5 Essential Tips for Date-Night Style if You’re Over 50, According to Model & Beauty Mogul Molly Sims
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If there's one celebrity who always gets date-night style right, it's Molly Sims. Whether she's going out to dinner, a fancy Hollywood fête or a movie premiere—her husband Scott Stuber is the chairman of Netflix Films, after all—she's curating covetable looks that make us, well, actually want to get dressed up to go on a date. She also makes them seem easy to pull off, with pieces from our own closets, which is something we appreciate very much from Sims.
Her effortless beauty style is down to a science: fuss-free yet polished glam, oftentimes a chic chignon or beachy waves, and soft, natural makeup or a bold lip. Her fashion style is just as smart: throw-on dresses with a blazer or cardi draped over her shoulders, in addition to tailored separates with a killer bag.
Add a few layered necklaces and her favorite heart earrings, and she's ready for date night. We love her looks so much, that we asked the model, style star and founder of YSE Beauty line for tips on how to put together the best date-night outfits for women over 50—since Sims celebrated her own milestone birthday this past year.
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Read on for her advice, plus the one trend she thinks it's time to let go of.
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The #1 Style Rule Molly Sims Swears By
"It has to be chic because if it’s chic, it’s effortless," she tells Parade. "I also live by the idea that confidence is the best accessory you can wear."
"It’s all about how you wear something and not what you wear," says Sims who swears that knowing your right size, what flatters your body and what makes you feel good inherently makes you look good.
Molly Sims' 5 Best Tips for Winning Date-Night Style Over 50
Less is more—effortless and timeless without trying too hard.
Never underestimate the power of a great blow dry.
Always, always have your nails done beforehand. Her go-to colors are a subtle beige or when she's feeling extra fun, a great red like OPI’s Big Apple Red.
Wear clothes that flatter your body type.
Blazers always work—don’t be afraid to layer.
Related: Coat Tips Over 50, According to Model Molly Sims
What Are Some Good Date-Night Outfit Ideas for Women Over 50?
1. A simple silk dress with a blazer
"It’s typically my go-to on date nights here in Los Angeles when my husband will go out for dinner at Sunset Tower, or happy hour drinks at the Polo Lounge," says Sims, noting that this combo is both classy and timeless without trying too hard.
A couple of her favorite silk dresses at the moment include Third Form's Black Lip Service Bias Maxi Dress ($270) and Third Form's Taupe Crush Bias Maxi Dress ($175) and she currently has her eye on TWP Clothing Boyfriend Blazer ($825) and Nili Lotan Adele Single Breasted Tailored Jacket ($1,090).
2. A chic sweater over a dress
If the date is more casual (or depending on the season), she ditches the blazer and adds a chic sweater over the dress. "There is something so effortless and classic about this ensemble that always feels simple to throw on, but makes you look a bit more elevated when walking about the door," she adds. "That to me, is what having great style is all about."
One of her go-to pullovers is Jenni Kayne's Everyday Sweater ($185) since it's easy, lightweight and great for layering over dresses
Sims usually reaches for a little belt to tie around her blazer or sweater too, because it just adds that extra touch of “put-together.” Favorites include Isabel Marant's Lecce Belt ($210) and the Celine Medium Triomphe Belt in Taurillon Leather ($690).
3. A monochromatic look.
Another date-night to-to for Sims is a monochromatic look that gives off a "quiet luxury" feel. "It never fails to be stylish—no matter the time of year, or type of date," she shares. "A tonal-on-tonal vibe is always elevated without looking like too much effort was put in and a ribbed material is usually what I reach for because it adds a little something extra and gives texture to your look."
Her monochromatic picks include Toteme's Chain Edge Knit Sweater in Charcoal ($720) and Chain Edge Knit Skirt in Charcoal ($740), along with G.Label By Goop's Elena Shrunken Ribbed Cardigan ($495), G.Label By Goop Mar Knit Bralette ($295) and G. Label By Goop Strom Knit Skirt ($170).
What's One Trend You Should Avoid at 50?
Demin on denim is a no-no for Sims. "Sometimes it can be done right but most of the time it just looks dated," she says. Skinny jeans also need to go. "I know we all have those amazing pairs of skinny jeans we used to be obsessed with, but these days, I prefer a straight-leg jean. It elongates your legs in a more flattering way and just makes a chic touch to any outfit."
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How to Style Date-Night Looks After Turning 50
According to Sims, accessories can make or break an outfit, so don't neglect them entirely. "For a fancy party date, I think a black bow in your hair (the thin satin ribbon ones that you tie) is always timeless," she says. "Pair this with a great gold earring like the Jennifer Fisher Samira Mini Hoops ($300) and then, depending on the time of year, you can also add a sheer tight to the look."
The brand of tights Sims swears by is Wolford—specifically, their Individual 10 Tights ($55) which come in eight skin-flattering shades.
If the date leans more romantic, as in a dinner type of vibe, then Sims favors a chunky gold necklace like the Shylee Rose Jewelry Open Link Necklace. "Maybe even throw in a belt if it makes sense for the outfit," she says, adding that the goal is not to overthink it. "Keep it simple."
After jewelry, she likes to add a pop of color—whether it's with your lip, purse or shoe—to complement the outfit, while also giving a flirty element. Her tried-and-true lip colors are Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick in Obsessed ($39) and Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk ($35).
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For shoes, she thinks a sling-back shoe or understated heel is the way to go, but if you want something a bit more casual, then a ballet shoe like The Row Ava Leather Ballet Flat ($820) or the Everlane The Day Ballet Flat ($145) is the perfect pairing.
Finally, to top off any look, Sims relies on dewy, glowy skin as the ultimate accessory. "In the winter I hydrate with my favorite YSE Beauty Xtremely Rich Moisturizer ($65) that feels lightweight but gives my skin that dose of hydration it needs," she says. "And for an extra boost of brightness, I'll mix it with my YSE Beauty Morning Cocktail Vitamin C Serum ($85) to add a little glow without looking overdone."
Next Up: Molly Sims' Favorite Jeans and Denim Tips for Women Over 50
