Avoid purchasing a blow dryer
If your blow dryer malfunctions, it may be best to forego a replacement. Opting to air-dry your hair not only saves time but also reduces your electric bill. Furthermore, excessive blow drying can be detrimental to the hair. It may be advisable to restrict blow drying to salon appointments.
Avoid purchasing cheap shampoo
Inexpensive, lathering shampoos tend to strip the hair of its natural oils. Consequently, purchasing such products can be a squandered expense. Washing your hair once a week may be sufficient, though this may vary depending on your lifestyle and the climate of your location.
Avoid wearing loud or neon clothing
Is drawing attention to yourself really your objective with these clothing choices? Outfits with neon colors or bold prints can be unflattering since they can create the illusion of a larger appearance. Unless your intention is to halt road traffic,, it may be wise to avoid such garments.
Avoid wearing clothing with large graphics
If you happen to possess a slim and toned physique, that’s fantastic. However, it may be best to avoid certain clothing designs if you don’t. Such styles can highlight areas of your body that you’d rather conceal. Opting for smaller prints and designs is likely to be more flattering.
Select small floral prints
Consider small, floral prints that exude warmth and quaintness. These patterns don’t scream for attention but are likely to catch the eye of passersby. Furthermore, such prints tend to be particularly flattering for women in their 50s.
Choose small polka dots or houndstooth patterns
There are various other alternatives to consider when avoiding neon and bold prints. Take note of how these options enhance the overall appearance without appearing pretentious or attention-grabbing. By selecting such designs, you’ll radiate confidence and beauty effortlessly.
Avoid uncomfortable shoes
Allow young women to wear stilettos however they please. It’s time for you to prioritize comfort instead. As you age, your feet tend to widen, making it impractical to wear high heels for extended periods. Can you realistically expect to cram your feet into stilettos and walk for hours on end?
Select a kitten heel
If you’re determined to wear heels, consider opting for kitten heels which are more comfortable for your feet. Alternatively, you could choose sandals or flats that are stylish and comfortable. With these options, you can walk for hours without experiencing any discomfort or pain.
Opt for flats
Take a look at these shoes that offer both comfort and style. They’re incredibly cute and will complement any outfit you choose. So, choose your style and color options wisely, as there are plenty to select from. You can have fun trying out different options with so many styles and colors available.
Avoid attempting to stretch shoes that are too small
Believing that shoes will stretch to fit your feet if they’re too small is a common misconception. It’s essential to select the correct size, taking both length and width into account. If you do end up with the wrong size, it’s best to return them rather than trying to force your feet into them, which can be painful.
Gaudy makeup
As you age, you naturally occur lines and texture in your skin. Slapping on heaps and heaps of bright, gaudy makeup on your face won’t be flattering, and will actually age you. Avoid looking like a clown, and keep your makeup choices simple, but stylish.
Plunging necklines
Tasteful dresses with a bit of skin on display are okay, but avoid dresses that overly expose your cleavage. Not only will deep necklines draw unwanted attention to your breasts, but it also may highlight any wrinkles on your neck or chest. Keep it classy, and leave plunging necklines on the rack.
Baggy clothing
You may be tempted to hide your body in baggy clothes, feeling more comfortable in the loose fabric. Instead of covering up your insecurities, baggy clothing actually draws more attention to them, making you look heavier than you are. Stick to clothes that fit your frame properly.
Crop tops
While you might see many over-50 celebs wearing fancy crop tops on the red carpet, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best look for you. Though they’re a bold fashion statement, in your day-to-day life, it’s probably best to leave this risqué clothing choice to the youth.
Hot pants
If you can pull them off, more power to you! For most of us above a certain age, however, hot pants should be retired. If you’re not a cheerleader, a dancer, or a yoga instructor, there’s no real reason for you to have hot pants as a part of your wardrobe.
Out-of-shape sweaters
Out-of-shape sweaters aren’t a good look. With long, droopy sleeves or short, cuffed hems, these pieces of clothing can age you tenfold, swallowing your frame in a swarm of fabric. Warped sweaters can also make it look as though you haven’t made any effort with your outfit, choosing comfort over style.
