10 Things To Stop Wearing at 50 (and What To Wear Instead)

The real secret to style after 50 does not lie in knowing what to buy. It’s about knowing what to leave at the store. If you’re new here. you’ll soon find that I spend a lot of time telling you what NOT to buy. That’s because it’s a scary world out there, stylewise, for those of us over 50, and my job as your fashion friend and personal stylist is to keep you from wasting money on clothes that are dated, frumpy and unflattering. And they are EVERYWHERE.

Lately, I’ve had feedback that you want to know what to wear INSTEAD. Easy updates and simple substitutions for the items on my do-not-wear list. So here, 10 things to stop wearing, and what to wear instead.

And now, here are the 10 things to stop wearing over 50.

The Comfort Sandal

Comfort is a requirement, but so is style. Ditch the dated beige-y comfort sandals and swap them out for a Birkenstock or another updated style.

No

Yes

The Bad Tunic

If you love a tunic, keep it simple and solid-ish, with a straight hem, for a more modern and versatile look.

No

Yes

The Swimdress

In general, I’m not a fan of the swimdress, but if you like their comfort and coverage, keep them sleek, simple and modern.

No

Yes

The Cowl Neck Blouse

These boring and dated sleeveless blouses in what I call “nothing” prints, or worse, in splashy florals, are no longer the best option for the office or dressing up. Switch to a solid or a more classic pattern instead.

No

Yes

The Bad Sets

Wildly printed palazzo pants with matching flowy tops, usually with voluminous sleeves, are not flattering or modern. Skip the print entirely, and show either shape or skin to keep the look more flattering and modern.

No

The Poncho & Ruana

A scarf has no business being turned into a top. These are bulky and unflattering. Skip them and stick to a simple lightweight wrap instead.

No

Yes

The Weird Neckline

Tab, zipper, and jeweled necklines like this have not been in style for a while. Skip them in favor of a simpler neckline.

No

Yes

The Empire & High Wrap Dress

Empire style dresses and those with high wraps that end under the bust are dated and unflattering to all but the tall and slim. Try a classic dress with a waistline at the right place instead. Babydoll styles can also look a little too, well, babyish.

No

Yes

The Short Pull-On Pant

Pull-on styles can be hard to pull off, and the added disadvantage of a short or capri leg doesn’t help. Instead, stick to a full length or ankle length version of these pants.

No

Yes

The Elastic Waist Denim Short

Oversized denim shorts with elastic waists that are too long are possibly the least attractive option we have for a neutral bottom. Stick to tailored styles at mid-to-lower thigh length instead.

No

Yes

What do you think of my updates and substitutions? And which of these will you try in your own wardrobe? Let’s chat in the comments!