How to Wear Lingerie in Your 50s, 60s, and Beyond

September 21, 2016, 8:40 am | By Elisabeth Dale

Just because you've reached a certain age, doesn't mean you have to give up wearing beautiful lingerie.

Take it from a woman who participated in her first boudoir shoot at the ripe young age of 59. Still, it can be a challenge to shop for and wear lingerie in your 50s and 60s.

You won't find many fashion models over 30 in advertisements, for instance. (Yes, there's a general lack of diversity in the industry, but for this article, I'll focus on age.) It's like I've crept past a certain "sell-by" date, and aged out of any sales demographic. I feel invisible when I walk into one of America's most famous lingerie chains. I don't exist as a customer.

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What I find sexy in my 60s is not the same as in my 20s, either. First, I'm not dressing (or undressing) for anyone but myself. Second, I prefer more, not less, coverage. Third, I can now afford to pay for quality design, construction, and materials. Finally, I don't need guidance on fit. I know what I like. It's more a matter of finding the pieces that make me look and feel my best.

Don't get me wrong. I think you should wear whatever you want, regardless of age. But you might, like me, find some cuts more flattering than others. Or you may simply want to expand your lingerie horizons.

Here are five tips for how to wear lingerie in your 50s, 60s, and beyond:

Up your panty game. Nothing makes me feel more put together, in charge of life, and on top of the world, than wearing a matching bra and panty set. It's like making the bed first thing in the morning. I'm ready for the day and can go out and conquer the world. Most brands give you multiple choices when it comes to knicker styles. You'll find everything from high-waisted undies to low-rise tangas and full bottom briefs. Just be sure to stock up on at least three pairs for every bra. Even a plain, basic bra pops when paired as a set.

Simone Perele Delice Demi Bra

Available in 5 Colors

Fits Bands 30-38, Cups B-F

via Bare Necessities

Chantelle Parisian Underwire Plunge Bra

Available in 4 Colors

Fits Bands 32-42, Cups B-I

via Nordstrom

Pour Moi Imogen Rose Full Coverage Bra

Available in 5 Colors

Fits Bands 32-44, Cups D-J

via Figleaves

Pay attention to details. Here's where bra styles make a difference. A cut-and-sewn cup gives more support for heavier, post-menopausal breasts. Some (but not all) plunge bras can push older boobs too close together, creating less attractive "creaseage." Balconnette and demi-bras keep everything lifted and separated, while not sacrificing sex appeal. Ballet and U-shaped backs smooth out bumps and lumps. Look for extra touches like lace overlays, satin finishes, and appliqued straps. You may want to look for straps set closer together, front close, or bras easily converted into a "racerback" (shown below). All eliminate the hassle of straps falling off sloping shoulders.

Maidenform Pure Genius T-Back (Front Close) T-Shirt Bra

Available in 6 colors

Fits Bands 32-40, Cups B-DD

via Bare Necessities

Wacoal Embrace Lace Deep V Bralette (J hook converts to racerback)

Available in 5 Colors

Fits Bands 30-40

via Nordstrom

Le Mystere Convertible Underwire T-Shirt Bra

Available in Bands 32-40, Cups B-G

via Nordstrom

Elomi Etta Convertible Bra

Available in 2 Colors

Fits Bands 34-44, Cups E-J

via Bare Necessities

Go bold. The beauty of wearing lingerie at our age is that we do it for ourselves. We can pick bright colors and patterns that appeal to our personal tastes. Wearing something outrageous underneath it all is empowering, especially when no one has a clue what grandma's got going on. It's my little secret.

Simone Perele Byzance Plunge Bra

Fits Bands 32-38, Cups B-F

via Bare Necessities

Panache Andorra Bra

Available in 5 Colors

Fits Bands 28-42, Cups D-J

via Bare Necessities

Freya Willow Plunge Bra

Fits Bands 28-38, Cups D-H

via Bare Necessities

Stay in your comfort zone. This tip isn't meant to limit choices. But as a more mature woman, I crave comfort. Sometimes too-strappy bra details dig into softer and more pliable skin, leaving unsightly marks. Look for triple wrapped underwires (i.e., Prima Donna) for added comfort and confidence. Or choose wider, padded straps, like those found on the Empreinte Melody. Bras engineered with side slings (see Harlow & Fox) bring wobbly bits front and center---where most of us want them.

Prima Donna Deauville Full Cup Bra

Available in 10 Colors

Fits Bands 30-48, Cups B-J

via HerRoom

Empreinte Melody Underwire Seamless Bra

Available in Multiple Colors

Fits Bands 30-42, Cups C-G

viaHerRoom

Andromeda Full Cup Bra (w/side sling support)

Fits Bands 30-38, UK Cups DD-G

via Harlow & Fox

Think outside the bra. In addition to buying matching panties for every bra set, why not add other elements to your lingerie wardrobe? You can wear camisoles, half and full slips, and gorgeous lounge robes as either under or outer wear.