Watch the segment on WGN-TV’s website
Why does it seem that when we get to age 50, all of a sudden there are a bunch of “You Can’t” statements about the way we’re supposed to dress now. And the thing is, it’s easy to allow that chatter to get into our heads and we start to believe it. That’s why I wanted to do a segment about debunking four fashion myths over 50 to get those thoughts out of our head. There are more “myths” but I went with the four that I hear most often and the ones that seem to limit us the most (if we listen to them!)
**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on our links. However, we only recommend products that we truly love. Amazon prices are as of 3/21/26.
Debunking Four Fashion Myths Over 50
1. “You Can’t Wear Color”
As we age, our skin tends to get somewhat paler. If you’ve noticed this, it’s not your imagination. According to the National Institute on Aging, the outer layer of the skin gets thinner, paler and less elastic. Hormonal changes, such as those that occur with menopause, cause the skin to become thinner and drier. So, opting for less color in your wardrobe will only contribute your skin looking more washed out.
Model: Natalie
Wearing color isn’t just for your casual wardrobe, you can definitely wear color to the office. This bold pink dress with the white accents shows that you are still in the game and not hiding behind muted clothing. Don’t be afraid to add some boldness in your bag and shoes, too.
Tip: Consider getting your “colors done”. That will help you decide which colors look best on you. You don’t have to wear bold colors, pastels might be your best shades. You can have your colors professionally done, or there are quick online tools you can use to get an idea. But here’s what I find – your intuition on what looks good on you, is probably pretty close!
Shop Natalie’s Look:
All the handbags shown are from my personal collection. So I looked for each of them used, where possible, and also provided similar options in different price ranges.
2. “You Can’t Wear Trends”
I always say that if not IF you can wear trends, it’s HOW to wear trends over 50. There aren’t many trends that can’t be worn by women over 50. You just have to find a way that works for you. A great example is the sheer top. You’ll see younger women wearing them with bralettes and keeping the look extremely sheer. But in this case, we have a black sheer top with a black tank underneath and it looks perfectly classy!
Sometimes trends can just be in the silhouette, like Debra’s cropped jeans. They are still classic, but the silhouette keeps them modern. The same goes for her shoes. A pointy-toe kitten heel is a quick way to keep your look on-trend.
Tip: Stick to a trend you really like, don’t pick one because “everyone is wearing it.” If it doesn’t feel right to you, you won’t feel comfortable wearing it. It’s better to pick one or two trends per season and do them right, than trying to incorporate more.
Model: Debra
Shop Debra’s Look:
3. “You can’t go sleeveless”
Only women over 50 know how warm you can feel sometimes! Not going sleeveless can feel like agony in the middle of summer. But I also recognize that some women don’t like to show their arms, and that’s ok too. One of things that I recommend for going sleeveless, especially if you don’t like your arms, if to keep the top part of your outfit a little looser, so that the focus is not on your arms. That said, if you love your arms, feel free to bare them completely in strapless and halter looks!
Tip: If you want to go sleeveless, but still aren’t totally comfortable with your arms, add what I like to call a “distraction piece”. If you add a scarf or statement necklace, people’s eyes will naturally gravitate towards those pieces and not your arms. The one thing I recommend you avoid are cap sleeves. The cap sleeve ends at the widest part of your arm, drawing attention right where you don’t want it.
Model: Jennifer
Shop Jennifer’s look:
We changed Jennifer’s handbag at the last minute to a tan and white crossbody. Here are similar options to what she carried.
4. “You can’t wear fitted clothes”
If “they” had their way, we’d all be wearing muummus after 50! The worst part of this myth is that wearing oversized, shapeless clothing only makes you look bigger, not smaller. There is a difference, however, between “fitted” and “clingy”, and texture plays a big part in that. Texture, as in Rhonda’s leather skirt, provides shape but without cling. Her blouse is somewhat loose, but not baggy or oversized. Other textures that work well are tweed, bouclé and suede. Some knits and satin can be more clingy, so I recommend trying them on before purchasing.
Tip: When tempted to wear baggier looks, remember “Baggy Means Bigger”. You are better with something even a little fitted or try adding a belt for some waist definition.
Model: Rhonda
Shop Rhonda’s look:
My Outfit
I wanted to wear something that had elements of the myths and my dress includes several. First is the color. While it’s not as bold as Natalie’s pink, it IS color. It’s actually a color that falls in my color palette, according to Color Analysis. The “faux brooch” also takes on the brooch trend this season. And lastly, the dress is slightly fitted, but has lots of texture!
Shop my look:
Want to stay in touch? Sign up for my newsletter today and you will receive my FREE shopping guide, “Where to Shop Now: Stylish Sources for Your Perfect Wardrobe.”
Follow me on Instagram and Facebook!
Here are two other blog posts that you might enjoy too:
“Why You’ll Love the Results of Color Analysis”
“How to Know the Perfect Length of a Midi Skirt”