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5 Fashion Faux Pas to Avoid Over 50

Image of Honey Good holding a colorful umbrella, wearing a white blouse and her signature red lipstick and a smile talking about fashion faux pas for women over 50

Once you’re confident in your style, you never have to worry about fashion faux pas as a woman over 50. (This stunning umbrella is by Dale Chihuly, the famous glass blower.)

I want to share some fashion faux pas for women over 50 — but in a little of a different way. This list of fashion no-nos that I have put together is based on one overarching theme. I think it is the biggest faux pas of all, and therefore worth mentioning before we go any further. And that is, thinking that being fashionable when you’re over 50 is synonymous with looking younger

I don’t know when being stylish began to be about looking younger, but I find it completely absurd. There is something beyond exquisite about a woman who is truly in the moment and proud to be where she is in her life.

With that being said, there are still some basic ways that those over 50 can go wrong even when dressing their age.

HOW TO WEAR HIGH HEELS AFTER THE AGE OF 50

5 Fashion Faux Pas to Avoid as a Woman Over 50

Image of Honey Good radiating style and avoiding fashion faux pas on the street holding a colorful umbrella.

Why should older women shy away from bold choices? I say timidity is a fashion mistake.

1. The Wrong Undergarments

Choosing seamless underwear is really important for all ages but especially after 50. As we age, a lot of the underwear marketed towards us has super noticeable seams which are of no help if we are aiming to draw less attention certain areas of our figures. Properly fitting seamless underwear should hide quietly and let our verve be seen rather than our panty lines.

And speaking of seamless — let’s talk about bras — when you shop for a bra, keep in mind the types of tops you will be wearing with it. Try it on with several tops and really move around in it! Opt for full coverage and above all, make sure you are comfortable. It won’t do to be fidgeting with your strap constantly!

2. Makeup Mistakes

Caking on the foundation. Now I realize that makeup isn’t exactly fashion but it’s all a part of your look so I feel like I’d be neglecting an important point if I didn’t discuss it here. If you’re over 50, and you wish your skin looked like it did several years ago (or decades!), then you may be tempted to cake on the foundation to get rid of fine lines or wrinkles, but this brings me back to my original theme.

Be comfortable in your own skin and take pride in the years you have under your belt, the wisdom resides in the wrinkles! While there is nothing wrong with a little foundation or concealer to even your skin tone, too much can bring the very thing out that you are trying to conceal.

While I think you you forego heavy foundation, one thing I will never go easy on is my signature red lipstick! And, last but not least, you can read some eye makeup tips for women over 50 here.

3. Matching Everything

Contrary to what some may believe, you don’t have to match EVERYTHING to be stylish. With very few exceptions, it’s probably better if you don’t. Your nails don’t need to match your shoes, your shoes don’t need to match your purse, etc. Rather everything should “go together.”

This art of creating outfits that “go together” takes some time to understand. A great way to start doing this is by picking one patterned piece for your outfit and wearing other pieces that pick up the color scheme of the pattern.

4. Focusing on Trends

Fashion comes and goes but style is forever — and that goes for your accessories (even your umbrellas!), your home, the way you dress, your mannerisms -— that is your style, darling. You don’t have to go out and buy clothing that is considered trendy any particular year. What’s more important? Finding clothing that you like, is flattering to you, and makes you feel good.

Image of Honey Good on the street showing off her style and avoiding fashion mistakes after 50.

To me, the biggest fashion mistake is trying to look young. We women over 50 have no need to copy the young!

5. Being afraid

This final faux pas is really so important. Just because you are a certain age doesn’t mean that you have to wear this or have to wear that. After 50, women can fall into a fashion rut and become afraid to try bold, new things.

But, I’m here to tell you that you can and should try out new looks that appeal to you! It’s never too late to be bold and try something new, who knows you just may find a new favorite look!

Avoiding Fashion Faux Pas: My Tips

First of all, never try to copy the young, we have earned our stripes and have no need to copy the young, they should be looking up to us! The only thing we should be considering when it comes to youth is keeping your brain young, which is important!

Secondly, I am a firm believer in being a good picker and knowing the right person to ask for help. So, one of the best pieces of advice I can give you is to find a personal shopper that gets you. She (or he) will push you outside of your comfort zone but in a way that suits you and shows you off to your best advantage.

