How to Wear Eyelet Tops, Dresses & Pants Without Looking Old
If you’re in your 40s, 50s, or 60s, you might wonder if eyelet tops, dresses, or pants still have a place in your wardrobe. After all, while an eyelet is undeniably pretty, it can also come off as overly sweet or girlish—maybe not the vibe you’re going for these days.
The truth? Eyelet can look aging, but only if you choose pieces that feel dated or you style them in a way that leans too traditional. The good news is it’s easy to give this feminine fabric a modern twist. Here’s how to wear Eyelet tops, dresses, and bottoms in a fresh, ageless way.
similar eyelet dress | gold sandals | earrings
How to Wear Eyelet Tops, Dresses & Pants Without Looking Old
Choose Modern, Pared Down Styles
Oversized or shapeless eyelet pieces with too much volume, ruffles, or lace detail can come off as overly sweet or old-fashioned.
The Fix: Stick with eyelet styles that are clean and streamlined. A more tailored piece—like this pretty pink eyelet shift dress—feels elegant and grown-up thanks to its simple silhouette. It’s a much chicer choice than a frilly, fussy version that can easily veer into junior territory.
An Eyelet shirt dress is another great example of a more tailored style that is classy, mature, and modern. I bought this when I was in Florida, and I think it hits that feminine but not overly dainty sweet spot just right. Don’t you love the unique eyelet pattern? And that blue is stunning!
Play with Fun, Sporty, or Edgy Eyelet
Eyelet is naturally feminine and romantic, so giving it a modern twist by choosing unexpected or less traditional styles can make your outfit feel fresh and current.
The Fix: Think sporty, casual (or even edgy) pieces with a hint of eyelet – like a striped tee with eyelet trim or a relaxed sweatshirt with puffy eyelet sleeves.
similar eyelet sleeve sweatshirt
Eyelet blocking on sleeves and hemlines is especially popular this spring. A detail like dainty eyelet sleeves on a sporty blue sweatshirt adds just the right amount of softness without feeling over-sweet. I find this is a great way to bring a romantic vibe to a casual everyday look in a modern, wearable way.
Embrace Colored Eyelet
Washed-out pastels can be overly nostalgic or make you look faded. I don’t want to look like one of the Golden Girls!
The Fix: Choose bold, saturated shades like emerald, cobalt, hot pink, periwinkle, grass green, and red for a fresh, modern take on eyelet. I fell in love with this stunning orchid shade. Even classic black and white can feel crisp and updated when styled right.
As I mentioned in my Spring Color Report, bright colors are trending this season- including in eyelet pieces. While traditional eyelets feel soft and innocent, colorful eyelet dresses, tops, and pants bring a more confident, fashion-forward energy.
And don’t overlook the black eyelet- it has a moment, too, and it’s a favorite for those of us who love a chic, mature look.
Look for Interesting Cut Outs
Traditional Eyelet Patterns are lovely but can be aging.
The Fix: Thanks to crisp laser-cut patterns, eyelet holes now come in unique shapes and sizes. Try something new. Go for Round, square, oval, rectangular, diamond, and floral cutouts in intricate, modern patterns. Or choose a modern eyelet hole size, be it pin size or extra large, if you love a little drama.
Avoid Traditional Styling
Traditional Styling, such as high-neck eyelet tops or dresses with long sleeves/hem worn with a cardigan and pearls, can lean too modest and prim, giving a matronly effect.
The Fix: Show some skin in a balanced way—try an eyelet tunic top with three-quarter sleeves worn with cropped pants. Or a shorter eyelet dress with a scoop neckline belted and pushed-up sleeves.
Another idea? Eyelet trimmed, cropped pants that flash your ankles, worn with strappy metallic slides, and a cheery V-neck sweater are trendy.
Is Eyelet for You?
Ladies, here’s the bottom line. If you love eyelet and you’re a midlife mama, now worries! Eyelet is NOT going to make you look like Queen Victoria. It’s fresh, modern, and ageless when you choose pared-down pieces and style them in contemporary ways. So, here’s to looking feminine and fabulous in Eyelet at any age!
Want to see more Eyelet in action? Check out a couple of Eyelet looks I love to wear:
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