Month: October 2024

Fashion for women over 60 is all about finding balance—between style and comfort, elegance and practicality, and individuality and timeless appeal. Modest dresses offer just that. They are versatile, chic, and most importantly, make you feel confident while keeping things sophisticated. Whether you’re attending a formal event, going out for a casual lunch, or spending time with family, there are plenty of modest dress options that suit the needs of women over 60.

What Does “Modest” Mean in Fashion?

The definition of modesty can vary, but in general, it refers to clothing that offers coverage without sacrificing style. For women over 60, this often means dresses with longer hemlines, higher necklines, and sleeves that provide adequate coverage for the arms and shoulders. Modest fashion isn’t about hiding; it’s about choosing pieces that make you feel comfortable and look great while staying true to your personal style.

Key Features of Modest Dresses for Women Over 60

When shopping for modest dresses, there are a few key features to look for to ensure both comfort and style.

Length

Midi and maxi dresses are excellent choices for modesty. They offer coverage for the legs without feeling heavy or restrictive. Look for dresses that hit below the knee or go down to the ankles for a more elegant silhouette.

Neckline

High necklines, such as crew necks or boat necks, are popular choices for modest dresses. If you prefer a more open neckline, a V-neck that isn’t too deep can offer a flattering yet modest look.

Sleeves

Sleeves are an important feature for modest dresses. Many women over 60 prefer dresses with elbow-length, three-quarter, or full-length sleeves. These options provide coverage without feeling too warm or heavy, perfect for year-round wear.

Fit

A modest dress should be neither too tight nor too loose. Look for dresses that skim the body without clinging, offering structure but also ease of movement.

Material

Fabrics like cotton, linen, jersey, and light knitwear are perfect for modest dresses as they offer breathability and comfort. For formal occasions, consider lightweight chiffon, crepe, or silk for an elegant touch.

Types of Modest Dresses

Here are a few styles of modest dresses that work beautifully for women over 60.

Shirt Dresses

Tie Waist Shirtdress – Leopard

Shirt dresses are a versatile choice that offers modest coverage without feeling fussy. They typically feature a button-down front, a collar, and a structured silhouette. Look for a dress that cinches at the waist to define your shape or opt for a more relaxed fit for casual outings. Pair it with a belt for added definition, and you have a dress that’s perfect for everything from errands to brunch with friends.

A-Line Dresses

Donna Karan Puff-Sleeve Belted A-Line Dress

A-line dresses are universally flattering, offering structure at the top and a flowing skirt that falls away from the body. This style is perfect for women who want to emphasize their waist while keeping things modest. A-line dresses often come in midi lengths, providing excellent coverage for the legs while maintaining a light, breezy feel.

Wrap Dresses

Tahari ASL Collared Waist-Tie Midi Dress

Wrap dresses are a favorite for their adjustable fit and flattering shape. This style is particularly great for accentuating the waist without being too revealing. For modesty, choose a wrap dress with a higher neckline and a length that hits below the knee. The wrap style also allows for easy adjustment, making it a comfortable choice for women of all body shapes.

Shift Dresses

Long Sleeve Midi Dress 

Shift dresses are a wonderful option for women who prefer a looser, more relaxed fit. These dresses hang straight down from the shoulders, offering a comfortable and modest silhouette that works well for both casual and semi-formal occasions. Look for a shift dress in high-quality fabric, and add a statement accessory like a necklace or scarf to personalise your look. 

Maxi Dresses

Ponte Rib Trim Maxi Dress

Maxi dresses are a go-to for women seeking modest yet stylish options. These dresses provide full-length coverage while offering endless styling possibilities. Whether you’re choosing a simple cotton maxi for daytime or a more embellished option for an evening event, maxi dresses are effortlessly chic. Look for styles with interesting details like pleats, patterns, or light embellishments to add personality to your look.

How to Style Modest Dresses for Different Occasions

Casual Day Out

For a casual outing, consider a simple A-line or shirt dress in a light fabric like cotton or linen. Pair it with comfortable flats or low sandals for a laid-back yet polished look.

Family Gatherings

A wrap dress or shift dress with elbow-length sleeves is perfect for family events. Choose one in a soft floral or solid pastel for a warm, inviting feel. Add a light cardigan or shawl for extra coverage.

Evening Events

When attending more formal events, a maxi dress in a rich fabric like crepe or chiffon can be ideal. Look for a dress with subtle embellishments or elegant pleats for an added touch of sophistication. Pair with heels or dressy flats, and finish with a statement necklace or earrings.

