10 Fashion Mistakes That Can Age You (and How to Fix Them!)
One of the best things about getting older? You know yourself—your style, your body, and what makes you feel good. But it’s still really easy to slip into habits that quietly add years to our look. Sometimes it’s a piece we’ve held onto for too long, or a “safe” choice that’s working against us.
So, let’s do a little closet check together. Here are 10 common fashion mistakes that can make you look older—plus easy, modern tweaks to keep your style fresh and age-amazing.
I add a pop of bright pink near my face to all black to give me a youthful glow.
1. Wearing All Black (Especially Near Your Face)
Black is chic and easy, but too much near your face can zap your glow. I call this Abundant Black Disorder (ABD)—that midlife habit of wearing black head-to-toe to hide or look slimmer. The truth? It washes you out, highlights lines, and drains your energy. Color is life—add some and watch your whole look light up.
The fix: Keep black on the bottom and bring a lighter or brighter color up top—such as soft white, ivory, or a jewel tone like this hot pink jacket—to instantly revive your face.
2. Hiding in Baggy Clothes
For some crazy reason, many gals think that if they wear large, baggy clothing, it will hide extra weight and make them look thinner. Nothing could be further from the truth! Baggy clothing makes you look larger than you are—and very frumpy and old.
The fix: Choose pieces that skim, not squeeze, your silhouette no matter what your size. If you’re between sizes, get your clothing tailored, and don’t underestimate how perking up the girls with properly fitted bra can transform any outfit.
These crepe stretch pants by Spanx are comfy like jersey, but they don’t cling and show every lump and bump of aging.
3. Jersey Fabric Overload
Yes, jersey is comfy—but it can cling in all the wrong places and highlight every midlife roll, bump, and ripple.
The fix: Swap in fabrics with a bit more structure and drape—think ponte, double-knit, or woven blends that skim smoothly.
4. Living in Your Favorite Decade
We all have a fashion comfort zone, but if you take an honest look at your closet and it still screams 1995 (or 1985), it’s time to refresh.
The fix: Keep the spirit of what you love, and update the cut, color, or styling. Love animal print? Try it in a modern silhouette. Shoulder pads? Maybe skip those.
Keep your glasses young and modern-looking.
5. Outdated Glasses or Accessories
Think glasses make you look old? Only when you are wearing the wrong frames. Just read my post about ‘How to Not Look Old in Glasses.’ And while you are reevaluating your glasses, take a look at another accessory that may be pulling you down. Dated jewelry can pull your look backward—fast, too.
The fix: Try on fresh eyewear shapes and lighten up your jewelry. Even updating your handbag silhouette can instantly modernize an outfit.
6. Hanging Onto Shoes Too Long
Sure, they’re comfy, and it can be hard to part with them, but beloved but worn-out shoes instantly cheapen an outfit and don’t support your feet.
The fix: Retire scuffed or saggy shoes. And remember, even if they’re in perfect condition, they still may have had their style day! Donate them and treat yourself to a couple of new pairs. You’ll be amazed how current shoes can make an old outfit look new again.
7. Grooming
We’ve all seen those gals who wear the latest, most expensive styles, but their out-of-date brows, throwback manicures, heavily lined lips, and dated haircuts give them away as old. It’s like having a new house full of old furniture.
The fix: Keep brows and nails shaped to the current look, and experiment a little with minor hair tweaks or even a fresh new cut. If you’re still rocking the exact cut from 20 years ago, your age will be a dead giveaway.
Deeper saturated patels mixed with non-pastels are more youthful than all pastels.
8. Head-to-Toe Pastels
Pastels can be pretty, but too many at once can make you look like you too sweet, meek and old.
The fix: Mix softer shades with richer or deeper tones for contrast, like light blue with navy or light pink with fuchsia. Alternatively, choose clearer, more saturated pastels like this vibrant lilac that brightens and lift your complexion.
9. Skipping Accessories Altogether
It’s easy to get lazy about accessories, especially when your midlife lifestyle is casual. Too plain looks old, especially after the age of 40. No accessories = missed opportunity. A cool, modern accessory can create a focal point and pull everything together.
The fix: If big statements aren’t your thing, try sleeee, trendy belt, chic sunglasses, simple hoops, or a silk scarf to elevate your basics.
10. Dressing Too young or Too Old
My readers tell me, and I agree, that women our age don’t want to dress too old or too young, but just right. That’s the way to go because trendy at all costs can age you just as much as being stuck in time.
The fix: Aim for “current” over “trendy.” Look to stylish women your age for balance—classic pieces with modern details and the latest colors, as recommended by the seasonal Pantone color report.
Bottom line: You don’t need a whole new wardrobe to look youthful and modern. A few smart updates—better fit, fresher fabrics, new accessories, and consistent grooming keep your style feeling fresh, fabulous, and looking unmistakably you.
