
You know the outfit, and you may even own one. In every color. My client Karen sure did.
I’m talking about 2-and-3 piece flowy jersey sets in every color and pattern imaginable. They were fabulous quality, expensive, and instantly aging.
From the garish and dated prints to the shapeless silhouettes, these were kind of like a mumu, but with legs. And they were every bit as flattering.
These are a Hollywood costumer’s dream, because they can instantly transform a stunning 20-something actress into a dowdy dowager. And yet you will find them at alll the stores, especially those aimed at women over 40.
And they’re just one of the 8 types of outfits I discuss in today’s video!
Skirt + Matching Sweater
Wearing a top in a pop color pulled from an already borderline print is a styling tactic that instantly ages you. Instead, stick to modern patterns and silhouettes.


Top & Matching Cardigan
A neutral cardigan is your best bet with brightly patterned and colored pieces. Reserve that pop color cardigan to wear over your neutral essentials.




Tunic + Leggings
Let’s just say no to tunics that couldn’t also be shirts. In other words, if you tucked them in, they would look off, because the detail is all at the hem. This is a clothing category that only exists for older women, and these types of tunics, like the kind with floral or patterned hems, uneven hemlines and ruffles, are instantly aging. Instead, stick with a simple tunic in a classic shirt or sweater style.



Dress + Matching Jacket
A neutral topper is almost always going to be your most modern choice. Pairing dresses with matching jackets looks very matronly and is frankly out of style (although there are exceptions). Try pairing a patterned dress with a denim jacket, a bomber, a moto, a utility jacket, or a trench.



Twinsets
The more relaxed and casual the twinset, the less likely this classic combo is to be aging. Patterned twinsets, prim fitted twinsets, and flowy drapey twinsets in jersey should be avoided at all costs.






Matching Pant Sets
These outfits, often in flowy and oversized jersey, are practical in that they can be a one-and-done option when you don’t want to wear a dress, but they look dated and are not at all flattering. Create your own pairings of neutrals and brights for an instant outfit that looks fresher.





Tops + Jackets
The same principles apply here as in the top-and-cardigan combos, above. Skip the matched sets of tops and jackets, and make one of the elements neutral instead.




Dresses
Picking the right dress is essential, and spring can be an easy time to get stumped because all the florals are in stores, and there are good options and bad options in these. We want to look pretty and spring-y but without looking like little girls or old ladies. That’s the struggle, right?



Which of these aging spring outfits surprised you? And which of the more modern versions do you love? Let me know in the comments!
Nada Manley says
Thank you so much for the comment Manuela! I appreciate it! I agree that the jersey fabric makes it worse!
Nada Manley says
Hi Florence! SO nice to see you on here and thanks for the comment! A Style DIal Blue corresponds to a Style Dial 3. And here is the blog post! https://www.nadamanley.com/2022/02/the-best-white-tees-for-every-body-over-40.html
Manuela Forster says
Hello Nada, thank you for this Post.I think the the jersey fabric makes the sets even worse.I agree with you. I like your Videos an Blog posts. Im learning and laughing. The shops just want Our money and not to look beautyful. Best wishes Manuela
Florence says
I can’t seem to find your post on tshirts by body type and I know I saw it. I’m a style dial blue so what number does that equate two as well