Great style is truly timeless, and with years of experimentation behind them, I've found that more often than not, it's the over-50s who do classically chic the best. Having found the fabrics, cuts, colours and pieces that work whilst making them feel their best—and with the extra confidence that comes with age—their fashion choices are always worth tuning into.
Still brimming with new-year energy, I'm turning my attention to the women over 50 who are nailing fashion in 2024 (and always have done) to inform my looks for the rest of the year. Luckily, many celebrity style icons fall into this age bracket. From Kelly Rutherford's iconic front-row style to Michelle Obama's inimitable outfits, these ensembles are always elegant, sometimes daring and are guaranteed to earn you compliments if you decide to join me in taking inspiration.
Scroll on to discover the stylish over-50 celebrities I'm turning to for style inspiration this year.
THE OVER-50 CELEBRITIES I'M LOOKING TO FOR STYLE INSPIRATION IN 2024
1. Tracee Ellis Ross
Style Notes: Balancing the fun with the functional, Tracee Ellis Ross' style doesn't fit into a box. Just as comfortable in vibrant colours and dramatic cuts as she is in pared-back and polished looks, the actor continues to experiment with her style, with her combinations always proving to be a success.
Shop the Look:
A collarless button-down looks so chic underneath a blazer or jumper.
These trousers are pretty much a cult buy at this point. Style with a slouchy knit or dress up with a blazer.
Speaking of cult buys…
2. Michelle Obama
Style Notes: A fan of striking silhouettes and vibrant colour, the former first lady isn't afraid to have fun with her wardrobe. Favouring high-waisted trousers and sleeveless tops, her modern take on event dressing has cemented her as a style icon.
Shop the Look:
Wear with brown and beige hues for a chic tonal look.
Brown trousers are an easy way to elevate the feel of a neutral outfit.
3. Julia Roberts
Style Notes: Always on our fashion radar, Julia Roberts is no fashion newbie. From glamorous red carpet style to enviably chic day-to-day looks, we'll always return to Roberts for outfit inspiration.
Shop the Look:
The dramatic silhouette will do all of the hard work for you.
Trust me: these will come in handy for many an outfit build.
4. Gabrielle Union
Style Notes: Favouring wearable silhouettes and party-ready looks, Gabrielle Union's personal style is ideal for day-to-day dressing. Whilst this elegant look is from late last year, it lives rent-free in our minds as the ultimate party-dressing inspiration.
Shop the Look:
A white coat is the easiest way to add a fresh feel to a winter outfit.
This also comes in lilac.
5. Gwyneth Paltrow
Style Notes: As somewhat of a queen of quiet luxury, Gwyneth Paltrow knows a thing or two about how to construct a chic outfit. With a wardrobe full of fabulous designers, she's our go-to for elevated and sophisticated outfit inspiration.
Shop the Look:
This also comes in five other colours.
Wear with a tonal top or style with a cream blouse.
6. Jennifer Lopez
Style Notes: Jennifer Lopez's luxurious style leans heavily on wide-leg trousers, puddle pants and faux-fur coats as staples. Low effort and high impact, with just a few key buys her style is easy to emulate.
Shop the Look:
This is guaranteed to keep you cosy in the chilliest of weather.
Wide-leg jeans are a wardrobe necessity.
7. Taraji P. Henson
Style Notes: Often seen styling a monochrome look, Henson leans upon structured silhouettes and tonal outfits to achieve an elegant ensemble time after time.
Shop the Look:
The easiest way to add some vibrancy to a winter wardrobe.
Style with a belt for a more structured shape.
8. Naomi Watts
Style Notes: Naomi Watts' elegant style remains simple yet striking. Leaning upon tried-and-true outfits, she can often be found in a tailored two-piece or breezy summer dress.
Shop the Look:
A well-tailored suit is always a good idea.
Wear with a white tee or style with the matching blazer.
9. Demi Moore
Style Notes: Like so many stylish women, Demi Moore prefers to lean on a simple colour palette, favouring jet black or fresh white for her everyday looks.
Shop the Look:
A black trench is an easy way to elevate your springtime wardrobe if you favour dark colours.
Pair with everything from retro trainers to sleek Mary Janes.
10. Kelly Rutherford
Style Notes: Spotted on the front row throughout Couture Fashion Week, Kelly Rutherford has been garnering more and more attention for her sophisticated style and elegant taste.
Shop the Look:
This elegant jacket looks equally as chic with jeans and kitten heels as it does the matching skirt.
Wear with knee-high boots or slingbacks depending on the occasion.
A timeless bag.
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