I'm in My 50s, and I Wear These Under-$99 Pieces More Than Anything

Janet Gunn is the inspiring influencer behind The Grateful Gardenia. Originally from Texas, the 57-year-old style guru is now settled in Los Angeles with her husband, son, and dog named Buster. She's worked as a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, flight attendant, actor, jewelry designer, and beyond—in other words, she has a ton of experience and an equally cool personal style to match. Below, Gunn shares how to style under-$99 pieces. Read on for her insights and shop the looks you love best, whether you're 57, 27, or somewhere in between. For more of her looks, don't miss her Instagram account, @janetgunngratefulgardenia.

Staying true to your style doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Mixing high and low fashion is something you can have fun with. As your age goes up, so does your confidence level, so pour the rosé, break some rules, and have a good time! I'm excited to share a few of my favorite fashion items that get the job done for under $125. But first, a few things I always keep in mind that you might also find helpful.

No need to spend on trend.

Be savvy when you shop.

Break some rules.

Make it personal.

Most importantly, keep it comfy.

Expressing the true you doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. Have fun my fearless 50s fashionistas!

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Janet Gunn)

A boldly printed scarf is sometimes the only accessory you need to transform an outfit.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Janet Gunn)

Dress up a playful graphic tee by draping a blazer over your shoulders and slipping into black denim.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Janet Gunn)

Add a touch of bohemian influence to your summer weekend looks with a printed maxi dress and lace-up sandals.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Janet Gunn)

Toughen up a dainty dress with sporty sneakers.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Janet Gunn)

Team a pale-pink bag with a scarf tied around the handle with your favorite sneakers for a cool contrast.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Janet Gunn)

Here's another way to wear my favorite Cortez sneakers.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Janet Gunn)

For days when you need to get dressed fast, you can always rely on a denim jacket layered over a classic white tank. Mix things up with a pair of comfortable printed pants and your go-to leather sandals.

Up next: over-50 women with ridiculously good style you need to check out immediately.

Nicole Kliest
Freelance Contributor

Nicole Kliest is a freelance writer and editor based in New York City who focuses on fashion, travel, food, wine, and pretty much anything else that's amusing to write about. After graduating from Pepperdine University with a bachelor's in journalism and creative writing, she started her career back in 2010 as Who What Wear's photo editor and throughout the last decade has contributed to publications including Fashionista, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, The Zoe Report, PopSugar, Fodor's Travel, and several others. She also copywrites and has worked with clients such as Frame, Sea, 3x1, Intelligentsia, and others to develop brand voices through storytelling and creative marketing. She's very passionate about the ways we can improve our sustainability efforts in the fashion industry as well as cultivating content that's diverse and inclusive of all people. When she's not checking out the latest restaurant opening in her West Village neighborhood or riding her bicycle along the West Side Highway, she can be found scheming her next trip somewhere around the world. (Up next is Vienna.)