8 Timeless Fashion Pieces For Your New Menopause Body

For those struggling with hot flashes, this trend is your friend.

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Published January 24, 2025
photo collage of clothing items for Menopausal capsule wardrobe
AARP (Getty Images 3; Shutterstock 3; jeans: Courtesy Levi's)

Like many women, my body has changed since I went through menopause. I used to be pear-shaped, but now my hips and legs have narrowed, and my waist has thickened. My chest and arms have also grown bigger, which has come as an unwelcome surprise. It’s taken some getting used to, but acceptance and a few tweaks to my closet and mindset have worked wonders. I’ve invested in foundational pieces that make up a capsule wardrobe that suits my new shape and takes the stress out of getting dressed.

According to Monica Barnett, a style expert and founder of Blueprint for Style, “Embracing your shape exactly where you are” is key, especially in midlife. “The sooner you get comfortable with what you have or don't, the sooner you can focus on finding your style true north.”

Barnett advises midlife women to skip low-cost, fast-fashion items and instead invest in a few quality pieces and embrace a “less is more” philosophy. “The older you get, the less you'll find that you're ‘swapping your wardrobe’ season to season, so get pieces that are well-made for year-round wear; pay more, but cost per wear will be low over time.” She also recommends adding pops of color for vibrance and prints for strategic camouflage.

For those of us struggling with hot flashes, layering is your friend. “Layers give your outfit more personality as well as flexibility, especially when your body temperature fluctuates,” says Lisa Emelo, a style coach and wardrobe stylist. She loves cardigans and blazers you can easily add or remove as needed. When it comes to keeping cool, Barnett and Emelo both prefer clothes made from natural materials like cotton, merino wool and linen. “These materials are light, breathable and help regulate your body temperature, which is crucial for women in menopause who frequently deal with hot flashes and skin irritations,” explains Emelo.

Another tip for midlife dressing? Make sure you feel comfortable and confident in your clothes. “As we age, the most important thing is feeling good in what you wear. Choose clothes that fit well and make you feel confident, regardless of trends,” says Emelo. “Invest in quality, key pieces that are tailored to your body as they will look and feel best.”

Here are eight pieces you can feel comfortable in — literally — that you can mix and match to suit your lifestyle:

1. Classic Black Pants 

There’s a reason why brands like Eileen Fisher have been around for so long and are beloved by midlife women. The clothes are well-made and versatile. Styles range from slim to wide legs in a variety of fabrics, from washable crepe to velvet. I also like the Pure Jill Affinity Slim-Leg Pants from J. Jill with a flat (and forgiving) elastic waist that comes in regular, petite and tall.

2. A Grey Cardigan

Melissa Rivers, fashion maven and celebrity style guru, says that a neutral-colored grey cardigan pairs well with a range of colors, making it easy to style with different outfits. “They’re also ideal for layering, whether it’s over a relaxed, simple tee or a blouse, for a more structured outfit. You can even layer them under a blazer or jacket for extra warmth and texture when it's colder out." Two of her favorites are the Classic Cardigan in Cashmere from Everlane and the more affordable CashSoft Cardigan from the Gap. There are also nice options from J.Crew.

3. A White Button-Down Shirt

There’s a reason why style icons like Jenna Lyons and Fran Lebowitz have made the white button-down a wardrobe staple. A crisp white shirt can make you feel pulled together and sophisticated like nothing else and is easy to style with a scarf or statement necklace. “A white button-up never goes out of style, so it's smart to keep a couple in your closet in case one yellows or gets stained,” says Rivers. Her picks include the 100% Organic Cotton Poplin Long Sleeve Shirt from Quince and the New Essential Classic Poplin Shirt from Aritzia.

4. A Stretchy Dress

Barnett says one of her must-haves for a meno capsule wardrobe is a knee-length stretchy dress “with a little mid-section interest or flourish because that's typically the pain point for most women at this stage of life.” She likes the Gathered Waist Dress from Spanx, which has a faux tuck that stays in place and is made with lightweight, breathable four-stretch fabric. For dresses with “grown-up” hemlines, check out Rixo’s Franchi Cotton Midi Dress, recommended by former Lucky magazine editor Kim France in her “Girls of a Certain Age” Substack. You can also find nice options from Athleta and Boden.

5. A Polished Blazer

I always feel more confident in a sharp blazer, which Emelo says can elevate your look while still being practical. “Choose a lightweight, structured blazer that is comfortable. Remember to choose one that is structured enough to give off a polished vibe. A blazer is perfect for those moments when you need to feel put-together without sacrificing comfort.” Her top pick is the Iconic Scuba Dickey Jacket from Veronica Beard and the less-expensive Madelyn Blazer from J.Crew in four-season stretch.

6. Classic Jeans

Whether you prefer wide-leg, slim-leg, high-waisted or slouchy, jeans are the very definition of versatility. Madewell, J.Crew and, of course, Levi’s, all have a variety of styles and sizes to meet most sartorial needs. Do yourself a kindness these days and prioritize comfort — find a pair with a little stretch in a solid, dark wash for the most flattering look. Old Navy also offers a wide range of options.

7. Scoop-Neck Tanks & V-Neck Tees

Barnett likes hemp, organic cotton or Tencel short-sleeve v-neck tees because they allow for more breathability and are great for layering. Plus, a v-neck is universally flattering. The Everyday V-Neck Pima Cotton Blend T-Shirt from Nordstrom ticks all the boxes. Mott & Bow’s Fitted V-Neck Marcy Tee is pre-shrunk and comes in long- and short-sleeves. Sanctuary Clothing also offers some nice options.

8. Signature Accessories

Accessories help you put your own unique stamp on an outfit. I like delicate gold jewelry from Catbird and pretty scarves from Tuckernuck to dress up my “uniform.” You may be known for your statement necklaces or vintage flair — the best part is that you can have fun with accessories and try out trends without spending a ton of money.

What's your go-to comfortable fashion item as you get older? What do you wear more than anything else? Let us know in the comments below.

Sacha Cohen is a writer and certified health coach based in Arlington, VA. Her byline has appeared in the Washington Post, Fodor’s, The Independent, and many other outlets. To read more of her work, go to SachaCohen.com.