Style Advice for your 50s and 60s at Trafford Centre

I recently spent the day with a fabulous woman who is nearing the 60th milestone birthday and hired me to take her personal shopping to prove to her that style doesn’t have an age limit.

My client had recently retired so her lifestyle consisted of travelling, minding the grand-kids, walking, seeing friends and lots of other wonderful pastimes. After spending her successful working career in a suit, she was finding it tricky to identify her new style, which mainly needed to be ‘smart casual’ – yes that dreaded term yet again.

My client ALWAYS wore trousers, and being a size 16 felt that there was no way she could wear a dress in the day as she just couldn’t ever find one that would look right for day to day wear – let alone that would be as practical as trousers. Remember this is BEFORE she met me – I have a habit of changing people’s minds

So if you find yourself in a similar situation here are some of the fabulous purchases she made as a result of our personal shop together at Trafford Centre, Manchester. If you’re looking for inspiration, my favourite brands for a size 16 woman in her 50s and 60s include: -

Favourite Brands for Women in 50s and 60s in Trafford Centre

J by Jasper Conran, Betty Jackson Black, Phase Eight, Hobbs, Damsel in a Dress, Wallis, John Lewis WEEKEND collection, Mint Velvet and Zara.

This Phase Eight tunic dress can be worn with leggings and sandals in the summer AND with opaque tights and flat boots when we

get in to autumn, so is very versatile.

Phase Eight, £55

Try a Tunic

Considering my client had told me specifically that she didn’t ‘do dresses’ in the daytime, we started off pretty good with this fabulous Mint Velvet tunic. The knit was really flattering and hugged all the right curves and again was a comfortable and stylish alternative to her usual trousers which was just as practical when paired with leggings.

Mint Velvet, £59

Look for Quality Fabrics

Many women feel self-conscious about their mid-section and feel too exposed when wearing fitted or clingy tops. The genius behind Phase Eight’s gypsy tops, available in an array of colours, is the shorter length, 3/4 sleeves combined with the flattering neckline, all of which detracts from any lumps and bumps AND finishes in just the right spot to make your legs look longer!

Phase 8, £69

Invest in Good Jeans

I have had SO much success with NYD jeans for my clients in their 50s and 60s. You simply must try them if you are curvy and often feel self-conscious in other brands of jeans that you have tried in the past. We went for the beautiful classic indigo skinny and straight leg jeans, as it suited my client’ style, but for the more daring of you they have some great coloured denim in turquoise and coral – TDF!

NYD jeans from John Lewis, £140

Don’t Discount ‘Younger’ Stores

Think you’re not young enough to shop in Warehouse? Please! Warehouse are one of my faves on the high-street for ANY age. I think I converted my client today when we bought this beautiful studded knit top that went fantastic with our NYD jeans or these classic and very flattering chinos (a welcome change from jeans and trousers, and one of my top sellers for ss12!)

Warehouse £40

Warehouse now £20