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The best plus size outfits for women in their 70s start with cloth that has some weight to it. Ponte, cashmere and a jersey with real body all hang from the shoulder and hold a line of their own.
These 15 looks run from a Tuesday at the pharmacy to a night at the theater, and each one is built on a single shape idea that I name plainly.
Size honesty is the whole point here, so every garment below is sold to at least a US 20 and I quote the real range for each one.
One note, said once: several of these retailers photograph the pieces on smaller models. The size ranges I quote come from the retailers’ own listings, not from the photos.
If you want more elegant plus size outfits for women over 70 once you finish this list, my plus size fall outfit ideas carry on from the autumn looks here.
1. Chocolate Column: V-Neck Sweater, Ponte Trousers and Loafers
Shop the Look
Savvy Fine Knit V Sweater (Espresso)
$88.00 | Fine-gauge knit with a straight body and a V that opens the column. Sizes 00 to 40, picked on the page.
Audrey Relaxed Uniform Ponte Workpant (Espresso)
$145.00 | Same espresso as the sweater, with an elastic back waist and a leg that tapers to the ankle. Runs 00 to 40.
Women’s Sloane Venetian Loafer (Dark Choco)
$150.00 | No strap, no bit, no hardware: just dark chocolate leather. US 5 to 11 in medium width only.
One color from shoulder to shoe is the most elegant thing you can do on a weekday. With no horizontal break, the espresso sweater and matching ponte trousers read as a single long line, and the V-neck opens it at the top.
Both pieces run 00 to 40 at Universal Standard, where a Medium is a US 18-20 and a Large is a US 22-24. You choose the size on the product page.
A column this dark and this simple never looks like an errand outfit.
2. Navy Ponte Blazer, Blue Oxford Shirt and Dark Jeans
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Beas Ponte Blazer (Navy)
$218.00 | Half-lined ponte with a notched lapel and a slightly longer back hem. Universal Standard’s Medium is a US 18-20.
The New Sienna Cotton Shirt (Blue Oxford)
$99.00 | Crisp cotton oxford with a curved back hem, sold up to a US 20/22 on one page.
Matchstick Jean (Rinse Wash)
$148.00 | Dark, unfaded rinse in a slim-straight leg. Waist sizes go to 37, a US 24, with Petite and Tall too.
Women’s Blythe Penny Loafer (Light Brown)
$160.00 | Polished leather with a plain strap and no metal. Medium width only, US 5 to 11.
A blazer needs a real shoulder seam, and this navy ponte one has it. The shoulder gives the top half its structure, so the knit body hangs straight from there over an open-collared blue oxford shirt and dark rinse jeans.
The blazer runs 00 to 40, the Boden shirt goes to a US 20/22, and the J.Crew jeans go to a 37 waist, which is their US 24. Tan penny loafers warm up all that blue.
Ponte tailoring beats a stiff woven jacket every single Saturday.
3. Navy Floral-Stamp Jersey Midi Dress and Tan Block-Heel Pumps
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Georgia Jersey Midi Dress (Navy, Flourishing Spring Stamp)
$149.00 | Jersey with a smocked empire waist and full-length sleeves, to a US 20/22 in Regular or Long.
Ebel Mid Heel Pump (Tan Genuine Leather)
$99.00 | Wide widths are the reason to buy this pump: US 5 to 12 in both Medium and Wide, on a covered block heel.
A V neckline and a marked waist do the work in this dress. The smocked empire waist sits high and stays where it is when you sit down to lunch, and the A-line skirt falls to mid-calf from there.
Long sleeves gather into a smocked cuff, and the pink and green stamped flowers sit on a deep navy ground, so the print reads dark overall. Boden sells it up to a US 20/22, with a Long length on the same page.
A print on navy is the easiest print to wear well.
4. Oatmeal Knit Duster, Gray Cashmere V-Neck and Charcoal Wide-Leg Trousers
Shop the Look
Savvy Double Knit Duster (Almond Dust)
$148.00 | Open front, clean edges and patch pockets in a dense double knit. Sizes 00 to 40, with Large covering US 22-24.
Perfect Cashmere V-Neck (Hthr Grey)
$158.00 | Pure cashmere cut relaxed through the body, in XXS to 3X on a single page.
Belgravia Ponte Pants (Charcoal)
$140.00 | High waist, flat front and a subtly flared wide leg in crease-free ponte, up to a US 20/22.
Women’s Sloane Venetian Loafer (Black)
$150.00 | Smooth black leather on a low heel, with nothing shiny on it. Medium width only.
