Listen up, fabulous fifties and beyond—we need to have a little heart-to-heart about some sneaky style saboteurs that might be adding years to your look. As someone who’s spent decades helping women navigate the ever-changing fashion landscape, I’ve seen these aging habits creep into even the most stylish wardrobes. The good news? Once you know what to look for, these fixes are easier than finding a good pair of comfortable shoes (and trust me, we all know that quest!).

Please note that this article was created with the aid of AI.

15. Wearing the Wrong Bra Size

Here’s the foundation of it all—literally. If your bra doesn’t fit properly, everything else falls apart, and not in a good way. A wrong-size bra makes you look shorter, older, and heavier, while the right-size bra can instantly make you look taller, thinner, and more youthful.

The tell-tale signs you’re in the wrong size? Your band is riding up your back, you’re constantly adjusting straps, or you’re still wearing the same size you bought five years ago. Since breast size fluctuates due to weight gain, weight loss and hormonal changes, experts suggest going for a fitting once a year and buying a new bra every six to eight months. The good news is that professional fittings have become more accessible, and there are even virtual fitting tools that can help you find your perfect match.

Your bra should feel supportive without being restrictive, and the band should do most of the heavy lifting—not the straps. When shopping, remember that the clasp should be on the loosest hook to begin with and made tighter as the bra stretches over time. It’s an investment that pays dividends in how every single outfit looks and feels.

14. Clinging to Outdated Denim Styles

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We all have that one pair of jeans we swear by, but if they’re from the early 2000s era of low-rise or super-distressed styles, they’re doing you no favors. Outdated jeans make you look out of touch, so be aware of current shapes and denim washes.

The biggest culprits? Jeans that droop in the seat, are too long for your current shoe choices, or have excessive stretch that creates an unflattering saggy bottom. It’s best to look for jeans with 2 percent elastic fiber. The right jeans will follow your silhouette, have enough stretch so that your legs won’t look as if they’re fighting to break free from your pants and, unlike denim with 4 percent or more elastic fiber, won’t sag at the tush.

Modern denim focuses on flattering fits and intentional structure. High-waisted styles are particularly kind to mature figures, creating a longer leg line and smoothing the midsection. Wide-leg and cuffed jeans will also keep going strong this year, as will classic straight and flare denim. The key is finding styles that feel current without being trendy—think classic with a contemporary twist.

13. Drowning in Oversized Everything

There’s a difference between comfortable and shapeless, and too many of us have crossed that line in the name of coverage. Pieces like these say, ‘Don’t look at me. I don’t care about my appearance and you shouldn’t care about what I have to say.’ If you’ve found yourself wondering, ‘What makes a woman look frumpy?’ It’s wearing oversized, baggy, sloppy clothes.

The misconception is that loose clothing hides flaws, but it often does the opposite by creating bulk where none exists. Baggy silhouettes lack structure, and instead of hiding problem areas, they often exaggerate them. The solution isn’t skin-tight clothing but rather pieces that skim your body and show your shape without clinging.

Try the one-oversized-piece rule: if you’re wearing a flowy top, pair it with fitted bottoms, and vice versa. Pair one oversized piece with a fitted garment on the other half of your body, like an oversized sweater worn with slim jeans and smallish accessories. This creates balance and prevents the dreaded “swimming in fabric” look that instantly adds years.

12. Sporting Chunky, Platform Shoes

Platform shoes and chunky heels had their moment, but that moment has passed. Of all the outdated shoes that are aging you, chunky styles and platform soles are the declarative in 2025. Those oversized designs that once were a staple of streetwear swag have now receded into the background.

These heavy-soled shoes create visual weight at the bottom of your silhouette, making you appear shorter and throwing off your proportions. Chunky heels and platform shoes add unnecessary heaviness to the bottom portion of your body. Look for something more sleek and slim. They can also make walking look labored rather than graceful, which ages your overall presentation.

Instead, Loafers of all types are in for 2025. Chunky soles will morph into slim, sleek styles in softer leathers and suede. Classic, minimalistic, and Bass Weejuns are also back in a big way. The goal is shoes that feel substantial enough to be comfortable but refined enough to elevate your look rather than weigh it down.

11. Wearing Visible Panty Lines

This might seem like a minor detail, but visible underwear lines scream “I’m not paying attention to the details,” and attention to detail is what separates polished from sloppy. Visible underwear lines are as tacky as it gets, no matter what age you are. The reason this makes you look outdated is that the older crowd is known for disregarding details that are considered ‘minor.’

Modern undergarments have evolved significantly, and there’s no excuse for visible lines disrupting the clean lines of your clothing. One of the ways you can do this is by wearing thongs, g-strings, and other underwear styles that don’t have any lines. Another way you can avoid visible underwear lines would be by purchasing seamless panties specifically designed to stay hidden.

