I am now in my seventies and there are certain items of clothing I have given up wearing because they don’t make sense to me anymore. I have always loved fashion and tried to look chic even when we were sequestered in our homes and living in our pajamas. Now that we are free to socialize and dress up for events, there are still some items I’m not going back to.
Find out what else I have 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 a fashionable form of binding your 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 heels can compromise your overall health.
Now that I’m older, 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 are comfortable and supportive. A one-inch heel is my maximum even with my favorite cocktail dress.
For the best selection of comfortable shoes with free shipping, shop at Zappos by clicking here.
2. Shapewear
Scarlett O’Hara scrunched herself into excruciating corsets but even modern-day shapewear can be unbearable. I bought a shapewear camisole recently and could barely get it over my head. Why should I torture 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 kind of ridiculous. Now, I would rather breathe and let it all hang out. Admission: I have worn shapewear on rare special occasions such as a wedding but only under duress.
3. Bras with bones
My current bra size is undetermined but it’s bigger than a 38D. Before I had kids I wore a 32B. The girls blew up after I had kids but when I stuff them in a bra with bones I get bruises. Wireless bras are my go-to nowadays because, honestly, I don’t care. They do an adequate job and keep my nips from popping out when it’s cold. If I never wear a bra with bones again, I will be perfectly happy.
Find comfort bras on Amazon, here.
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 anymore. 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, but 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 still okay so there’s no need to freeze your legs off just to be fashionable. I love wearing dresses but find myself wearing pants more often. When I do wear one the length is important. Knee length or longer is more flattering as we get older and you can always put on a nice pair of 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 if I must, 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 all sorts of styles to choose from so find a swimsuit that is most flattering for your body shape.
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 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 don’t like changing purses either 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 not expensive at all but 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. It’s even washable.
If you do switch purses often, a purse organizer can come in handy so you can easily move all your things from one bag to the other. I found some cute ones on Etsy here.
10. Smokey eyes
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, a little mascara, possibly a highlighter under my brows, and a subtle rose lipstick. E.l.f. Cosmetics has affordable and subtle cosmetics to choose from.
You may disagree with the choices I made to no longer wear 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.
Laurie Stone says
I especially don’t know how older women wear those sky-high stripper heels. It boggles the mind. My back hurts just looking.
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
Mine too, Laurie. It’s nuts.
Annette says
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!
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
I hear you on that, Annette. I can never get those clasps off myself as well.
Elaine Hendricks says
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.😊
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
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?
Holly says
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!
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
That’s true, Holly but balance can be unpredictable when you are older which can cause a fall and be dangerous.
Carol Cassara says
Love your attitude. I haven’t worn stockings in a decade!
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
Me neither, Carol. They chafe my legs.
Sophie cripe says
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.
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
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.
Diane says
All of the above.
Comfortable is my fashion choice!
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
That’s the best, Diane.
Rosana S Halprine says
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.
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
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.
Rach says
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.
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
That’s very true Rach and I agree that it is liberating.
Carol says
Finally someone feels the same way I do!
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
Glad you agree!
Angela says
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.
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
I love it, Angela! And why not? You sound like you really know your style!
Elizabeth says
Rebecca, I think the word is Mu Mu, Not MOO MOO! 🙂 ..But I agree with you They do nothing for most of us!
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
I see it written both ways. I think Moo Moo is funnier but thanks for pointing that out. LOL