5 Things Every Woman In Her 60s Should Have In Her Closet, According To Our Personal Stylist

It's an inevitable fact that our wardrobes need constant tweaking and adjustments as we move through each phase of life. Every season offers a fresh opportunity to add new pieces to our collections and recycle the old, and that's particularly prevalent as we age. Reaching a certain number doesn't suddenly mean that our favorite pieces are no longer appropriate, but we tend to naturally evolve in our fashion senses as we get older — just like a snake shedding its skin. A lot of the time, it comes down to maturing tastes, but sometimes, a fresh view of style is born out of our needs changing with our bodies. You might find that, suddenly, an unsupportive bra doesn't cut it anymore, or you officially have no more time for super-cool jeans that don't suit you (read: 2023's barrel-leg jeans trend, the denim silhouette that flattered absolutely no one).

Updating your closet in your 60s is fun, but the process can be overwhelming, so we turned to personal stylist Jordan of MiKADO Personal Styling to get an idea of what's crucial to have in your fashion repertoire and what pieces should get the flick the next time you clean out your closet. Above all, she explains exclusively to Glam that this is an era of life where the pressure to persist with uncomfortable garments just because they're trendy is so, so over. It's time to put your comfort first and look your best while doing it. 

The outside world might not ever see your undergarments, but not having the right pieces can be detrimental to your comfort (and even your look). When you reach your 60s, low-quality, ill-fitting, and uncomfortable bras no longer have a place in your wardrobe — because you deserve better. "Bra size will often change as you get older, go through menopause, or experience hormone/weight changes," Jordan shares. "It's important to have some go-to options that fit properly, sit comfortably, and work well under all of your clothing." Even when the rest of your ensemble is perfect, wearing the wrong bra can lead to everything from unnatural bulging and strange creases to incessant fidgeting. In our exclusive conversation, Jordan recommends getting a professional fitting to determine not only your correct size but also what styles suit your body. Otherwise, consider learning how to accurately measure your bra size at home. 

On that note, Jordan cautions against keeping any clothing that doesn't fit well. "Proper fit solves 90% of style challenge, especially as we age," she explains, adding that when clothes don't fit properly, they can make you look older than you are or emphasize the points that you'd like to conceal. If you want to experience the "immediate confidence boost" that comes with a proper fit, it's important not to bury your head in the sand when it comes to size change. It doesn't matter what that number is; all that matters is it looks and feels great on you.

Having a perfect pair of jeans (or ideally more than one perfect pair) is a necessity for anyone's closet. This trans-seasonal staple will never go out of fashion, though specific jean trends seem to change every year. Since jeans are such an integral part of so many looks, from the casual to the dressy, it's crucial to go for styles that really work for you. "Be sure to compare different brands to ensure you end up with styles you love to wear," Jordan advises in our exclusive chat, adding that the more iconic colors, such as black and dark blue, are worth investing in because they're versatile and have staying power. 

Jeans got even baggier in 2024, but Jordan doesn't recommend mindlessly following fashion trends in any case, and this is especially important when it comes to staples. "Rather than asking, 'What are the latest trends everyone is wearing?' ask, 'Does this feel like me and am I excited by the idea of wearing this?'" she suggests, noting that the age of feeling like you have to "keep up with trends" just because they're hot is over. By your 60s, you'll hopefully have a clearer idea of your identity and the ways you like to express it, so there's no need to bow down to what influencers and celebrities determine to be stylish. The world is your oyster when it comes to jean silhouettes, but if you need a place to start, Jordan recommends going for boot-cut and straight-leg jeans since they're "flattering on all body types."

Another wardrobe essential for folks over 60? Layering pieces. Since you want your clothing collection to work for a wide range of seasons and scenarios, it's vital to have versatile garments that can be adapted to different conditions. This logic is all the more important for mature women since they're more likely to deal with hot flashes, during which they'll appreciate the chance to strip down to the basics. "Body temperature tends to fluctuate easily in your 60s, especially as you transition between environments like [the] car, to [the] office, to [the] outdoors," Jordan explains exclusively to Glam. "Your closet should have a handful of key layering pieces, such as simple cardigans, blazers and lightweight jackets. These will integrate well with your basics, while allowing you to maintain the integrity of your outfit even as they're taken on and off."

Obviously, winter layering will be a key component of your outfits when it's cold, but you can also experiment with lightweight layering in the shoulder seasons. Reach for breathable fabrics that won't make you feel stifled and are easy to get rid of when the moment arises (ultra-long coats, for example, probably aren't great for this). If you aim for neutral colors, you'll be able to build a wider range of outfits. The Amazon Essentials Women's Lightweight Open-Front Cardigan Sweater comes in 20 different colors, but shades like Light Grey Heather, Camel Heather, and Black would be good choices for neutral layering outerwear. 

While you might have put up with discomfort for the sake of fashion when you were younger, that card becomes harder to play after 60. There comes a time when we all must prioritize what feels good, but Jordan assures us that this doesn't mean settling for lackluster style, especially when it comes to footwear. "Look for brands that provide functional elements, such as proper support and grip, while also prioritizing the aesthetic of the design," she reveals. "Go-to styles that work with everything are: loafers, oxfords, boots, and tennis shoes." Clarks Women's Caroline Orchid Ankle Boots, for example, are highly reviewed thanks to their comfort factor, as are the Dream Pairs Women's Loafers.

A few pairs of these everyday shoes are almost enough to get you through, but Jordan also suggests having at least once dressier shoe for special occasions. Remember: Heels don't have to equate to pain, and block heels are typically more comfortable and easier to walk in than stilettos. You can also choose the most comfortable heels by taking into account your foot shape. Wide feet, for example, suit heels with a rounded toe, while those with flat feet should consider kitten heels and wedges for more support. 

If you have uncomfortable footwear — or even clothes — remaining from past seasons that you once put up with, now's the time to scour your wardrobe. "Less is more in a functional closet, allowing you to focus on the pieces you feel good in," Jordan tells us exclusively, adding that it's high time for "the shoes you never wear because they pinch your feet" to vanish without a trace.

Contrary to popular belief, getting older doesn't mean forgetting about style and trends. You can still make comfort and practicality your priority while embracing the fashion movements you love, and there's no better way to do that than with accessories. "Let your personality shine through in your wardrobe by playing up accessories that feel true to your sense of style," Jordan says, noting that everything from winter scarves to jewelry and handbags offer new opportunities to express yourself. In our exclusive conversation, she suggests "mixing and matching your core clothing items, and changing out the accessories for different looks." While the obvious accessories are seasonal, you'll get wear out of others all year, like your handbags and belts, so it might make sense for you to splurge there. 

With jewelry specifically, some trends can feel a little out of reach for more mature women, like 2023's big, bold, and maximalist jewelry trend or the statement pendant-necklace trend designed for those who aer over dainty jewelry. But Jordan stresses that there's really no such thing as age-appropriate dressing, as fashion should be about how you represent your individuality. She cautions against wearing jewelry or accessories that you don't like but feel like you need to wear because they've been marketed as "age appropriate," and advocates for following your heart instead.