Life is full of changes, and as you move through different stages, dramatic shifts happen to your appearance, attitude, and sense of style. Especially when you hit that milestone age of 50. Suddenly, what worked for you in your 20s, 30s, or even 40s might feel off. Whether you’ve noticed your face and body taking on a new shape or your wardrobe choices becoming radically different, here’s a rundown of the transformations you experience in this new chapter of life.
1. Face Shape Changes
One of the strangest, most noticeable changes is in your face shape. As gravity and age take their toll, collagen production slows down, and the once firm and defined lines of your cheeks, eyes, and jaw soften, giving your face a more rounded, saggier appearance. Your skin texture changes, too. That bright, clear complexion becomes dull, and sunspots and an uneven surface take hold. That youthful glow will also fade as oil production slows, your complexion becomes drier, and fine lines and wrinkles set in. These changes mean you’ll need to rethink your anti-aging routine and your approach to makeup
2. Hair Becomes Dry, Thin and Gray
As you age, your hair undergoes a transformation as well. Not only does it start to thin out, but it becomes drier and more brittle. The vibrant color of your youth may fade into a silvery gray or white. This is because melanin (the pigment responsible for your natural hair color) production slows as a result of genetic aging. You can usually determine how fast you’ll go gray based on your parents or grandparents. During the graying phase, your hair can look multi-tona as it transitions from darker shades to gray to white. This can alter your approach to dressing, as the colors you once loved and looked flattering no longer work with your new coloring, which is typically lighter and softer.
3. Middle Age Spread is a Reality
Ah, the middle-age spread—a phrase we’re all dreading. As you age, your body shape changes, especially around the midsection. Fluctuating or relaxing can cause your rib cage to become straighter, making your waist less defined. Weight also tends to shift from the hips and thighs up to the torso. A shape-shifting body means you have to reevaluate the way you dress and your style preferences. It can also knock your confidence, so embrace your new shape by finding comfortable yet chic new fashion solutions.
4. Eyes Narrow and Eyelids Droop
Drooping eyelids, as a result of skin elasticity, are a common but annoying part of aging. When they head south, your eyes can also look squinty and narrow. As your eyelids become less taut, rethink your go-to makeup looks. Steer clear of heavy, matte eyeshadows and focus on highlighting the brow bone with an illuminator or strategic eyeliner placement to create the illusion of lift. A well-defined brow will also frame your face and open up the eye area, and you can cheat your way to a full brow with a pen infused with fibers. Also, always apply volumizing mascara to the top and bottom lashes to awaken the eyes.
5. Posture Takes a Hit
Maintaining a strong posture becomes more challenging with age, but it’s more important than ever. A slouched posture can not only make you look older, but it can impact the way your clothes look and also ruin your confidence. Incorporate exercises and stretches into your routine that strengthen your core and back muscles to stand tall and feel pain-free. It’s also worth gravitating toward clothing with structured silhouettes, like button-down shirts and blazers, to help you appear more upright and polished.
6. Feet Thin Out
Your poor old feet become thinner, drier, and more sensitive as you get older. This change can make it difficult to wear the high heels, wedges, and statement you once loved. Hang up your stilettos and prioritize comfort without sacrificing style. Invest in high-quality, supportive footwear—think cushioned insoles, arch support, and breathable materials—like loafers, a mid-stacked heel, a low ankle boot, or a dressy sneaker.
7. You Develop “Turkey Neck”
The skin on your neck is thinner and more prone to sagging, which can lead you to develop a case of “turkey neck” as you age. Your neck has less collagen, so it’s important to use firming, anti-aging creams formulated for it. Your skincare routine does not stop at your job. A craggy neck can impact your relationship with certain necklines. Instead of avoiding low necklines altogether, consider incorporating scarves, statement necklaces, or high-collared tops that draw attention up and away from the décolletage.
8. Age Spots Make Their Debut
Brown age spots, also known as sun or liver spots, tend to make their appearance known when you hit your 50s on your face, body, and hands. These hyperpigmented areas are a result of years of sun exposure and can change the overall tone and texture of your skin. While they are aging and unsightly, there are ways to manage them. Incorporate skincare products that target hyperpigmentation and brighten the skin, like vitamin C, niacinamide, and retinol. Apply foundation and concealer strategically to even out your skin tone without going overboard so it doesn’t look harsh, heavy, and cakey.
9. Hormones Go Haywire
Menopause is usually in full force by 50, and this major hormonal transition affects your body and your mood. A loss of estrogen usually means weight gain and distribution; weight often moves from the hips and thighs to the belly and torso. Yep, hello again, middle-age spread. A changing body can be annoying, frustrating, and confidence-busting, so keep up your exercise regime and pivot your fashion approach accordingly. Remember, confidence comes from feeling good in your skin, even your new skin.
10. You Switch Up Your Personal Style
As your body changes, your fashion attitude pivots. What worked at 20 or 30 may feel completely out of place at 50. You might gravitate towards more sophisticated, structured pieces that offer a bit more coverage or opt for looser silhouettes that prioritize comfort without compromising style. This is also a time when you start to value quality over quantity and enduring classics over tricky or fleeting trends. Cold and print is also up for review as changes to your coloring and shape mean just don’t hit like they used to. Or suit you.
11. Your Makeup Approach Becomes Strategic
Changes in your skin’s texture, firmness, and hydration levels mean your makeup routine needs an update. Instead of using a heavy matte foundation, opt for lighter, hydrating formulas that enhance your natural complexion and won’t look cakey and settle into fine lines and wrinkles. Satin, liquid, and cream-based formulations become your new best friends. Meanwhile, matte powders, matte lipsticks, shimmering or metallic shadows, blushes, or highlighters become your worst enemies. Focus on creating a dewy glow, opening up the eye area, and adding color, fullness, and shine to your lips.
12. You Rethink Your Accessory Approach
Accessories can be tricky to navigate as your style becomes more polished and sophisticated. You may decide less is more and lean into more straightforward, meaningful accessories instead of loading up on trendy pieces. A classic watch, a statement necklace, or a pair of timeless earrings can elevate your style without feeling overdone. You also only need a great day bag and a cute lunch for evenings.
13. You Start to Give Zero You-Know-Whats
One of the most empowering changes that come with age is no longer giving a you-know-what about what others think. This newfound freedom and confidence is an attitude that you begin to apply to every aspect of your life, including your personal style. You don’t sweat the small stuff, you aren’t seeking external validation, and you dress and live life on your terms regardless of trends or societal expectations. Whether it’s ditching uncomfortable shoes for something more practical or finally embracing bold colors and eccentric fashion choices, you finally become the master of your own universe.