Fueled by a love of fashion and the big spenders behind it, fashion options for women over 50 have witnessed a boon for over a decade. Despite this sizable goldmine, the industry has not fully grasped its massive potential. The upshot is that retailers who do spend time to cater to this stylish market are likely to benefit from the lucrative rewards it offers.
But don’t simply think mature women will settle for the basics: They want style. Read on to discover which items will help you best corner this market in 2024.
Table of Contents
The global value of the women’s apparel market
Gen X+ style guide for sellers
Conclusion
The global value of the women’s apparel market
The global women’s apparel market was valued at USD 863 billion in 2023 and will reach USD 1,280 billion by 2033, growing at a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4%.
Older populations are increasing across countries, with Gen X (born 1965-1980) groups possessing strong, stable buying power. While this buying power has in the past been largely ignored, sellers are increasingly filling this gap. For instance, one report shows that households with Gen X-ers 50 and over will spend a combined USD 14 billion on footwear and apparel between 2019 and 2040.
Similarly, baby boomers in the U.S. are the source of over 50% of spending, reflecting a market that is growing more rapidly than millennials. This is due to higher numbers of people over 50 and -60. These demographics are also starting to retire later and demonstrate careful budgeting for retirement, leaving money aside to spoil themselves. In fact, forecasts estimate that both millennials and baby boomers (born 1946-1964) will be the most loyal customers in the future and some of the biggest spenders.
Spending by boomers alone is forecast to be the source of most global spending by 2050, to the tune of USD 96 trillion by 205. Because of this significant well of wealth, the over-50s age group supports 1.5 billion jobs globally, generating USD 53 trillion in income for the global labor market.
Further evidence of older women being powerful fashion influencers is evident in their social media follower numbers. Prepared to invest in fashion and themselves, older women are gradually becoming icons among others who want to look their best as they mature. Despite this, many retailers overlook this market, representing a significant gap in their fashion coverage.
Gen X+ style guide for sellers
Fifty-year-old women seek different styles to fit their body type and preferences. To help you stock a modern and range for this growing market, we’ve compiled this basic guide for the best looks for over-50s women in 2024.
Semi-formal suits
When it comes to women’s over-50s fashion, the range of stylish suits is virtually unlimited. Tailored box, short, or long jackets paired with matching narrow, straight, or wide-leg pants are a surefire way to bolster any wardrobe. Others are paired with a pencil skirt or wider designs, giving sellers a variety of clothes to choose from.
The beauty of these suits is that they can be worn formally or mixed and matched with other items to create a quintessentially casual outfit. We suggest sellers offer a wide range of different suits for women so they can best achieve their fashion objectives.
Tip 1: Pair a cream-colored semi-styled long jacket and suit pants with a button-up shirt and platform sneakers. Add wow factor with a large purse and scarf.
Tip 2: Layer a T-shirt, thin-knit sweater, and trench coat over suit pants for a casual, elegant look.
Jackets and coats
From faux fur to leather, linen, cotton, and hi-tech padded polyester fabrics, there’s a great jacket and coat out there for women of every age. Women over 50 want pieces that best suit their body type, as well as embody a timeless style.
Tip 1: Pair a brightly colored purple puffer jacket with skinny jeans, and add black boots to complete the look.
Tip 2: A little black dress with animal print accents works great with a short faux fur coat and big sunglasses.
Tip 3: Wear a long jacket with a bold floral, geometric, or camo pattern with the perfect pair of jeans.
Knitwear
Oversized or cropped knitwear, fitted pieces, cutaway styles, and quirky crocheted cardigans are all the rage for older women looking for something comfy but unique.
Tip 1: Match a thigh-length thin blue cardigan with a white tank top, jeans, and pumps for a traditional, sophisticated outfit.
Tip 2: Add an off-the-shoulder knitted piece to wide pants and platforms for understated pizzazz.
Pants and tops
Stocking suitable pants for women means having a collection of styles that work for every body shape. Be sure to work in order cargo pants, straight and wide leg, fitted, high, medium, and low-waist items to this collection.
White shirts in various styles including T-shirts and button-up shirts in bright colors and natural, slinky, shiny fabrics add an extra chic factor. Between knitwear, T-shirts, and button-up shirts, these pieces add up to stunning fashion looks that many older women will love.
Tip: A baggy white shirt is always a great layering piece. Pair it with wide khaki cargo pants and finish with an oversized dark blue cardigan and square-toe pumps for a comfortable yet stylish outfit.
Dresses and skirts
The little black dress is a must-have item in every woman’s wardrobe. They go best with high-heeled shoes or a pair of boots.
Women’s dresses come in every shape and color under the sun, but you’ll do best to stock a range of comfortable and casual dresses as well as some more form-fitting numbers to meet your customers’ various needs.
Tip 1: A long, flowing skirt with an open button-up shirt over a tank top, bold jewelry, and a trendy hat creates a stylish summer look.
Tip 2: Match a long pleated skirt with a fitted top, short black boots, and a long floral jacket for that X-factor.
Conclusion
No matter a woman’s age, she’ll want to look her best. Sellers can help fulfill this need by stocking clothes that provide good cover but are made for all shapes and sizes.
Explore Alibaba.com today to find a broad range of styles for older women, helping you to build loyalty from this neglected demographic.
