Basics
Dec 24, 2023

We're in Our 50s, Have Tried a Ton of Basics, and Now Rely On These 7 Easy Items

by Bobby Schuessler

Janet Gunn is the inspiring influencer behind The Grateful Gardenia. Originally from Texas, the 58-year-old style guru is now settled in Los Angeles with her husband, son, and dog Buster. She's worked as a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, flight attendant, actor, jewellery designer, and beyond. In other words, she has a ton of experience and an equally cool personal style. Melissa Meyers is a Los Angeles–based influencer with a focus on beauty, style, travel, and wellness. Her blog, The Glow Girl, aims to empower women to embrace the best version of themselves, age gracefully, and cultivate a glow from the inside out. She also happens to be 54 years old and has a penchant for masterfully styling trends. Here, the fashionable duo teams up to discuss the basics they swear by. Oh, and don't forget to follow them at @janetgunngratefulgardenia and @melissameyers.

Janet Gunn and Melissa Meyers are always filled with insightful style recommendations. And while age clearly has nothing to do with what you should or shouldn't wear, these ladies are over 50, and it's that more experienced fashion perspective that's consistently intriguing. On that note, we wanted to get their feedback on some of the staples they've relied on over the years to build their well-balanced outfits.

They previously shared with us the basics they wear to look chic, and we wanted to dive even deeper into this topic to get a sense of the winter basics that are no-brainer in their eyes. In reality, they've tested out a ton of basics over the years, so they know what truly works best for them specifically. With all that in mind, keep scrolling to check out the easy items they're wearing more than anything else right now, complete with styling inspiration. If you're interested in adding a piece or two into your offering too, there's also a smattering of shopping picks sprinkled throughout for you to shop.

Photo:

Janet Gunn

"A great-fitting pair of jeans is a forever classic for any closet. We love the versatility of this timeless, tried and true basic, and prefer high-waisted styles in a variety of washes." — Gunn

On Gunn: Veronica Beard jeans

Photo:

Melissa Meyers

On Meyers: Citizens of Humanity jeans

Arket

Jade Cropped Slim Stretch Jeans

£77

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So many of editors swear by Arket jeans.

The best cashmere sweaters for women over 50

Photo:

Melissa Meyers

"Nothing says luxury quite like the feel of cashmere. We live in our jumpers throughout the winter, whether they're oversized or fitted. A classic sweater made from this timeless and cozy material always shouts chic." — Meyers

On Meyers: Naked Cashmere sweater; Parker Thatch bag; Anine Bing boots

Photo:

Janet Gunn

On Gunn: Vince sweater

Toteme

Paneled Cotton and Cashmere-Blend Sweater

£420

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A cosy cashmere sweater will see you through every cool day to come.

H&M

Cashmere Jumper

£230

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This looks as soft as it feels.

Photo:

Janet Gunn

"We seem to be wearing our flats or low heels on repeat this year! Some great traditional classics work with just about anything in your wardrobe. Whether you choose a snakeskin print or a pop of colour, an edgy boot, or stylish sneaker, flat shoes seem to bring a fresh look to any outfit." — Gunn

On Gunn: Birdies flats

Photo:

Melissa Meyers

On Meyers: Aera flats

Boden

Kitty Flexi Sole Ballet Pumps

£90

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These come in an array of great colours.

Photo:

Janet Gunn

"Our wardrobes have definitely expanded to include more comfy clothes than ever. A cute sweatshirt worn with jeans or a matching sweatsuit are our go-to pieces these days. This is the perfect cozy-chic look when working from home or running errands." — Gunn

On Gunn: Anine Bing sweatshirt

Best basics for women over 50: sweatsuits

Photo:

Melissa Meyers

On Meyers: YesAnd sweatsuit

Les Tien

Cotton-Jersey Hoodie

£300

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This colour will go with everything in your wardrobe.

Pangaia

365 Signature Sweatshirt

£130

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So many colours to choose from.

Photo:

Melissa Meyers

"Leather is that elevated anchor piece that always adds an edge and sophistication to any outfit. Faux or real, make sure you have a skirt, jacket, or trousers in this fabric as part of your wardrobe this season." — Meyers

On Meyers: Zara skirt and jacket; Office of Angela Scott shoes; Heidi Wynne Wrap

Photo:

Janet Gunn

On Gunn: White House Black Market jacket and pants

Hush

Leather Blazer

£229

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The must-have jacket for all seasons.

Nanushka

Vinni Black Faux Leather Pants

£315

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There's so many ways to style these faux leather trousers.

Photo:

Janet Gunn

"An oversized wrap is super versatile and the perfect grab-and-go basic. It can be worn so many different ways. We like to wear ours as a shawl or as a scarf with a jacket or blazer." — Gunn

Photo:

Melissa Meyers

On Meyers: Heidi Wynne wrap

Acne Studios

Vally Checked Alpaca-Blend Scarf

£250

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Perfect for draping or wrapping around.

Ferragamo

Leather-Trimmed Wool Poncho

£862

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Pair with a full cream ensemble for a seriously chic look.

Photo:

Janet Gunn

"A simple classic blouse can be worn dressed up with a leather skirt or with a favourite pair of jeans and sneakers. It's always a favorite style of ours." — Gunn

On Gunn: Grayson blouse