Where to Shop for Modest Dresses

Finding stylish and modest dresses that cater to the tastes of women over 60 is easier than ever, thanks to several fashion brands that focus on this demographic. Here are a few stores and online retailers that offer a wide selection:

Talbots – Known for its timeless, classic styles, Talbots offers a range of modest dresses in midi and maxi lengths with sleeves and higher necklines. Their pieces are made with quality fabrics that offer comfort and durability.

Chico’s – Chico’s offers a variety of loose-fitting, modest dresses perfect for women looking for comfortable yet stylish options. They are known for their use of bold patterns and colors that add a fun twist to modest fashion.

Coldwater Creek – This brand specializes in clothing for mature women and offers plenty of modest dresses in flattering cuts and breathable fabrics. Their dresses often feature unique prints and interesting details.

J.Jill – For women who prefer minimalist, modern designs, J.Jill is a great option. Their dresses are often loose-fitting, simple, and comfortable – ideal for women looking for laid-back, modest fashion.

Macy’s – Macy’s offers a vast selection of modest dresses from various brands, including styles that cater specifically to women over 60. Whether you’re looking for formal dresses or casual daywear, you’ll find options in a range of lengths, sleeve styles, and fabrics.

Modest dresses for women over 60 don’t have to be boring or outdated. With the right cuts, fabrics, and styling, they can be the perfect combination of elegance and comfort. Whether you’re drawn to A-line dresses, maxi styles, or shirt dresses, there’s something out there that fits your needs and enhances your confidence. By choosing styles that make you feel both comfortable and fashionable, you can build a wardrobe of modest dresses that work for any occasion.

Read 10 Petite Dresses for Women Over 70.

Also, read 10 Dresses for Women Over 70.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you wear modest dresses? Where do you like to shop for your modest dresses? Do you have any styling tips for our Sixty & Me readers? Tell us about it in the comments below. 

Who is Fake Tegan?

Apparently, he wasn’t just there to see Niall.

If you are looking for that once-in-a-lifetime travel experience, let me introduce you to Istanbul, Türkiye.

This article is part two of Exotic Istanbul. If you missed part one, please read it here. It covers getting around the city, our accommodation, the Hippodrome, the Hagia Sofia, and the Blue Mosque.

The Spice Bazaar

Istanbul has two iconic, and ancient bazaars. The Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar. The Grand Bazaar is Istanbul’s most famous bazaar. But I opted to visit the Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar. Built in 1664, the Spice Bazaar wins the prize for being the most colorful, and fragrant ancient bazaar.

This market offers just about every spice you can think of, and some I had never heard of, all heaped in colorful pyramids. It’s a feast for the eyes as well as the nose. Aside from the spices, you can find every kind of tea you ever dreamed of, along with the famous Turkish Delight candies of every color and flavor. I sampled several of these and had to buy a small bag.

You can also find herbal remedies, perfumes, dried fruits, nuts, baklava, olive oils, cheeses, Turkish coffees, Turkish rugs, incredible brass, silver, and ceramic wares, and my favorite – the beautiful Turkish lamps, and so much more! And the vendors do expect you to haggle with them over prices.

There was so much to see inside the covered market, and it continued on into the streets surrounding the outside. It was great fun, and I will definitely be visiting the Grand Bazaar on my next trip to Istanbul.

Galata Bridge

The Galata Bridge spans the Golden Horn which gets its name from its horn shape. This waterway is the primary inlet of the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul, where the strait meets the Sea of Marmara. The Galata Bridge carries vehicles, pedestrians, and a tram line. This is the fifth version of the bridge to be built here on this site. This romantic looking bridge has been the subject of many paintings, poems, books, and featured in several movies, and it is also known to be an iconic fishing spot.

There are two walking levels on the bridge, and in 2003 restaurants started to open on the underside of the bridge. We spent several hot afternoons here, each time enjoying a plate of fried anchovies and a beer. You can sit back and watch the fishermen reel their catch in to the top level. There is also a killer view on both sides of the bridge.

On the Eminonu side of the bridge you can find these beautiful boats that sell a famous fish sandwich called Balik Ekmek, meaning fish and bread. These were quite tasty, but I much preferred the fish wrap found on the Karakoy side of the bridge. Small vendors with coolers full of fresh fish and a grill offered lavash flatbread, grilled fish, fresh veggies, and sauces.

Fun fact: It is even thought that the card game “Bridge” acquired its name because the British soldiers who invented it crossed the Galata Bridge on their way to their favorite coffee houses.

The bridge is nice to walk across and just take in the scenery and watch the fishermen, and a very convenient way to see more of the city.

Basilica Cistern

One of the few things not in walking distance for us was the Basilica Cistern. We took the tram, and it was quick and easy. Arriving early, we were among the first few to enter and enjoyed this massive place with only a handful of other tourists.

