The most asked question I get nowadays; Are there things not to wear anymore when you are over 50? Of course, you can dress any which way you like! But I know that some of you worry that you are too old to look bohemian, or that you are not skinny enough to pull off a certain look. However, I strongly believe in dressing to your strengths, style personality, and body shape.
So, with 50 in the rearview mirror here are the 7 things I simply refuse to wear!
What not to wear over 50 and what I wear instead
The Bikini
Let's get real here. Having to suck in my belly and creating the wearest angles just to look skinny enough for the pictures is just not my style. Don't get me wrong. I still wear bikinis occasionally when I go to the beach with my friends and we make fun of our floppy arms and boobs spilling out. I just feel more comfortable in a one-piece nowadays without having to worry if I did or didn't work out 6 times last week. Because I didn't.
Crop tops
Let's be honest, these are just really trendy styles for teenagers, young women, and if you happen to be Michelle Obama. The days you could crack an egg on my abs are long gone and I have no intention to sob about that. I love how soft my body has become over the years and if that means not wearing a crop top then so be it. Instead, I love to wear vintage print t-shirts as long as they are not too tight and embroidered tunics and blouses.
Fur
Do I even need to explain this? Let me repeat this…do I even need to explain this? No matter what your age is. There are so many great faux fur options nowadays so leave the real fur where it belongs ok.
Anything without sleeves
Is it just me or is just no woman satisfied with her upper arms? Well, I know I'm not! No matter how hard I (try to) work out my arms will just never get toned or skinny. And the days to cry about are long gone. I simply don't have time for that and you probably don't have either. So instead I wear maxi dresses with a little sleeve or I style them with a cute jeans jacket or a faux leather jacket. Problem solved!
Baggy Jeans
This absolutely depends on your body type but baggy or oversized clothes just don't work for me. I was not gifted with a Kardashian body and with wearing baggy or boyfriend style jeans I just look like a walking stick. My favorite style is flare jeans which make your legs look like a million miles! I also love skinny jeans as long as they are not too skinny, high-waisted, and a lot of stretch, please!
Heels
It's hard to believe I would spend my airport life walking around in almost 3-inch heels! My feet would always be full of blisters and don't get me talking about the backache. Wearing killer heels are not necessary for you to feel sexy, and in fact, they are terrible for your feet, knees, and hips! Don't get me wrong. I love shoes and I work with a lot of shoe brands for my blog, but boots and sandals are just my favorite. Maybe it's because I am 50 now, but I just want to look stylish without the sacrifice.
Neutral colors
I’m not saying you shouldn’t wear any neutral colors, but you do want to avoid having your entire outfit be in one similar light, neutral color. Neutral colors, are, of course, ok, but try to mix them with a touch of color. Add some bright white for a more Ibiza style look, style it with an embellished jacket or mix your neutrals with a bold print skirt or accessories. Personally I stay away from neutral colors as they always make me look like I'm ill. Golden browns, deep orange, earth tones with a touch of turquoise are what you will find most in my wardrobe! Growing older doesn't mean you have to blend into a field of onions! Don't be afraid to mix colors and don't be afraid to stand out!
Take it from an expert ( no I'm not!)
For me growing older makes it much easier to make fashion choices that simply fit me the best. I am well aware of what I love about my body and the things I love a little less, but I always focus on the best parts. Don't get me wrong, I love my body and all my imperfections! And so should YOU! Don't just follow trends but focus on what makes you feel good. If you can still walk those killer heels and pull off a mini skirt then please do! This is just my personal list of things I simply don't like to wear anymore and I would love to know your tips on what you love to wear and feel comfortable in! Feel free to drop me a comment below!
With love & light,
Yvon
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Oh I agree mostly with everything you said….but not wearing a bikini…noooo of course I do wear and I had three kids!!! Come on you are in a very shape, I know my tommy is not the same but who cares!!! I am 54 and happy to be here!!
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That’s the spirit Marta! You just convinced me to shop for a new bikini for this summer! And I’m gonna wear it with pride! xoxo Yvon
Love this – thanks Yvon. As a boho lover who just turned 50, I too have had to make some little changes to my wardrobe but I promised myself I will never be a ‘beige’ person! Life is too short not to wear colour!
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So happy to hear that Melanie!
You keep on shining sweetie! xoxo
Love your outlook. Turning 50 this summer and still boho just bit confused on getting it to work correctly for my shape and career
Crop-tops was a loooong time ago 😉
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hahaha same for me Teresa! I need a bit more fabric nowadays 🙂
Don’t change Yvon, you are perfect and you are perfectly right 🙂 !
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Thank you so much Alexandra! xoxo
I loved this, I agree, Its so hard to suck in the belly that I consider my first Mothers day gift from my 4 children, I’m not fighting it anymore. I wear shorts and a tank top for swimming cos its just more comfy and no risk of anything saggy or baggy falling out.. I am short, but I love my drop crotch pants, So comfy and come in so many colours and patterns, I just love them. Still finding myself, my style and acceptance of myself as a whole… And you are helping so much, Thank you, I needed this read. x
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You are a mum of 4!! Wow! You wear your shorts and tank top with pride honey! xoxo
WHAT?!?!? No sleeveless tops??? I live in ATL where the 95+ degrees and the hot flashes are constantly jockeying for position! Not only do I wear sleeveless tops, I wear them without apology. I’m with you on the bikinis, crop tops, etc., nothing worse than a mature woman trying to look 20 something…but sleeveless tops, c’mon!
