Let’s Talk About Bodies: Dressing Your Real Shape at 50+
How does a woman’s body change after 50? Metabolism shifts. Hormones throw a going-away party. Weight redistributes like it’s playing musical chairs with your midsection. Your bust might go up while your waist goes out. Or your hips widen while your shoulders narrow. Everybody writes their own story, and guess what? There’s no wrong ending.
But here’s the thing: dressing after 50 shouldn’t feel like solving a puzzle with missing pieces. It should feel like putting on your favorite song and walking out the door.
To find your style at 50, start with your actual shape — the body you have right now by following our guide below:
How to Dress an Hourglass Shape
What it looks like: Your bust and hips are in proportion, with a naturally defined waist.
Style strategy: Show off your waistline, it’s your power move.
Pieces to try:
- Jumpsuit cinched at waist
- High-waisted wide-leg pants with tucked-in tops to emphasize your waist
- Tailored jackets that cinch slightly at the middle
Example outfit: A linen jumpsuit with block-heeled sandals + a cropped jacket for cooler nights.
How to Dress an Apple Body Shape
What it looks like: Fuller through the midsection with slimmer legs and often great shoulders.
Style strategy: Elongate your silhouette, spotlight your neckline, and show off those legs.
Pieces to try:
- V-neck tops (linen or cotton) to open the neckline and draw the eye upward
- Straight-leg trousers or slim pants that highlight your legs
- Flowy tops that skim (not cling), paired with more structured bottoms
Example outfit: A soft white V-neck linen blouse + navy slim trousers + block heels. Add a long pendant necklace for extra length.
How to Dress a Pear Shape
What it looks like: Hips are wider than shoulders, waist is often defined, and curves are lower-body dominant.
Style strategy: Balance your silhouette by adding structure and interest on top.
Pieces to try:
- Statement tops (ruffles, prints, color) to broaden shoulders visually
- A-line skirts that flow over hips
- Cropped jackets or blazers to highlight your waistline
Example outfit: Olive linen utility pants + cream A-line top with statement sleeves + sandals.
How to Dress a Rectangle Shape
What it looks like: Bust, waist, and hips are similar in width; less definition at the waist.
Style strategy: Create curves with layers, belts, and movement.
Pieces to try:
- Belts over dresses or tunics to carve a waistline
- Wide-leg trousers with tucked-in tops to add volume and shape
- Layered textures (linen on linen, cotton + knit) for dimension
Example outfit: A navy belted shirtdress with sneakers + an oversized linen blazer draped over shoulders.
How to Dress a Triangle Shape
What it looks like: Broader shoulders and bust with narrower hips. Strong shoulder line, athletic build.
Style strategy: Draw attention downward and add volume around the hips. Keep the top half clean and structured, let the lower half do the talking.
Pieces to try:
- Wide-leg pants or A-line skirts that add volume to your hips and create proportion
- V-necks and scoop necks that soften your shoulder line without hiding it
- Darker colors on top, lighter or bolder colors on bottom
- Straight or bootcut pants over skinny jeans
Example outfit: A navy belted shirtdress with sneakers + an oversized linen blazer draped over shoulders.
Beyond the Shapes: Dressing Your Energy
Shapes are a guide, not a rulebook. At 50+, style isn’t about disappearing or playing small. It’s about dressing with intention, breathable fabrics, cuts that feel good, and colors that light you up.
- Soft whites brighten
- Olive grounds
- Navy sharpens
- Wine brings confidence
Conscious Coterie: Real Clothes for Real Bodies
Your body is not a “before and after.” It’s a right now. And it deserves clothes that fit you, not the other way around. Hourglass, apple, pear, rectangle at 50+, you need clothes that work, fabrics that breathe, and style that feels as alive as you do.
Find your next outfit (and maybe your next signature shape formula) at Conscious Coterie, 7126 5th Ave Ste B, Old Town Scottsdale and 5410 E High St. Phoenix. Come see us. Try things on. Let us show you what actually works.
