10 Fashion Mistakes That Make You Look Older

This comes up a lot, so I figured I’d just say it—friends are always asking me, “Can I still wear this?” or “Am I too old for that?” And honestly, my answer is usually the same: You can wear anything, as long as you wear it well.

That said, once you hit your 40s and 50s, it’s normal to start second-guessing some of the styles you used to love. And yeah, sometimes that’s actually a good thing.

Take shorts, for example. I used to feel great in them through my early 40s, but now? Not so much. They just don’t feel like me anymore. These days, I’m more into midi skirts, wide-leg pants, and the occasional jumpsuit. They’re flattering, comfy, and still stylish.

But hey—if you love your legs, show them off! There’s no rule that says you can’t.

What makes me a little sad is seeing so many amazing women give up on fashion—not because they want to, but because they feel stuck or confused by it all.

You don’t need to follow every trend. Just find what works for you, right now. That’s where the magic is.

Wearing All Black? Maybe Rethink That (Just a Little)

Wearing all black might seem like the safest, most flattering option—but it’s not always doing what you think it is. Sure, black is slimming, but when it’s right near your face, it can actually age you. It tends to highlight wrinkles, fine lines, and shadows, making your features look harsher. Instead, try softening things up. Even a simple white button-down layered under a black blazer can make a big difference. It brightens your face and balances the look.

Now, the bottom half? Go for it. Black pants, dark jeans—these are still your best friends. They slim, streamline, and never go out of style. So yes, wear black—but be strategic about it.

Avoid Shapeless Outfits—Structure Is Key

Wearing shapeless clothes isn’t doing you any favors. Even if your body isn’t perfect (whose is?), fitted clothes still look better. You don’t need skin-tight—just a flattering shape that doesn’t drown you. Oversized, frumpy outfits add bulk and make you look like an Oompa Loompa. Still not sure? Take a picture of yourself and see the difference.

Same goes for jeans. Too much stretch, and they start sagging, making you look… well, shapeless. My best tip? Go for high-waisted jeans. They hold everything in and give you an instant waistline. You’ll see the magic.

Ditch Jersey—It’s Not as Flattering as You Think

Wearing jersey might feel comfy, but it’s not doing your figure any favors. This fabric clings to everything—every bump, bulge, and line you’d rather not highlight. It might work in your 20s, but as we get older, it becomes less forgiving.

Instead, go for fabrics with structure—think cotton, linen, or even light wool. They hold their shape, skim the body, and give you a much cleaner look. Honestly? If you’ve got jersey dresses hanging in your closet… it might be time to let them go.

Stuck in the ’90s? Time to Update Your Look

Still rocking the same style you had in the ‘90s? Be honest—has your look barely changed since the days of “The Rachel”? (No shade—I loved it too.) But here’s the truth: holding onto your favorite fashion decade too tightly can actually age you more than anything else.

Sure, ‘90s trends are making a comeback, but today’s versions are modern takes—not the exact pieces from your old closet. So don’t be afraid to update. You don’t have to change everything overnight, but try a few current styles. Dip your toe in. Fashion in 2024 is more inclusive than ever—you’ll probably find more you love than you think.

Stop Dressing Like Your Daughter—Find Your Own Style

Let’s be honest—just because your daughter can rock a trend doesn’t mean you should too. If she’s 19 and you’re sneaking clothes from her closet (or worse, shopping where she does), it might be time to pause. Some trends just weren’t made for every age group—and that’s okay.

Crop tops, super short shorts… even if you could pull them off physically, they often read as “trying too hard.” And that’s never the vibe we’re going for. Looking stylish is about owning your look with confidence—not competing with Gen Z.

Don’t Dress Like Your Mom—Unless You’re Borrowing Her Chanel

On the flip side—don’t go too far in the other direction either. Dressing like your mom (or grandma) can age you instantly. You’re not 70, and even if you are, you don’t have to look it. Fashion has no age limit, so don’t settle for outdated, overly conservative styles that dim your personality.

Now, borrowing her vintage Chanel bag? Totally different story. Classic accessories are always in. Just pair them with a look that feels fresh and you.

Update Your Accessories—Yes, Even Your Glasses

Accessories matter—a lot. They’re the easiest (and often cheapest) way to update your look. Swap out your bag, shoes, or jewelry, and suddenly your whole outfit feels fresh. You don’t need to splurge on designer pieces either. Grab a fun pair of statement earrings or a trendy bag in a new shape—it’s all about the vibe, not the label.

And if you wear glasses? Please don’t overlook them. They sit on your face all day, and the right pair can literally make you look 10 years younger. Own a few stylish frames, not just one tired pair. Afraid to choose wrong? Take a stylish friend shopping with you. Or here’s a tip: buy cool sunglass frames and have the lenses swapped with your prescription—Walmart does it for cheap!

Don’t Hide It All—A Little Skin Is Still Chic

Covering up head-to-toe won’t hide aging—it actually highlights it. When you’re hiding every inch of skin, it often signals that you’re trying to cover something. Especially when it comes to the neck. Instead of turtlenecks, try a flattering V-neck or a long necklace to draw the eye downward. Show a little clavicle, skip the socks with your heels—just a hint of skin can be incredibly elegant (and yes, still sexy).

And no, I do not mean cold shoulder tops—we’ve all had enough of those. If you want to bare a bit, go for an off-the-shoulder blouse or a chic one-shoulder style with a soft, drapey fit. A little skin adds life to your outfit—and there’s absolutely no age limit on looking good.

Too Much Skin? Keep It Classy, Not Flashy

On the flip side, showing too much skin? Also a no. (Refer back to “dressing like your daughter.”) At a certain point, it’s more stylish—and flattering—to leave a little to the imagination. If your knees are still looking fab, go for skirts that hit just at or slightly above the knee. Trust me, when you sit, they’ll still be seen.

The key is balance. If you want to show off toned arms in a sleeveless top, great! Just pair it with pants or a longer skirt. It’s all about knowing what to highlight without going overboard. No one wants to give off “aging stripper” vibes—ever.

Say No to Chunky Shoes—Keep It Sleek and Stylish

Chunky shoes might be trending with Gen Z, but they’re not doing midlife legs any favors. Big, clunky soles make your legs look heavier and can completely throw off the balance of your outfit. Instead, go for something sleek—a pointed-toe pump or flat is always a win. And please, skip the bulky “comfort” walking shoes. No outfit survives those, no matter how cozy your feet feel.

Now, I get it—not everyone can wear high heels (I haven’t worn anything over two inches in years), but that doesn’t mean style has to suffer. There are so many chic, comfortable flat options out there. A bright pointy-toe flat? Instant style upgrade. We share shoe trends all the time, so scroll back through the blog—you’ll find plenty of stylish options that don’t wreck your outfit.

Final Thoughts

Style doesn’t come with an expiration date—you just have to evolve it. The goal isn’t to look younger, it’s to look current, confident, and totally you. A few small changes—better fabrics, updated accessories, a fresh pair of shoes—can make a big difference in how you feel (and how others see you).

So no, you don’t need to chase every trend or dress like your daughter. But you also don’t have to hide behind oversized clothes, outdated styles, or “safe” choices that age you. Fashion should still be fun, and yes, you absolutely can still be sexy, stylish, and fabulous—at any age.