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In 95+ degrees I would go sleeveless too honey!
Hi Yvon! I just loved reading this article. You know, I’ll be 60 this year and I still wear my bohemian dresses and skirts ( which I love!)❤
And I love the way I look in them! As long as I feel good in them and comfortable..I’m wearing it! And this year so much bohemian styles again, in my glory! I have a little hippie in me but love it!
I don’t wear heels, the most 1 or 2 ” max. In boots. But I love sandals with long dresses and skirts, can’t wait till summer. Bikinis I still wear, I can’t get use to 1 piece and some are stunning, I guess one day I will.
First time I went to Ibiza Yvon, I went crazy!!!! I bought beautiful long white dresses and skirts. I wished they still would fit but I was super skinny back then, now I have few more pounds, but you know? I still have the dresses and skirts can’t get rid of them!!!
Love to follow you my bohemian friend☮💕.
Keep on smiling, you have so much light in you, I can tell without even knowing you!
Have a great week sunshine ✌💕☮
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I’m just delighted to hear that Maria! I’m the same as you. I just love those maxi skirts and long dresses especially the ones from Ibiza! Never change sweetie! xoxo with love & light xoxo Yvon
Love your style!! Also, I’m almost right there with you… I’ll be there next year, the big 50! 😉 Love your website also!
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Thank you so much Julie!
You will be fabulous at 50! Just enjoy sweetie! xoxo Yvon
Super leuk geschreven Yvon! En herkenbaar, al ben ik wel helemaal van de hoge hakken 🙂 maar draag net zo lief slippers hoor. Het voordeel van de Bohemian stijl vind ik dat het zo goed staat. Leuke wijde jurken, lange rokken, het past als je slank bent, maar ook als je wat voller bent. Ik heb altijd veel zwart gedragen, maar nu sinds 2 jaar helemaal in de Bohemian stijl en i love it. Door de vele kleuren voel ik me zoveel vrolijker maar de stof draagt ook fijn. Ik draag nog wel een bikini, maar eerlijk is eerlijk, hoe vaak ga ik nu naar het strand. En wat de armen betreft, ik herken het hoor. Ik ben een fanatieke rotsklimmer en dan zou je denken, die armen die moeten wel strak zijn, nou ook hier heb ik last van kipfilets, daarom ben ik ook zo blij met die zomerjurken met van die wijde korte mouwtjes!
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Wat leuk te horen! Ja die hakken heb ik echt opgegeven hoor! Ben zelf er nog niet helemaal over uit of het dit jaar bikini of one-piece wordt. Het ligt een beetje aan mn bui. Soms voel ik me super strak en dan denk ik waarom niet maar soms denk ik ook echt…Yvon dit kan niet meer hoor! hahahaha
I say when you’re over 50 you can do whatever you like, whatever makes you feel amazing. And if wearing a crop top, or a bikini makes you feel amazing, do it. We’ve been told all our lives what we can and cannot do, I say when you’re over 50 you can be free to make choices that you want and not worry about what other people think!! You’ve earned it
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So true Kari! As long as it makes you feel good go for it! xoxo Yvon
I agree with everything you’ve all said on here! I’m 52 and I still dress similar to how I’ve always dressed but I’ve slightly adapted it to suit my changing shape. After breastfeeding three babies and havin two of them in my late thirties and early forties, my boobs arnt where they used to be! I exercise but my tummy and arms arnt toned like they used to be so I dont wear sleeveless anymore but it’s so hard to find a summer dress with little sleeves. I’m only 5’1 so also hard to find clothes that dont swamp me! I still wear jean’s, hippy tops, denim shorts, arm full of bangles and keep my hair long. I refuse to be anyone other than me!
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That’s the spirit Beverley! I think you look amazing! Never ever change! xoxo Yvon
Hi Yvon,
You are fabulous! I love everything you wear.
And girl, you are so right! Some things you just can’t pull off after a certain age, but more than that, I refuse to be uncomfortable in my clothes. I love boho fashion but it has to feel good, or forget it.
Torture for me would be this: super high-rise skinny jeans with high heels lol. My back would be killing me, along with my feet, and the crotch squishing jeans would be murder. I like boyfriend jeans, which luckily look good on me, with a pair of boots (I recently bought a pair of Kindreds and I am in love).
But with everything I wear, I add a boho something to add fabulous colors and designs. You are an inspiration ✨ to us all, Yvon. Thank you for all you do to brings us all of these wonderful designs & where to get them.
Stay well,
Annette
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Thank you so much Annette! That means so much to me!
For me it’s the same! I want to dress stylish but also feel comfortable! So happy you love your Kindreds boots! I wear them every day too!
