Editor’s note: This article offers general personal-style ideas.
Looking modern isn’t a question of dressing like your daughter, but many women over a certain age find it hard to shake the aesthetics of their youth, and all the changes in hair color and body proportions have not helped.
But there are some easy-to-follow rules that will help you look more up-to-the minute without exposing yourself or jumping on board with the latest trend.
24. Wearing Clothes That Are Too Big Everywhere
The most important thing that separates a woman who looks current from a woman who doesn’t has to do with fit. This doesn’t mean skinny. It does, however, mean that you have a balance between loose and structured pieces in your wardrobe. Wearing an oversized top with an oversized bottom will make you look heavier and therefore older as it takes away definition.
If you love loose-fitting trousers then balance them out with a more structured top.
Love a roomy sweater? Pair it with pants with cleaner lines.
23. Keeping Dated Jeans Because They Still Fit
Jeans with a low-rise, glittery stitching, excessive whiskering and a teeny-tiny back pocket pull your look back 15 years.
Opt for jeans with a trouser-inspired silhouette – think relaxed, straight-leg, slim-straight.
Choose a less-trendy wash.
22. Hiding In All Black Every Day
All black is fine, but can be a little harsher now that our hair is silvering or has been lightened. An all-black ensemble is also quick to show fading and lint.
Keep some color by wearing something else over an all-black ensemble, or wear something else underneath. Ivory, camel, soft blue, olive and even a print or a denim shirt layered over a black ensemble looks much more interesting.
Color near the face, such as at the neckline, brightens us up.
21. Wearing Tops That Stop At The Widest Part
Tops that fall at the widest part of the hip date you because it makes everything look boxy.
If you’re unsure, do the front-tuck to create interest. Try to find pieces that have a slight curve at the hem.
Jackets should be shorter or longer than your top so that they end above or below the widest part of the hip.
20. Saving The Good Clothes For A Day That Never Comes
Take stock of what’s in your closet – chances are there are items that have seen very few wears that are in tip-top shape while some basics have been well-loved (ahem, stretched t-shirts).
Invest in a few items that make you look forward to getting dressed, but that are appropriate for your life. Wardrobes filled with “good” clothes for occasions that no longer apply to your life (think, outdated workwear) do nothing for us. Read more: secret kitchen tips that actually work.
Clothes should be beautiful AND serviceable in your life NOW.
19. Choosing Heavy Shoes With Every Outfit
Black is harsher in heavier shoes. A chunky black shoe adds weight to the lower half, especially with a narrow or cropped hem, but they’re too much when paired with everything else, which, for many of us, is how we like to wear them.
Opt for black in a simpler, flatter shoe – think loafers, a lower-profile sneaker, cushioned flats and ankle boots with a neater toe.
Chunky orthopedic shoes scream grandma – find some cute, supportive options.
18. Wearing The Same Cardigan Shape For Twenty Years
A limp, shapeless, too-long cardigan has the ability to drag everything else with it. If you reach for the same too-long cardigan every single day, toss it.
Reach for a knit jacket, a structured, softer blazer or even a shorter cardigan instead.
You’ll get the same arm-covering comfort without dragging down your outfit.
17. Ignoring Bra Fit
Have you had your measurements recently? If your bra’s band rides up or your cups have given up, nothing above it is going to fall correctly.
Get fitted, try a few different sizes in the same bra and take home the winner. You’ll be shocked how much of a difference this one piece can make.
By lifting your bust, smoothing out your back and providing structure, it’ll make everything else fit better – even those older tops will suddenly look refreshed.
16. Wearing Tiny Prints That Read Old-Fashioned
Small muddy florals and beige viney things are no longer in, but more importantly, they’re an easy way to make yourself look older than you are. Save them for grandma’s birthday cards.
Instead, swap them out for larger florals or stripes. Even better, opt for a solid-color item with a textured fabric.
You can still have a little pattern if you opt for a simple geometric or animal print, just keep it larger-scale.
15. Letting Hemlines Hit Awkwardly
Too-long pants make a sloppy, puddly mess around your shoe, too-short pants scream thoughtlessness.
Test-drive your pants with the shoes you’ll be wearing with them. Read more: carry-on essentials for long flights.
You’ll be shocked at how much difference that half-inch hemline can make in keeping things looking sharp and current.
14. Wearing Old Work Clothes As Casual Clothes
If you reach for that same pair of work-appropriate, slightly-shiny blouses every time you’re tempted to leave the house in a pair of sneakers, they’re not doing you any favors.
We often hang on to work-appropriate items that scream office lady long after our jobs – but your closet shouldn’t become a museum of your career.
If an item doesn’t look current, toss it – if it still looks chic, keep it.
13. Wearing Capris That Cut The Leg In A Strange Place
Many capris end at the bulkiest part of your calf.
Opt for ankle pants instead, a straight-legged pair of jeans that’s cropped.
Or longer shorts that hit in a flattering spot.
12. Forgetting That Glasses Are Part Of The Outfit
Accessories are the same – think about those eyeglass frames from a decade ago – glasses are the first thing people look at when they’re viewing your face. They can easily set the tone of an entire look – don’t let an outdated pair ruin an otherwise well-considered ensemble.
