Dressing for Body Changes & Embracing New Styles

With menopause comes shifts in body shape, metabolism, and even personal style preferences. But rather than seeing these changes as limitations, let’s view them as an opportunity to redefine our look and express ourselves in new ways. Fashion designers like Diane von Fürstenberg, Donna Karan, and Carolina Herrera have all championed style for women over 50, proving that elegance, confidence, and fashion-forward choices have no age limit.

You are what you wear - who do you want to be?

Understanding your body shape

As our hormones shift, our bodies may store fat differently, leading to subtle or significant changes in shape. Recognising and embracing your unique body shape can help you dress in a way that flatters your natural silhouette and makes you feel fantastic. There are of course ways to lose the weight and it’s important to keep an eye on your waist line for health reasons but here are the most common body shapes and how to dress to enhance your best features:

Pear shape

Characteristics: A beautiful, defined waist with hips wider than the bust and shoulders.

Best styles: A-line skirts, bootcut trousers, structured tops, and wrap dresses to highlight the waist.

Fabrics & patterns: Opt for darker bottoms and patterned or detailed tops to create balance.

Style icons: Jennifer Lopez and Diane von Fürstenberg embrace this shape with fitted waistlines and elegant draping.

Apple shape

Characteristics: Weight is carried around the midsection, with gorgeously slimmer arms and legs.

Best styles: Empire waistlines, tunic tops, wrap dresses, and V-necklines to create elongation.

Fabrics & patterns: Avoid clingy fabrics; instead, choose structured materials that flow over the torso.

Style icons: Oprah Winfrey often wears structured blazers and flowy tunics to create balance.

Rectangle (straight) shape

Characteristics: Shoulders, waist, and hips are relatively similar in width, creating a straighter posture perfect silhouette.

Best styles: Belts, peplum tops, and layers to create curves and dimension.

Fabrics & patterns: Experiment with ruffles, bold prints, and textural contrasts to add interest.

Style icons: Cate Blanchett and Tilda Swinton use tailoring and layers to add depth to their looks.

Hourglass shape

Characteristics: A well-defined waist with balanced bust and hip proportions - think the fabulous Marilyn Monroe.

Best styles: Wrap dresses, fitted tops, and high-waisted trousers to highlight curves.

 Fabrics & patterns: Body-skimming fabrics, structured blazers, and elegant draping enhance this shape.

Style icons: Marilyn Monroe and Sophia Loren made hourglass dressing iconic with classic fitted silhouettes.

Dressing with confidence

Fashion is about confidence, self-expression, and feeling amazing in your own skin. It’s about wearing what you want and not worrying what others think. It’s about creating your own look and having fun shopping for the items you want to wear. Go from invisible to invincible.

Here’s how to embrace your style with confidence post-menopause:

Forget fashion “rules” and wear what you love. Your body, your style—period.

Invest in quality pieces that fit well. A good tailor can transform any outfit.

Use colour and accessories boldly. Scarves, statement jewellery, and handbags elevate any look.

Comfort is key—but style doesn’t have to be sacrificed. Stretchy fabrics, breathable materials, and supportive undergarments ensure you feel as good as you look.

Don’t feel you have to spend a fortune: you can dress up any cheaper outfit with a nice bag or shoes or scarf.

Style icons & inspiration

Look to inspiring women like Helen Mirren, Iris Apfel, and Michelle Yeoh, who exude confidence in their personal style. Whether it’s chic tailoring, playful colours, or timeless classics, they prove that post-menopausal fashion is about self-expression, not restriction. Stand out in the crowd and own your space.

Final thoughts

Menopause is a time of transformation, and that includes how we dress. Embrace the opportunity to refresh your wardrobe, experiment with new styles, and most importantly—wear what makes you feel empowered and fabulous every day. Out with the old, in with the new - a bit like the new you!!!