Elastic waistbands
They may be comfortable, but elastic waistbands are so unflattering. A better option is to purchase some tie-waist trousers, maintaining comfort but looking much more chic. If you insist on wearing an item with an elastic waistband, make sure it’s hidden – match it with a long, flowing top to cover up the uncomplimentary fabric.
Crocs
Not only are Crocs a fashion faux par of the highest degree, they’re also not great for your feet. While they may feel like walking in slippers and offer plenty of ventilation, they lack arch and heel support, potentially leading to long-term foot problems.
Fleeces
Fleeces are unflattering, frumpy, and out of style. A lot of older women wear fleeces to maintain comfort and warmth – but there are many other options to achieve such a feat. Wear a cozy, warm sweater paired with a sleek, well-fitting blazer. You’ll feel better than you would in a frumpy fleece.
Loud accessories
Bold, loud accessories are outdated, garish, and distasteful. This rings especially true if you wear a huge selection of bold accessories all at once, pairing chunky necklaces with huge hoops. Strip it back, wear just one or two pieces of dainty jewelry for a classier look.
Jeans with lots of holes or rips
Ripped jeans can be stylish and chic, adding a youthful edge to your outfit. Jeans with too many holes in, however, can appear unkempt and untidy – giving the impression of trying too hard to look youthful. If you wear ripped jeans, make sure you go with a classy top to compliment them.
Outdated styles
Just because it looked good in the 80s, doesn’t mean it looks good now. Avoid outdated prints, clunky shoes, and nasty fabrics. Wear clothing with a modern edge, rather than clinging to times long gone. Sometimes, there’s a good reason why fashion trends move on and we leave things in the past.
All-black outfits
You may opt for an all-black outfit given its sleek, slimming effects. While it’s true darker colors can have this effect, they can also make you look washed out and pale, draining the rosy glow from your skin tone. A dash of black is okay, but make sure you pair it with a pop of color.
Too closely matching clothes
Not everything in your wardrobe has to match. Avoid purchasing items that are too closely colored. If you go for an orange look, don’t go all the way with orange shoes, orange accessories, and orange makeup. Mix it up a bit with different colors, textures, and patterns.
Ignore fashion trends that don’t suit your body
Fashion trends are forever changing, so much so that’s it’s almost impossible to keep up with what’s hot and what’s not. Endlessly striving to wear what’s current will only leave you in clothing that doesn’t compliment your frame, potentially looking a bit try-hard. Stick to what you know.
Showing too much skin
Don’t purchase items that show too much skin. Your skin starts to sag and wrinkle as you age, so revealing items of clothing only accentuate your insecurities. While you don’t need to completely cover yourself, make sure that the clothing you do buy remains tasteful.
Cheap clothing
Cheap clothing is a no-go for any age, but especially later in life. Most cheap fashion items don’t sit properly on the body, which can make you look out of proportion. Not only do bargain fabrics look unflattering on the body, they’re also flimsy and thin, ripping easily.
Sparkles and glitter
Avoid buying pieces of clothing that are embellished with heaps of sparkles or glitter. Once you hit a certain age, these types of items go from being youthful to tacky. Of course, save that glitzy dress for special occasions, but in terms of day-to-day outfits, it’s best to keep it simple.
Old-fashioned skirts
Nothing shows your age quite like a frumpy skirt. You want to keep it classy, of course, and not show too much skin. However, that comes with a limit. A loose skirt flowing down to your ankles in bland beige colors isn’t a flattering fit, and will make you look old beyond your years.
Junior clothing
Just because you can fit into junior clothes, it doesn’t mean that you should. Clothes for teens are streaked with bright logos, light fabrics, and trend led styles. If you have a petite frame, browse online for clothing items that are designed for your body type – and your age.
Cheap jewelry
Cheap jewelry looks, well, cheap. Not every piece of jewelry you buy has to be expensive, of course, but it’s more about the way it looks and feels. Does your bracelet feel like it might snap if you get it caught? If so, leave it on the shelf. Furthermore, jewelry made from cheap metals can stain your skin green, which isn’t a good look.
