If you’re like most women, your home is positively brimming with clothing. In fact, according to a recent survey by ClosetMaid, the average American woman has 103 items in her closet. However, if you’re eager to upgrade your look, you don’t have to add to that overflowing mess: all it takes is the right accessories.
For women over 50, who’ve spent a lifetime cultivating a distinct personal style, completely revamping a wardrobe can seem like a thankless task. Fortunately, there’s an easy way to make over those beloved pieces in no time. We’ve rounded up the essential accessories every woman over 50 should have in her closet, making it a breeze to transform those staples lurking in the back of your closet in an instant.
Image via Anthropologie 1 A pair of statement earrings
$58; buy now at Anthropologie
The right pair of statement earrings, like this black beaded pair from Anthropologie, can instantly take an outfit from day to night. Better yet, they pair just as well with a white t-shirt and jeans, adding some much-needed flair to an otherwise dressed-down brunch outfit.
Image via Hermès 2 A patterned silk scarf
$395; buy now at Hermès
If you want to take your outfit in a more sophisticated direction, add a patterned silk scarf, like this vibrant number from Hermès. Even if an ascot isn’t exactly up your alley, you can easily incorporate a silk scarf into your lineup by using it as a headband or simply tying it to your purse for a pop of color.
Image via Kate Spade 3 A bracelet watch
$250; buy now at Kate Spade
The right timepiece, like this elegant bracelet watch from Kate Spade, can work beautifully alongside your usual jewelry. In fact, menswear-inspired watches like this one not only work with everything from ripped jeans to cocktail dresses, they’re also a great way to make your arms look longer and leaner.
Image via Nordstrom 4 An envelope wristlet
$128; buy now at Nordstrom
Leave those miniature clutches where they belong: in the past. Luckily, an envelope wristlet, like this one from Rebecca Minkoff, goes with virtually any outfit and is actually big enough to fit all those essentials, from your phone to your car keys.
Image via James Allen 5 A delicate gold ring
$120; buy now at James Allen
Who says you need to tie the knot to treat yourself to a beautiful gold ring? This delicate gold band is a subtle addition to any look, but unlike larger rings, won’t overpower your other pieces.
Image via Marc Jacobs 6 A classic black tote
$375; buy now at Marc Jacobs
Ditch those boring briefcases and shapeless hobos in favor of a stylish black leather tote. While it has ample room to store everything from your computer to your favorite book, it’s not so oversized that you’ll be tempted to fill it with a back-breaking load.
Image via Etsy 7 A personalized phone case
$33.74; buy now at Etsy
Those novelty phone cases may have once been an adorable accessory, but as a full-fledged adult, it’s time to upgrade. Enter: this sleek black monogrammed case, perfect for differentiating your technology from that sea of iPhones on the table at brunch.
Image via Nordstrom 8 An elegant straw hat
$44; buy now at Nordstrom
Preventing sun damage doesn’t end at the application of sunscreen. Fortunately, with this wide-brimmed sun hat, you can fend off those fine lines, spots, and wrinkles while looking effortlessly stylish.
Image via Anthropologie 9 A thin leather belt
$38; buy now at Anthropologie
Whether you’re using it to keep those jeans from slipping or as a means of accenting your waist in a loose dress, a thin leather belt will never go out of style.
Image via Anya Hindmarch 10 A brightly-colored handbag
$876.04; buy now at Anya Hindmarch
Looking for a simple way to jazz up a black outfit? A brightly-colored bag, like this Anya Hindmarch tote, is roomy enough for your essentials and adds a pop of color to those otherwise drab looks.
Image via Salvatore Ferragamo 11 A pair of edgy flats
$595; buy now at Salvatore Ferragamo
While traditional ballet flats may be a workplace staple, if you want to spice up your typical outfit, try some fancier flats instead. Luckily, these studded Ferragamos will work just as well with your skinny jeans as they will with a work-appropriate dress.
Image via Madewell 12 A chain strap purse
$88; buy now at Madewell
Even if you’re not in the market for a Chanel bag, you can still update your wardrobe with a classic chain strap purse. And at just $88, this one from Madewell looks chic but won’t break the bank.
Image via Ralph Lauren 13 A chic winter hat
$48; buy now at Ralph Lauren
Just because the temperature has dropped doesn’t mean you need to lose your sense of style. This Ralph Lauren pompom beanie is the perfect cold weather accessory, ideal for keeping you warm and stylish at once.
14 A pair of black leather booties
$210.50; buy now at Via Spiga
Winter doesn’t have to mean you’re stuck in some less-than-stylish footwear for four months. These Via Spiga booties can upgrade your cold weather look in an instant without sacrificing comfort.
Image via Stella & Dot 15 A statement necklace
$198; buy now at Stella and Dot
Transform your favorite outfits in no time with a stylish statement necklace, like this black-and-gold spiked collar from Stella and Dot. Perfect with a cocktail dress or a t-shirt and jeans, the right statement necklace can change any outfit for the better.