Match your eyeglass frames to your current hair color/face/outfit rather than your hair color/face/outfit ten years ago. Read more: easy haircuts that still look good without much styling.
If your hairstyle or hair color changes, change your glasses.
11. Wearing Thin, Clingy Knits
Invest in good-quality fabrics. Cheaper, thinner fabrics, like a thin knit, tend to lose their shape quickly and emphasize bra and panty lines.
Heavier fabrics, such as ponte, ribbed knits, cottons, cotton-blends, or a smoother jersey, will skim your figure instead of clinging.
Often times it’s the fabric and not necessarily the style that will make or break an item.
10. Matching Everything Too Perfectly
Coordinate, don’t match.
Coordinated items, such as silver jewelry and silver/gray sneakers, or a brown leather bag and belt with blue jeans and a cream-colored sweater will look much fresher.
Avoid matched items, such as a black belt, bag, shoes, and black jewelry.
9. Wearing Jackets That Are Too Long And Boxy
A jacket that’s too large hides your proportions – it’s not flattery, it’s camouflage.
A jacket with a little shaping at the side-seams that ends at the high-hip, mid-hip, or just past your waist can help.
It will streamline your figure and take your favorite pair of pants or jeans to a more current level.
8. Wearing Colors That Drain Your Face
If you’re not sure if beige/olive/black/white (insert color here) is working for you, hold up the item to your skin at the chin-line, remove makeup, step into daylight, and ask yourself – Do I look tired? Washed out? Do these colors complement mine or drain them? Do they make me look healthy and fresh?
Does the item create shadows on my face? Does it clash with my coloring?
You might find that while gray is your color, it’s the wrong shade of gray – a softer, warmer, clearer shade will brighten your look and complement your coloring.
7. Keeping Clothes From A Store Version Of Yourself
It’s easy to become surrounded with clothes – some that fit and are appropriate, others that don’t. It seems like half of our closets consist of clothes saved up for occasions we’re unlikely to recreate, stores that no longer exist, and/or versions of ourselves we’ve outgrown.
It clutters our mornings and complicates getting dressed. Keep the items that make sense – the rest can be donated or recycled.
Next time you’re standing in front of your closet, ask yourself – Do I feel good when I wear it? Does it make me feel attractive? Does it make sense with my life now, not with my career from years ago – unless you’re still in that career? Read more: American department stores that quietly disappeared.
If you can’t honestly answer yes to all of these questions, let it go. And remember – just because you paid a lot of money for something doesn’t mean it’s good – it might’ve just been pricey.
6. Wearing Scarves That Overwhelm The Outfit
For instance, if you’re wearing a big, bulky, colorful scarf that matches from head-to-toe with your outfit, chances are it’s overwhelming your look and shortening your neck like a suit of armor.
Soften the look with a necklace or a smaller scarf such as a little cotton or silk square.
Or wear the scarf around your shoulders.
5. Wearing Travel Clothes As Everyday Clothes
Make sure you’re not wearing travel clothes all the time. Wrinkle-free tops, lots of zippered pockets and stretchy pants that were purchased for travel are great additions to a woman’s wardrobe.
Just be sure to wear them with classic wardrobe staples. For example, you can wear a nice sweater with those wrinkle-free travel pants and wear the refined jacket and simple sneakers for your next errand run. Read more: unexpected packing items for international trips.
Save the travel clothes for travel days so you don’t look like you’re on your way to the airport during everyday errands.
4. Ignoring The Shape Of Your Shoes
Bulky shoes are out. If you’re rocking shoes with outdated features like a thick platform, rounded toe, or an entire profile from yesteryear, it can make new outfits appear out of date.
However, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for style. Invest in shoes with support and comfort. Look for a pair of shoes with a more modern profile including a more streamlined toe and less bulk.
Choose colors that will go with your existing wardrobe and you’ll have an immediate lift.
3. Dressing Only To Hide
Overly covering up is not flattering. If you’re trying to hide your arms and your hips, you’ll be sending the message that you’re trying to cover up instead of flaunting your fabulous self.
Wear a soft jacket with a pair of straight-leg jeans. Try on a looser fitting top with some simple, on-trend ankle pants. You’ll be comfortable and feel great.
Balance is the key. Accentuate one area of your body and skim over another.
2. Forgetting Hair And Clothes Work Together
If your ‘do isn’t harmonizing with your clothes, you’re sending a message that your ensemble isn’t on point. Your brand-new haircut will appear dated when worn with an out-of-date cardigan just as much as perfectly-tailored clothes will be deemed incomplete with a tired ‘do.
Even a minor haircut change can breathe life into your favorite T-shirt and pants combo. Read more: hairstyles that make thin hair look thicker after 50.
Adding some volume to your hair can be the perfect accent to a simple blouse and jeans.
1. Dressing By Old Rules Instead Of Your Real Life
White after Labor Day is a definite no-no, your purse and shoes should match, you can only wear “slimming” clothes. Sound like some rules you’re still following? Retire them.
Those rules may be ruining your fabulous, perfectly-tailored outfit. Over 50 style is about looking like you instead of like you’re trying to be 30. Over 50 style is about being engaged and alert.
Stop hiding behind fashion’s outdated dogmas, retire the items that aren’t working and enjoy fabulous style.
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