Two straight front edges are what make a long open layer worth wearing. This khaki-oatmeal duster falls below the knee and frames a tonal gray column: a light heather gray cashmere V-neck over charcoal wide-leg ponte trousers.
For a travel day, that means a dense double knit you can take off on board and trousers in a crease-free ponte. The duster runs 00 to 40, the J.Crew cashmere goes to 3X, and the Boden trousers stop at a US 20/22.
Plain black loafers finish it better than any sneaker would.
5. Orchid Crewneck Cardigan and Navy Pleated Midi Skirt
Shop the Look
Savvy Fine Knit Crewneck Cardigan (Purple Vision)
$108.00 | Designed to be worn as a top, which is exactly how I would wear it. Runs 00 to 40.
Pleat Side Split Midi Skirt (Navy)
$180.00 | Pleats that release from a flat waistband, with one side split for walking room. Up to a US 20/22.
Ebel Mid Heel Pump (Navy Genuine Leather)
$99.00 | Navy leather to match the skirt, and it comes in Wide as well as Medium from US 5 to 12.
Button the cardigan all the way up and wear it as the top. This one is a bright orchid fine knit that ends at the high hip, right where the navy skirt’s flat waistband begins.
From that waistband the pleats release into an A-line that widens gradually to mid-calf, so the skirt moves when you walk into church. The cardigan runs 00 to 40 and the Boden skirt goes to a US 20/22.
Strong color belongs at church as much as anywhere.
6. Deep Teal V-Neck Dress, Black Ponte Blazer and Ankle Boots
Shop the Look
Bessie Curve V-Neck Midi Dress (Oceanview)
$128.00 | Choose Fit “Curve” on the page for 14W to 24W. The three-quarter sleeve and V-neck are both exactly right.
Stamford Ponte Blazer (Black)
$199.00 | Crease-resistant ponte with a structured shoulder, ending at the hip. Boden sizes it to a US 20/22.
Baylor Mid Block Heel Bootie (Black Stretch Faux Leather)
$119.00 | Completely plain, with a stretch shaft and a block heel of mid height. Medium and Wide, US 5 to 12.
Scuba crepe has enough weight to hold its own outline, which is exactly why this teal dress works. It has a V-neck, three-quarter sleeves, a twist at the waist and a flounce hem that lands just below the knee.
A hip-length black ponte blazer with a structured shoulder goes over the top for a cold church hall. The dress is a Curve fit in 14W to 24W: pick Fit “Curve” on the page, then your size, and know that 22W and 24W were sold out in this teal when I checked.
Teal under black is richer than black on black.
7. Kingfisher Blue Cashmere V-Neck and Black Straight-Leg Trousers
Shop the Look
Cashmere High V-Neck Sweater (Kingfisher)
$148.00 | Kingfisher is a vivid, clear blue in pure cashmere. Every size from XXS to 3X is on the same page.
Straight Leg Ponte Pants (Black)
$130.00 | A pressed front seam gives this straight leg its sharp line. To a US 20/22, in Regular or Long leg.
Women’s Sloane Venetian Loafer (Black)
$150.00 | Plain enough to let the blue sweater do the talking. US 5 to 11, medium only.
Wear this sweater untucked and let it hang. A hip-length cashmere V-neck falls straight from the shoulder over a straight-leg ponte trouser, and the pressed front seam on the trouser carries that line down to a plain black loafer.
The V sits a little higher than most, so it stays modest when you lean over a suitcase at the airport. J.Crew makes the sweater in XXS to 3X, and Boden cuts the trousers to a US 20/22 with a Long leg on the same page.
One vivid blue over black is all the color a travel day needs.
8. Ruby Red Cashmere Crewneck and Chocolate Wide-Leg Trousers
Shop the Look
Perfect Cashmere Crewneck (Radiant Ruby)
$148.00 | Ribbed side panels give this crewneck its ease, and the red is bright and true. XXS to 3X.
Belgravia Ponte Pants (Bitter Chocolate)
$140.00 | The flat-front wide leg this whole look depends on, in a warm chocolate ponte. Tops out at a US 20/22.
Women’s Sloane Venetian Loafer (Dark Choco)
$150.00 | Chocolate on chocolate keeps the leg line going to the floor. Medium width only.
The trouser is the star here, not the sweater. A high waist and a flat front let the chocolate ponte fall straight from the hip to the floor in one clean line.
On top, a bright red cashmere crewneck ends at the high hip, with ribbed side panels that give it ease through the body. The sweater is sold in XXS to 3X and the trousers to a US 20/22, each on a single product page.
Red with chocolate looks more expensive than red with black.
