Finding My Style After 50: Comfort, Confidence, and Fun

As midlife and senior women, we often talk about confidence and embracing our bodies – but what happens when certain trendy styles, like bodycon clothes, just don’t feel comfortable anymore?

It’s simple for me. I just don’t feel at ease in tight, figure-hugging clothes, even though I admire women who do. It’s not about judgment; it’s about understanding how our sense of comfort, style, and confidence evolves with age.

Let’s Talk About the Apron Belly

On social media, you can find any number of beautiful and confident women who have large apron bellies and proudly model trendy clothes every single day. They share their OOTD (outfit of the day) and often begin by proudly saying they have a large apron belly.

These ladies are confident and well-spoken in their social media posts. They show their bellies with no shame or discomfort. I admit sometimes my jealousy begins to fester.

I never had an apron belly until long after menopause, but since then, I feel like my belly walks into a room before I do!

And I hate the smiley face line across my lower belly that shows through many of my older or light-colored clothes. Those clothes go right back into my closet – the way back – usually never to be worn again.

I’m not sure why I hate my apron belly so much. I have always had large hips compared to the rest of my body, and I’ve lived with them. But my relatively new large apron belly bothers me.

I am sometimes envious of girls who walk confidently into a room in a tight-fitting trendy dress with an apron belly on full display, but it’s truly not for me. I’ve accepted that I just feel more like myself in clothes that let me breathe and move comfortably. And I’ve learned to accept that it’s okay! I would rather feel comfortable and confident than trendy.

So, What Do I Wear Now?

There are many alternative styles that you can choose from today that do not emphasize your apron belly. These are just a few of them:

• The tent style dress is not what it used to be in your momma’s day.
• The babydoll dress is no longer just for pregnant women.
• Loose, wide-leg pants are not just for loungewear anymore.
• Matching loungewear is safe to wear outside of your home today.
• Leggings can be worn by anyone, with a longer tunic-style top.
• Peasant tops are popular with many women today.
• Fun, sleeveless sundresses can be worn overtop of tees or lace shirts.

These clothes do not emphasize your belly and are usually comfortable. If bodycon styles aren’t your thing, these are great alternatives. You’ll find me in these clothes every day of the week, and for every occasion.

I no longer feel uneasy about not choosing to wear an outfit that emphasizes my apron belly. I’m comfortable and confident in my choice of clothes today!

Here’s What Else Works

Another way you can feel confident in your clothes without wearing tight, figure-hugging outfits is to explore interesting and fun jewelry. I have curated a collection of jewelry that makes me smile and this gives me confidence.

A pretty set of jewelry with earrings, a necklace, and a bracelet makes me feel pretty. A brightly colored outfit usually brings me joy. A lively colored scarf brings my outfit to life and gives me confidence. I even coordinate my handbag to complement my outfit.

I’ve learned that style after 50 isn’t about following trends – it’s about following what makes you feel alive. When I choose comfort, color, and confidence, I feel more like me than ever before.

And you know what? People notice me. I’m not wearing something trendy or tight, but I feel fashionable and confident without feeling confined.

Finding Confidence in Midlife

It isn’t always easy to feel confident in your body, especially as a woman in midlife and beyond. However, with a little work, you can learn about body neutrality. I have discovered that my mindset aligns more with the concept of body neutrality than body positivity and it helps me feel more comfortable in my own body.

You can also create and maintain a healthy mindset about your fashion choices. Trendy and tight may not be your cup of tea, but with a positive mindset, you can learn to love whatever you wear!

You will love this article: What Not to Wear After 50: A Different Perspective.

Be sure your clothes are clean and fresh. Put on some makeup and don’t forget to SMILE. Marilyn Monroe said, “A smile is the best make-up any girl can wear.”

Experiment with clothes – look for fun, colorful, and comfortable clothes. Forget about tight-fitting clothes that others may wear. You are going to look beautiful and be comfortable with a little effort and the right mindset!

One More Thought: According to the videos I see on social media, when we get to a certain age, we can wear comfortable shoes with whatever outfits we wear! So, I’ve bought tennis shoes in every color to match or complement my clothes! Hehe😊 Because comfort really is the best accessory of all.

Browse the Sixty and Me Beauty section for more fashion and makeup ideas.

Editor’s Note: All images in this article provided by Susan Ballinger.

Let’s Have a Conversation

Have you noticed your style changing as you’ve gotten older? What’s one piece of clothing that now makes you feel confident and comfortable? Do you have a favorite piece of jewelry or an accessory that always lifts your mood? What is your favorite style of clothing?