As a fashion editor, I'm often asked for pointers on the latest trends so readers can feel "up to date", but in my experience, I've found that the best outfits are often made up of the timeless classics that flatter everyone, rather than flash-in-the-pan aesthetics.
Like so many other women, I feel most confident when I look my best, but putting together confidence-boosting outfits is a fine skill, so when it comes to discussing the best buys for a reader over 50, my advice is exactly the same as it would be for anyone else: Start with wardrobe staples and investment pieces. How you express yourself through fashion has nothing to do with age, but it does pay to build a capsule wardrobe that will see you through any season and still look good years down the line.
So, where do you begin when assembling a well-curated wardrobe, I hear you ask? I turned to an expert for advice.
Designer and founder of WYSE London Marielle Wyse knows a thing or two about styling women of any age. Scrolling through Instagram, I couldn't help but notice how her sound style tips and easy-to-re-create looks apply to women in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond, and if you were expecting ankle skirts and twin sets, I'll stop you there. Her comprehensive jeans collection, an affinity for leg-baring hemlines and her penchant for minimalist accessorising are all nods to her French heritage—and at Who What Wear UK, we have learnt a lot from stylish Parisians.
Whether you're looking for trending buys or luxury splurges, or are hoping to streamline a chaotic wardrobe, keep scrolling to see seven ways to build a capsule from one of the best in the industry, plus her key anti-trend fail-safe pieces.
1. THE WHITE SHIRT
Style Notes: Sorry, T-shirts, but when it comes to layering pieces, a classic Oxford shirt wins out for its polished finish. Wyse's choice? The perfect white button-down, of course, especially with a looser, laid-back fit. "A relaxed white shirt gives me a Katharine-Hepburn feel, especially when it has a relaxed shape and a stiff collar that can stay 'popped,'" she says.
Shop White Shirts:
Perfect tucked into high-waisted jeans.
With Nothing Underneath's best-selling boyfriend shirt comes in so many different colours.
A linen option that comes heatwave-ready.
2. THE CASHMERE KNIT
Style Notes: It might be summer, but a fine knit is a versatile wonder you'll be glad to have in your wardrobe as soon as temperatures get cooler. "I founded Wyse with cashmere jumpers, and they are still a staple of our collection," notes Wyse. "I believe you can wear them year-round, from chilly evenings on your summer holidays all the way to Christmas." Her tip? Pair a light cashmere knit with shorts and skirts in summer, and layer it over T-shirts and dresses for autumn and winter.
Shop Cashmere Knits:
Such a good lightweight knit for summer.
Such! Cute! Stripes!
A neutral knit will go with everything.
3. THE FLARED JEANS
Style Notes: Straight-leg jeans will always be trending, but when it comes to a shape that flatters every figure (and looks great dressed up or down), flared jeans are a reliable choice. "A flared jean is a shape that makes me feel good all day," says Wyse. "It's such a classic shape but feels immediately modern in a dark wash or with a carpenter pocket detail. I like to add a French twist to a lot of our pieces (being half French myself), and I love the distinctly Parisian edge a flare gives to an outfit."
Shop Flared Jeans:
Proof that the French have perfected high-waisted, wide-leg jeans.
Just add a ruffle blouse and tan sandals.
This whole outfit is total perfection.
4. TONAL LAYERING
Style Notes: Colour-blocking has always been the fashion insider's secret to looking expensive, but Wyse uses head-to-toe hues to play with proportions too. "I’m not the tallest, so tonal dressing is my special secret to elongate the body," she advises. "I like playing with interesting, unexpected colours like this beautiful green [pictured above], so I don't have to always rely on monochrome."
Shop Tonal Pieces:
Just when I thought I had enough striped shirts in my collection, this one changed my mind.
The perfect loose-leg fit.
A.Emery is a Who What Wear UK-editor favourite.
5. THE SILK DRESS
Style Notes: Dresses are the instant outfit we turn to for just about any occasion, but on the days you have to meet a more formal dress code, Wyse's go-to is silk. "Fabric is so important to me, and I think it can make or break an outfit. A silk dress always makes me feel special and gives me a boost of confidence throughout the day. Plus, it helps that it’s the perfect day-to-night dressing option," she says.
Shop Silk Dresses:
You can never go wrong with a slip dress.
Such a pretty shape and print.
You'll wear this for years to come.
6. THE JUMPSUIT
Style Notes: Not into dresses? Fear not, jumpsuits have all of the ease of dresses but with the added practicality of trousers. Did we mention they're also just as versatile? "I love effortless dressing, and a jumpsuit is just that; they’re so easy to dress up with heels or down with flats or trainers for sporty-chic. I always make sure we have a jumpsuit in our collections as they are so versatile, and they're especially good for autumn dressing when you don’t know what the weather will be doing," says Wyse.
Shop Jumpsuits:
Perfect with sandals and a basket bag.
Your weekend outfit sorted.
Black linen is so chic.
7. THE KNIT TANK
Style Notes: Outfit planning can be tricky in transitional weather. When it's too warm for a jumper but too chilly for a tee, try a sleeveless knit for peak comfort. "I love this staple for transitional seasons," notes Wyse. "You can wear a knitted tank with bare arms, over a dress or layered over a shirt." The possibilities are endless and just think of the cost per wear…
Shop Knit Tank Tops:
This comes in eight different colours.
The scallop edging is so cute.
Bring on autumn!