9. Plum Ponte Fit-and-Flare Dress with Black Tights
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Lucinda Ponte Midi Dress (Plum Caspia)
$158.00 | 380g ponte, a seamed bodice and a back zip: this dress is built properly. Sizes 00 to 40.
Opaque Non Control Tight (Black)
$20.00 | Opaque black with a non-control top. HUE sizes run 1 to 5, so read the height and weight chart on the page.
Ebel Mid Heel Pump (Black Genuine Leather)
$99.00 | Rounded toe, cushioned insole, black leather. Order it in Wide if you need to, from US 5 to 12.
Fit-and-flare only works in a cloth heavy enough to keep both halves smooth, and this ponte is. The seamed bodice follows your shape to the waist seam, then the skirt flares out to below the knee.
Sleeves are short, and the round neck has a small V notch. Universal Standard cuts it in 00 to 40, so there is real range above a US 24 here.
Deep plum with black tights is the right answer for a long family dinner.
10. Navy Painted-Dot Shirt Dress and Navy Pumps
Shop the Look
Louise Midi Shirt Dress (French Navy, Painted Dot)
$249.00 | Collar, button front, belt and pockets, in a woven navy with a white painted dot. Sold to a US 20/22.
Ebel Mid Heel Pump (Navy Genuine Leather)
$99.00 | Tonal with the dress, so the line from hem to toe stays navy. Medium and Wide widths are both offered.
A shirt dress earns its place through the placket. The button front draws one line down the center, and the tie belt lets you set the waist exactly where it is comfortable.
This one has a collar, long sleeves, pockets and a skirt to mid-calf, in deep navy with an irregular white painted dot. Boden lists it up to a US 20/22, chosen on the product page.
Navy and white will always look right at a family Christmas.
11. Forest Green Jersey Wrap Dress and Tan Block-Heel Sandals
Shop the Look
The Divine Jersey Wrap Dress (Conifer)
$148.00 | Ties at the side waist in a soft viscose jersey. One page covers 00 to 40, with Medium as a US 18-20.
Pheba Ankle Strap Tailored Sandals (Light Brown)
$69.99 | An ankle strap, a full sole and a block heel wrapped in woven raffia. Medium width only, US 5 to 12.
A true wrap is better than a faux one because you set the fit yourself. This one ties at the side waist, and the viscose jersey falls over the hip in soft folds to just below the knee.
Three-quarter sleeves and a V neckline keep it right for dinner, and it runs 00 to 40 on one page. I go deeper on tying and layering in my guide to wearing a wrap dress in your 70s.
Forest green is the color I would pick over black for a summer evening.
12. Berry Knit Duster over a Black Shell and Wide-Leg Trousers
Shop the Look
Savvy Double Knit Duster (Rothko Purple)
$148.00 | Here the duster from look 4 comes in a saturated berry. Still 00 to 40, still open with patch pockets.
Savvy Fine Knit Sweater Shell (Black)
$82.00 | Sleeveless rib knit with a round neck, made to sit under a layer that stays on. Runs 00 to 40.
Stephanie Wide Leg Ponte Pants (Black)
$138.00 | Pull-on waist, flat front, wide leg to the floor. Universal Standard lists it 00 to 40.
Ebel Mid Heel Pump (Black Genuine Leather)
$99.00 | My pick for evening because the heel is a covered block. US 5 to 12, Medium and Wide.
Black from neckline to shoe, then one long line of berry purple down each side. That is column dressing for evening, and it takes three pieces from the same retailer in the same 00 to 40 range.
The duster is a dense double knit that ends around the knee, worn open over a sleeveless black shell and pull-on wide-leg ponte trousers that reach the floor. Keep the duster on and the shell does its job as a clean black base.
A saturated color in a long layer is the smartest thing at a winter dinner table.
13. Wine Red Jersey Blouse, Black Trousers and Pointed Flats
Shop the Look
Moore Liquid Jersey Blouse (Deep Red)
$94.00 | Liquid jersey that drapes from gathered shoulders, with a spread collar over the V. Runs 00 to 40.
Straight Leg Ponte Pants (Black)
$130.00 | Straight-leg ponte with a flat front, the calm half of this outfit. Boden goes to a US 20/22.
Smooch Leather Ballet Flats (Black Leather)
$99.00 | Pointed leather flat with a small self bow and no metal. US 5 to 12 in medium width.
Black Satin Gabrielle Clutch
$98.00 | Black satin envelope with a braided tassel and a magnetic snap: small, dressy, done.
An open V in a fabric that drapes is the whole idea. This liquid jersey blouse has a spread collar above the V and gathers from the shoulders, so the cloth falls from the bust in a deep wine red.
