Grayson West
Once you hit 50, your closet deserves a glow-up, not a throwback. Some fashion habits linger longer than they should—like jeans that fight your waistline or shoes with more pain than style. Let’s call out the culprits and make space for clothes that love you back. Style evolution, activated!
Ultra-Low-Rise Jeans
They’re back from the early 2000s, and they need to go back where they came from. These hip-huggers rarely flatter mature silhouettes and have zero chill when it comes to comfort. Opt for a high-rise or mid-rise cut that accentuates your waist instead of showing it in the most unflattering way possible.
Excessively Ripped Denim
We understand the vibe of distressed jeans when it has a few rips, but torn or shredded jeans should be a big no. Heavily ripped denim can look try-hard rather than giving a trendy look. Go for sleek cuts with just a hint of edge to keep it classy and fabulous.
Flashy Sequin Dresses For Daywear
There’s sparkle, and then there’s a disco ball. Sequins have their place, but for daytime errands or brunch, they are not an ideal choice. They reflect harsh lighting and can appear costume-like. Metallic accessories or subtle shimmer in fabrics bring glamour in a more grounded, tasteful way.
Graphic Tees With Trendy Slogans
Some phrases on tees might make you smile, but trendy slogans often lose their appeal quickly and may not reflect your style. Invest in pieces that have timeless graphics and subtle patterns that you can flaunt. A classic saying makes a lasting impression than a juvenile catchphrase any day.
Overly Distressed Jackets
There’s edgy, and then there’s apocalypse-core. Jackets made of extreme frays or holes often look more like a find from the thrift bin than a trendsetter. After 50, aim for outerwear that sharpens your look. Clean-cut denim or buttery leather never goes out of style.
Super-Short Miniskirts
Hemlines don’t have age limits, but extreme minis often sacrifice elegance for attention. They can ride up uncomfortably and draw the eye for all the wrong reasons. A knee-length pencil skirt or flirty midi can look infinitely more refined while still feeling playful.
Tube Tops
Tube tops are notoriously high-maintenance, slipping down and bunching up at every turn. To be honest, they offer zero support. If you love showing off shoulders, go for sleeveless tops that have structure. They’re comfortable and confidence-boosting without the wardrobe anxiety or undergarment battles.
Cheap Costume Jewelry
Plastic pearls and chipped metallic finishes do your outfit no favors. Once you’re over 50, it’s all about fewer pieces that offer a bigger impact. Consider timeless earrings or a sculptural cuff crafted from genuine metal. Ditch the dime-store sparkle for jewelry that enhances your look.
Overly Trendy Footwear
Shoes should support your feet and make a statement as well. Sock boots and jelly sandals may be fun, but they’re often uncomfortable and short-lived. Choose classic silhouettes that prioritize comfort, especially heels that can distribute the body weight evenly.
Ill-Fitting Shapewear
Your shapewear should not feel like a medieval torture device. The goal is to feel confident in that dress. Rather than squeezing into old sizes, opt for undergarments that fit your current body beautifully. Or, better yet, skip it altogether and wear clothes that flatter your natural shape.
Over-Embellished Handbags
Handbags overloaded with decoration often look chaotic and age fast. Opt for streamlined, structured styles crafted from high-quality materials. A sleek leather tote or neutral crossbody will outlast the trends and complement the style you wish to carry.
Platform Flip-Flops
Combining the instability of high heels with the lack of support in flip-flops, these are an orthopedic disaster waiting to happen. Platform flips can also look bulky and juvenile. Consider sleek sandals with arch support that complement your fashion sense well.
Sheer Leggings As Pants
Leggings have earned their place as loungewear staples, but ultra-sheer styles worn solo can reveal more than you intended. Go for thicker, opaque pairs or layered tunics. Comfort doesn’t have to come at the cost of confidence.
Clothing With Juvenile Prints
Your personality can shine without cartoon cats or comic book heroes. Loud, playful prints, on the other hand, can look out of place on adults. The next time you go shopping, look for chic patterns like florals or classic stripes that add energy without feeling like you’ve borrowed from your grandkids.
Crop Tops Without Layering
Cropped cuts can disrupt visual proportions or feel awkward without a high waist or base layer. Consider layering it over a longer tank or pairing it with tailored pants. Styling after 50 is about highlighting the parts you want with elegance.
Bodycon Dresses That Cling Uncomfortably
The focus here is on avoiding discomfort. Dresses that cling too tightly can feel restrictive and show undergarment lines. Look for ruched or wrap dresses instead. They flatter curves without feeling like you’re wearing a second skin made of Spanx.
Extremely Oversized Sweaters
Oversized knits can be cozy, but swampy silhouettes often add bulk. Rather, reach for sweaters with some structure, such as a belt or a tailored cut that still keeps things snuggly, for added shaping at the waist. It can accentuate your body without making it look bulky.
Outdated Shoulder Pads
Subtle shoulder tailoring can enhance posture and power, but heavy ‘80s shoulder pads? Not so much. Unless you’re costuming for a throwback party, ditch outdated padding and let natural structure or modern tailoring do the work. Today’s elegance doesn’t need padding to stand tall.
Holding On To Clothes That No Longer Fit
Keeping a closet full of “someday” sizes can silently drain your confidence. Studies at Princeton University link clutter to increased stress and reduced self-esteem. Instead of chasing past measurements, focus on dressing the body you have now.
Novelty Holiday Wear
Holiday sweaters are fun. But once the party’s over, they collect dust. Light-up reindeer and punny slogans belong at themed events, not in regular rotation. Enhance your festive wardrobe with luxe fabrics or seasonal accessories that can go from December to a dinner party.