Heavy earrings
You’re never too old to try bold fashion choices. When it comes to big, chunky earrings, however, it’s best to err on the side of caution. Your earlobes naturally drop as you age, so wearing a pair of heavy earrings only elongates your ear, making you look older. Simple studs made from lighter materials are recommended for a sleeker look.
Bright hair dyes
The methods you use to hide those gray hairs may actually be aging you more. There’s nothing wrong with opting for a bright hairdo, but just ensure that it’s the right color for you. If you already have a pale complexion, going for blues and greens will only wash you out, highlighting any wrinkles and blemishes.
Wireframe glasses
Wireframe glasses offer a retro, vintage appeal. That’s all well and good for hipsters in their 20s, but as a mature woman, you may want to avoid fashion from decades long since passed. Go for chunkier-framed glasses, helping to thin your face and offer a stylish appeal.
Thigh high hems
While you don’t want to wear long dresses that can appear frumpy, you also want to avoid items that are too short, for fear of looking too tacky. For the most flattering look, it’s recommended that your dress sits just above your knee, showing off a bit of skin but always staying classy.
Tight-fitting clothes
Clothes that are too tight will highlight all of your lumps and bumps, rather than flattering your body type. Not only will it look unappealing, but the outfit will also be highly uncomfortable if its constantly sticking to your skin. Make sure you try before you buy to compliment your figure!
Outdated jeans
Acid-wash jeans might’ve suited you a decade ago, but it might be time to mix up your style. Denim can be a great addition to any closet, but only if the styling suits your body. Baggy, faded jeans with frayed hems aren’t so flattering.
Neutral colors
You don’t have to avoid neutral colors at all times, but it’s best to practice some restraint. Wearing an entire outfit centered on plain, beige fabrics can look much harsher on older skin, washing you out. Add a pop of color here and there to avoid looking worn.
Large hats
Wearing a hat that’s too large throws your body out of proportion, giving the illusion of being top-heavy. A wide brim on a small face can be overbearing. Likewise, a hat that’s too small can look comical. Go for hats that fit your head, but don’t swallow you up.
Gladiator sandals
There’s no bigger statement piece than knee-high gladiator sandals. They draw a huge amount of attention to your legs, which, depending on your confidence, can have mixed results. Gladiator sandals also need to be paired with a very short skirt or dress, meaning it’s a look that only a few can successfully pull off.
Ill-fitting underwear
Your underwear should fit snugly, but shouldn’t leave an imprint on the skin – if it does, you may need to go up a size. Equally, you don’t want to invest in underwear that is too baggy, for risk of it bunching up under your outfit. Make sure that your panties stay firmly in place for a comfier fit.
Clothing with logos
Tops with large, invasive logos printed across them often look juvenile. Not only does wearing an assortment of logos make you a walking advertisement, it also strips away all sense of elegance from your outfit. Mixing brand logos is considered an even worse offence, overwhelming the onlooker with a swarm of brands.
Sheer fabrics
Sheer or mesh fabrics should only be used to layer your outfit, not to wear as a standalone piece. Instead of wearing an all-sheer look, opt for sheer sleeves, or wear a plain tee beneath the mesh. This will stop any lumps and bumps being on show, while still serving a sophisticated look.
Cheap sunglasses
Not only do cheap sunglasses look tacky and have far less durability, they’re also bad for your eyes. Cheaper shades lack sufficient UV support, which can lead to numerous eye diseases such as cataracts, ocular melanoma, and macular degeneration. Spend out – your eyes will thank you for it.
Shabby purses
Cheap, shabby purses can turn even the most elegant look into a disaster. You may be tempted to pick up that vintage purse from the thrift shop, donning a classic brand to add a designer touch to your outfit. Purses with scuffs and marks on them are immediately noticeable to passersby, so it’s best to go for a brand-new bag entirely if you can.
