I am now in my seventies and have given up wearing certain fashion items because they don’t make sense to me anymore. I have always loved style and try to look chic on a budget. But, now that I’m older, practicality has become more important.
Watch me talk about what I’ve given up on YouTube
1. Uncomfortable shoes
Older celebrities may wear 6” stilettos like Jane Fonda who is in her 80s but I’m sure she slips them off as soon as the camera isn’t pointing at her. Even when I was young, I thought high heels were torture devices designed to bind my feet. They make your legs look long and lean. . . sure. . . but one false move could spell disaster.
Comfortable shoes are a wardrobe priority for me. Reflexology is a practice that focuses on pressure points on the feet and hands and how they can affect your health. Forcing your feet into uncomfortable shoes can compromise your overall health.
I only feel comfortable in flats or supported shoes. That doesn’t mean they have to look ugly. There are plenty of stylish-looking sneakers, loafers, ankle boots, and sandals that don’t cause you pain. A one-inch heel is my maximum even with my favorite cocktail dress.
2. Shapewear
Scarlett O’Hara scrunched herself into excruciating corsets but even modern-day shapewear can be unbearable. I bought a shapewear camisole and could barely get it over my head. Why should I force myself to look slimmer when I can create optical illusions with my clothing instead?
Our mothers wore girdles and I remember wearing one in middle school to hold my stockings up, which was ridiculous. Now, I would rather breathe and let it all hang out. Admission: I have worn shapewear on rare special occasions but only under duress.
3. Bras with bones
I’ve had it with wired bras which leave me bruised and in pain. Wireless bras are my go-to nowadays. They do an adequate job and keep my nips from popping out when it’s cold.
It’s important to get the correct bra size. You can use an online bra size calculator but having a bra expert fit you is even better.
Honeylove has excellent wireless bras but are expensive. I found a brand called Oeok on Amazon that works just as well.
4. Leggings and elastic waistlines
Leggings are super comfy and I love them, but I wrote a previous post about why I no longer wear them. In a nutshell, they make it too easy for me to overeat because I’m a foodie. If I ate like a bird, leggings would be no problem. I need to have self-control. Zippers and snaps are mandatory for me even if they get tight.
5. Fat clothes
Remember the Moo Moo? Our moms used to wear them when they gave up wearing girdles. They are roomy but make you look HUGE!
Many older women with big bellies live in oversized blouses. I started wearing them after menopause when I began to put on fat around my middle. But after watching over 50 stylists on YouTube, I realized it is a BIG mistake. Not only do big blouses give us more room to eat but there are much more flattering ways to dress. A French tuck, a tailored jacket, a peplum blouse, or strategically placed layering can disguise many flaws. There is no need to look perenially pregnant.
6. Pantyhose
Stockings are passe with dresses but a nice pair of tights is okay so there’s no need to freeze your legs off just to be fashionable. I love a great dress but find myself wearing pants more often. When I do wear a dress, the length is important. Knee length or longer is more flattering as we age, and you can always wear boots over tights to cover your legs.
7. The Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini is only a memory
Some older women can still pull off wearing a bikini. They may have the bodies but unless they’ve had extensive laser treatments, I’m sure they have wrinkles, stretch marks, or age spots. I avoid wearing a bathing suit, but, when I do, it’s a one-piece. A single-tone or a tiny print suit usually looks best. Big prints make you look larger unless you are very tall. There are many styles to choose from. Lands’ End has high-quality swimwear that is flattering for all body shapes.
8. Big jewelry
I’m a minimalist with jewelry and prefer dainty chain necklaces and bracelets. Big earrings hurt me after a while. I usually get them caught in something, which can be painful. I would rather wear subtle studs or small drop earrings and leave big gaudy earrings for Cher.
9. Oversized and heavy Purses
As we get older it gets more difficult to lug a big purse without getting a major backache. Large purses are also too big for my petite frame. I hate changing purses to match my outfit. When I do I usually forget something important like my reading glasses.
My favorite purses are medium-sized and structured with several compartments to put things in. I like neutral shades like black but may switch to a lighter-colored bag in the spring and summer.
The handbag below by Mintegra is super affordable. It has become my favorite purse because it has multiple compartments, is light, and everything zips up for safety. It comes in a variety of colors and is washable. The best thing is, it is great for travel because it’s light and none of your stuff can fall out.
If you like to switch purses, a purse organizer is handy so you can move all your things easily. I found some cute ones on Etsy here.
10. Smokey eyes and mascara
I wear as little makeup as possible because I believe less is more when you age. If I do wear eye makeup, I choose a creamy nude shade.
Eye shadow settles into my wrinkles and looks harsh. All I use these days is an eyebrow pencil because my brows are disappearing, possibly a highlighter under my brows, a moisture balm or bronzer, eyeliner, and a subtle rose lipstick. E.l.f. Cosmetics has affordable and subtle cosmetics to choose from.
Notice I mentioned I gave up mascara. I can’t stand it. Watch my viral video about giving up mascara.
You may disagree with my choices but they are my personal preferences.
Have you given up anything you used to wear now that you are older? Please leave a comment below.
I especially don’t know how older women wear those sky-high stripper heels. It boggles the mind. My back hurts just looking.
Mine too, Laurie. It’s nuts.
I no longer wear necklaces I have to fasten with a clasp. If I can’t slip it over my head, I don’t wear it!
