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You needn’t and shouldn’t look older: Leave those 40 outfits behind!

Image: IMAGO / Westend61

No matter how much women may try to convince themselves that 60 is the new 40 and 50 is the new thirty, the truth is, it’s not entirely accurate. Wearing outdated styles will simply make you look… well, frankly, old.

Many women have wardrobes filled with fashion items that should have been discarded years ago, and they also follow hair and skincare routines that are reminiscent of the 1940s. If you want to avoid appearing like a grandmother even in your 30s, it’s best to steer clear of these fashion mistakes.

Fortunately, most of these faux pas can be easily rectified, and if you put in the effort, you’ll be amazed by the positive results you can achieve.

1. Big, clunky, old-lady handbags

Image: Imago / Shotshop

Nothing ages you and gives the impression of being older than a handbag that’s big enough to be rented out as storage space when not in use. Bulky, outdated handbags are no longer in fashion.

It’s uncommon to see a woman in her 20s and early 30s carrying anything other than a small, convenient, and elegant handbag. It’s a generational preference, and a petite clutch surpasses a massive duffel bag-sized purse any day of the week.

Not only are these smaller purses easier to carry, but large purses have a tendency to add years to a woman’s appearance. And looking older is not the goal; we’re moving away from the notion of old-lady handbags being fashionable.

2. Wearing tan pantyhose

Image: IMAGO / Design Pics

It’s puzzling why pantyhose manufacturers have decided that a few shades darker than a woman’s natural skin tone is the ideal look. The choice of tan stockings seems to represent a digital divide in corporate fashion, as pointed out by Mary Ward in her article for Stuff Magazine.

The truth is, an increasing number of women are opting to go without pantyhose altogether. Instead, they rely on fake tanning products to maintain beautiful-looking legs. However, if you do choose to wear pantyhose, a simple nude tone is the preferred option.

Tan pantyhose can give your legs an otherworldly appearance and can make them resemble sausages.

3. Avoiding short sleeves

No matter how hot the weather is, many women refuse to wear short sleeves for fear they will show the dreaded flabby arms syndrome. In actuality, by insisting on wearing long sleeves, women more often call attention to their lack of fashion sense.

In the Age of Lizzo and post-thin Kelly LeBrock or Kirstie Alley, nobody cares much any more about a little bit of arm flab.

Be as comfortable as possible regardless of the weather is the current go-to fashion advice. Wear 3/4 length sleeves rather than a full sleeve and wear shoulder-baring necklines rather than concentrate on hiding your arms.

4. Burn your mini-skirts

Imago: IMAGO / Westend61

As you age, wearing a mini skirt becomes less suitable. Even if you resemble Sharon Stone, it’s advisable for women over 40 to avoid anything significantly above knee-length. It’s a style you don’t want to embrace.

Mini-skirts may look adorable on young girls, but on older women, they can give off the impression that you’re trying too hard. In fact, according to a Daily Mall survey of 2,000 women, the general consensus was that wearing a mini dress is best left behind by the age of 35.

Dressing in a way that aligns with your age is actually a sign of dressing appropriately, rather than a reflection of getting older.

5. Look, grandma, I’m wearing the underwear you bought me.

Bild: Bogdan Sonjachnyj / Shutterstock.com

Undergarment lines have the power to age a woman’s appearance like nothing else. It’s important to note that this doesn’t imply going commando as the only solution. Whether you’re wearing a designer dress on the red carpet like Faye Dunaway or any other outfit, visible bra and panty lines should be avoided.

The purpose of undergarment lines is for them to remain between you and not be shared with the rest of the world.

Fortunately, there are several ways to ensure your undergarments don’t show. You can opt for thick or textured fabrics that provide better coverage, utilize camouflage techniques, or choose to wear g-strings, thongs, or even a slip for a seamless look.

There are plenty of ways to go out without your undergarments showing including wearing thick or textured fabrics, using camouflage, and wearing g-strings, thongs, or even a slip.

