Fashion journalist Shane Watson has identified 11 summer trends that can inadvertently make women over 50 appear older. Watson, writing for the Daily Mail, outlines specific clothing items and styles to avoid during the warmer months, offering alternative suggestions to maintain a youthful and stylish appearance.
One of the primary concerns Watson addresses is the use of linen. While perceived as a cool and comfortable summer fabric, linen can quickly appear wrinkled and unkempt, especially when oversized or tailored. Watson advises opting for "creaseless linen" or a "boyfriend shirt" style if linen is desired. She also cautions against linen's potential transparency, which can reveal undergarments.
Footwear is another area of focus, with "upper foot exposure" being a key trend to avoid. Thin straps on sandals, toe-strap mules, and low-cut ballet pumps can accentuate veiny or puffy feet, a phenomenon Watson terms "eel foot." She recommends shoes with more coverage, citing styles similar to Birkenstock's Arizona sandals as a reliable choice.
Mary Jane flats, while emerging as a popular summer shoe, are also flagged as potentially aging. Watson suggests that these can appear "twee" or juvenile when paired with dresses, jumpsuits, or jeans. Instead, she proposes a soft leather pump with a high vamp.
Capri pants, also known as pedal pushers, are another item Watson advises against, associating them with "festival mum style" and potential comparisons to the movie "Grease." For those who prefer shorter trousers, she recommends styles that fall well below the knee, are tailored rather than clinging, and are not pastel-colored.
Vests, particularly those with cutaway shoulders, can be problematic for women without toned arms. Watson suggests that if "normal civilian arms" are a concern, vests should be avoided or worn layered under an open shirt or a cardigan.
The white denim skirt, especially in a body-conscious, knee-length pencil style, is identified as an item that can signify the wearer is "Late Fiftysomething and Still Fit." Similarly, straight blue denim skirts worn with trainers are seen as placing the wearer in a specific age bracket. Watson suggests A-line skirts that fall below the knee as a more flattering alternative.
Half-sheer clothing, such as skirts or dresses with transparent lower sections or sheer overlays, is described as a "midlife fashion trap." Watson finds this look can appear "apologetic and Miss Havisham" on women over 50. She recommends dresses or skirts with a solid color under a sheer layer for added movement.
Crochet items, particularly dresses, are cautioned against due to potential issues with transparency and a "whiff of Woodstock" or a "granny's tea cosy" association. Watson differentiates between true crochet and heavy-duty lace, recommending the latter.
Tight white jeans, often associated with a "Hot Hurley" or Saint Tropez look, are also deemed aging for the average woman over 50. Watson suggests looser off-white jeans paired with a tucked-in or cropped black top as a more chic alternative.
While bright colors can be beneficial for looking healthy, Watson advises caution with "brilliant tropical shades," which can resemble a "Miami retiree" look. She suggests softer colors or "sherbet" tones like ice pink and apricot sorbet. Bright prints should generally be reserved for holidays.
Finally, the combination of a floral print dress with trainers is labeled a "frumpy summer uniform." Watson suggests that for the current season, clashing unexpected colors in dresses and pairing them with suede sandals or low slingbacks is a more fashionable approach. Trainers, she notes, are better suited for wear with trousers.