Long sleeves gather into a cuff, and the hem sits at the hip over black straight-leg ponte trousers. The blouse runs 00 to 40 and the trousers to a US 20/22.
Pointed black flats are the correct shoe for a party you will stand through.
14. Light Pink V-Neck Sweater, Navy Ankle Trousers and a Silk Scarf
Shop the Look
Short-Sleeve V-Neck Sweater in Vintage Wool (Sakura Pink)
$98.00 | All wool, short sleeved, with a deep ribbed V. J.Crew’s run is XXS to 3X.
Kate Straight-Leg Pant in Four-Season Stretch (Navy)
$138.00 | Stretch suiting that holds a pressed straight line, in 00 to 24 plus Petite and Tall.
Pheba Ankle Strap Tailored Sandals (Light Brown)
$69.99 | Warm tan with a closed heel cup and an adjustable ankle strap. It is medium width only.
Printed Silk Scarf (Navy)
$79.50 | Ivory paisley on a navy silk square, soft enough to tie loosely at the neck.
Flat front, straight leg, and a hem that stops at the ankle so the sandal shows: this trouser sets the line. J.Crew sells it in one run from 00 to 24, with Petite and Tall on the same page.
Above it, a light pink V-neck sweater in fine wool has short sleeves and ends at the high hip, and it goes to 3X. A navy paisley silk scarf at the neck ties the top to the trousers, and there are more ways to knot it in my guide to styling a silk scarf in your 70s.
Pale pink needs navy beside it, never beige.
15. Emerald Velvet Blazer over a Black Jersey Column Dress
Shop the Look
Stamford Velvet Blazer (Midnight Emerald)
$260.00 | Semi-fitted, single button, soft velvet, ending at the hip. Up to a US 20/22 on Boden’s page.
Honor Column Jersey Midi Dress (Black)
$149.00 | Crew neck, button placket and a tie belt you can remove. The column runs to mid-calf and to a US 20/22.
Ebel Mid Heel Pump (Black Genuine Leather)
$99.00 | Finishing a black column with a plain black pump is never wrong. Wide width available.
A column dress under a blazer gives you two vertical lines at once. The black jersey dress falls straight to mid-calf, and the velvet blazer adds a shoulder and a second edge down the front.
The dress has a crew neck, a button placket, three-quarter sleeves and a removable tie belt, so you decide whether to mark the waist. Both pieces are Boden, both sold up to a US 20/22.
Midnight emerald velvet is exactly dressed up enough for the theater.
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See the CalendarA Medium That Fits a US 18: How the Four Size Systems in This List Compare
The letter on the label tells you almost nothing until you know whose label it is.
Universal Standard numbers its range 00 to 40 and puts its Medium at a US 18-20 and its Large at a US 22-24. Your usual letter from another store will not be your letter there.
Boden doubles up at the top of its run, with a 16/18 and a 20/22, and several of its trousers and dresses add a Long length on the same page. J.Crew uses letters to 3X for knitwear, numbers to 24 for trousers and waist sizes to 37 for jeans, where a 37 is a US 24.
Maggy London keeps its plus sizes in a separate Curve fit, 14W to 24W, that you select before you select the size.
So measure your bust, waist and hip once, write the numbers down, and read each retailer’s chart against them instead of trusting the letter.
Start with the trousers. A flat-front ponte pair in black or chocolate goes under half the tops on this list, and it is the piece you will wear most.
Then add one strong color on top, and if shoes are the sticking point, I keep a separate list of comfortable, elegant shoes for women in their 70s.
Good cloth, a clear shape and a size that is actually yours: that is all elegance has ever needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which fabrics work best for plus size clothes for older women?
Fabrics with weight and drape: ponte, cashmere, scuba crepe and jersey with some body. They hang from the shoulder and hold a line, which is why almost every look here uses one of them.
Which shoes in this list come in wide widths?
The Aerosoles pumps in tan, navy and black and the Aerosoles black ankle boot are sold in both Medium and Wide, US 5 to 12. The G.H. Bass loafers and the Nine West flats and sandals are medium width only.
What if I want sleeves to the wrist?
Most looks here already have long sleeves, including the navy floral dress, the shirt dress and the wine red blouse. The plum ponte dress and the light pink sweater are short sleeved, so add the knit duster from look 4 or 12 if you want more sleeve.
Can I wear bright colors in my 70s?
Yes, and this list is built on them: orchid, kingfisher blue, bright red, berry and forest green. Put the strong color in one piece and keep the rest dark, as looks 5, 7 and 12 do.
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