6. Powder, powder and more powder

Bild: IMAGO / Addictive Stock

Women over 40 may have been taught that the key to looking beautiful is to use an abundance of powder. However, the truth is that with modern liquid foundations, the need for excessive powder is often unnecessary.

Messy powders are another factor that sets older women apart from their younger counterparts. Many older women feel reliant on it.

If you’re in your 40s or older and still prefer to use powder, it’s important to ensure you’re using the latest formulas that are lighter, provide better coverage for blemishes, and create a more natural look.

Furthermore, it’s worth noting that powder can be quite expensive.

7. Different decade, same old hairdo

Bild: Imago / YAY Images

Many women purchase their high school yearbooks, but after a year or two, they often tuck them away, feeling horrified by their outdated hairstyles.

However, if you still look the same now as you did 20 years ago, it’s definitely time to visit the beauty salon.

Women should periodically update their looks, as failing to do so can lead friends and relatives to pigeonhole your appearance, never seeing the fresh, new version of you. This is particularly crucial for working women who are aiming for a promotion.

A new hairstyle has the potential to make many women appear 20 years younger. So, if you find yourself revisiting your high school yearbook and feeling dismayed by your hairdo, it’s a clear sign that a trip to the beauty salon is in order.

8. Wearing jersey fabrics

Bild: IMAGO / Cavan Images

While some women may adore them, jersey fabrics have a tendency to accentuate a woman’s skeletal structure, emphasizing their least flattering features. While young supermodels in their 20s might be able to pull it off, it’s not the case for women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s.

Although Coco Chanel played a significant role in popularizing jersey fabrics around 1916, and a few designers have mastered the art of working with jersey, the overall impression remains that most jersey fabric dresses resemble something straight out of your drapes.

Rarely have we seen a jersey fabric that truly flatters an older woman, or even a younger woman for that matter.

It’s time to leave the trends of 1916 in the past and explore other fabric options that can enhance your appearance.

9. Pairing your lipstick with your dress

Bild: Imago / Panthermedia


In the past, women would spend countless hours attempting to match their lipstick to their dress, but more often than not, it resulted in disappointment. The notion that a closer match between your lipstick and dress makes for a more formal appearance no longer holds true.

For many older women, formal looks can actually make them appear older and staged.

Firstly, it’s nearly impossible to find the exact right shade, so why bother trying? Secondly, in general, women tend to look better and more youthful with a vibrant, darker shade of lipstick.

A darker shade draws attention to your lips, which tend to show less signs of aging compared to other areas of your face. I encourage you to experiment and see for yourself that a contrasting shade of lipstick often produces the best results.

10. The baggy clothes look

Bild: IMAGO / Steinach

A significant number of women, lacking confidence in their figures, tend to adopt the baggy clothes look. However, the fashion trend popularized by Annie Hall has long been outdated. Baggy clothes are generally not a flattering choice for most women, and if you continue to wear them, be prepared for strangers mistaking you for someone in need of spare change.

Similar to a middle-aged man donning a disco outfit to a nightclub, this alternative look simply ages older women. It’s important to find the right balance. You don’t want your clothes to be too tight or too loose.

If you opt for oversized clothing, consider wearing a belt to emphasize your waist and try layering your garments for a more stylish and flattering appearance.

11. The plucking and tweezing sin

Bild: Imago / Panthermedia


The idea of plucking and tweezing eyebrows excessively, only to fill them in with heavy eyeliner, may seem intriguing. It traces back to as early as the 1500s when Elizabethan women used this technique to create the illusion of larger foreheads, associating it with nobility.

Although plucking eyebrows fell out of fashion for a while, it made a comeback with early film stars like Marlene Dietrich leading the way. Later, when Elizabeth Taylor became a prominent figure in the film industry, the trend of bushy eyebrows gained popularity and has since remained.

However, it’s worth noting that plucked eyebrows can often look unflattering. And when it comes to permanent eyeliner tattoos, they are often considered even worse.

