10 More Things We Should Stop Wearing Over 50

Yes, there’s more. Much, much, much more. But before I go there, here’s my disclaimer. You can wear whatever you want. And you don’t need me to tell you that. And I will never (hardly ever) tell you to not wear something because it’s too cute and young and trendy for you. These things are the opposite. They are aging. They are made and marketed exclusively for mature women, and they are dated or unflattering or unattractive or all of the above. They’re just not cute, and there are better, fresher and more modern options for each.

Again, the goal of videos like this is not to make you feel bad if you have one of these items, or for you to toss them all (unless you agree and want to), but it’s to help you see the things that are no longer current so that we can all make better shopping decisions in the future.

So here, in my opinion, are 10 things we should stop (or never start) wearing over the age of 50. What would you add to this list?

(Obvious) Elastic Waists

Stretchy waists are a comfort essential for many of us, so I’m not suggesting we stick to tailored for life. Sweatpants, linen beach pants, and other casual styles are designed to have elastic waistbands. What I’m talking about here are dress pants with obviously elasticated waists that bunch up around your tummy. They are clearly not sweats, but they are also not sleek enough to be a dress pant, and they can add a lot of unflattering bulk around the waist.

Go for an option like the one on the far right, the Dream Pant from Everlane, which has stretch but a smoother waistband and sleeker look.

Printed Chiffon

Again, there are good and bad versions of everything, but most chiffon pieces aimed at women over 50 are shapeless, with dated prints and awkward asymmetrical or triangular hems. These don’t exist elsewhere in the market. They are exclusively designed to make us look like we are wearing floral shower curtains and are often just as shapeless.

Plastic Statement Necklace

Chunky, boldly colored and layered necklaces made out of plastic, obviously faux stones, or beads are dated and have been out of style for a long time. You will often find these at over-50 stores, and they can really drag down an otherwise modern look.

If you love a statement necklace look (like I do), go for something sleek and modern (lower right) or classic (lower left).

Peep-Toe Booties

These made the list because they have been in every single recent closet edit that I’ve done. Are they a boot? Are they a sandal? No one knows for sure. The only thing I do know is that they’ve been out of style for at least 5 years. Many women have hung onto them because of comfort or versatility, but if you have a pair of these in your closet, it’s time to let them go.

Tiered Tops & Tankinis

The long tiered ruffles, often asymmetric and often wildly printed, that adorn tanks and tankinis for mature women have never truly been in style. I love modern tiers (which are everywhere) but these flimsy versions, often in a thin knit, are not current and also designed with one purpose in mind: to minimize a midsection. Unfortunately, they are unflattering everywhere else. A side ruched or gathered suit like the one below will also minimize a tummy, but looks more modern. Another detail to look for in tankinis? It should look like a one piece. You get the versatility and ease of a tankini but the sleek and more modern look of a one-piece.

Knit Shorts

Pull on shorts that do not look like pull-on shorts are not our friend. I’m talking about denim, twill, or chino style shorts with pull-on styling rather than traditional zippers. If you have a pair like this, consider 2 things: 1, hide the waistband so they look more like real denim or real shorts, and 2, make sure they are not snug all the way down your leg, like bike shorts.

Or if you’re looking for comfortable shorts with pull-on styling, choose a pair in a woven material, like a casual cotton or linen, or a sweatshort, which is expected to have the stretchy waistband.

Printed Tees

A little correction to my emphatic statement in today’s video, when I said that printed tees are ONLY aimed at mature women. Brands like J. Crew, LOFT, Boden, and Free People all have pretty versions of printed tees.

But they don’t look like these.

These boxy printed tees in dated shapes feature prints that are not modern, chic, or shown anywhere else in fashion. Stick with a simple stripe instead.

Printed Camp Shirts Worn As Jackets

What is the allure of the short-sleeve printed shirt paired with a matching knit tee or tank underneath? It’s just weird. If it s a shirt? Is it a jacket? Camp shirts are in style right now, which is great for those of us who want a button down but need shorter sleeves, but the more modern versions have cool or interesting prints, and they are not paired with matching knit tops.

It is this tendency of “mature” brands to wear patterned pieces with matching knits that drives me crazy. It is dated and also screams “Garanimals for grown-ups.”

Embroidered Tees and Sweatshirts

Why they think mature women suddenly want to dress like babies is beyond me. These cutesy embroidered florals, animals, and other too-sweet motifs embroidered on sweatshirts, tees, and (worse) matching sets instantly aging and also lack elegance and sophistication.

Shrugs

These wimpy little jackets or cardigans must be the most useless style ever invented. They don’t add warmth, interest, or structure to an outfit. Instead, they immediately signal: “I’m hiding my arms.” Shrugs have been out of style for years, and they instantly date an outfit, especially when paired with a matching dress.

Instead, cover your arms with a simple and sleek layer that has some structure, like a little tweed jacket, a cropped blazer, or a casual linen, cotton or denim jacket

Which of these items were you surprised to see on the list? And what would add? Let’s discuss in the comments!