We Celebrate Ageless Style But There Are Rules
Women are beautiful at every age and every stage and we celebrate the notion of ageless style. The reality is as we age our skin, body, and appearance change and it’s important to pivot your personal style to ensure you look chic and polished and make the most of your best features. “Dressing when you’re older is about striking a balance between the latest trends and evoking a timeless elegance,” says personal stylist Sarah Miekle who advises, “choosing classic pieces that flatter you and boost our confidence.” Let’s face it, certain fashion trends are tricky to pull off at any age, and these are some worth steering clear of if you’re older.
1. Low-Rise Jeans
Jeans are an everyday wardrobe staple and it’s important to choose a modern, classic style in a mid to dark wash that suits your body shape and proportions. 90s-style low-rise jeans can look too young and cut you off creating an unflattering, uncomfortable muffin top. Mid-rise jeans or high waist (if you can pull it off) are more flattering and stylish. And avoid anything overly distressed, embellished, or ripped as they can look tacky and like you’re trying too hard.
2. Graphic Slogan T-Shirts
Busy graphic t-shirts and anything with slogans, cartoonish prints, or even band paraphernalia look too young past a certain age. Keep it classic and chic by opting for solid shades like white, black, or navy or something with a subtle print and pattern. A simple crew neck is best and beware of cap sleeves as these can highlight arm fat.
3. Mini Skirts and Dresses
Even if you have killer legs mini skirts and dresses can be hard to rock when you’re older as they can look too young and draw attention to areas you might prefer to minimize. In fashion regardless of age, knee-length or midi skirts and dresses always look more chic, sophisticated, and flattering.
4. Ruffles and Ruching
It’s also important to strike the right balance between beautiful feminine detailing and fashion items and anything that looks too looking girlish. Clothing with lots of ruffles, flounces, and ruching can be unflattering and tacky past a certain age. Choose pieces with a hint of ruffle or a pretty bow blouse for a more classic elegant option.
5. Tube and Crop Tops
Even if crop tops or boob tubes are back in fashion, remember they were hard to wear the first time around. Crop and tube tops cut you off at an unflattering length, expose the midriff, create a muffin top, and make you look top-heavy and bigger. “It’s better to go for more structured classic pieces with longer sleeves like a classic button-down shirt which instantly looks polished and put together, ” says Meikle.
6. Loud, Neon Colors
Your face shape and hair color change as you age so it’s important to wear shades that suit your skin tone and don’t look too young or trendy. Bright neon colors can overwhelm your appearance and outfit making you look less attractive when you’re older. Choose softer, more muted shades and prints that enhance your natural beauty and evoke a more sophisticated look.
7. Sparking Sequins
We’re all embracing glamour and adding a little sparkle to your look, but while sequins are fun they can also look too young and overwhelming past a certain age. It’s better to opt for pieces with a hint of sparkle or sequin detailing for a more sophisticated look and never wear sequins during the day or head to toe.
8. Chunky Platform Shoes
Beyond being uncomfortable and impractical, high-platform shoes are not very chic on anyone and can take you into stripper territory. They also overwhelm an outfit, look chunky, and add bulk. Also, avoid tacky platform flip-flops and ugly platform sneakers. “A mid-stacked heel or low-platform wedge is much more stylish, flattering, and sophisticated,” says personal stylist duo Beckie + Martina.
9. Micro Short Shorts
Super short micro shorts are very revealing, not flattering for all body types, and will highlight skin or body imperfections fast. Leave them to the younger girls or runway models and invest in a chic Bermuda short or tailored knee-length option. And never wear tight bike shorts unless you are in a gym.
10. Sheer Transparent Style
The sheer naked dressing trend is big news this season according to Vogue, but tight transparent fashion is best left on the runway. Like sheer fabrics, mesh, and netting detailing are too revealing, especially past a certain age, and will draw attention to any flaws. Choose opaque fabrics to inject a hint of sexy, or layer a blazer over sheer tops, skirts and dresses.
11. Harem Pants
The notorious harem pants can be tricky to pull off at any age as they are bulky, unflattering, and the opposite of sexy (ask any guy). It’s better to play it more chic and streamlined with tailored trousers or straight-leg pants and if you want to have a little fun, get them slightly cropped to show some ankle cleavage.
12. Fabric Faux Pas
Cheap synthetic fabrics crinkle, make you sweat, never look crisp and polished, and wear out fast contributing to landfill. Shiny satins, velour, and polyester look cheap and tacky and make you look older and outdated. As you age it’s better to create a capsule wardrobe of classic pieces in natural more structured fibers like cotton and lightweight knits.
13. Overly Trendy Accessories
The trick with fashion trends is to dip into fun, flattering, age-appropriate ones and a great way to do that is with accessories. Provided you proceed with caution. Overwhelming your outfit with young cheap trendy or large oversized accessories can make you look like a try-hard. Invest in timeless classic shoes, and bags and have a little fun with some statement jewelry.
14. Baggy Sweatpants
Baggy sweatpants should never be a trend as they are sloppy and make you look like you’ve given up. Young girls tend to covet this look, especially paired with Ugg boots, but unless you’re lazing around the house, never set foot outside wearing slouchy, baggy sweats. Go for chic, streamlined-fitted joggers and athleisure pieces to embrace comfort without sacrificing style.
15. Skyhigh Stilettos
Your feet get thin and lose muscle as they age so be sure to wear comfortable shoes with good cushioning and arch support. Towering sky-high heels are difficult to walk in, completely impractical, and bad for your feet, back, and posture. “Opt for a mid-height ideally with a block heel for extra support, or a cute kitten heel, or classic loafer with a bit of a heel as these are chicer and way more comfortable, says Meikle.