It’s important to embrace natural beauty and find eyebrow grooming techniques that enhance your features without going to extremes.

12. Story fashion pieces

Bild: IMAGO / Shutterstock

Many women enjoy incorporating fashion pieces or elements from a particular era that evoke nostalgic memories of their past selves. However, it’s important to note that such story fashion pieces often give the impression of being outdated.

For instance, if you wear a replica of Jackie Kennedy’s pillbox hat, most people will perceive it as a time warp back to the 1960s.

While it’s perfectly fine to curate a collection of your favorite items from the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, it’s best to avoid wearing them. Wearing period clothing is typically seen as a way to appear unfashionable.

Instead, cherish your cherished items from the past by displaying them in a chest or incorporating them into your home decor, allowing them to serve as reminders of your personal history without compromising your fashion-forward appearance.

13. Quirky Sunglasses

Image: IMAGO / ITAR-TASS


It may seem peculiar that there are countless styles of sunglasses available, which is why we advocate for a national limit of five styles at most.

While sunglasses serve an essential purpose in shielding our eyes from harmful UV rays, there are thousands of unconventional sunglass shapes that offer minimal eye protection. Particularly for older women, these quirky styles can give the impression that they are striving too hard to appear trendy and youthful.

In reality, these unconventional shapes rarely provide the flattering look that one may expect. It’s advisable to opt for a sensible pair of sunglasses that not only fit your face shape but are also age-appropriate.

14. Age as you are skincare routines


It’s surprising to see that many women in their 20s and early 30s neglect having a skincare routine altogether. They glance at their youthful faces in the mirror and assume it will remain that way effortlessly.

Unfortunately, that assumption is incorrect. If you need evidence, you can simply visit YouTube and observe the numerous before and after photos of women who were stunningly beautiful in their 20s but experienced significant signs of aging, even in their 40s.

In fact, most dermatologists emphasize that skin damage that occurs in your 20s becomes noticeable in your early 30s. It’s essential to address lines and wrinkles as early as possible to prevent them from becoming more prominent in the future. Taking proactive measures sooner rather than later is always a better approach.

15. Really dark lipsticks

Bild: IMAGO / Runway Manhattan


The origins of this trend are uncertain, perhaps stemming from the goth aesthetic, but it has become a prevalent part of contemporary culture where many women choose to wear extremely dark, and sometimes black, shades of lipstick.

Unfortunately, we find this trend rather unappealing.

Women who are over 35 years old (and often even before that) are advised to avoid embracing this trend like the plague. Dark lipsticks tend to emphasize every line and crease on a woman’s face. So, if you desire to appear much older than your actual age, feel free to purchase the darkest shades available.

Not only will dark lipstick accentuate signs of aging, but it may also significantly diminish the likelihood of being kissed. We assume that most women prefer to have lips that are kissable and inviting.

16. High waist jeans

Image: IMAGO / Runway Manhattan

The origins of high water jeans remain unclear, but whoever the pot-smoking designer was, they should be sought out by the fashion police. Wearing these ill-fitting jeans can instantly make you appear 15 years older than your actual age.

Unless you possess a cherished collection of socks, it’s best to avoid high waters like the plague. While it’s possible for someone with a slender waist and youthful appearance to pull them off in their 20s, these anti-style jeans are generally unflattering.

The real issue lies with the exposed ankles. Sporting these jeans can give the impression of an aging hippie. However, it’s important to acknowledge that the era of Haight Ashbury has long passed.

17. Horrendous color choices

Bild: IMAGO / MASKOT


It’s time to acknowledge that, although not in the literal sense, some women seem to be color-blind when it comes to selecting clothing. Different colors can either enhance their appearance or, on the contrary, make them look unflattering, depending on their skin tones.

To determine the right colors for your skin tone, it’s important to consider not only your skin tone itself but also your hair tone and eye color.

