7 things women over 60 wear that unintentionally downgrade their elegance

Aging doesn’t mean fading into the background. If anything, it’s a chance to step into your wisdom, confidence, and style like never before. But I’ve noticed that some women, especially after 60, get tripped up by choices in their wardrobe that send the opposite message of what they want.

It’s not about chasing trends or dressing like someone half your age—it’s about refining what already works for you. Sometimes, though, small style missteps can unintentionally drag down your elegance.

Let’s walk through seven common ones I’ve seen, and more importantly, what to do instead.

1. Shoes that prioritize comfort but forget style

I get it—our feet change as we age. Comfort is non-negotiable. But comfort doesn’t have to equal clunky. Orthopedic-style sneakers, heavy slip-ons, or wide Velcro sandals may feel good, but they can throw off the elegance of an outfit in seconds.

I’ve seen women transform an entire look simply by swapping bulky footwear for supportive ballet flats, low block heels, or sleek loafers. Even modern sneakers with clean lines can work beautifully with trousers or a casual dress if chosen thoughtfully.

Shoes can make or break your entire posture and silhouette. That’s not an exaggeration.

The wrong shoes can shorten your legs visually, make your stance appear unstable, or clash with the sophistication of the rest of your outfit. The right ones, meanwhile, extend your lines and give you that effortless polish.

If you love comfort brands, look for ones that prioritize cushioning and aesthetics. Many now create stylish lines that include arch support without the bulk. Think of shoes as an investment: they carry your entire look, quite literally.

2. Outdated floral prints

Do you ever look at certain prints and instantly feel transported back a few decades? That’s the effect outdated florals can have. While prints can absolutely be elegant, oversized or faded-looking florals often read as dated rather than timeless.

A friend of mine told me she wore her “garden dress” to a reunion and was shocked when someone said she looked “just like her mom used to.” She laughed it off, but she admitted it stung. That’s the power of print associations—sometimes they evoke nostalgia, but not in the flattering way we’d like.

The good news is, florals aren’t off the table. Choose designs that feel crisp and intentional. Smaller, more intricate florals, watercolor styles, or even abstract botanical prints feel modern without losing their femininity. If you prefer larger blooms, keep the background neutral and the color palette bold rather than washed out.

Another tip? Pair florals with tailored pieces. A structured blazer over a floral blouse, or floral trousers with a sleek top, creates contrast that keeps the look sharp rather than frumpy.

3. Jewelry that overwhelms rather than enhances

Big statement jewelry had its moment, but there’s a fine line between bold and overbearing. Heavy sets—matching earrings, necklace, and bracelet all in one go—can drown out your natural features instead of highlighting them.

I remember attending a luncheon where one woman’s necklace entered the room before she did. It was so oversized and reflective that no one could focus on her face. She was warm and engaging, but her accessories completely distracted from her.

Accessories should frame the person, not replace them. That distinction matters. Jewelry should act as an accent to your personality and outfit, not the star of the show.

A great strategy is the “one-and-done” rule: choose one standout piece and let it shine. Maybe it’s a bold cuff, chandelier earrings, or a chunky necklace. But if you go bold, keep the rest subtle. Pearls, delicate chains, and gemstone studs also offer timeless elegance and adapt well to both casual and formal looks.

Remember, the older we get, the more our features soften. Jewelry should highlight that softness, not compete with it.

4. Ill-fitting bras and shapewear

This is one many women overlook because it’s not visible clothing. But believe me, it shows. An ill-fitting bra can completely change the way a blouse drapes or how a jacket sits. Shapewear that’s too tight does the opposite of smoothing—it creates lines and bulges where you don’t want them.

I once worked with a woman who swore her clothes “just didn’t fit right anymore.” We later discovered her bra was nearly a decade old. After a proper fitting, the exact same outfits looked worlds better. It wasn’t her body that was the problem—it was her foundation garments.

According to lingerie expert Cora Harrington, many women wear bras that don’t properly fit, and over time that mis-fit shows up in how clothes hang, in posture, and in the ease (or difficulty) of daily movement. Harrington’s book In Intimate Detail helps people understand how to choose bras that truly support and flatter.

Investing in a professional fitting—even once every few years—pays off enormously. The same goes for shapewear. Instead of going for ultra-tight compression, choose pieces designed to smooth and support comfortably. Your clothes will skim rather than cling, which is the essence of elegance.

5. Too much black without contrast

Black is chic, slimming, and timeless—we all know this. But when it’s worn head-to-toe without texture, accessories, or color breaks, it can look harsh and draining. Especially after 60, when skin tones and hair shades naturally soften, pure black can emphasize lines instead of elegance.

I’ve seen women look instantly revitalized when they swap an all-black outfit for one with just a touch of contrast. A white collar peeking out, a patterned scarf, or even metallic jewelry can make black feel intentional rather than heavy.

Clinical psychologist Dr. Jennifer Baumgartner, in her book You Are What You Wear, explores how our clothing choices and color palettes affect mood, self-perception, and how others perceive us.

She writes about how color can project energy or calm, and notes that darker, monotone dressing can sometimes mask personality or vibrancy.

The trick isn’t to abandon black—it’s to soften it. Pair it with cream, camel, gray, or jewel tones. Play with textures like satin, wool, or leather to add visual interest. Black should frame you, not swallow you.

6. Baggy clothes meant to “hide”

Here’s a tough one: many women start reaching for oversized tunics, boxy sweaters, or baggy pants, hoping they’ll disguise changes in their body. But baggy doesn’t hide—it swallows.

I once sat next to a woman at a wedding who was absolutely glowing with personality, but her outfit was drowning her. A tailored jacket or a dress with a defined waist would have showcased her energy instead of concealing it.

Elegance is about fit, not size. Clothes that skim instead of swamp can highlight your best features and restore shape to your silhouette. Tailoring is your secret weapon here. Even affordable clothes look expensive once they’re altered to your body.

This doesn’t mean tight or restrictive—it means shaped. Look for dresses that gently define the waist, trousers with a clean cut, and tops that hit at the right length rather than hanging shapelessly.

When you choose clothes that honor your body instead of hiding it, you send a subtle but powerful message: I’m confident in who I am. And that is elegance at its core.

7. Out-of-date handbags

It’s amazing how much a handbag can influence your overall look. Oversized fabric totes, visibly worn leather, or dated designs can clash with an otherwise polished outfit.

I remember my grandmother’s old structured purse—it had been stylish in the 1970s, but by the 2000s it made every outfit look heavier. When she updated to a sleek crossbody, it was like someone had turned a light on in her whole appearance.

Handbags are functional, but they’re also symbolic. They signal whether you’re clinging to the past or embracing the present. A modern, medium-sized handbag in a neutral or jewel tone instantly lifts an outfit.

Here’s the beauty of it: you don’t need a closet full of bags. Two or three versatile ones—a structured everyday bag, a smaller evening clutch, and a casual crossbody—cover almost every occasion. Quality matters more than quantity. Choose durable leather or vegan alternatives that maintain their shape and resist wear.

Your handbag is the punctuation mark of your look. Make sure it’s one that finishes the sentence with confidence.

Final thoughts

Elegance doesn’t come from chasing every trend or pretending you’re still 25. It comes from knowing what enhances your natural beauty and gently leaving behind the things that don’t.

The truth is, the most elegant women over 60 aren’t the ones who play it safe. They’re the ones who refine their choices, stay open to updating little things, and most of all, carry themselves with quiet confidence.

So, next time you get dressed, ask yourself: is this outfit working with me—or against me? That small question may be the biggest secret to timeless elegance.