Matching Sets for Women Over 50: How to Wear Them Your Way

You know what I love? A good matching set.

You know what I don’t love? Looking like I’m back at work 30 years ago headed to a board meeting with a cup of coffee when I’m just trying to enjoy one of those Westboro patios or go to the movies and eat some popcorn with extra butter.

That’s the beauty of matching sets we’ve been bringing into the shop.
They’re polished, yes. Put together, absolutely.
But they’re also incredibly versatile. When you're over 50—you'll get it. Once you know how to break them up we're off to the races with the incredible number of outfits we can make. 

I’ve had women in their 60s and 70s walk into Three Wild Women, take one look at a set on the rack, and say,

“Oh, that’s lovely… but where am I going to wear that?”

And I always say, “Wherever you want—because you don’t have to wear it all at once.”

Let me explain:

 

 

Let’s be honest: There are days when I'm just happy to be getting out the door, albeit ten minutes late - but sometimes, that's the best you can do. You still want to feel good, but not fuss over it. That’s where matching sets come in.

• They instantly look polished—even if you got dressed in the dark, which (I’ll admit) I sometimes do if my husband is still asleep.

• They give you options. Two (or three!) pieces, endless combinations. (Scroll down for inspiration.)

• They stretch your wardrobe. Mix the top with jeans. Pair the pants with a tee. Throw the jacket over a dress for church, brunch, or your granddaughter’s piano recital in Kanata.

You don’t have to treat them like a uniform. You treat them like a toolbox. Pick what you need, leave the rest behind.

Outfit Inspiration #1: The Charlie B jean with half the matching set from Habitat. Wear the tank and the jean with the dress (of the set - comes with a blouse and pants also) open like a duster.

 

But Is It “Too Much” for Everyday?

If I hear one more woman say that they're worried about being too old or too casual for a set like this? You're not. You are you and that's what matters. All the kids are doing the, "if you like it - wear it!" I say, let's do it too! Plus a great pair of sneakers or loafers will tone down any look. 


These sets aren't about being trendy. They're about feeling confident in your skin and your clothes. Whether you're 52 or 72, it’s not about rules—it’s about options. And comfort. And still feeling like you when you walk out the door.

 

Outfit Inspiration #2 The Habitat matching coral set with a subtle pinstripe denim jacket topper for a little structure. Wear this look with some great sandals (preferably in a brown or camel) with some great statement or just fun jewelry and you're ready for a luncheon with the girls. 

Buy the set if you love the pieces. But don’t feel like you have to wear them all together all the time.

You’ll get way more wear—and way more compliments—by switching things up.

Take the pants out on their own. Throw the jacket over jeans and a tank. Tuck the top into a skirt. Suddenly, you’ve got three new outfits—and you didn’t even open a second hanger.

Now - here's the kicker for your brain - don't put them all together in your closet. Remember those suits we used to wear? Always hung together on the same hanger and I always felt like I had to wear them together. When I finally got around to donating them I realized that I actually really like the pants still. So I kept the pants and I ditched the jacket. I could not believe the number out outfits I was missing out on because I thought I had to wear it all together. 

You’re not dressing for trends. You’re not dressing for someone else’s idea of “age-appropriate.” You’re dressing for your real life—and your real body. 

Matching sets are great. But you get to decide how to wear them and you get to decide what kind of set you want. Dresses, dusters, pants, blouses. Pick and choose - we don't sell sets as, well, sets here. So you can always pick the sizes, the colours, and the way you want your clothes to feel. 

And if you’re not sure where to start, come visit us in Westboro—or shop online from anywhere in Ottawa. We’ll help you play around with the pieces until it feels just right.

Style that feels like you, only better.