Built in the 6th century, the subterranean Basilica Cistern is another amazing piece of history and ingenuity. This is an ancient aqueduct that carried water from 12 miles away to be stored here in the cistern for the city’s elite to use. The 336 columns that support this underground cistern are actually recycled marble and granite columns from older buildings that were in the area at that time. It makes you wonder how old those buildings were!

These columns include two massive blocks from the late Roman period, that are carved with the head of the Medusa. These blocks were placed upside down to negate the power of the Gorgon’s gaze and are pretty amazing. Once holding almost 3 million cubic feet of water, the cistern keeps only a small amount today for aesthetic purposes.

This place has been featured in quite a few movies and I can see why. It is enormous inside, and the color changing lights give it an other-worldly and mesmerizing feel. The closer I looked at the ancient support columns, the more impressed I became. Some of them are intricately carved with flowers or vines, or Ancient Greek writings. As its name suggests, the Basilica Cistern is grand in scale and definitely worth a visit.

Galata Tower

The Galata Tower is an old Genoese tower in the Galata section of the Beyoglu (Bay-oh-Lou) district. Just a few blocks’ walk from our hotel, the tower was built at the highest point of the ancient walls of Galata. It served as a watchtower for invaders, then used as a prison for over 200 years, and then as a lookout tower for fires.

The tower is a historical symbol of this area, and it is really beautiful at night. It actually gets quite congested in the evenings and a little hectic. We walked up to it one evening and it was lovely. Then we went back early one morning to take pictures before all the tourists rolled in.

The tower is surrounded by nice restaurants and a variety of shops. It was at one of these small restaurants that we first tried Midye Dolma. Popular as street food and in restaurants, these are steamed mussels stuffed with aromatic rice. A squeeze of fresh lemon on top and they are truly delicious. My husband and I would polish off about 60 every time we went out for them.

Sulaymaniye Mosque

There are 3,000 mosques here in Istanbul and many of them are very impressive. We had visited a few already and one that absolutely deserves mention is the Sulaymaniye Mosque. It is beautiful and spacious inside, covered with amazing tile work. The outside is surrounded by lovely lawns and gardens.

This mosque is one of the best known sites in Istanbul and offers a commanding view of the Golden Horn. It is also one of the largest Ottoman era mosques in the city. It was built in 1550 by Suliman the Magnificent. I love that name. I love all these ancient rulers’ names here, they end with “the Magnificent,” “the Great,” “the Mighty,” “the Supreme,” Emperor, or Cesar. These guys let it be known what they were all about.

You can also visit the cemetery where the mausoleums of Suliman the Magnificent and his wife Hurrem Sultan can be found. Her mausoleum is especially lovely inside, covered with the blue Iznik tiles. This site is also free to visit.

Kadikoy

One morning we took one of the many ferries that cross the strait, to check out the Kadikoy neighborhood on the Asian side of the Bosphorus. Kadikoy was actually named one of the 50 “coolest” neighborhoods in the world, along with being the liberal cultural center of the Anatolian side of Istanbul.

Even though this area is home to many bars, cafes, restaurants, and shops, it still has a more relaxing vibe than the European side does. This laid back area is famous for its fish and produce markets. Knowing that, we decided to just spend the whole day here and check it all out.

I loved wandering the streets here. The fresh fish and produce were amazing to look at, as was the neighborhood itself. After wandering around for an hour or so, we stopped at a corner bakery for some Baklava and Çay (Turkish tea). Everything was delightful.

The shopping here was great as well. I ended up with a new outfit and some Nazar Boncugu, or the famous Blue Eye talismans, to take home for gifts. We had a wonderful seafood lunch at one of the restaurants adjacent to the fish market. This is where I tried Raki for the first time. It’s popular to drink along with and after meals here in Turkey. I liked Raki more than I thought I would. With its strong anise flavor, poured over ice and a touch of water, I actually fell in love with the refreshing taste.

We ended up coming over here to spend another day during our time in Istanbul. During this trip we had a tasty lunch of Manti. This local dish features small ravioli like pouches stuffed with chunks of lamb. Topped with yogurt and either garlic or tomato sauce; it is amazing! I think I would like to stay here in the Kadikoy neighborhood on our next visit.

My husband and I both absolutely fell in love with Istanbul. In part three of Exotic Istanbul, I will be introducing you to the magnificent Topkapi Palace, Gulhane Park, and the Bosphorus Long Cruise.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you like discovering new foods either at home or when traveling? What are some places you have visited and what new food or drink did you discover there?

A fan impersonated her and developed strange relationships with other fans.