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This is a very helpful post. It certainly confirms some of what I’ve noticed as I see people’s wardrobe choices. I regularly work and socialize with people who are younger than I am. I like to dress in a way that seems modern but classic.
I’m curious about your recommendation not to wear pastels head to toe. I bought the fantastic Ann Taylor high rise trouser jeans you recommended the spring. You subsequently recommended wearing light wash jeans with pastels–which effectively creates a head to toe pastel look. https://www.fabulousafter40.com/what-to-wear-with-light-wash-jeans-over-40-50/
When I’ve worn my light wash jeans with a light pink AT sweater tee, much younger women have approached me out of the blue to compliment me on my outfit. I’m curious about your recommendation that we wear light wash jeans with pastels…but not wear head-to-toe pastels. Help…?!?
Hi there! Pastels..they’ve come a long way. Classic pastels which are very light, soft and almost dusty looking are aging. Think Golden girls. I find when you wear these head to toe you can look old. Modern pastels, which have been popular ever since Covid are more saturated. They pop a bit. The blue, pink and minty green top I’m wearing int this post are not washed out. They have a bit more life (especially in person) and so they pop a bit against the light wash jeans. Of course, looking modern in pastel also has a lot to do with the style/silhouette you choose. Clothes with simple clean lines are more modern than something more fussy or frilly. So it’s that combo of a more saturated pastel with a modern silhouette which is going to make or break your look with or without light wash jeans. Here’s a good example of these modern pastels with life to them. You can see the true color of that cableknit sweater I’m wearing here too. I hope that helps explain what I mean:https://www.fabulousafter40.com/7-pastel-sweaters-to-perk-up-your-winter-wardrobe/ Cheers, Deb
#11 Buying a bunch of “trending” clothing or accessories you really can’t afford. Gigantic credit card balances have a funny way of aging you……
Boy this post sure brought out the “mean” in quite a few folks, as evidenced in the comments!!!
How about some positive comments to your points:
1. Wearing all black – I agree, it can be overwhelming on many women. I personally never wear black unless I have to. There are many other colors and neutrals that look far better on me.
2. Hiding in baggy clothes – no woman of any age should ever feel they have to hide in their clothes. *hug*
3. Jersey fabric overload – I love jersey, I just always make sure my jersey outfits look flattering.
4. Living in your favorite decade – thankfully never been a problem of mine. :)
5. Outdated glasses/accessories – agreed!
6. Hanging onto shoes too long – GUILTY AS CHARGED!
7. Grooming – agreed!
8. Head to toe pastels – I look horrible in pastels, so this also has never been a problem of mine.
9. Skipping accessories altogether – used to be guilty of this, now I embrace my inner princess. ;-)
10. Dressing too young/old – agreed!
I think this list was very helpful! Great job Deborah!
I think people should wear what they want. If you like something and it makes YOU feel good and you’re comfortable wearing it, then wear it. Other people will always have opinions on what another wears, and to be quite frank it is absolutely nothing to do with them!
I’m a man….figure that might be worth noting. I know women dress for themselves, but at least part of fashion and the reason some (not all, some) women dress up is to look attractive to whatever gender they are interested it….so why is it that so many fashion trends are so freakin ugly?
1. Big Sunglasses. These are hideous. No mercy at all from me or any man I have ever spoken to about it. Sunglasses are there to shield your eyes, not cover up half of the face that you presumably spent half an hour plastering with mud
2. Makeup…I think it’s well known that the vast majority of men hate makeup. We just hate it. It’s ugly and feels gross to the touch. We basically draw the line at a thin layer of foundation and lipstick…I’ve never had a girlfriend, female friend, or relative I thought looked better with makeup on. Wearing makeup is like saying your face is wrong. Really wish our culture would tone it down because it would be great to see more women embracing their natural beauty.
3. Yoga pants. Girls wear these everywhere and they are just not meant for it. Even as a guy who can’t resist looking at a pretty lady I don’t find them to be flattering on almost anyone. Yoga pants should be kept in the gym. The same goes for guys and their skin-tight compression clothing or torn-up gym tank tops.
4. Animal prints. You might think it’s cute, we think you look like a middle-aged cougar on the prowl. Only women in their mid 30’s to early 40s are the only ones who come even remotely close to making animal prints look good. They are just bad, bad, bad.
5. Glitter. I hate it, your friends hate it, your family hates it, and your co-workers definitely hate it. Let the teenagers and kids keep the glitter ok?
6. Booty shorts and boots…Seriously one of the first things I learned in life was that short boots do not go with shorts. The only women who can pull this off are pretty enough they could wear anything they damn well please and still look good. Of course, a skirt and thigh highs are totally different matters.
7. Super long shirts. These make you look like a child wearing one of your dad’s shirts. Enough said.
Tight buns in your hair. Absolutely horrid look. The tension, the taught skin, overly sleek and shiny head terminating in the forehead…it makes you look like an alien and can cause hair loss….just stop, please. Wear it a bit looser and it will look more natural and approachable.
