How To Dress Like A Female Rockstar In Your 50s

Are you tired of feeling like your wardrobe just doesn’t cut it anymore? Do you miss the days of rocking out at concerts and feeling like a true rockstar? Well, it’s time to bring that feeling back into your life!

Contrary to popular belief, your 50s can be a time of fashion-forward exploration and self-expression. It’s time to ditch the frumpy clothes and embrace a style that truly reflects your personality. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can easily glam up your golden years and start dressing like the rockstar you are.

From statement accessories to bold patterns and textures, there are endless ways to elevate your wardrobe and feel confident in your own skin. So, let’s get started on your journey to rockstar fashion in your 50s!

Finding inspiration to dress like a rockstar

Great style can happen with any budget at any size and certainly at any age. While there are plenty of fashion trends that come and go, there are classics that stick around and there are style icons whose fashion choices stand the test of time. Whether you are kicking off a new decade or just looking for a change, dressing like your favourite female rockstar can be a fun and new way to spruce up your look and boost your confidence.

Start with putting a spin on your own ‘personal brand’ checking out what their favourite go-to styles are and what works for them. Here are a few key points to keep in mind when trying to pull together that tough yet feminine style, even though we don’t have the unlimited budget and access to the best stylists of a rockstar. 

Stick to what works for your body

Jeans, t-shirts, a pair of glorious boots and sunglasses are just some of the outfits that the rockers sport. Once you have these items in your closet, you are one step ahead of pulling off that image. However, just keep in mind, when looking to incorporate some new styles into your wardrobe, what colours and silhouettes work for your body type and don’t stray from those. That way, you can be sure you’ll feel great about what you are wearing and feel your best. 

Don’t forget your own personal style

When making updates or emulating someone else’s look, it’s also important to remember not to lose who you are and what you like. Style is so personal and finding inspiration from someone who you admire is a way to spice things up, not to completely copy.

Start with mixing and matching your attire (eg. a vintage band tee on your favourite jeans and a leather biker jacket) and play with various accessories like belts, studded wristbands or earrings and chunky rings. If you don’t feel comfortable with that, simply layer necklaces of different styles for a busy rock look.

Also, how about wearing a signature hat or a sequin skirt or even a tulle skirt? If you’re nervous about wearing something unusual, consider renting fashion, a fairly new option that is great for trying out something new, even when out of your price range. 

You can also add a special touch to your look by putting a PVC patch (or more) on your favourite items. A PVC patch is a  great way to decorate jackets, wallets and hats with designs that can really express attitudes showing your unique sense of style.

Uncovering the rockstar style

There are some female rock stars who are simply unforgettable not only for their music but also for their personality. They have demonstrated that they are a force to be reckoned with and no matter what their age is, they can hold their own with the best of them. The following list of women share so many great qualities and above all, have a great fashion sense that I think we can all take note of. 

• Madonna

This legend has been a style icon for many decades. Well known for her wild looks and fashionable moments, Madonna has been a style chameleon and is not afraid to take a risk. “From the white lace wedding dress and Boy Toy belt that defined her look for Like a Virgin, to the cool Americana of Ray of Light and the ’70s disco aesthetic of Confessions on a Dance Floor –  writes Fashion Editor, Kasia Hastings, on British Vogue-, the singer’s look has been an integral part of her creative vision since her career began in the early 1980s. With each new record, comes a new artistic incarnation – and a new Madonna“. What remains a constant is, even if she sometimes ended up on the worst-dressed list, she seems confident in whatever she chooses to wear. 

Memorable styles: big bows, perms, cone bras, lace gloves, corsets, crucifixes, layered necklaces and lace

• Gwen Stefani

This singer and songwriter has never been one who has shied away from wearing things that didn’t conform to Hollywood’s standards, which is so refreshing. From her blue hair to her platinum blonde hair, she has gone through many style evolutions over the years and is a bonafide trendsetter. Her picks are always very unique but also flattering: a mix of punk and retro look with a twist.  Also known for her rocker chick style and bold choices, she tends to favour prints and jeans and cool sneakers.

Memorable styles: chic coats, ponytails, perfect fitting jeans, patterns, sneakers, red lips

• Paula Abdul

From big hair to sequins to shoulder pads and bandage dresses, the singer, dancer and former “American Idol” judge has worn it all. Paula Abdul has been the ultimate cool girl since the 80s. Through the years she hasn’t been afraid to wear the current trends but with her own flair. She is an icon who has continued to prove that she is still a fashion-forward style legend today. The nice “girl next door” personality has helped her career spanning over 30 years. One of her favourite looks of mine is the menswear-inspired suits she has worn. There is something classic and flattering about a blazer and great fitting pair of pants.

Memorable styles: shoulder pads, puff sleeves, sparkle, structured blazers, fitted dresses, and bodycon gowns.

• Jennifer Lopez

The singer, actress and businesswoman has been a style icon for a long time. From her gym attire to her red carpet gowns, she is always turning heads with what she wears. Her signature style has been finetuned over the years and no matter her age or what she is doing seems to work for any situation she is in. From hoop earrings to full-matchy sweatsuits, she tends to pick something she likes and sticks with it. This also goes for the styles that are most flattering to her body type. The lesson I have learned from her is it is okay to keep wearing what works for you for as long as you want.

Memorable styles: animal print, wrap sweaters and maxi coats, a low-cut neckline,  midi skirts, bodycon dress, and lots of accessories like sunglasses and jewellery 

• Shania Twain

The country singer has had many memorable looks over the course of her career. Her signature look is leopard print and that is a trend that is still relevant, so she was definitely on to something! Most of you will remember her for those bold outfits worn for the video “That Don’t Impress me Much,” featuring a floor-length, hooded robe, long gloves, a crop top, pants, boots and a circular suitcase in the animal-inspired pattern. And that was certainly not the first or the last time she sported animal prints. She has been known to wear edgy looks, even after turning 40 and for her perfect blend of ’90s chic and country. The lesson here is not to be afraid of wearing trends you wouldn’t think necessarily to pick out for yourself.

Memorable styles: country flair, head-to-toe leopard print and denim, leather, fringes, crop tops

Whatever look you may choose, always remember rockstar style is actually a bit more than just the clothing on the top layer, you have to feel a certain confidence about what you wear even if that means going against what other people think.

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