🧹 What to Ditch After 50 (and what to keep)
There’s something powerful about reaching 50. It’s a milestone that brings clarity, confidence, and—yes—a healthy dose of self-awareness. We’ve weathered storms, celebrated milestones, and learned a lot along the way. And while the media might want to shelve us after a certain age, I say this is the perfect time to refine, refresh, and reclaim. So today, we’re diving into a little spring cleaning for the soul and the closet. Here’s what to ditch after 50—and what to keep.
Clothing that Doesn’t Fit (or Flatter)
If it tugs, pulls, gaps, or makes you feel less than your best, it’s time to say goodbye. And yes, that includes those “aspirational” jeans from ten years ago. Your closet should reflect who you are now—not who you used to be or hope to become.
I know, I know: This one might sting a little—because we’ve all done it. We’ve held on to that one pair of jeans we used to fit into. The dress from ten years ago that hasn’t zipped in five. Or the blouse that was almost perfect… if only we lost a few pounds.
But here’s the truth: clothes are meant to fit you—not the other way around.
Life after 50 brings so many changes—hormones, health, lifestyle. And guess what? That’s normal. Expected, even. But holding onto clothing that no longer fits isn’t motivation—it’s a burden.
This isn’t about ‘giving up’—it’s about showing up. Showing up for yourself, for your body, for this season of life. Because style isn’t just about how we look—it’s about how we feel.
You are not a number on a tag. You are not a ‘before’ photo. You are a woman with wisdom, strength, and taste—and your wardrobe should celebrate that.
So let’s stop saving space for who we used to be, and start curating a wardrobe that fits the incredible woman we are right now. What to ditch after 50? Yep, clothes that no longer fit!
Shop the Collage
A few of my favorite spring wardrobe staples from Lands’ End available at Nordstrom!
Outdated Style Rules
No white after Labor Day? Long hair past 50? Enough. We make the rules now, and they should serve you. Fashion is personal, and there’s nothing more stylish than confidence. Outdated style rules are on my what to ditch after 50 list and have been for a very long time.
I still remember the first time I wore white after Labor Day. It was a crisp October morning, and I pulled on a pair of white denim just because they made me feel good. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I could hear my mother’s voice whispering, “That’s not the way it’s done.” But I stepped out the door anyway—and never looked back.
After 50, we’re not interested in dusty old-fashioned rules that tell us what we can’t wear. No sleeves after sixty? Who came up with that one? Matching your shoes to your handbag? Sometimes, but not every time. If style is about expressing who you are, why let someone else’s rulebook define your story?
The truth is, confidence is the most stylish thing you can wear—and that never goes out of season.
Fast Fashion Hauls
Okay, let’s have a little heart-to-heart. If you’ve ever filled an online shopping cart at midnight because everything was under $20… you’re not alone. Fast fashion hauls can feel like a steal in the moment, but here’s the truth: those pieces often cost us more in the long run.
They shrink, fade, pill, or fall apart after two washes—and suddenly that ‘deal’ becomes clutter. And let’s be honest… do we really wear most of those impulse buys more than once or twice?
After 50, our wardrobe deserves the same kind of thought and care we give to other areas of our lives. Quality matters. Fit matters. And longevity? That’s everything.
Instead of chasing trends, I now look for investment pieces—the staples that anchor my wardrobe. A beautifully tailored blazer. A crisp white shirt. A cashmere sweater that feels like a warm hug.
Smart Investment Pieces for Women Over 50
Quality leather flats or loafers
Neutral blazer (structured or soft)
Dark-wash denim (great fit is key)
White button-up shirt
Timeless handbag in leather
Cashmere or merino wool sweater
Stretched Out Leggings
Let’s talk leggings. We all have that one pair—the faded black ones that used to fit just right but now… well, they sag in the knees, they’ve lost their stretch, and the waistband does more rolling than holding
Let’s be honest: they’re more lounge than luxe at this point. And if you’re wearing them to run errands, meet a friend for coffee, or even just feel put-together at home, they’re not exactly doing you any favors.
Here’s the upgrade: structured knit pants or tailored joggers. Same comfort, but with a whole new level of polish.
These aren’t your old-school sweatpants. Today’s knit trousers and joggers are soft, stretchy, and comfortable—but they hold their shape, hug in the right places, and elevate your look instantly.
Comparing Yourself to Others
Social media makes it tempting, but comparing yourself to others—especially people in different chapters of life—is a recipe for unhappiness. Embrace your journey. It’s uniquely yours.
Your wardrobe should feel like your best friend—supportive, inspiring, and always making you feel your best. If it makes you second-guess yourself or hide… it’s time to thank it and let it go
Every season of life deserves its own style evolution. You’ve grown. You’ve earned your confidence. So let’s build a wardrobe that reflects the powerful, beautiful woman you are right now.
Because when your wardrobe finally aligns with your confidence? That’s when the real style magic happens. Now that we’ve discussed What to Ditch After 50 let’s chat about what to keep!
🌟 What to Keep
They say turning 50 is about knowing what to let go—but I’ve found it’s just as much about knowing what to keep. Keep your sense of humor. Keep your red lipstick. Keep the heels if they still make you feel fabulous. Keep the classics that never fail you—a crisp white shirt, a great blazer, and that one dress that always makes you stand a little taller.
But most of all? Keep your confidence. That’s the piece that pulls every outfit together. Because style at a certain age isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about honoring what makes you feel like you.
A Signature Style
Now’s the time to refine what makes you you. Maybe it’s clean lines and neutrals, maybe it’s bold color and statement jewelry. The key is: own it. Here are a few timeless outfit ideas I reach for again and again:
Curiosity
Keep learning. Take the trip. Try the class. Learn the language. Feed your mind and heart with newness.
Your Inner Circle
Prioritize those who show up. Who celebrate your wins. Who brings wine when you’re down. Keep them close.
Healthy Habits
Wellness is a lifelong journey. Move your body. Prioritize sleep. Eat what makes you feel good. Aging gracefully is less about fighting time and more about honoring it.
✨ Closing Thoughts
After 50, life doesn’t slow down—it sharpens. We get to choose what stays and what goes, and that kind of freedom is nothing short of fabulous. So here’s to letting go of what no longer serves us and holding on tight to the things that do.
Tell me—what are you ditching and keeping after 50? Drop a comment below. Let’s inspire each other to live boldly, beautifully, and unapologetically at any age.
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