If you're over 50 and still wearing these 8 trends, it's time for a style refresh

I used to think style was frivolous. During my years as a financial analyst, I wore the same rotation of corporate uniforms and called it efficiency.

But here's what I've learned since leaving that world: how we present ourselves matters, not because of what others think, but because of how it makes us feel.

Now that I'm in my forties, I've noticed something interesting. The trends that worked in my thirties don't always serve me anymore.

And that's not about age, it's about evolution. We change, our bodies change, our lifestyles change. Why shouldn't our style change too?

If you're clinging to certain fashion choices simply because they once worked, it might be time to reassess. Here are eight trends that deserve a second look.

1) Ultra-low-rise jeans

Remember when these were everywhere? I certainly do. I spent my twenties convinced that low-rise jeans were the only option, despite constantly tugging them up.

The problem with ultra-low-rise jeans after 50 isn't about whether you "can" wear them. It's about comfort and proportion.

As our bodies shift and change, mid-rise or high-rise options often feel better and look more balanced. They don't dig into your midsection when you sit, and they create a longer, more flattering leg line.

I switched to high-rise jeans a few years ago and honestly can't imagine going back. When I'm volunteering at the farmers' market on Saturday mornings, bending over produce bins and hauling crates, the last thing I need is a wardrobe malfunction.

2) Head-to-toe logos

There was a time when wearing visible designer labels felt like an achievement. In my finance days, it was almost a uniform requirement. The logo said, "I made it."

But here's what I've realized: confidence doesn't need a billboard. Covering yourself in logos can actually read as insecurity, like you're trying to convince others of your worth through brands rather than substance.

This doesn't mean you can't wear pieces from designers you love. It just means choosing items where the quality speaks louder than the label. A well-made bag or pair of shoes doesn't need to scream its origin.

3) Overly distressed denim

A little distressing can add character to jeans. But when the holes outnumber the fabric, it starts to look more costume than clothing.

I'm not saying you need to dress "age-appropriately" in some stuffy, outdated sense. Wear what makes you feel good. But consider this: does heavily shredded denim actually fit your lifestyle anymore?

When I'm out on the trails running or working in my garden, I need clothes that work with me, not against me. The same applies to everyday life. Subtle distressing can be stylish. Jeans that look like they survived a bear attack? Maybe not so much.

4) Super skinny jeans

I know this is controversial because skinny jeans have been a staple for so long. But fashion has moved toward more relaxed, comfortable silhouettes, and for good reason.

Skinny jeans can be incredibly constricting, especially as our bodies naturally change shape over time. They can also create an unbalanced proportion, making your lower half look disproportionately small compared to your upper body.

Straight-leg, wide-leg, or even a relaxed slim fit offers more breathing room and often looks more current. I made the switch last year and my legs have never been happier.

5) Choppy, heavily layered haircuts

Razor-cut, super choppy layers were huge in the early 2000s. But this style can actually make hair look thinner and more damaged, especially if your hair texture has changed over the years.

As we age, hair often becomes finer or drier. Heavy layering can exacerbate this, creating a wispy, stringy appearance rather than the voluminous look you're hoping for. Softer, more blended layers or even a solid, blunt cut can make hair look fuller and healthier.

I learned this the hard way after a disastrous haircut three years ago left me looking perpetually windblown. Now I work with my hair's natural texture instead of fighting against it.

6) Overly matchy-matchy outfits

You know what I mean. The matching handbag, shoes, and belt. All in the exact same shade. It's a look that can feel dated and a bit rigid.

Modern style is more about complementary pieces than perfect coordination. Mixing textures, playing with different shades of the same color, or intentionally clashing prints creates visual interest and shows personality.

During my financial analyst days, I thought everything had to match perfectly. It was an extension of my perfectionism, the same quality that eventually led to burnout at 36.

Now I've learned that a little imperfection, a little unexpectedness, makes things more interesting. That applies to outfits just as much as it applies to life.

7) Extremely long or overly embellished nails

I'll be honest, I've never been a long nail person because of my lifestyle. Try gardening or preparing elaborate vegan meals with three-inch talons. It's not happening.

But beyond practicality, extremely long or heavily decorated nails can sometimes overwhelm your overall look, drawing attention away from your face and outfit. They can also read as trying too hard.

If you love long nails and they work for your life, keep them. But consider whether a shorter, well-maintained manicure might feel more modern and effortless. Sometimes less really is more.

8) Fast fashion trend-chasing

This is the big one. When you're younger, cycling through trends quickly can feel fun and experimental. But at a certain point, constantly chasing the latest micro-trend becomes exhausting and expensive.

More importantly, it's terrible for the environment. As someone who transitioned to veganism at 35 for ethical reasons, I can't ignore the impact of fast fashion on our planet. The fashion industry is one of the largest polluters globally, and trend-chasing fuels that cycle.

Building a wardrobe of quality pieces that reflect your actual style, rather than whatever's trending on social media this week, is more sustainable in every sense. It's better for your wallet, better for the planet, and honestly better for your sense of self.

Final thoughts

Style evolution isn't about following rules or dressing "age-appropriately" according to some outdated playbook. It's about honoring where you are now, not where you were ten or twenty years ago.

The trends I've mentioned aren't universally bad. If any of them genuinely make you feel confident and comfortable, keep wearing them. But if you're holding onto them out of habit, fear, or because you haven't considered alternatives, maybe it's time to explore.

Your style should grow with you, reflecting not just your age but your experiences, values, and the life you're actually living. That's not about giving up or giving in. It's about showing up as your most authentic self.

And trust me, that never goes out of style.