Dressing fabulously after 70 isn’t about hiding your age—it’s about celebrating your style journey with confidence! I’ve spent decades helping women refine their wardrobes, and I’ve noticed certain choices can either add unnecessary years or reveal your vibrant spirit. Let’s explore which fashion items might be aging you prematurely and discover what to wear instead.
1. Shapeless Muumuus Make You Disappear
Those voluminous, tent-like dresses aren’t doing you any favors, darling! They drown your beautiful silhouette in fabric, making you appear larger and older instantly.
Instead, opt for gentle structure that acknowledges your curves without squeezing them. A slight waist definition works wonders for your posture and presence.
2. Dated Floral Patterns Scream ‘Grandma’
Though I adore florals, those tiny, faded blooms reminiscent of 1980s wallpaper instantly add decades to your appearance. They’ve become visual shorthand for ‘elderly.’
Why not embrace modern botanical prints with larger, bolder patterns instead? Contemporary florals in vibrant colors convey confidence and style awareness.
3. Frumpy Cardigans Add Years
Heavens, those pill-covered, droopy cardigans hanging in your closet! While cozy, they project a surrendered attitude toward style and posture.
Swap them for structured knit jackets or tailored sweater blazers that define your shoulders. The clean lines elevate any outfit while still providing warmth and comfort.
4. Elastic-Waist Polyester Pants Scream ‘Senior Discount’
Honey, those pull-on polyester pants with the full elastic waistband might feel convenient, but they broadcast ‘I’ve given up’ faster than anything else in your wardrobe!
Consider flat-front pants with partial elastic or stretch denim with a proper closure. You’ll look instantly more polished while maintaining comfort.
5. Orthopedic-Looking Shoes Date You
Where style goes to die? Those clunky, beige orthopedic shoes! Yes, comfort matters, but when did ‘comfortable’ become synonymous with ‘unattractive’?
Thankfully, brands now offer fashionable footwear with supportive features. Look for sleek loafers, stylish mary janes, or trendy sneakers designed with comfort technology.
6. Pastel Leisure Suits Belong in a Time Capsule
If your closet houses matching pastel polyester sets—you know, those mint green or powder blue two-pieces—you’re essentially wearing an age tag!
Instead, try coordinated separates in contemporary colors. A navy pant with a complementary patterned top creates a pulled-together look without the dated matchy-matchy effect.
7. Dowdy Skirt Lengths Cut Your Legs Off
That awkward mid-calf length skirt? It’s creating a visual chop-point that shortens your legs and adds visual weight. The dreaded ‘neither here nor there’ length is universally unflattering!
Try knee-length or just-below-knee hemlines instead. They elongate your silhouette while remaining age-appropriate and elegant.
8. Outdated Shoulder Pads Scream ’80s Throwback’
While Dynasty was fabulous television, those massive shoulder pads from the era should remain in your photo albums, not your current wardrobe!
If you love structured shoulders, look for jackets with subtle, modern padding. They’ll give definition without making you look like you’re auditioning for a throwback sitcom.
9. Frilly Blouses Add Unnecessary Bulk
Oh honey, those frilly, ruffled blouses with bows at the neck? They’re adding volume precisely where most of us don’t need it! Plus, they scream ‘I’m trying to look old-fashioned.’
Opt for clean-lined tops with interesting details at the sleeves or hemline instead. They’ll draw attention to your best features.
10. Dated Eyeglasses Frame Your Face…Poorly
Though not clothing per se, those tiny, outdated frames perched on your nose broadcast your age faster than any birth certificate! They’re aging your entire look.
Consider updating to modern frames that complement your face shape. Current styles in flattering colors can take years off while improving your vision.
11. Boxy Blazers Hide Your Shape
Whoever decided women over 70 should wear shapeless, boxy blazers should be sentenced to wearing them themselves! They add visual weight and suggest you’re hiding.
Look for slightly tapered styles that acknowledge your waistline. Even minimal shaping creates a more flattering silhouette while maintaining professional polish.
12. Chunky Costume Jewelry Overwhelms
While statement pieces have their place, those massive plastic beads and chunky costume necklaces can look childish or overpowering on mature women.
Consider refined, quality pieces with moderate scale instead. A well-designed silver pendant or elegant pearl strand offers sophistication without shouting for attention.
13. Unflattering Necklines Age Your Décolletage
High, fussy necklines with outdated details like tiny buttons or lace trim can make you look unnecessarily prim and dated.
V-necks, soft cowls, or open collars create more flattering lines that elongate your neck. They bring attention to your face while providing an elegant, contemporary framework.
14. Shapeless Sweaters Add Visual Weight
Those baggy, shapeless sweaters might feel comforting, but they’re doing nothing for your figure! They create a boxy silhouette that adds pounds instantly.
Try semi-fitted knits that skim rather than cling. The subtle shaping acknowledges your body without revealing every detail—the perfect compromise between comfort and style.
15. Drab Colors Wash You Out
Beige on beige on beige? You’re disappearing, darling! As our skin tone changes with age, those ‘safe’ neutral colors often drain the life right out of our complexions.
Experiment with colors that bring energy to your face—perhaps a soft teal, warm coral, or elegant burgundy. They’ll illuminate your features beautifully.
16. Outdated Prints Date You Instantly
Those tiny calico prints and dated paisley patterns? They’re time-stamping your birth decade! Certain prints become strongly associated with specific eras.
Refresh your wardrobe with contemporary patterns like abstract geometrics or updated classics. Modern prints signal that you’re living in the present, not the past.
17. MISTAKE: Dressing Too Young
Attempting to dress like your granddaughter backfires spectacularly! Those super-trendy items designed for 20-somethings create an uncomfortable disconnect with your natural elegance.
Instead, incorporate modern elements in age-appropriate ways. A current silhouette in a sophisticated fabric honors both fashion and your maturity beautifully.
18. MISTAKE: Wearing Outdated Undergarments
Heavens! Those ancient foundation garments aren’t doing their job anymore! Stretched-out bras and faded, saggy underwear affect how everything else fits.
Invest in properly fitted modern undergarments designed for mature bodies. They provide better support and create a smoother silhouette for your outerwear.
19. MISTAKE: Clinging to Outdated Fashion Rules
Still following fashion rules from 1975? “No white after Labor Day” and “matching shoes to handbags” are outdated restrictions that date your entire approach.
Embrace contemporary styling principles that focus on proportion and personal expression. Modern fashion celebrates individuality rather than rigid conformity to arbitrary rules.