The technology in seamless underwear has improved dramatically, offering comfort without compromise. Brands like Spanx, Hanky Panky, and even affordable options from Target offer seamless solutions that disappear under clothing. It’s a small investment that makes a huge difference in how polished and intentional your outfits appear.

10. Over-Coordinating Accessories

Matching your shoes to your bag to your belt might have been the height of sophistication decades ago, but now it reads as overly coordinated and dated. Another mistake of mine was making sure that all my accessories were perfectly in the same colour, and I often wore too many of them at the same time. Scarf, belt, bag, shoes—they all had to match and be in the same colour, followed by my jewellery. Now I believe that less is better.

The modern approach is about creating visual interest through intentional contrast and mixing textures, colors, and proportions. Everything does not have to be perfectly matched at all times. Sometimes mixing colours and patterns can result in creating something unique and one-of-a-kind. Thanks to the various colours, our outfits become more interesting, more energetic and help us to look younger.

Think of accessories as individual elements that should complement rather than perfectly match. A cognac leather bag with black shoes, or mixing metals in your jewelry, creates a more sophisticated and current look. The goal is cohesion, not coordination—your accessories should work together harmoniously without looking like they came from a matching set.

9. Choosing Unflattering Hemlines

The wrong hemline can make or break an outfit, and unfortunately, many women default to either too-long or too-short without considering what’s most flattering for their body. Skirts that are too long this is one of those things that really can age you and make you look frumpy, weighed down, and just not fresh.

The notorious mid-calf length is particularly problematic because midi skirts hit right at the mid-calf. Mid means midway or halfway between the knee and the foot which is the widest part of your calf. So anything that hits at this point is going to give you a very frumpy look and aged look. This length cuts your leg line at the least flattering point.

Find the most flattering skirt length for your shape, look in the mirror and note the slimmest part of the area around your knee—right above, right below or in the middle—and that’s where your hemline should hit. For most women over 50, knee-length or slightly above creates the most flattering silhouette while maintaining sophistication.

8. Relying on Outdated Eyewear

Nothing dates you faster than glasses that scream “2010.” Dark, thick frames that were trendy years ago now underscore wrinkles and create harsh shadows under the eyes. Dark, thick frames underscore wrinkles and under-eye shadows. Experts suggest delicate plastic frames that have a bit of sparkle or jewel embellishment. These will reflect light.

Those cheap reading glasses from the drugstore might seem practical, but they’re aging you significantly. They’ve got the little half eyes that like sit down low and you wear them down on the tip of your nose and you look over your glasses at everyone. It’s a quick and easy way to tell the world you’re over 50! They create an instant “librarian from 1985” vibe that no amount of stylish clothing can overcome.

Investing in well-fitted, contemporary frames is one of the best anti-aging moves you can make. Look for styles that complement your face shape, have subtle details that catch light, and sit properly on your face rather than sliding down your nose. The right glasses should enhance your features, not dominate them.

7. Wearing All Black Everything

Black is chic, slimming, and easy—which is exactly why it can become a crutch that ages you. Head-to-toe black is always chic, stylish, and easy to coordinate. It makes packing a breeze and enables you to have a smaller wardrobe. But it can also leach the life out of your complexion, which makes you look older.

The problem isn’t black itself—it’s relying on it exclusively and wearing it close to your face without any brightening elements. As we age, our skin tone can become more muted, and black can wash us out rather than sophisticate us. Any color close to your face that enhances your wrinkles, e.g. black. becomes problematic.

The solution is strategic black wearing: Wear a flattering colored scarf near your face. Wear a v or deep scoop neckline, so the black isn’t too close to your face. Bump up your makeup to balance the black (think brighter lipstick and more eyeshadow). Wear colorful earrings and/or necklaces in colors that do flatter you. Wear black from the waist down and flattering colors on top.

6. Neglecting Hair Styling

Having a haircut is not the same as having a hairstyle. Too many women fall into the trap of “wash and go” without any intentional styling, which immediately ages them. After a certain age, women can find themselves in a hairstyle rut or even just giving up with the attitude of, ‘Well, it’s good enough for me. I’m not trying to impress anyone.’ Lady, you’re worth the investment of a little extra time and effort in the morning to help you feel confident all day long.

One of the most common mistakes is not brushing or styling the back of your head properly. I see women looking very chic and then the back of their head is not brushed, and split from sleeping on it. It takes away from their pretty look and looks old. This detail might seem minor, but it’s instantly noticeable and suggests a lack of attention to overall grooming.

Modern hair styling doesn’t require hours of effort, but it does require intention. A trusted stylist can help you choose an anti-aging hairstyle that works for your life. They can even educate you on how to use the styling tool(s) and product to achieve what you created together in the salon. The goal is a style that looks polished even when you’re having a casual day.

