Spring Outfits That Will AGE You (And What to Wear Instead)

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!