about $40 to $200.

3. White jeans (boot-cut or straight-leg)

In warmer weather, wear with wedge sandals and tunic tops or a crisp navy jacket and white tank. When it gets cooler, pair with brown or black boots and a sweater or jacket, and a pretty scarf.

TIP: Be sure to wear underwear that matches your skin color with any white pant.

4. Great-fitting pants

Look for a lightweight wool blend (wool/Lycra is best) in black, charcoal or navy. The cut of the pants is crucial and the length must be exact. Take your shoes to the store (and to the tailor, if necessary) to get a perfect fit.

TIP: Wear with a silky blouse, a T-shirt or a tank with a cardigan or jacket. Look for pants made by Theory, Tahari, Joseph, Banana Republic, J. Crew or Ann Taylor in prices starting at about $60.

5. Black fitted jacket

Short and snug (not tight) jackets that hit at the hips are a great look. Black is most versatile, but consider navy and cream, too. Wear it with jeans, skirts, dresses, pants — everything.

TIP: Wear tanks, T’s and jewel-colored blouses underneath, and check out some of the longer, less-fitted options to wear with skinny jeans. Some to try are from Theory, Tahari, Ann Taylor, DKNY, Chico’s and Target, in prices starting at about $50.

6. Black pencil skirt

Versatile, stylish and surprisingly flattering, no matter what your size. Wear it to the knee (or slightly shorter if worn with black tights), and make sure it has a little stretch and some draping but is not tight. Pair with black tights and booties, or patent-leather pumps for night. Don’t wear a flat shoe, but a mid-heel or high-heel pump, wedge shoe or boots. (Here’s a video about how to shop for shoes that are both stylish and sensible.)

TIP: A black jacket could look severe with this skirt; instead, balance the look with a long tank and a cropped multicolored jacket. The best-fitting pencil skirts I’ve found are from Diane von Furstenberg, Michael Kors and Tahari in prices starting at about $120, but you can shop around.

7. Cardigans

These are a year-round fashion accessory and the best way to cover up arms that are less than toned. Look for long and three-quarter-length sleeves that hit you at or above the hip. Longer cardigans are great with straight-leg jeans or pants, but not with skirts. The best cardigan I’ve found so far is the Classic Cardigan from Merona at Target ($19.99 and up).

TIP: Get a size or two smaller than usual or you’ll end up with a “Mumsy” sweater, which can look frumpy. The sweater’s fit should be snug, and never wear it closed: The point is to cover your arms and add color to your outfit.

8. Tank tops

Buy these staples in bulk, once you find the ones you like best. Get them in white, black and cream to wear under the cardigans, jackets, blouses and sweaters. I wear them under almost everything for a smoother look.

TIP: The fit should be snug, so size down if necessary, and make sure they’re long enough to tuck in and stay put. Uniqlo, Target’s Mossimo Supply Co., American Apparel, Banana Republic and Gap all have great tanks in prices starting at about $10.

9. Dresses

Dresses make everyone feel pretty and sexy, and there are three styles that flatter women over 50 best, no matter our size or shape:

Wrap dresses, especially those with long or three-quarter-length sleeves — knot the belt on the side, never in front, and do not tie it in a bow!

Sleeveless sheath dresses worn with snug-fitting cardigans or jackets, which are perfect for almost any occasion

“Fit and flare” dresses that are fitted on top and flare out slightly starting at the waist, creating a flirty, swingy look.

Jewel colors look good on all skin tones; keep length at the knee.

TIP: Have at least one perfectly fitting LBD (little black dress) in any of these styles, which can be dressed up or down. Great-fitting dresses can be found at Target (Merona), Diane von Furstenberg, Theory, Nicole Miller, Hugo Boss, Ann Taylor and Chico’s at all price points.

10. Cropped black leather jacket

No, a black leather jacket is not too young for those over 50. Wear it with everything you own: jeans (very cool with white jeans), skirts and dresses. This staple is more expensive than the others, so shop around for one that fits right (cropped at the waist is best) and is classic-looking, so you can wear it forever.

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You can mix and match all these pieces, depending on the occasion, for different looks. Add a few key accessories — a statement necklace (chunky, worn close to the neckline), colorful scarf, cuff bracelet, perfect shoes and beautiful bag (clutch for evenings and classic black leather over-the-shoulder for day) — and you’re ready to go.

Traveling through midlife can be a wonderful experience, but it also presents some challenges to all of us. We are not exempt from the wrinkles, thinning skin that wants to sag, the weight gain as our metabolism slows, and the belly fat that naturally gathers around our middle.