I hear you on that, Annette. I can never get those clasps off myself as well.
Buy magnets that you attach to each end of the necklace chain. No more trying to open an itty bitty clasp. LOVE them!
I love that idea! Thanks! That would be so much easier!
Well it’s like this. Don’t knock it till you try it.
Age is just a number and doesn’t make you mature it just makes you hopefully wiser, and if the high heel shoe fits , then wear them.😊
True, Elaine. Some older women can really rock high heels and they don’t bother them.. I put some on the other day and felt like I was going to fall over so I went back to my comfy flats. Why flirt with disaster?
Most older women do not have the posture or body to look good In sky scrappers. They are trying way to hard to look youthful. Very distracting and unattractive!
That’s true, Holly but balance can be unpredictable when you are older which can cause a fall and be dangerous.
1 flat elastic waist band dress slacks are a godsend for people with arthritis. I GOT RID OF ZIPPERED JEANS
I also.packed up my graphic Ts for a iographical quilt top .
Instead I am replacing them with high quality tops.sweaters in bright colours and interesting patters.Quality styles in petites sizes cut for short-waisted women…
I am embracing my shape and style
No longer invisable
I love that you are going for high quality Meg. Good for you! And I understand the need for elastic for arthritis. There are also adaptive pants with side zippers that help you get them on and off.
Love your attitude. I haven’t worn stockings in a decade!
Me neither, Carol. They chafe my legs.
I still wear pantyhose at 76. I am still working part time. I also love boots but can’t wear them. A broken ankle that required surgery including a metal plate left me with bone spurs that hurt like crazy if anything touches them that is heavier than a sock or hosiery.
I totally understand, Pat. So sorry about your ankle and bone spurs. I hope you can find a solution to be more comfortable.
And I think older women with unattractive legs look ridiculous with no stockings. I still wear panty hose or long skirts. I do not like the looks of older women always in slacks. I love dresses and don’t own a pair of slacks or jeans. I do wear leggings with long tunic tops in the winter.
Hi Sophie, I love dresses too and it is a conundrum regarding the pantyhose. I agree that not everyone has the legs to show off as they get older but I find stockings uncomfortable. I always try to wear knee length or midi dresses. I also live in a fairly warm climate so that’s part of it too. For a long time I never wore pants either and couldn’t stand jeans. The only reason I wear them now is when I wear sneakers. Leggings are comfortable but allow me to eat too much and on some women they can show off every nook and cranny. A long tunic is a good idea.
I agree my legs don’t like k like ke they use to so I have jeans, leggings and long skirts.. I do prefer leggings to jeans but I need some longer tops. I read older women should wear skirts around knee length or tight below. I don’t agree.
I only avoid leggings because they make it easier for me to eat too much. Knee length skirts are generally considered to be the most flattering for most women but it depends on your legs and body type. If you love long skirts, more power to you. Whatever makes you comfortable. I tend to wear midi or knee length because I am short and long skirts make me look shorter.
All of the above.
Comfortable is my fashion choice!
That’s the best, Diane.
I just wish plus size tops would stop being tunics. Tunics make my legs look short. At 5′ 6″ and short legged, with a long torso, I always have to hem the tunic tops. I wear a plus size and I do prefer oversized tops to cover large belly and at 78 years old and still active, I still want to look stylish. Here in Florida it is always hot, so tailored jackets for layering don’t work. I’m beginning to love light kimonos over a sleeveless tee. Heels – out of the question. Love low wedges or flats for comfort and style. And yes finding less makeup so much better – and quicker to get myself ready!! Thanks for the pointers.
Thank you, Rosana. I am 5’2″ with a belly so I agree, tunics make us look short. If you are super tall, they work. French tucks create an optical illusion. I’ve also found that a short sleeve white linen blouse worn open over a darker or monotone tank top and pants or shorts is cool and can hide bulges without shortening the legs or torso. The kimona idea can be gorgeous as well.
Only thing I’ve given up is meeting anyone else expectation of how I should look due to my age or size. It’s so liberating knowing that how I feel in clothes is way more important than how anyone else thinks I look.
That’s very true Rach and I agree that it is liberating.
Finally someone feels the same way I do!
Glad you agree!
Be loud be proud, show how you are in age, no rules, do as you like and be yourself without fashion. Go Boho as they call it now, Layers, colour, long necklace, bangles, your made. Don’t forget the earrings. That is my take on dressing when you get older anyway. I am 70 still a babe. Just dress in what ever makes you feel good.
I love it, Angela! And why not? You sound like you really know your style!
Rebecca, I think the word is Mu Mu, Not MOO MOO! 🙂 ..But I agree with you They do nothing for most of us!
I see it written both ways. I think Moo Moo is funnier but thanks for pointing that out. LOL
I no longer wear makeup and if I wear a short sleeve or sleeveless top, I always wear a light sweater or blazer over it. I’ve lost 153 lbs but I have bat wing arms which I don’t like. I agree with the person who said tunic tops are too long. They overwhelm you with so much material but may be ok for leggings. Personally, I feel I look better in a shirt that hits mid hip. A tunic makes my hips look like I am a linebacker. Thanks for the article and advice. I enjoyed reading it and agree with your opinions.
Congratulations on your weight loss. That’s an amazing accomplishment, Jean! I’m so glad you agree with this post. Tunics are definitely not for everyone but do look good with leggings most of the time.