Making Slouchy Style Work at 60+

Over the last few years we have seen a return to the oversize silhouette we loved – or hated – in the eighties.  Baggy jeans, baggy sweaters, boyfriend shirts and this year even the return of those slouchy boots that were so popular.

Frankly, I think nothing looks more fun that a young slim person in slouchy style. The excess fabric and rounded fluid lines accentuate their relaxed view of the world, their lack of interest in following restrictive rules, and their ability to move easily.

However, I am not young nor am I slim.  So, can I wear slouchy outfits at 70+?

The truth is that most of us often wear relaxed clothing when we’re just staying home or off for a walk.  Who wants to wear fitted pants and a belt when snuggled on the coach ready to binge-watch our favorite Netflix series?

As I live alone, often walk my dog and spend quite a bit of time on my laptop, many of my days start and end in slouchy style.

But when I go shopping or to see friends and family or simply go out for a coffee break, I like to look a bit smarter.  So here I’m sharing with you a few quick and easy ways I go from all-out slouchy style to a chicer look.

Keep the wide pants, wear a structured top

In Spring, I might be wearing very wide linen trousers with an elasticated waist,  with a tee and an oversized boyfriend shirt as my ‘not going out’ outfit.

Obviously, the best look would be a fitted tee above the wide pants if I’m off out.  But I have too much fat around my back and middle to wear a fitted top these days.  So I’d lump (sic) for a cardigan or jacket with structure to give a rectangle silhouette.  This works fine with a couple of accessories ‘to look like I’ve made an effort’!

In colder weather I often wear this black athleisure set from M&S.  It has huge wide pants that would not disgrace the skateboard set.  But they are so very warm, soft and forgiving with their elastic waist.  I can stretch and bend in them and curl up with a book or potter about the house so easily.  Quite different from jeans.

The top is a thick oversize sweatshirt in the same fleecy-lined fabric.

So how do I make this super-slouchy outfit look smart enough for the outside world?

Straight pants with slouchy style sweatshirt

I can stay with this top but need to make the bottoms more structured.  In that way I make a casual outfit with my preferred inverted triangle silhouette – large at the top and narrower at the bottom.  This is a good way of disguising my large mid-section and heavy hips.

Straight-leg jeans are an obvious choice for a smarter look. I can keep my sneakers on – though I usually have bare feet or thick socks on at home – for a sporty vibe or add loafers for a more urban outfit.

Add accessories such as a belt, a tote and finally a little scarf at the neck to focus attention on my face rather than my hips.

So, can we wear slouchy style ‘off-couch’ at 60+.  Yes, but not all over and not all the time. 

If you like styling tips for the older woman you might like these posts:

Styling knee-high boots with skirts and dresses at 50+

Styling leggings over 50