8. Colored in eyebrows. Don’t know why anyone thinks these look good. They add too much intensity to most people’s faces. Even worse are the shaved and tattooed eyebrows. Gag!
This is the point at which I stopped caring and decided to go see a movie. Call me what you will ladies (I can’t imagine any response to a man criticizing women’s fashion would be gentle or amicable) but men make up about half the world. I figure our input should be at least somewhat important to fashion. Plus, there seems to be no end to the women with opinions on what men wear nowadays online.
Dude, I totally agree with #4, Nothing screams “cougar on the prowl” more than animal prints. Especially anything leopard print, which I totally despise. When I hit the big 4-0 last year I made a vow never to wear animal prints.
Some if this is silly. Uggs can look nice on over 40s if they wear them right. I have some and so does my friend. We have both lost 120 lbs together and she’s a 6 now and I’m a 10 (I’m way taller) and we both look great in our TIGHT skinny jeans and uggs.
Plus, chewing gum? Really? That has nothing to do with fashion. Gum is my desert. Its part of how I lost weight.
The sexiest thing to wear is confidence anyway.
I am 41 and feeling the effects of ALOT going on. Fashion, well, not so much. I’ve never really been one of these women who wear heels, dresses, etc. so jeans, tees and teeny shoes usually do me just fine (besides, you’d be surprised at how you can dress up jeans and a tee shirt). Ladies, we DO NOT have to be wrote off and dress frumpy because we are aging…I say age gracefully and keep your sexiness, afterall, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Never loose sight of who you are inside and out. My Grandma always told me that there is one alternative to aging and I am not about to let a few gray hairs or fine lines ruin my life and cause me to spend every dime we make on creams, dyes, etc. Why not make “do” and simply enjoy your family and the blessings that God has gave to us while we are here. Yes, I stand behind Oil Of Olay faithfully and Cover Girl will always be my “go to” make-up because through the years I’ve realized that you do not have to spend your life savings to look AND feel like a million bucks (if any of you have kids then you understand what I mean when they tell you just how pretty you look). No amount of money can be placed on that. Too much emphasis has been placed on perfection through the media, etc. and it is very unneccessary. If I could be air brushed even when I felt like crap there would be no need, right? Point being, relax and let go ladies. You are all beautiful and never let anyone tell you differently. It does’nt take make-up, creams or dyes to make us all beautiful, just a positive attitude and that is free. Ask most men what they really want in a woman and most, if not all, will say “someone who is nice, a genuinely good person who I can talk to and share my life with”, not “someone who is beautiful” and if that is what any man wants then he is trully superficial and not worth your time anyway. Just my thoughts and views about beauty as it pertains to our aging and how we can overcome our fears.
Beautifully said!!!
I am very pleased with all the content on your blog. I get lots of suggestions to help me.
Your #9 is off base, out of line and insulting. There are more important things than just looking “fashionable” and I’d say that not insulting a significant other by not wearing a gift he gave you is one of them. Also, some of us have deeper purposes for wearing our ‘small necklaces.’ This past April, I converted to the Eastern Orthodox Church. It was one of the most significant events in my life apart from when I got married and graduated from college. In the comnversion process, I was given a smallish cross to wear at all times…and I will NEVER take it off! I don’t care what anyone says having this expression of my faith is far MORE important than anything.
Hi Sabrina
A cross is one of those items that never goes out of style, can be worn at all times and is a great layering piece, too. Thanks for mentioning that!
I totally agree with you. I have a tiny chain that I wear a gun on. I will never take it off. I wear other necklaces with it
I hope you added the frump factor of wearing floral polyester printed tops in oud and pastel colors. These scream matron. It may be a low maintenance fabric but it is not becoming at all.
Hi Trish,
I’m in the same boat, stuck at the computer all day! (I am going to check out your ten, next!) That being said, on the days I do get dressed I feel more energized and creative.
Today I have on a great easy dress from J. McLaughlin. It is a stretchy shirt dress that I have a wide stretchy belt with. I can pop out to lunch or pick up some groceries and still look cute and be comfortable..because after all…that’s the key! Will try to post some photos of examples.
Could we also please add 3/4 pants with tight-fitting t-shirts…the ‘Great Australian Uniform’ as I like to call it. Do you have one in other parts of the world? Does it seem to come out in plague proportions when women over 40 go traveling as well…another form of tourist trap perhaps?
Hi Anita,
LOL.YES, let’s add that to the list! Can you send me some photos from your neck of the woods! It would be fun to compare them to here, although I think with the way the world is so connected on a global scale, I bet we will see similar faux pas!
Also, your site is a great resource for anyone looking for great-looking casual clothes… Ladies check out
Add to the list of worst mistakes made by women over 40: A short skirt that barely hides the crotch when sitting. Ugh!