If your skin has a pinkish hue, opt for cool colors that complement it. On the other hand, if you have a yellowish skin tone, bright colors tend to work well. For those with black skin, vibrant colors are a great choice. It’s also helpful to have a trusted friend accompany you to avoid any color-related mishaps.

Choosing the wrong colors can also contribute to an aging effect on a woman’s appearance.

18. Avoid matching tops and bottoms together

Image: IMAGO / Cavan Images

You’ve likely come across countless mix-and-match outfit photos, and here’s a revelation: most of them were taken well over a decade ago. While mix-and-match ensembles may appear cute, the truth is they often give off a contrived and overly coordinated vibe.

Even if you believe these styles suit you well, the reality is they resemble something Flo would wear at Mel’s Diner. Meticulously crafted mix-and-match outfits can be likened to work uniforms, and we have yet to witness a uniform that truly flatters.

And poodle skirts? “Tcha… you know what… Uh uh!” It’s best to bid them farewell and consider donating such outfits to Goodwill.

19. Hiding your neck

Bild: IMAGO / agefotostock


The turtleneck look is often favored by those who believe it helps conceal their wrinkles. However, the reality is that it doesn’t. In fact, by covering the neck while leaving the face exposed, it draws even more attention to the facial features, creating an imbalance between the face and neck.

As a result, wearing turtlenecks can actually make a woman appear older.

While you can certainly give turtlenecks a try, most women tend to feel more comfortable and confident in V-neck or scoop neck styles. Additionally, pairing a collared skirt with a V-neck or scoop neck top adds another layer of complexity, diverting the eye away from any prominent wrinkles and providing added comfort.

20. The All Black look

Bild: IMAGO / Westend61

Opting for an all-black look may simplify your wardrobe choices, but it often falls short in terms of style, especially if you’re over 30. Sporting all black attire can give off the impression that you’re either aspiring to be a nun or have joined a witch’s coven.

If you want to avoid unnecessary chatter behind your back, it’s essential to diversify your wardrobe. Your professional life, social circle, and romantic prospects can be influenced by your fashion choices.

Furthermore, black isn’t the most flattering color when it comes to wrinkles. That doesn’t mean you should completely eliminate black from your wardrobe, but it’s advisable to limit its use and explore a wider range of colors and styles.

21. Avoid Tweed

Image: IMAGO / Runway Manhattan


Avoid tweed at all costs. Regardless of your age, tweed has the unfortunate ability to add years to your appearance, even if you’re just a 10-year-old. On top of that, tweed has several other unflattering characteristics. It tends to create a bulky and heavier look, making you appear larger than you are. If you’re already on the heavier side, wearing tweed might lead people to mistake you for a beached whale.

Furthermore, tweed can be a hassle to clean and maintain, as it requires specialized and often expensive dry cleaning. It’s best to avoid any potential stains on tweed garments.

If you’re determined to experiment with tweed, opt for tweed with pinstripes instead. This variation adds a touch of fashion-forwardness, but in general, it’s best to leave tweed for the British nobility and explore other more flattering fabric options.

22. The trouble with denim

Image: IMAGO / Addictive Stock


Denim can be a challenging fabric to navigate, especially for women who are 40 or older. One important rule to remember is to avoid the ripped jeans effect altogether.

Ripped jeans are primarily suited for younger women, and attempting to pull off this look can give the impression that you’re trying too hard to appear youthful, resulting in a less than desirable outcome.

However, it doesn’t mean you can’t wear jeans for casual outings like a picnic paired with sneakers. But as the occasion becomes more formal or sophisticated, finding the right denim look becomes increasingly challenging.

Furthermore, it’s advisable for a woman over 40 to steer clear of jean jackets. The era of heavy metal fashion has long passed, and it’s best to explore more age-appropriate options.

23. Clunky jewelry

Bild: IMAGO / Addictive Stock

Chunky and oversized necklaces have fallen out of fashion. Even when they were popular, their trend was fading away. These statement pieces of jewelry tend to shout, “Look at me!” While they might be suitable for someone in their 20s, when women around 50 wear them, they can give the impression of being eccentric or having an excessive number of cats at home.

