Fashion Fridays, Kuel Life Thought Leader: Tracy Gold
When it comes to wardrobe basics for women over 50, I say ditch the cookie-cutter checklist and make your own rules, starting with pieces that actually make you feel bold, beautiful, and seen.
Let’s be honest—the little black dress just doesn’t do it for everyone. Especially not when your midlife body is shifting and you’re navigating the whole menopausal belly thing. And yet, so many style experts keep insisting it’s a must-have wardrobe basic.
Well, girlfriend, I’m calling that out.
Why The Usual Wardrobe Basics For Women Over 50 Don’t Work For All Of Us:
We are not all the same. So why should we all wear the same thing?
As a stylist who’s been dressing women over 40 for more than 20 years, I want to show you how to rethink those so-called “classics” in a way that actually flatters your shape, celebrates your personality, and doesn’t hide you in a sea of black.
Let’s do this.
Trade The Classic Black Dress For A Bold, Belly-Friendly Wrap Dress:
If you’ve been told to default to black because it’s “slimming,” let me just say—yawn. I’m not about hiding. I’m about shining.
My go-to alternative? A boldly colored, well-fitting wrap dress.
But here’s the trick, not all wrap dresses are created equal. You want one with:
- A generous wrap (no accidental cleavage explosions),
- A defined waist,
- And a hem that flares slightly to balance your shape.
Avoid those narrow pencil-cut styles that cling in all the wrong places and make your tummy the star of the show. That’s not the kind of attention we’re going for.
Instead Of A White Button-Down, Go For A Printed Blouse With Personality:
A white shirt is supposed to be another “must.” But if you’re like me, with a pale complexion and zero patience for ironing; it’s not doing you any favors.
Give me a vibrant print any day. I want to walk into a room and be seen, not disappear.
Here’s a trick I love: take a looser blouse, cross it over like a wrap top, and tuck it into a high-waisted pair of jeans. Boom. Instant waist. Instant shape. Instant style. And yes, it goes with my red leather jacket. (Because yes, I consider red a neutral.)
Swap Out The Classic Blazer For A Leather Jacket That Pops:
You’re probably expecting me to say every woman should own a classic blazer. Surprise! I don’t even have one. Instead, I reach for my red leather jacket all the time. It works because it fits my shape, fits my wardrobe, and fits my personality. That’s what makes it a basic; for me.
You want a go-to layering piece? Pick one that suits your coloring, body, and closet. Forget black if it feels heavy or harsh. Go bold. Go colorful. Go you.
Rethink The “Classic” Jeans And Find A Pair That Loves Your Body:
Jeans are one classic I can get behind, but not the “dark-wash-straight-leg-or-else” rules stylists love to preach.
Right now, I’m obsessed with high-waisted flared jeans that balance out my shape, hug my waist, and make me feel amazing. The key isn’t what’s “classic.” The key is what flatters your body and feels fantastic on.
Because midlife isn’t about disappearing. It’s about finally being seen—on your terms, in your style.
You’ve earned it.
Watch the full video below to see these tips in action.
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About the Author:
Tracy is a Menopause Style Expert, Fashion Designer, and Show Host. With two decades of experience in styling women of different body shapes and sizes, along with her personal journey through perimenopause, she founded Tracy Gold New York. Recognizing the profound effect clothing can have on a woman’s body image at midlife, she developed this brand, which offers a fun and customizable collection designed to adapt to a woman’s body changes with style. Need some help discovering what works for your body now https://tracygoldfashiontips.com/