Keep on shining sweetie! sending you love & light, xoxo Yvon
Some serious swimming will tone up your arms and maybe some small weights with lots of repetitons I ‘m going to be73 soon and my arms have always been good.
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Need to try that Veronica!!! Thanks for the tip! xoxo
I’m new to your blog and I’m really enjoying the style advice. I don’t always agree but I find it interesting to hear what you and other women think about what to wear to feel and convey a boho vibe.
After years of corporate attire, as an independent artist, I can now dress to satisfy my soul. Comfort and color are my guides for buying and wearing. After spending the first 5 months of COVID sheltering and eating way too much, I have spent the past 6 months getting into shape. I am ready to rock my bikini this Summer! (I will be 65 this month). Thanks for a fun and helpful guide!
Btw, Maria with the too-small white flowy clothes from Ibiza: repurpose them yourself or have a tailor do it for you. You’ll save your good memories and get more wear out of them!:)
YOU ROCK WOMAN <3
🤦♀️Oh my Gosh! Uso bikini, crop tops, mis brazos están al descubierto en verano casi siempre. Tengo 51🙋♀️ Y hasta q mi cuerpo lo ‘resista’ seguiré haciéndolo. Entreno mucho pero es cierto lo que dices… aunque haga eso la edad trae consigo un sin número de cosas antiestéticas
Un beso desde 🇦🇷
I’m a 60’s girl, always will be. I turn 68 this year and I also agree with all you’ve said. But, I do still wear sleeveless and strappy dresses, and for me, it’s boho all the way to my grave.
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That’s the spirit Gail! I would probably wear more sleeveless dresses too if I was living somewhere sunny!
Always stay bohemian lovely! xoxo Yvon
Hi! I’m Rosana from Argentina. I’m 41 years old.
I’ve been following your blog for several years and love your outfits and spirit. In spite of that, I didn’t like your post. I trully think women must stop being told or suggested in good faith what not to wear or what to wear. I see you are doing it with good intentions. I read you cover your arms in summer because they don’t look like they should and is really sad. I understand you spent your life enjoying the benefit of having the mainstream look and now you are not fitting in that situation any more. Please, help yourself and others and start thinking that maybe looks and beauty are not important and what is wrong are the several standars women are expected to accomplish at each age.
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Hi Rosana,
I’m very sorry my intentions for this blog did not reach you well. Maybe it’s my weird Dutch sense of humor.
Just to be clear I love my body and all my imperfections and so should you. My fashion choices are far from mainstream I have no desire to fit in. I love my boho style and I’ll always will. Furthermore, I don’t have any desire to go on a crazy diet to lose weight or to go to the gym 6 days a week just to look better or fit the current beauty trend. I’m a proud 50-year-old and I prefer to enjoy my life.
As a blogger, I try to encourage women of all ages and all body shapes to love themselves and to embrace life. No matter what kind of fashion style they prefer. Every woman should choose her own style where she feels most comfortable in. And these are some of my choices.
At the end of the day, all that matters is the kindness that comes from your heart and the love you spread. xoxo Yvon
Wear whatever you want, it doesn’t matter what anybody thinks! It’s only their opinion.
Hi I am Vicky from the hills of Tennessee. I love your style advice. I am 64 years old and my husband is 27!!! I am truly an old hippie and he has an old soul. We just celebrated 5 years . He loves to help me shop and loves my boho style. He also sews, makes jewelry and purses and custom paints shoes. He takes plain jane and makes it insane. I receive complements and of course “Where did you get it”? I feel good in my own skin. I say wear what you love! Thanks ! Love the blog!!
Thank you so much for this post. I am in my early 50’s and loved everything you said! You are soooo inspiring. Thank you for doing what you do. So grateful for your advice, tips and style!
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I’m so delighted to hear that Michelle! Thanks for your kind words and love xoxo Yvon
It makes me happy to read your blogs and thoughts on fashion and style for 50yr olds and onwards. I’m 61yrs old and love this free spirited effortless boho look, with colour and vibrancy, it makes me feel young and happy. Maxi dresses and skirts are my favourite, it makes me feel taller, flip flops are my go to in Summer. Yvon you exude a young carefree vibrant air, you’re a beautiful soul! Keep on keeping on, love Gail CW xxx
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Keep on shining Gail! I love it that you are still rocking your boho vibes! With love & light, Yvon
Hi Yvon, I’m new to your blog but I follow you on the Instagram. I loved this article and agree except the sleeveless…. 😉 of course in the summer…. As I’m living in Kongsberg, Norway 😘. I’m 54 years with no kids…. And I love your style, pictures and advices… 🤩 and I also love to read all the comments from you beautiful people from all around 🥰 Hugs & love from Heidi
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Hi Heidi!
You live in Norway too! That’s so great to hear! Yes, sleeveless is really a thing for me. I just don’t feel comfortable with my arms, but I guess we all have something we feel insecure about.
Keep on shining my dear! xoxo Yvon
Hi! I just love the kimono on the picture with you on the curb with boots. Any chance you could tell me where to find one!
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Hi Vicky!
It’s the Little Wing Kimono from FreePeople. I got it about 3 years ago but it’s still one of my favorites 🙂