I don’t know about you, but I am not going to sit back and say, “whatever…I’ll have another donut and watch a movie”. No, I fight the aging battle every day, approaching it from a healthy and natural perspective, but fight it nonetheless.

One of the ways we can ‘fight back’ is to learn how to dress to look slimmer. Our bodies may ultimately do their thing to some extent no matter how we battle it, but we absolutely can create a look that shows us at our best.

So here are 10 simple and practical tips to consider when putting an outfit together, to help you look thinner.

This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and decide to purchase a product, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

When your goal is to dress to look slimmer and trimmer, maybe even a little bit more youthful, it involves more than selecting the right combination of garments.

So our handy list of tips is going to begin with four fundamentals that can make all the difference in how you look and feel in an outfit, whether it’s a casual or more formal style.

1 | What’s Under it All

The most beautiful outfit that drapes well and fits perfectly will look less than hoped-for if the undergarments are baggy, saggy, droopy, or otherwise don’t bring anything positive to the overall look.

A proper fitting bra can make a world of difference, particularly if you are well endowed or find that the girls are sagging more than they used to. We tend to be creatures of habit and our buying decision can reflect that. Just because a particular brand, or size, worked well for you 10 years ago, it might not be the best decision for you today.

Keep an open mind when shopping for undergarments as far as size, support, and if you are on the slow fashion train, sustainability.

2 | Understand Your Body Shape

It would be so very simple to say that if you do these three things…1-2-3…everything you put on your body will look fabulous.

But we know better. We are all unique, with unique body shapes and sizes, skin tones, hair color, height and weight…you get the idea.

All that said, there are some fundamental body shapes that most of us fit into, at least a combination of two if not one specific body shape. It’s important to understand what your particular body shape is, so that when you’re purchasing garments and putting outfits together you’ll know what to pay attention to, and what to avoid.

There are four main body shapes: apple, pear, rectangle (banana), and hourglass.

You’ll find all the details, outfit suggestions, shopping info, etc. in this post:

3 | Posture Counts

Yep. There are many benefits to maintaining good posture, and one of them is looking slimmer.

When we stand straight and tall we can appear 3 to 5 pounds thinner, and, our clothes will look better, too.

Think about it. Do you know someone who has a habit of slouching, or perhaps is unable to stand straight? The slumped shoulders cause the rest of our body to stand a little bit awkwardly, and one of the results is that we look heavier.

So, stand up straight, sit straight, and look slimmer.

4 | The Fit is So Important

Well-fitting clothes are always a plus, but particularly as we get older and are searching for answer to the question of how to look slimmer.

Some women think that by wearing baggy clothes they’ll look slimmer. Not.

Some women wear clingy, tight-fitting outfits in the hope that they’ll look slimmer. They won’t.

And, it can be a challenge to find the right balance of a garment that fits well, is not too tight, not overly loose, and (depending on the fabric and garment), drapes well.

Here is my own example. I have been fortunate to stay within the same relative weight for many years, and as a result I have not had to change my pant size for a long time.

That all changed for me this year, at age 65. The changing body shape and the settling of the belly fat combined to create a little more around the middle than would fit comfortably into most of my shorts, capris, and pants.

It was hard to size up after all these years, but I finally made the decision. I honestly don’t know why it should have been so difficult, but I managed to turn it into a big deal (in my head, anyway).

And you know what? My new bottoms…shorts, capris, jeans…look so much better. Sizing up gave me ample room, the fabric doesn’t cling to closely to my midlife body, and I actually look slimmer.

The moral of my little story is this: Proper Fit trumps Size. It may take a few try-ons to get the right fit for you, but it is definitely worth the time and effort.

Meet your new BFFF (Best Friends For Fall). Not as heavy-duty as a puffer, not as lightweight as a cardie, our fall jacket picks are the perfect cold-weather companions. This season, our favorite silhouettes are dipped in autumn’s jewel-toned hues, and cleverly crafted in faux leather, super soft suede and sturdy cotton. Wear these smart styles over your fall staples––from plush sweaters and plaid shirts to body-skimming knit dresses and distressed denim––and top off your look with a warm layer of cool.

THE MODERN LEATHER JACKET

Nothing says “cool” quite like a leather jacket—even those of the faux variety. Maybe it’s that bad-boy vibe left over from the rock bands of the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Whatever it is, this versatile all-weather closet staple can put a casual chic spin on just about any outfit. Team it with a pair of distressed boyfriend jeans and a plaid shirt for a low-key look, or layer it over a little black lace dress for a fancier affair.