Image via Macy's 16 A cozy blanket scarf
$58; buy now at Macy’s
Keep warm when the temperature dips without bundling up in a body-obscuring puffer jacket. A blanket scarf is a chic way to fight off those frigid temperatures while maintaining your style.
Image via Coach 17 A well-made wallet
$175; buy now at Coach
Velcro wallets may work for middle schoolers, but as an adult woman, it’s time to upgrade. The right choice? A sleek crocodile-embossed black leather wallet with plenty of room for your cards, cash, and keys.
Image via Neiman Marcus 18 A pair of diamond studs
$995; buy now at Neiman Marcus
No matter what your age, you can never go wrong with a pair of elegant diamond studs. And fortunately, this delicate yellow gold pair from Legend Amrapali won’t break the bank.
Image via Hue 19 Opaque black tights
$15; buy now at Hue
Make your legs look slimmer, keep warm during cold weather, and dress up virtually any look with the right pair of black tights. Luckily, this pair from Hue is not only comfortable, they’re about as opaque as they come.
20 A pair of oversized sunglasses
$69; buy now at Nordstrom
Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn with the right pair of sunglasses. Not only is this pair timeless, unlike many high-end glasses, this one won’t eat up your entire paycheck.
Image via Kendra Scott 21 A pendant necklace
$65; buy now at Kendra Scott
Subtle, stylish, and work-appropriate, this drusy necklace from Kendra Scott adds a hint of subtle sparkle to any outfit.
Image via Mejuri 22 A pair of gold hoops
$79; buy now at Mejuri
By the time you’re 50, it’s time to ditch those cheap hoops in favor of a pair that will last a lifetime. These Mejuri hoops certainly fit the bill: not only are they made of 14 karat gold, they’re just the right size for any occasion, from a big day at work to a casual weekend brunch.
Image via Alexander McQueen 23 An edgy oversized scarf
$248; buy now at Alexander McQueen
While a subtle silk scarf has its place, sometimes, you just want to feel a little edgy. And when those times arise, this trendy Alexander McQueen skull scarf is sure to fit the bill.
Image via Jeffrey Campbell 24 A pair of stacked heel boots
$215; buy now at Jeffrey Campbell
Adding a little height doesn’t have to come at the expense of your comfort. Case in point: these stacked heel boots from Jeffrey Campbell are every bit as stylish as they are wearable.
Image via Tiffany 25 A delicate diamond bracelet
$360; buy now at Tiffany
Though full-blown tennis bracelets may have been a staple in your grandmother’s style, if you’re looking for a more au courant style, try this diamond bracelet from Tiffany on for size. With just a single diamond, this piece isn’t so ostentatious that it will look out of place with a casual outfit, but works just as well with a more formal look.
Image via Ben Amun 26 A colorful brooch
$220; buy now at Neiman Marcus
Brooches have come a long way in the past half-century. With a colorful, unfussy bug brooch like this one from Ben-Amun, you can instantly dress up any outfit.
Image via Etsy 27 A classic cocktail ring
$399; buy now at BellaJewelryShop on Etsy
Not every occasion calls for delicate jewelry. When you want your baubles to shine as much as your outfit, opt for a chunky cocktail ring like this stunning aquamarine-and-diamond number.
Image via Repetto 28 A pair of chic ballet flats
$325; buy now at Repetto
By the time you’re 50, it’s time to let up on some of those more uncomfortable fashion choices, meaning that heels are more of a suggestion than a must. Luckily, classic ballet flats from Repetto are every bit as chic as a pair of stilettos—and a lot more comfortable, too.
Image via Henri Bendel 29 A subtle gold bangle
$118; buy now at Henri Bendel
In the market for a classic accessory that goes with every outfit? Look no further than this riveted bangle from Henri Bendel. Similar in style to Cartier’s classic Love bracelet without the bank-breaking price, this chic bangle will work just as well with jeans as it will your favorite LBD.
Image via Cuyana 30 A weekender bag
$250; buy now at Cuyana
By 50, it’s time you upgraded your travel accessories. Luckily, this Le Sud weekender from Cuyana has enough room for all of your weekend essentials, and, better yet, it’s monogrammable.
Image via Catbird 31 A pair of delicate diamond hoops
$594; buy now at Catbird
Sometimes, a pair of oversized hoops just won’t cut it. When that’s the case, opt for something more delicate, like these tiny black diamond hoops from Catbird instead.
Image via Cole Haan 32 A pair of leopard print flats
$89.99; buy now from DSW
Who says you can’t be chic and indulge your wild side at the same time? With these elegant leopard print flats from Cole Haan, you can do both.