5. Ignoring Proper Garment Fit

Fit is everything, and unfortunately, it’s where many women over 50 go wrong. Clothes that are too tight create unflattering bulges and suggest you’re in denial about body changes, while clothes that are too loose make you look larger than you are. For example jeans that droop in the seat, that are too long with sturdy shoes paired with a shapeless hoodie gives a completely different look than the same jeans that hug the behind, a flattering ankle length, comfortable low heel slides in a fun color and a shapely high hip cardigan.

The fit issues that age women most commonly include: pants that are too long and bunch at the ankles, sleeves that extend past the wrist bone, and tops that gap at the bust or pull across the back. Dragging hems, oversized shirts, too-tight tees and other fashion no-nos instantly telegraph that you’re not paying attention to details.

Embrace tailoring. If you find a piece that is high quality, and fits your style goals, but needs some adjusting, get alterations. A good tailor can transform mediocre fit into perfection, and the investment pays off in how polished and intentional you look. Remember: it’s better to have fewer pieces that fit perfectly than a closet full of “almost right” items.

4. Sticking to the Same Lipstick Shade for Decades

Here’s the hard truth: that brown, matte lipstick that made you feel sophisticated in the ’90s is now making you look like you’re stuck in a time warp. Brown, deep and matte lipstick ages the face and sucks the life out of your smile. Opt for gleam vs. frost and dewy vs. matte.

As we age, our natural coloring changes—our lips may become thinner and lose some of their natural pigmentation, our skin tone may shift, and what once looked vibrant can now appear harsh or draining. Dark, matte formulas particularly emphasize fine lines around the mouth and can make lips appear smaller and more severe.

The modern approach to lip color for mature women focuses on hydration and subtle enhancement. Think creamy blush, lighter brows, and a hydrating lipstick in a fresh pink or coral. Glossy or satin finishes reflect light and create the illusion of fuller lips, while slightly brighter colors (but not neon!) can bring life back to your face. The goal is to look like you, but better—not like you’re wearing yesterday’s makeup trends.

3. Wearing Jersey Fabrics Exclusively

Jersey knits are comfortable, forgiving, and easy to care for—but they’re also clingy, show every bump and bulge, and often look cheap regardless of the price point. Jersey fabric doesn’t create the best shape, in part because it’s as clingy as it is comfortable.

The problem with jersey is that it hugs every curve, including the ones you’d rather minimize. It also tends to lose its shape throughout the day, creating a disheveled appearance that suggests you’ve given up on looking polished. Additionally, jersey often reads as “athletic wear” or “sleepwear” rather than “stylish day wear.”

If you love-love-love jersey, go for a draped or ruched option that grazes your curves and strategically hides any bulges. Another option: double-knitted jersey, which is a denser quality fabric that still has a bit of stretch for comfort. Better yet, incorporate structured fabrics like cotton blends, ponte, or quality synthetics that hold their shape and create a more polished silhouette.

2. Choosing Pastels Exclusively

While pastels can be beautiful, wearing them head-to-toe or relying on them exclusively can make you look washed out and dated. They can also make you look super outdated, old-school, and old-fashioned. As pretty as pastels usually are, they will instantly age you and have you reminding people of their grandmothers.

The issue isn’t the colors themselves but how they’re worn. Soft pastels close to the face can wash out mature skin tones, while all-pastel outfits can look overly sweet and unsophisticated. It’s totally fine to pull out your favorite pastel top every once in a while beyond the spring season. It’s also alright to wear a pastel cardigan if the tank top you’re wearing underneath isn’t another pastel color.

The key is balance and strategic placement. If you love pastels, use them as accent colors rather than the foundation of your outfit. Pair a soft lavender scarf with navy and white, or wear a pale pink blazer over a crisp white shirt and dark jeans. This creates sophistication while still incorporating the colors you love.

1. Refusing to Update Your Style

The number one habit that ages women is stubbornly refusing to evolve their style. You rely on the same old dinosaurs in your closet. You might want to stop relying on the same few ho-hum pieces in your closet and try a few new things. This includes holding onto trends from previous decades and never incorporating any current elements.

The mentality of “this worked for me 10 years ago, so it still works now” is the fastest way to look out of touch. They cling to a trend from their younger years, emphasizing their age instead of defying it. Whether it’s the same hairstyle, the same makeup routine, or the same silhouettes, refusing to modernize signals that you’ve mentally checked out of the style conversation.

Set aside time on a weekend to take everything out of your closet and decide what to keep and what to get rid of. And don’t go easy on yourself, make deep cuts! The goal isn’t to chase every trend, but to incorporate small, modern updates that keep your look current and relevant. This might mean updating your accessories, trying a new hair style, or simply adding one contemporary piece to refresh your entire wardrobe.

References

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