As a general rule, unless you can afford a breathtakingly large diamond necklace that truly impresses, it’s best to opt for petite and delicate jewelry. Wearing a big and clunky necklace in your 50s will only draw attention to your neck area, which may not be the most desired effect.

24. How to handle stretchy jeans

Image: IMAGO / Panthermedia

While stretchy jeans can offer comfort, it’s important to find the right balance. The more they stretch, the more likely they are to create unflattering lumps and bumps. Opt for high-quality jeans that contain no more than two or three percent elastic fiber.

Avoid jeans that stretch across multiple sizes at all costs. Investing in well-made jeans is worth the price. Look for reputable brands instead of opting for cheap options from China priced at $15 or less. Additionally, if you’re over 40, it’s best to steer clear of jeans with ripped knee effects as they can make you appear older.

It’s worth noting that looser and baggier jeans are currently in style, so you have the opportunity to embrace a more relaxed and comfortable look.

25. Baggy clothes in general

Image: IMAGO / Arnulf Hettrich

Wearing overly baggy clothes is not flattering for anyone, regardless of age. As you get older, the effect can be even more unflattering. While it’s not necessary to wear clothes that are extremely tight and uncomfortable, opting for fitted clothing is generally more ideal for people of all ages.

If you’re concerned about your weight, wearing excessively loose clothing won’t effectively hide it. It’s best to avoid the look of wearing a tent-like garment around your waist. Leave that style for those who deliberately embrace it.

Instead, consider seeking advice from a women’s boutique or store that can provide guidance on what styles and fits suit you best. Their expertise can help you find clothing that enhances your appearance and makes you feel confident.

26. Really Chunky Sneakers and shoes

Image: IMAGO / Independent Photo Agency Int.

Chunky sneakers and shoes not only give the illusion of added weight, but they are also not suitable for certain age groups. Seeing a 50-year-old woman wearing chunky sneakers can make it seem like she’s stuck in a bygone era, reminiscent of the disco era.

While it’s true that celebrities and Instagram influencers may be seen wearing them, the majority of those sporting chunky shoes are typically younger individuals weighing 115 lbs or less. For the average woman, these shoes can also create the appearance of bulkier legs.

The more exaggerated the chunkiness of the shoes, the more absurd they tend to look on older individuals. Opting for shoes with kitten heels or ankle strap flats is a more appropriate and stylish choice. These types of shoes can complement your overall look and enhance your appearance.

27. Wearing clothes that are too trendy

Bild: IMAGO / CHROMORANGE


The selection of clothes found at Poshmark and other upscale thrift stores may hold a certain appeal for a reason. While timeless pieces like classic leathers and a few plaid items tend to remain stylish, the world of fashion is ever-changing, much like the weather.

Trends come and go in the blink of an eye. If you invest in overly trendy clothing that quickly goes out of style, fashion enthusiasts will take notice. This is especially important for older women to consider. Not only can it be a risky move, but it can also become a costly pursuit to constantly chase after fleeting fashion trends.

Instead, opt for clothing that can withstand the test of time and provide longevity. Choose items that will remain fashionable for several years, ensuring a more sustainable and cost-effective approach to your wardrobe.

28. Wrapping your jacket around your waist

Image: IMAGO / Runway Manhattan

The grunge trend, popularized by Seattle grunge in the 1980s and later embraced in the early 2000s, featured the practice of tying jackets around the waist as a key element.

However, it’s important to note that this trend has significantly faded over the past two decades. Very few people engage in this style choice today. Moreover, even when it was in its prime, it was not a flattering look for women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s.

Tying a jacket around your waist tends to create the illusion of wider hips, which is typically not a desired look for most women. Additionally, do you truly wish to embrace a grunge aesthetic as a woman in her 50s?

It’s advisable to consider more age-appropriate and figure-flattering fashion choices that align with your personal style and desired image.