Image via Nordstrom 33 A bad hair day baseball cap
$112.50; buy now at Nordstrom
Your typical sports team hat has its place, but if you want to disguise those bad hair days in a more elegant manner, it’s time to upgrade. Fortunately, this Rag and Bone suede baseball cap can forgive all manner of hair horrors.
Image via Steve Madden 34 A pair of sneakers you can dress up
$59.98; buy now at Macy’s
Who says that flats and heels are your only choices for office-appropriate footwear? These quilted platform sneakers from Steve Madden are elegant enough to pair with a work outfit, but comfortable enough to run around town in afterward.
Image via Asos 35 A black statement belt
$13; buy now at ASOS
A little flair around your waist can go a long way. Add this black and gold statement belt from ASOS to your wardrobe and you can instantly elevate even the plainest dresses and flowy tops, making them more form-fitting and flattering in the process.
Image via White + Warren 36 A cashmere wrap
$350; buy now at White + Warren
A parka isn’t your only solution for those dipping temperatures. For a chic cold weather accessory that doubles as the perfect travel blanket, turn to this comfortable cashmere wrap from White + Warren.
37 A pair of white sneakers
$125; buy now at Bloomingdale’s
Want to look chic and on trend this weekend? Pair that perfectly distressed pair of jeans with these classic white sneakers from Kenneth Cole for an on-trend, but age-appropriate look.
Image via Nordstrom 38 A stylish headband
$29; buy now at Nordstrom
Just because Gossip Girl has come and gone doesn’t mean the reign of the headband is over. This chic scarf headband is the ideal way to push your hair out of your face on hot days without sacrificing style.
Image via Michael Kors 39 A pair of grown-up flip-flops
$59; buy now at Michael Kors
It’s time to leave those cheap plastic flip-flops in the past. For a more elegant look that will last you next to forever, try these adorable bow-adorned Michael Kors jellies on for size instead.
Image via Skagen 40 A leather watch
$175; buy now at Skagen
Sometimes, a metal watch feels a little too dressy for what you’re wearing. What that issue arises, an equally-chic leather-banded watch, like this one from Skagen, can help tone down your look.
Image via Pearl Source 41 A classic pearl necklace
$119 buy now at The Pearl Source
Whether you’re attending a black-tie event or simply trying to dress up your favorite work outfit, a strand of pearls can instantly elevate any look.
42 A set of stacking rings
$28; buy now at Madewell
Who says that attractive jewelry has to be expensive? This set of delicate stacking rings—just $28 at Madewell—has the look of a costlier collection and will have everyone asking where you got them.
Image via Lululemon 43 A pair of opaque black leggings
$98; buy now at Lululemon
There’s no age limit on comfortable chic. While pricier than your average cotton pair, these Lululemon black leggings won’t let you down, whether you’re pairing them with some heels and a tunic for a night out or wearing them to a yoga class.
Image via Franco Sarto 44 An ankle-strap heel
$119; buy now at Franco Sarto
Lengthen your legs, dress up your favorite outfit, and enjoy the thrill of coming home without your feet aching with these sensible, yet sexy, Coralie pumps from Franco Sarto.
Images via Bloomingdale's 45 Leather gloves
$98; buy now at Bloomingdale’s
Why spend another decade wearing mittens more befitting a fourth-grader than a full-blown adult? When you’re ready to upgrade, check out these cashmere-lined leather gloves from Bloomingdale’s, which pair perfectly with casual outfits and formalwear alike.
46 A reliable umbrella
$44; buy now at Vera Bradley
By the time you’re 50, it’s time to ditch those cheap, breakage-prone umbrellas for good. Upgrade to this chic clear umbrella from Vera Bradley—you’ll not only enjoy more protection from the rain, you’ll also get to enjoy tons of compliments.
Image via Nine West 47 A pair of strap-happy sandals
$59.99; buy now at Nine West
Welcome the summer in style this year with a pair of elegant strap sandals. Luckily, this Nine West pair is dainty enough to pair with your favorite floaty sundress, but its stacked heel is sturdy enough for those nights you find yourself trekking from venue to venue.
Image via Bloomingdale's 48 A fashionable backpack
$195; buy now at Bloomingdale’s
One-shoulder bags may look great, but they rarely feel great on your arm after a long day. Enter: this chic Rebecca Minkoff backpack, which can hold everything you need in a day, but won’t leave you needing a trip to the chiropractor.
Image via TOMS 49 A comfortable pair of espadrilles
$58.99; buy now at TOMS
Comfort and style can go hand-in-hand this summer, thanks to these adorable espadrilles. Perfect when paired with jeans, a midi skirt, or even a summer dress, these shoes are perfect for all-day wear.
Image via Bloomingdale's 50 A fitness tracker
$129.96; buy now at Bloomgindale’s
If you’ve noticed your metabolism getting more sluggish after your 50th, you’re not alone. The good news? A cute fitness tracker, like the Fitbit Alta, can help keep you accountable throughout the day, helping you meet those fitness goals in no time.
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