THE CHIC CARGO JACKET

Utilitarian in more ways than one, the cargo jacket makes an appearance this season in bright colors (racey red!) as well as the original army green. This lighter weight jacket can be styled in a multitude of ways, whether you’re pairing it with a soft tee and comfortable leggins or getting your girly on in a flowy dress and classic pumps. Keeping your other pieces neutral sets up the bolder-hued jackets for instant style stardom.

THE BOMB BOMBER

A timeless piece of outerwear traditionally made of leather, the bomber originated in the first World War and was worn by flyboys to keep the chilly cockpit temperatures at bay. Today, this versatile jacket—ingeniously reinvented for civilians—is offered in a multitude of colors, cuts and fabrics. We’re especially fond of quilted olive (not quite military, but close). A less structured hemline gives it a femme feel. Wear it for warmth with your favorite jeans and booties, or pair it with a frilly frock to add edgy attitude to your outfit.

THE TIMELESS JEAN JACKET

Long, cropped or somewhere in between, denim jackets  are one of the most versatile closet staples and a top pick for this season’s love affair with layering. We’re currently crushing on the feminine take of the working man’s classic Trucker jacket with its flap-covered pockets and button-up front. Try it splashed in a stone wash, layered over your favorite knit dress (or even a summery frock!). Add tights and booties for warmth. Of course, jeans work equally well—just make sure the dye is not too matchy-matchy and you’re golden.

Denim Fabrics

Denim fabrics continue to be our indispensable day by day. Denim fabrics have become everyone’s favorite, both men and women. Denim fabrics are available in all models and types. A wide variety of products, including pants, shirts, skirts, dresses, shirts, shoes, and bags, are on the shop windows.

Denim Fashion for Men

Denim fabrics are adopted for daily use as very comfortable. Especially denim trousers and basic t-shirts are indispensable for street fashion. Regardless, women and men seem to never give up on denim. Denim fabrics are used not only for daily use but also for night invitations and elegant settings. Especially stilettos and denim trousers are like the inseparable duo of night invitations.

Denim Fashion for Women

Denim fabrics rushing from shop windows to street fashion on the runways impress everyone. Especially the denim fabric clothes worn on the denim fabric, which is the favorite of this season, attract attention. Men and women do not give up this fashion. A jean shirt worn over jeans creates a stylish sporty atmosphere. Women Jean pants Complement the jean shirt trend with stylish and colorful heels and fancy accessories. Men, who are totally in love with denim, create denim elegance by wearing jeans, jean shirts, and even jeans. It seems that denim on denim fashion will never end.

Properties of Denim Fabric

Denim clothes are generally 100% cotton. But in later years, fabrics such as 65% polyester and 35% cotton blend are used. Denim fabrics made in various weights are generally woven in blue, dark blue, black, etc. colors.

Denim Fabric Types

Bleached denim fabric
Sanded denim fabric
Stretch denim fabric
Black denim fabric
Blue denim fabric

1. Palazzo Style Trousers for Thin Women
The best feature of palazzo trousers, which are very attractive and stylish in thin women, is that they are wide below the waist and look like a long skirt. It is recommended that you wear these pants with thin heels. If you prefer to wear with a flat shoe, it is recommended that you wear a belt and make your waist prominent.

2.Bermuda Pants for Short Women Bermuda
style trousers look very nice on short women. Although it looks like a trouser skirt style in cut, it makes a difference in terms of ending above the knee. When you choose this type of pants, if you wear a thin belt around your waist, you will make your waist the focal point. Also, wearing flat shoes like flat shoes will show your leg length longer

3.Trouser Skirt for Overweight Women
The general appearance of trouser skirts, which look elegant and attractive in lightweight women, is below the knee, like a skirt. The waist and hip part is sitting on the body, then expands and goes below the knee. If you prefer this style of trousers with padded heels, you will get a more elegant look. Since the appearance of trouser skirts is abundant, wearing a blouse or t-shirt that shows body lines will cause you to gain a feminine atmosphere. You should choose stiletto style shoes so that your height does not show any shorter.

4.Flare Pants for Tall Women Flare trousers, which we see suitable for tall women to prefer, are gradually expanding until the waist and hips fit the body and then the legs. It is an important point in these models that the trousers do not rub against the ground. You must be tall so that your legs do not rub against the ground. It would be a very bad look for short women to wear flare pants. It is recommended that you choose elegant-looking shoes in this style of trousers. You can catch the elegance of blouses and shirts for daily use. body are narrow shoulders, thin waist and broad hips. Of these pear-style trousers, only the leg length is slightly widened. As this type of trousers fit on the body, you should prefer pieces that are not too tight. Elegant models should be preferred as shoes. Flat and elegant or stilletto style shoes will make you look more stylish.