29. Tanning beds

Image: IMAGO / agefotostock


Tanning beds, considered by many as one of the worst inventions of the 20th century, offered women the allure of year-round tans. However, the pursuit of this aesthetic ideal often led them to subject themselves to unsafe tanning beds, disregarding the long-term consequences for their skin.

The drawbacks of tanning beds are numerous, far exceeding the available space to list them all. However, the most concerning aspect is their ability to accelerate skin aging, resulting in a leathery and wrinkled appearance for women.

Even natural tanning carries its own risks, but tanning beds present a particularly nightmarish scenario. Numerous studies have linked tanning bed usage to increased risks of skin cancer.

It’s essential to prioritize the health and well-being of your skin by avoiding the use of tanning beds altogether. Instead, embrace safer alternatives for achieving a sun-kissed look and protect your skin from potential harm.

30. Those flowery prints

Image: IMAGO / Cavan Images

Flowery prints experienced their heyday in the vibrant era of the 60s, but it’s important to acknowledge that those times have passed and are now part of history.

While flowery prints still exist and can add a touch of liveliness to an outfit, it’s worth considering that they can evoke an older aesthetic, especially when worn by mature women. Unfortunately, they can sometimes give off a “grandma” vibe.

Contemporary flower print dresses have evolved to be short and lively, perfectly suited for the youthful energy of 18 to 20-year-olds. However, it remains challenging to find a flower print dress that doesn’t age a middle-aged woman significantly.

Our suggestion is to embrace alternative styles and allow the younger generation to explore and enjoy flowery prints. By exploring different patterns and designs, you can find outfits that better complement your age and personal style.

31. Split end blues

Image: IMAGO / Addictive Stock

Split ends have the unfortunate ability to make any woman, regardless of age, appear older than she actually is. To maintain a youthful appearance, it’s crucial to visit the salon regularly. Unfortunately, split ends cannot be repaired; they must be cut off. It’s recommended to have a trim every 6 weeks or so to prevent split ends from forming.

There are proactive measures you can take to avoid split ends. For instance, refraining from washing your hair daily or opting for conditioner-only washes can help. Additionally, investing in high-quality, natural shampoo products can contribute to healthier hair.

It’s also important to limit the use of hair coloring and chemical straightening treatments, as these processes can weaken the hair and lead to the appearance of split ends. Prioritizing hair care practices that promote strength and vitality will help you maintain a youthful and vibrant look.

32. Limit the blush

Bild: IMAGO / Wavebreak Media Ltd


Excessive blush application can give women an aged appearance reminiscent of their grandmothers in their 80s. Interestingly, if you ask many men, they might question the necessity of blush altogether, deeming it unnecessary.

Blush has a long history dating back to ancient Egyptian times, where it was associated with high social status. However, the average woman did not commonly wear it. In modern society, where the concept of class has become less prominent, blush is no longer considered essential. While a subtle touch of blush can provide a natural, rosy glow when applied correctly, many women nowadays choose to skip it altogether.

It’s worth noting that poorly applied blush can have a negative impact on one’s overall appearance, resulting in an unflattering look.

33. Living in flats

Bild: IMAGO / Imaginechina-Tuchong

While it’s true that most doctors and chiropractors advise women to avoid wearing high heels, exclusively opting for flats can sometimes give off an elderly vibe. Additionally, some flats may resemble bedroom slippers rather than appropriate office attire.

However, that doesn’t mean you have to completely abandon flats. You can mix up your shoe choices occasionally by incorporating low-height heels. This variety will not only earn you appreciation in the workplace but might also lead people to inquire if you’ve lost weight or embarked on a special diet.

By diversifying your footwear, you’ll be perceived more favorably and even appear younger in the eyes of others. As a minimum recommendation, try incorporating heels into your work outfits at least once a week.

