Creating a great look doesn’t have to break the bank. The latest trends can be found at reasonable prices at shops like H&M, ZARA, TOPSHOP, FOREVER 21 and UNIQLO. Women over 50 sometimes tend to shy away from these types of retail outlets because they are marketed to a younger consumer, but if you are willing to spend time looking through the racks, there are some great pieces to be found that suit the mature woman as well. It’s just a matter of knowing your body type and being able to visualize how certain pieces can be re-styled to suit you. Layering is a great way to incorporate pieces into your wardrobe that you wouldn’t normally consider wearing.

The top and skirt I have on were both purchased at H&M. I wouldn’t usually go for a cropped hooded top like this, because they are generally cut too short for me and I don’t want to risk exposing my middle. I prefer tops that hit at the waist or the hip so that they cover my mid-section, which is where I carry my weight. However, I loved the sheer fabric and the hood, and really wanted to make this crop top work. So I got creative. I paired it with a black tank top underneath to guarantee a bit of coverage when lifting my arms. If you layer in the same color, the two tops will blend together. This is a great trick if you want to wear a shorter top, but don’t want to show any skin. Simply wear a longer tank top in the same color underneath the cropped top or sweater.

The skirt hits high on the waist, which works well when paired with a shorter top. Since the upper portion is also in black, it blends together nicely and is quite slimming. I like the new full skirt trend. You don’t have to be tall to wear them. I’m only 5’3. The key is proportion. If you are on the shorter side like I am, look for a full skirt with less volume. This one is fitted at the top and flares at the bottom, which is a great cut for smaller frames. I think the key to budget shopping is a willingness to experiment with different looks. You’ll be surprised what pieces actually work when you get a bit creative.