I usually shy away from posts focusing on being over 50. There isn’t much difference between dressing in your 30’s vs. your 50’s. There are just functional changes that most of us make. BUT! Graphic sweatshirts seem to fall within the grey area of maybe you are too old to pull that off. I say hogwash! If I am the kind of person, who says hogwash am I too old for graphic sweatshirts? Or does it just mean I grew up with older parents who used antiquated slang and wouldn’t cuss?
Graphic sweatshirts are hot for 2020. It is the logical extension of the graphic tee craze, which shows no sign of slowing down. There are so many great sweatshirts available now. You can easily find one that fits your personality.
A few quick tips for looking fashionable, not frumpy.
1. Pick a sweatshirt of good fabric with a high-quality graphic.
2. Stick to fitted styles or purposefully oversized styles. The in-between is where frumpy lives.
3. Skip the kittens, teddy bears, and other graphics meant for children.
4. If you are going to wear a band sweatshirt, you better know who the band is and be able to name one of their songs.
5. If it has a hole or stain, it is time to donate it.
Read on if you need a little outfit inspiration on how to wear your favorite graphic sweatshirt.
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Outfit Inspiration
1. Perfect for Travel
My travel uniform always includes leggings. They are just the most comfortable pants to wear for long hours of sitting. Comfy pants are one of those tweaks I mentioned that women our age make. Somewhere around fifty, it is no longer comfortable to sit in tight jeans for long periods. You finally realize why your grandmother lived in elastic waist pants.
Lately, I have been wearing a graphic sweatshirt with a tee underneath on the plane. Travel fashion requires layers. Aircraft can be outrageously cold or unbelievably hot! They never seem to settle on the middle ground.
Sweatshirt // Denim Jacket // Leggings // Sneakers // Backpack
2. Graphic Sweatshirt for Work
Yes, you can wear a graphic sweatshirt to work if you work in a casual workplace. I would stick with benign graphics that won’t offend or create controversy. I think wearing a sweatshirt under a suit is the perfect way to look pulled together yet comfortable. My favorite way to wear a sweatshirt under a suit is with a hoodie, but strangely, I don’t have any graphic hoodies. I need to remedy that situation.
Make sure the sweatshirt is a slim fit, so it doesn’t bunch under your suit jacket. My suit is from Banana Republic. They have fabulous sales, and I picked up both pieces for less than $150. Any given day, BR has sales with up to 50% off most items. If the suit you want isn’t on sale, give it a couple of days and likely it will be.
You could comfortably wear this outfit with flats or booties if sneakers are too casual for your office. I like the look of sneakers with a suit, and you get the added benefit of having comfortable feet all day.
Sweatshirt // Suit Jacket // Suit Pants // Sneakers
3. For Running Around Town
As a SAHM, most of my days consist of running around. My kids are both teens, so the day to day crazy mainly consists of schlepping kids from one place to another. A graphic sweatshirt elevates the standard mom uniform of jeans, a sweatshirt, and sneakers to something more fashion-forward.
Below, I’m wearing my Anine Bing sweatshirt with the 2020 denim trend you all need in your closet, the straight leg jean. Straight leg jeans are what all the most fashionable women will be wearing this year. If you need tips on how to style, check out my post, The Best Straight Leg Jeans & How to Wear Them.
The skinny jeans I am wearing are my most worn pair of denim. They are the only pair I ever consider wearing on a plane. Usually, I stick with leggings, as I mentioned. Actually, I reach for this pair of jeans more than the %&$ other jeans in my closet. I have a lot!
Sweatshirt // Jeans (similar) // Sneakers
Sweatshirt // Jeans // Sneakers
4. Graphic Sweatshirt for a Music Festival
The music festival and concert season are almost upon us. Layering is key when headed to any musical event. Depending on the venue, the temperature can be all over the place. If you are planning on attending an all-day festival, you will need layers. The days will be hot but the evening could be chilly. I am wearing the Anine Bing sweatshirt over a silk slip dress. Mine is the Alexander Wang Wash & Go, Racerback Dress.
Sneakers are essential for festivals. I boggled by seeing women wearing high heels at events where standing for long periods is standard. They don’t look fashionable to me, just uncomfortable. I’ve had some high heel devotees insist they are more comfortable in heels than flats, but I call BS!
See what a little time wearing a cool sweatshirt can do? It can take you from saying hogwash to calling BS in a matter of outfits.
Sweatshirt // Dress // Sneakers
5. For Spring & Summer Nights
As spring approaches, I finally feel like I want to pull out my white jeans. It isn’t that I follow antiquated fashion rules strictly, but somehow I prefer darker pants in winter. It is probably a practical thing. I feel like white pants have the chance to get dirtier in winter and so I reach for darker colors.
With the return of lots of sunshine, I finally feel like wearing white denim. Of course, the mornings and evenings are still cold. Add a graphic sweatshirt over your favorite tee for those cooler temps. In the summer, I will sport this same look with sandals or flip flops. I am a native Californian after all, flip flops are required and beloved. My favorite brand is OluKai. You can pick them up at Nordstrom.
Sweatshirt // Jeans // Sneakers
6. Graphic Sweatshirts for Sharing a Message
Instead of wearing your heart on your sleeve, send a message with your sweatshirt. Everlane is one of my favorite online brands. They make quality clothes ethically produced with transparent pricing. The 100% Human Collection supports protection for human rights while reminding us that we are more the same than we are different. They donate $5 from every 100% Human product sold to the ACLU.
Not your thing? What is? Most charities offer merch for sale. Buying and wearing your favorite causes’ clothing is a great way to show your support. Maybe you want to share a deep thought (cue Jack Handy’s Deep Thoughts), a reminder to Be Kind, or Choose Love. Graphic Sweatshirts are a great way to share your message with the world.
Personal fact: Long before peace signs became popular again, I started collecting anything and everything with the symbol on it. It was my reminder to allow peace into my life. Of course, then it became crazy popular, and I had to give the sign a rest. Every now and then, you will see a reference to peace in my outfit.
Sweatshirt // Jeans
Sweatshirts are a practical fashion. We all have them in our closets. By picking a modern graphic sweatshirt, you can take a look from frumpy to fabulous without sacrificing comfort. I’ve linked some of my favorites below.
I would love it if you followed me on Instagram for my everyday outfits or on Pinterest for my fashion inspiration. StyleDahlia is for fashion-minded women in the prime of their life. We delight in the beauty of every day, and we hope you will join us on our journey. Happy Shopping Dahlias. xoxo
