Fashion knows no age limit, but certain styles can make us look older than we feel. As we embrace our 60s and beyond, refreshing our wardrobe can boost confidence and comfort. Here’s a practical guide to updating your style with alternatives that celebrate this wonderful stage of life.
1. Ditch Those Baggy Cardigans
Shapeless, oversized cardigans add unnecessary bulk and create a frumpy silhouette. They hide your natural shape rather than enhance it.
Try fitted, structured cardigans instead that follow your body’s contours. Look for styles with subtle waist definition or interesting details like decorative buttons or trim.
2. Farewell to Unflattering Elastic-Waist Pants
Plain elastic-waist pants often create a boxy, institutional look. Many styles lack structure and can make anyone appear heavier than they are.
Upgrade to pants with partial elastic or stretchy fabrics with a proper waistband. Modern pull-on styles with clean lines and proper tailoring offer comfort without sacrificing style.
3. Say Goodbye to Shapeless Muumuus
Tent-like muumuus and shapeless housedresses hide your figure completely. They often make women appear larger and older than they actually are.
Embrace casual dresses with subtle shaping instead. A-line styles, wrap dresses, or shirt dresses with belts create definition while remaining comfortable and easy to wear.
4. Outdated Orthopedic-Looking Shoes
Clunky, obviously orthopedic shoes scream “I’ve given up on style.” The beige, bulky designs often look institutional and add years to your appearance.
Modern comfort brands now offer stylish options with hidden support features. Look for fashionable sneakers, loafers, or low heels with cushioned insoles and proper arch support.
5. Matronly Floral Prints
Small, busy floral patterns on dark backgrounds often look dated and aging. These “granny florals” can make even the most stylish woman look stuck in the past.
Choose modern botanical prints instead! Larger, bolder flower patterns or abstract florals on lighter backgrounds appear fresh and contemporary while still embracing feminine style.
6. Outdated Brooch Collections
Clusters of small, dated brooches can look fussy and overwhelm your outfit. Those tiny, detailed pins popular decades ago often appear antiquated today.
Update your look with one statement brooch instead. A single modern, artistic pin makes a confident fashion statement without the cluttered appearance of multiple small accessories.
7. Too-Bright Lipstick Shades
Extremely bright or dark lipstick can settle into fine lines around the mouth. These bold colors often draw attention to aging lips rather than enhancing your natural beauty.
Softer, hydrating formulas in rose, peach, or subtle berry tones complement mature skin beautifully. Look for creamy, moisturizing products that won’t emphasize texture or fine lines.
8. Outdated Eyeglass Frames
Tiny, outdated eyeglass frames can age your face instantly. Those small rectangular or oval frames popular years ago don’t complement today’s styles.
Frame your face with modern, slightly larger glasses that make a statement. Current styles with interesting shapes or subtle color add personality while improving your vision.
9. Heavy Pancake Makeup
Thick, heavy foundation settles into wrinkles and can look mask-like on mature skin. This approach to makeup adds years rather than creating a youthful glow.
Lightweight, hydrating formulas create a natural finish that lets your skin shine through. BB creams, tinted moisturizers, or sheer foundations with luminous properties enhance rather than cover.
10. Matching Polyester Sets
Identical polyester top-and-bottom sets often look dated and uninspired. These matchy-matchy outfits can seem like you’re wearing a uniform rather than expressing personal style.
Try coordinating separates instead! Mix complementary pieces in similar color families for a pulled-together look with more personality and flexibility in your wardrobe.
11. Overly Structured Pantsuits
Boxy, outdated pantsuits with shoulder pads and stiff fabrics can look corporate and aging. These formal suits often feel out of place in today’s more relaxed fashion environment.
Softer, unstructured blazers paired with complementary pants offer a modern alternative. Look for knit blazers or those with stretch that move with you while maintaining polish.
12. Dated Costume Jewelry
Heavy, ornate costume jewelry from decades past can look conspicuously outdated. Those chunky plastic beads and overly decorative pieces often appear inexpensive and aging.
Simple, quality pieces with clean lines create a more sophisticated look. Consider sterling silver, gold-filled items, or contemporary designs that combine elegance with modern sensibility.
13. Shapeless T-Shirts
Boxy, oversized t-shirts hide your figure and can make you appear larger. Those shapeless shirts often create an unflattering silhouette that does nothing for your confidence.
Slightly fitted tees with v-necks or scoop necks instantly update your casual look. Look for styles with a bit of stretch that skim rather than cling to the body.
14. Unflattering Mom Jeans
High-waisted, loose-fitting “mom jeans” with tapered ankles create an unflattering silhouette. They often add bulk around the middle and make legs appear shorter.
Straight-leg or slight boot-cut jeans with stretch provide comfort while creating a more balanced proportion. Look for mid-rise styles that sit comfortably without being too high or too low.
15. Outdated Permed Hairstyles
Tight, overly permed hairstyles can look harsh and aging. These dated styles often appear unnaturally curly and can damage already fragile hair.
Softer, more natural-looking cuts with gentle waves or textured layers frame the face beautifully. Modern styling techniques create movement without the harsh, overly processed look of traditional perms.
16. Chunky Orthopedic Sandals
Clunky, obviously orthopedic sandals scream “comfort over style.” These functional but unattractive shoes can make even a stylish outfit look frumpy.
Fashionable comfort brands now offer sandals with hidden support features. Look for sleek designs with cushioned footbeds, adjustable straps, and stylish details that don’t sacrifice comfort.
17. Dated Windbreaker Sets
Matching nylon windbreaker sets in bright colors or busy patterns look stuck in the 1980s. These noisy, synthetic outfits don’t breathe well and create an outdated athletic appearance.
Modern activewear in performance fabrics offers better function and style. Look for separates in coordinating solid colors with moisture-wicking properties and comfortable stretch.