Tops Over 50: Go Figure!

I don't know about you, but my figure isn't what it was 10 years ago. My weight is about the same, but my shape definitely isn't. I've gone from an imperfect hourglass to a very ripe old pear shape. When I first noticed my shape shifting, I wanted to hide under boxy or baggy clothing. But unless you're shaped like a pencil, baggy tops and bottoms only make your figure look much worse. Every other body shape--apple, pear, hourglass and womanly--benefit from a little structure. Take, for instance, the Jones New York Tie Front Ruffle Blouse (was $89, now $69) above. The tie offers a little feminine structure without being form-fitting. Below you'll find a sample of other feminine JNY tops with ties or belts for women over 50.


In fact, Jones New York is having a site-wide sale this weekend. To view, click any of the photos below. I'm sorry about all the young babes. The funny thing is, I don't really think young babes would wear any of these styles. The designs look much better suited to women over 50. If only JNY would show them in models of a certain age. I'll keep wishing.

SHORTER SHIRT LENGTHS
If the top hangs outside your pants or skirts (I don't remember the last time I wore a blouse tucked in!), you'll want to consider what shirt length--hovering around the hips or the upper thighs--flatters your body shape and legs. I'm 5'4" with less than perfect hips and thighs. A long shirt only draws attention to the bottom of my pear shape and short legs. A top that is hip-length, like the one above, is best. The Jones New York Safari Tie Front Blouse ($84) below is another example of a short top with tie.






A top with a high belt and which is fluttery below the belt is also great way to take the attention off a little extra belly weight. Okay, this next top is technically a sweater, but I love it and had to share it.





Jones New York Polka Dot Shirt ($89)



LONGER SHIRT LENGTHS
If you're over 5'5'', and especially if you've got long legs, a longer shirt length with a tie or belt may look very flattering. Here are a couple of possibilities.




Jones New York 3/4 Sleeve Pullover ($89)






Jones New York Smocked Shirt Blouse ($79)


SAVE NOW, WEAR LATER
A shopping strategy I regularly follow is buying garments on sale at the end of the season and then putting them away till the season returns. Styles don't change that quickly and now that over 50, I don't worry about being on fashion's cutting edge. If I find something I love and it's flattering, I'll wear it for years. And if I can get it at a drastically reduced price--all the better. And that's why I've included the next top, even though you might not wear it for 7 months.





Jones New York Long Sleeve Faux Wrap Tie Blouse (was $139, now $70)