Thirdly, shop your own closet (here’s how)! Honestly one of the best things I’ve ever done is to organize my closet. The act of purging things in your life that no longer serve you, is truly freeing. An organized closet equals an organized mind. No to mention, walking into a beautifully organized space will make your heart soar. There will be items in there that you have surely forgotten about that you can make new again and that will make you smile!

If you have something to say about fashion over 50, let’s talk! I want so much to hear your opinions and feelings. I also want you to speak up so that women our age remain visible. I think we have a responsibility to share our wisdom, don’t you? Share yours in the comments below.

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Why I Ignore My Chronological Age: 8 Easy Steps to Achieve Joie de Vivre in Your Life

July 10, 2024

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  1. Jeanne Snowa says:

    Good undergarments advice. Please help me find good undergarments both panties and bras. Thank you

    • Susan "Honey" Good says:

      What a great idea for a topic Jeanne! Is there anything you’d specifically like me to cover?

    • Susan "Honey" Good says:

      I buy my panties at Victoria’s Secret. They have such a wide selection and they are feminine. Bras! OMG that is a hard one. you just have to keep trying different brands until you find the right fit for you. Happy holidays. Warmly, HOney

  2. Doris says:

    Luv comments very helpful ???? sometimes u feel like u are swimming up Stream your articles always confirm my thoughts ????????????????????????

  3. LuAnn Penland says:

    Just like always, you are so right on. One of my pet peeves is seeing someone over sixty who is dressing like a teen. Older women have such an aura about them, like a glow. We should play that up, not down.

  4. Betty Burke Waudby says:

    Love your blogs! So current, and spot on!

  5. Mary Beth Elderton says:

    You are so right about the makeup. Caking on the foundation is tempting, but it really draws attention to the lines—it looks like trying to hide something. Better to moisturize and skim on just enough foundation to even the skin tone–add abit of definition and color with mascara (not too much) and lipstick. Thanks!

  6. Jamie Noto says:

    Hi Honey!
    I have found out that since I turned 60 last May I’m taking the “less is more” approach to everything! and I love it! I think I look and feel younger than ever!
    thank you for all your inspiration!
    blessings to you!
    Jamie from TX

  7. Karen says:

    My motto has always been just because you can wear a certain thing doesn’t mean you should. Too tight, too short is really unappealing at any age.

  8. Marsha Gibbons says:

    I love the whawl you are wearing!

  9. Cheryl Panek says:

    Hello Honey;
    I have always enjoyed your comments and photos but I want you to know that I love your ‘new’ format! It seems that you are enlisting additional quality commentators and speaking out beautifully on the very important issues of the world today. You always showed GRACE and STYLE but I detect even more thoughtful and loving columns coming from you. Please keep up the great work!!
    Cheryl in PA

  10. Cathy Greavu says:

    Thank you , love reading all your blogs!

  11. Lisa Rubin says:

    As I approach age 60 (yikes!) on Valentine’s Day, I totally agree that my old “matchy-matchy” mentality needs to fly out the window. It’s so ingrained into my baby boomer head that, at times, I have dressed in all burgundy, all navy blue or WORSE, all black (the NYC person in me). I shop quite a bit online, but I think trying on outfits in the store are to our “over 60” benefit. Why? Because the models showing these cute sweaters and capris are young enough to be my daughters or granddaughters (sad, isn’t it?) and, let’s face it, we don’t look 16 or 26 or even 36 anymore! Have a wonderful day, Honey!

  12. tzipi feldman says:

    hiya… i’m turning 60 in 2 months time and i’m so proud of the way I look – I do a lot of sport and therefore can wear tiny denim shorts and skirts with no regrets! I have numerous tattoos and am going to have a new one in light of my 60th birthday !!! This changes the whole ballgame and you know what – if you can pull off outrageous things like not adhering to a certain code of dress or whatever – than go for it baby!! As long as it does not look ridiculous or pathetic!! I adore the way I dress and look and am proud to be 60 and trendy – but of course I don’t take it to pathetic lengths!!! So all of you who are 60 and want to spice up your life a bit – try a new trendy look and see if it suits you – be bold and brave!!! Tzipi

    • Susan "Honey" Good says:

      Thank you for your upbeat attitude. My attitude is the same. Be true to yourself and enjoy the ride. Happy New Year. Warmly, Honey

    • Susan Good says:

      Be ‘the you in you!’ Your style is your biography. Warmly, Honey

  13. Rebecca Ransick says:

    Hi Honey! All great points and reminders!
    Have a great afternoon!

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