Boomers who look significantly younger than they actually are usually avoid these 7 outdated fashion choices

Every Saturday at the farmers' market, I'm blown away by my friend Janet. She's 64, but honestly? Most people guess she's in her late forties.

While other vendors her age shuffle around in dated floral prints and oversized blazers, Janet shows up looking effortlessly chic. She's got this timeless style that just works—and it got me thinking about what separates people like her from those who seem to age themselves with their fashion choices.

As far as I can see, looking youthful isn't about chasing trends or trying to dress like you're 25. It's about avoiding the outdated fashion traps that instantly add years to your appearance.

And I've put together seven specific fashion mistakes that can make anyone look older than their years. Let's talk about what they are.

1. Wearing clothes that are too big

Ever notice how some people think loose-fitting clothes will hide imperfections? Big mistake.

Oversized clothing doesn't camouflage anything—it just makes you look shapeless and older. When your shirt drowns your torso or your pants bunch up around your waist, you're adding bulk where you don't want it and hiding your natural silhouette.

The key is finding clothes that skim your body without being tight. A well-fitted blazer that nips in at the waist will always look more youthful than one that hangs like a tent. Same goes for jeans, dresses, and even casual wear.

Good fit is everything. It creates clean lines, shows off your proportions, and instantly makes you look more put-together and vibrant.

2. Clinging to outdated hairstyles

You know that hairstyle you've been rocking since the '80s? It might be time to let it go.

Nothing dates someone faster than a haircut that screams "frozen in time." Whether it's overly teased bangs, super short perms, or that same bob you've had for decades, sticking with an outdated style can instantly add years to your appearance.

And no I don't think you need to dye the gray away. In fact, as Hello Magazine recently pointed out gray hair has become trendy. It's not about the color—it's about keeping the cut fresh and modern.

A good stylist can work magic by updating your look while still keeping it age-appropriate. Sometimes it's as simple as adding layers or changing your part.

3. Overdoing the makeup

Heavy makeup might seem like the answer to looking younger, but it often backfires spectacularly.

Thick foundation, heavy eye shadow, and overly drawn-on eyebrows can settle into fine lines and actually emphasize the very things you're trying to hide. Plus, makeup techniques that worked in your twenties don't necessarily work decades later.

Beauty expert Bobbi Brown says the key to aging well is being realistic about changes while focusing on what makes you look your best, rather than desperately chasing after a younger look. This couldn't be more true when it comes to makeup.

The goal should be enhancement, not transformation. A light, dewy foundation, a touch of mascara, and a natural lip color will always look more youthful than a full face of heavy makeup. Less really is more here.

4. Sporting flashy designer logos everywhere

Remember when wearing obvious designer labels was the ultimate status symbol? Those days are long gone.

Walking around covered in logos—whether it's a giant Coach "C" pattern or oversized brand names splashed across your chest—can actually make you look like you're trying too hard. It screams "look at me" in all the wrong ways.

Yahoo Finance backs this up noting that flashy brand logos and obvious designer displays actually hurt brands now because people see them as fake and outdated. The fashion world has shifted toward quiet luxury and understated elegance.

Instead of broadcasting every brand you're wearing, focus on quality pieces without the obvious branding. A beautifully made handbag doesn't need a giant logo to prove its worth. The same goes for clothing—let the cut, fabric, and fit speak for themselves rather than relying on labels to do the talking.

5. Wearing dated patterns and prints

Some patterns just scream "I haven't updated my wardrobe since the Clinton administration."

I'm talking about those heavy floral prints that look like curtain fabric, geometric patterns that belonged in the '90s, or animal prints that are more costume than chic. These dated patterns can instantly transport your look back in time—and not in a good way.

The problem isn't patterns themselves—it's choosing ones that feel stuck in a particular era. A delicate, modern floral or a classic stripe will always feel fresh, while those bold, busy prints from decades past just look outdated.

When in doubt, stick with timeless patterns or solid colors. They're easier to style, more versatile, and won't date your entire outfit. Save the statement prints for accessories where they won't overwhelm your look.

6. Choosing the wrong undergarments

This one's huge, and most people don't even realize it's aging them.

Wearing the wrong bra can completely change how your clothes fit and how your silhouette looks. An old, stretched-out bra that doesn't provide proper support will make everything you wear look frumpy and ill-fitting.

The same goes for visible panty lines, too-tight shapewear that creates bulges in weird places, or undergarments that don't match your skin tone and show through your clothes.

Good undergarments are the foundation of any great outfit. They should lift, smooth, and support without being obvious. When your undergarments are doing their job properly, your clothes will automatically look better and more youthful on your body.

7. Sticking to all-black everything

I get it—black feels safe, slimming, and sophisticated. But wearing nothing but black can actually wash you out and make you look older.

As we age, our skin tone changes, and that little black dress that once made you glow might now make you look tired or harsh. All-black outfits can also feel a bit funeral-esque when overdone.

Try introducing some color near your face—a colorful scarf, a bright top, or even just a pop of lipstick. You'll be amazed at how much more vibrant and youthful you'll look.

Final thoughts

Here's what I've learned from watching Janet and others who seem to have cracked the code on ageless style: it's not about following every trend or spending a fortune on your wardrobe.

It's about being intentional with your choices and letting go of the things that aren't serving you anymore. Sometimes that means saying goodbye to a favorite piece that's seen better days, or stepping outside your comfort zone to try something new.

Most of these changes don't require a complete wardrobe overhaul. Small tweaks—like getting a better-fitting bra, updating your haircut, or swapping that logo-heavy bag for something more subtle—can make a huge difference.

And remember, confidence is the most youthful thing you can wear. When you feel good in your clothes, it shows. And that inner glow? That's something no amount of anti-aging cream can replicate.

So take a look in your closet with fresh eyes. What's working for you, and what might be holding you back? Trust me, your future self will thank you.