As we transition to fall, it can be difficult to figure out exactly what to wear every day. To dress for this tricky season, stylists recommend layering as the perfect way to navigate your wardrobe while the weather is getting cooler and more uncertain. But when you're over 60, you may have trouble finding the right way to balance this. Some layering pieces could make you feel like you look too young, while others might age you more than you'd like. To help you stay comfortable yet fashionable, we talked to stylists to get their best suggestions. Read on to discover their six tips for laying clothes if you're over 60.
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1 | Start with tissue tees.
iStockWhen it comes to layering, finding the perfect foundation is essential. Elizabeth Kosich, certified image stylist and founder of Elizabeth Kosich Styling, tells Best Life that she always recommends people start with tissue tees as they are lighter and more absorbent than a regular shirt.
"Layer under a boyfriend cardigan, jean jacket, or sweater coat and, when temps heat up, peel away the outer layer and drape it over your shoulders to stay chic while improving airflow," Kosich advises.
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2 | Incorporate other breathable fabrics.
iStockBut if tees aren't your thing, there are other options for your base layers. Shideh Kaviani, style expert and president of the global womenswear brand Naked Wardrobe, suggests incorporating other lightweight, breathable fabrics such as merino wool or cashmere.
"These materials provide warmth without bulk and allow for better temperature regulation, keeping you comfortable as the weather fluctuates," she explains. "This approach combines style and practicality by ensuring a mature and refined appearance while preventing overheating."
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3 | Experiment with monochrome layering.
iStockAs you get older, it can be harder to dress trendy without feeling like you are dressing too young for your age. But Holly Chayes, personal style coach and consultant, says she recommends people over 60 try experimenting with monochrome layering to make for an easier and more stylish look.
"Balancing colors in a layered outfit can get time-consuming, so consider keeping your outfit within the same color family and bringing interest with the layers themselves, the textures, and accessories," Chayes says.
4 | Embrace neutral tones.
iStockIf you don't want to go for the monochrome look, but still prefer not to mix and match many colors, Kate Adams, styling expert and founder of Linions, says it's a smart idea to lean towards neutral colors like beige, camel, and muted earthy tones.
"Neutrals exude elegance and maturity, making them a go-to choice for those over 60 while maintaining a comfortable temperature in the transitional season," she explains.
For a refined look while layering, Adams recommends pairing a neutral-colored skort with a coordinating blouse and cardigan. "Neutral tones offer versatility and can be easily combined to achieve a polished appearance," she notes.
5 | Purchase a pashmina wrap.
iStockIf you don't already have a pashmina wrap in your wardrobe, now is the time to get one, according to Kosich.
"Every woman should have a pashmina wrap at the ready at all times," she says. "It's small enough to stow in a handbag, heavy-duty enough to do the job, and versatile enough to transition from shawl to shrug to neck scarf to headscarf."
You can pair your pashmina wrap with any type of outfit to make for the perfect layer piece. "They are miracle workers and if you don’t already have a rainbow collection, invest in a new one each fall season until you do. You will have them forever," she adds.
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6 | Stay stylish with a shacket.
iStockYou can also transition into the fall season by throwing a shacket over any outfit—especially if it's still too warm to pull out your winter coats. "Heavyweight like a jacket, but styled like a shirt, the all-purpose shacket is a mashup of form and function in a single garment," Kosich explains.
They also help keep you looking stylish yet mature, according to Kosich. "When dressing down, shackets are instant outfit-polishers, keeping 'sloppy' at bay, plus are camouflaging for anyone wanting midriff coverage," she says. "Keep it casual with flannel or corduroy, or level up your look with suede or leather."
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