34. Becoming Logo Woman

Bild: IMAGO / Levine-Roberts

Becoming a walking billboard for luxury brands like Gucci, Calvin Klein, Coach, Louis Vuitton, and others is often associated with tackiness. It’s unfortunate that many individuals sporting these logos can’t actually afford the products they are advertising. Frankly speaking, this trend has become quite bothersome. It’s not fooling anyone.

A quick search for logo shirts on Amazon yields over 40,000 results, and to make matters worse, many of these shirts are counterfeit, lacking official licensing from the respective companies.

Logo shirts and clothing fail to make a lasting impression and often prove to be nothing more than a hassle.

35. Really long skirts

Bild: IMAGO / Addictive Stock


While older women may have surpassed the age of wearing mini skirts, it doesn’t mean that their dresses should hang down to their ankles. The frumpy look of overly long skirts is typically reserved for those trying to mimic Sarah Jessica Parker’s style on the streets.

Have we really regressed from mini skirts to ankle-length frumpiness?

Women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s should avoid this look at all costs as it significantly adds years to their appearance. It’s as unflattering as wearing a shower curtain.

Moreover, wearing excessively long skirts fails to enhance your figure in any way.

36. The rules of slouchy

Image: IMAGO / Westend61

Personally, we strongly dislike the slouchy look and believe that women in their 40s and above should avoid it altogether. However, if you’re younger, there are some guidelines to follow when embracing the slouchy style.

If you’re wearing slouchy pants, opt for a tight-fitting top. Conversely, if you choose tight pants, pair them with a loose and airy top.

It’s understandable why most women in their 40s and above steer clear of this look, as it often resembles a beatnik style. We find it puzzling why some women would even consider such outfits.

37. The no show waist

Image: IMAGO / Westend61

We’re not sure where this look originated from, but for the majority of older women, it’s considered a definite no-no. The waist is a significant focal point between a woman’s bust and hips, and honestly, it’s a style that only younger and slimmer women can successfully carry off.

Women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s should aim to emphasize their waist.

Fortunately, most women in this age range possess the wisdom to not only showcase their waist but also enhance it with the help of a well-placed belt.

Many young women attempting to pull off this style often end up resembling hospital attendants rather than fashion icons.

38. Very heavy black eyeliner

Bild: IMAGO / Cavan Images

Women who opt for thick, heavy black eyeliner may think they are accentuating their beautiful eyes. However, the reality is that they are drawing attention to the wrinkles and fine lines on the rest of their face.

This approach is not recommended for any woman, especially those in their 40s and beyond.

While younger women in their 20s and early 30s might be able to pull it off, it’s not a flattering look as time goes on.

For eyes that truly sparkle, it’s advisable to choose lighter shades and use less eyeliner.

39. Failure to have your clothes tailored

Image: IMAGO / Cavan Images

This is perhaps one of the most important aspects to consider. Rarely do clothes off the rack fit a woman’s body perfectly. If you don’t purchase your clothes from a high-end store that offers custom tailoring, then it’s highly recommended to take them to a local tailor or dry cleaning shop.

While it may require an investment of around $35 or so to have a jacket tailored to your specific body shape, it’s well worth it as it can make you look incredibly polished and put together. The right fit is crucial for any woman, but it holds even greater significance for those who are older.

The goal is for your clothes to harmonize with your body, and tailoring is the key to achieving that flawless look.

40. Poofy hair

Bild: Imago / Paul von Stroheim


Have you ever watched the Seinfeld episode where Kramer was the only one bold enough to comment on the female chiropractor’s poofy hairdo? Well, as funny as it may seem, there’s some truth to it. Poofy hair doesn’t necessarily give you a youthful and fashionable appearance.

Furthermore, all that excessive styling can take a toll on the health of your hair.

It’s evident that poofy hair isn’t exactly in vogue when there’s even a Wikipedia article dedicated to the concept of big hair. Having an abundance of volume in your hair tends to give off a dated vibe rather than flattering your overall look. It brings to mind those high school yearbook photos from the 70s that we’d rather forget ever existed.