Velcro shoes
Shoes with wide, velcro straps can age you tenfold, so it’s best to leave them on the shelf. Not only are they primarily aimed at children and the elderly, they also immediately downgrade any outfit they’re paired with. Save these for 20 years’ time, when you may actually need them. For now, rock those heels!
Double denim
Double denim is a tricky affair. While in some cases it can give your style an edge, more often than not it leads to a shabby, cowboy look. If you do insist on wearing double denim, ensure that the tones aren’t too similar, and that there aren’t too many intricate details on each piece. Better yet, it may be wise to avoid the risk altogether.
Low-rise pants
Pants that cut off in line with your underwear are something that you might’ve been able to get away with in your 20s, but it might be time to retire this particular trend. Stick to jeans that sit comfortably along your waist for a sleeker, more mature vibe.
Ugg boots
Let’s be honest: Nobody of any age should be wearing Ugg boots. Wearing them as slippers may be acceptable – but only behind closed doors. Heading out on the town wearing Uggs may be comfortable, but it’s the equivalent of stepping out in your pajamas – not a good idea if you want to look fashionable.
Over-the-knee boots
Over-the-knee boots may be all the rage for celebs right now, but that doesn’t mean you should rush out and buy a pair. These shoes essentially slice your body in two, creating an unflattering silhouette. Consider wearing riding boots that finish just below the knee instead.
Cheap perfumes
You want to buy a long-lasting scent that matches your personality, not cheap, watered-down fragrances that instantly fade. Avoid dollar-store perfumes and invest in a long-lasting smell that reflects who you are. It’ll make you feel that much more confident, adding a spring to your step.
Too much bronzer
Our skin changes as we age, and so should our makeup. Overdoing it on the bronzer can make you look weathered, tired, and even dirty. Skin starts to yellow as we get older, so adding tones of gold or brown can only draw more attention to it. Mix your bronzer with a splash of pink to give your face a healthier glow.
Long nails
Long nails, when done right, can accentuate any good look. On the flip side, they’re highly impractical, can get stuck in fabrics, and can make day-to-day life tasks harder to accomplish. Our nails weaken as we age, too, meaning that tampering with too many products can actually speed up this process.
Loud hair accessories
It might be tempting to use hair clips and scrunchies for the sake of eaese, saving time having meticulously style your hairdo. If so, avoid bold patterns – keep it simple, go with plain black bands or scrunchies. Chunky hairclips are also a big no-no – for fear of looking like you’ve just walked out of the salon mid-trim.
Cheap hair extensions
Extensions can be a great solution for thinning hair, adding volume and depth to your barnet. However, make sure you purchase high-quality extensions, as cheaper alternatives can actually damage your hair. Besides, you can spot cheap, nasty hair extensions a mile away.
Leggings as pants
Leggings should be reserved for yoga and gym classes only. Wearing leggings as pants creates a basic, unfashionable look that’ll do your body no favors. If you do insist on wearing leggings, make sure that they’re plain black – avoid garish prints at all costs.
Large handbags
As you get older, you may be tempted to use a bigger handbag. After all, you have more to bring along – between a shoe change, your vitamins, and your reading glasses – you need to be able to pack it all in. If you can, however, opt for a smaller purse and travel light – it’ll make for a better look.
Chunky keyrings
Chunky keyrings were great when you were 16, but it’s time to let them go. You don’t want to have to be lugging around great big chunks of metal simply to find your car keys. They’re obnoxious, awkward, and unnecessary, so opt for one or two little dainty additions instead.
Cheap hair straighteners
Bargain hair straighteners can unevenly apply heat, damage your hair, overheat, and break more quickly. Essentially, cheap hair straighteners are a waste of money, that’ll only lead to issues further down the road. Invest in a decent pair to save your hair from any unnecessary trauma.
Horizontal stripes
Horizontal stripes should be avoided at any age, really. They stretch out your figure, making you look wider than you actually are. You may be tempted to pick up some horizontal stripes if you have broad shoulders or a busty waist, thinking it’ll help to hide your insecurities. The truth is, it’ll only highlight them.