7 boomer clothing items that instantly add years to your appearance

Ever catch yourself looking in the mirror and wondering why you seem older than your years?

I had this moment last month while shopping with my teenage niece. She gently steered me away from a particular blazer, saying, “Aunt Tina, that’s very… mature.”

Translation: it aged me about a decade!

That got me thinking about how certain clothing choices can instantly add years to our appearance—and not in a good way.

Now, before I dive in, I want to be clear: these are my opinions based on what I’ve observed in my practice and personal life. But honestly? I don’t think I’m alone in noticing these patterns.

Let’s explore seven items that might be adding unnecessary years to your look!

1. Pleated khaki pants

Remember when I mentioned my shopping trip with my niece? Well, those pleated khakis were her first target.

“Why do they have all those folds?” she asked, genuinely puzzled. And you know what? She had a point.

There’s something about pleated pants—especially in that particular shade of beige—that screams “I’ve given up on fashion.” The extra fabric creates bulk around the waist and hips, which is rarely flattering on anyone. Plus, they tend to look rumpled even when freshly pressed.

If you love khakis, stick with flat-front styles. Your silhouette will thank you.

2. Oversized shoulder pads from the 80s

I’ll never forget finding my mom’s old blazer from the late 80s while cleaning out a closet—the shoulder pads were so massive, I could barely fit through doorways! 

Here’s the thing about those exaggerated shoulders: they create a very specific silhouette that’s deeply tied to a particular era. When fashion moves on but we don’t, it can make us look like we’re stuck in time.

Those dramatic shoulder pads don’t just look dated—they can make your entire frame appear boxy and rigid. Modern tailoring focuses on clean lines and natural proportions that actually enhance your body shape rather than overwhelming it.

If you love structured blazers, look for ones with subtle padding or go completely unstructured. 

3. Elastic waistband pants 

I get it—comfort is king, especially when you’re sitting at a desk all day or running errands.

But those shiny polyester pants with the elastic waistband? They’re not doing you any favors in the style department.

I learned this lesson the hard way during a video call with clients. I thought I looked professional from the waist up, but when I stood up to grab something, I caught a glimpse of myself in the camera. Those elastic-waist pants made me look like I’d completely given up on trying.

The problem isn’t the elastic waistband itself—it’s the combination of that synthetic shine and the baggy, unflattering fit that screams “I prioritize convenience over appearance.”

Want comfort without the frumpy look? Try ponte pants or knit trousers with a more tailored cut. You’ll get the stretch and ease you crave while maintaining a polished appearance that doesn’t add decades to your look.

4. Floral blouses with bow ties at the neck

Picture this: you’re at a professional networking event, and you spot someone across the room wearing a busy floral blouse topped with a perfectly tied bow at the collar.

What’s your first impression? If you’re like most people, you’re probably thinking “librarian from 1985” rather than “dynamic professional.”

I used to own several of these blouses myself—they felt so feminine and proper. But when I looked at photos from events, I realized they were making me appear much older and more conservative than I actually am.

The combination of small, busy florals with that formal bow creates a very specific vintage look that’s hard to shake. It’s the kind of style that immediately conjures images of a bygone era, regardless of how young or vibrant the person wearing it might be.

5. Beige pantyhose

Can we talk about pantyhose for a minute?

There was definitely a time when going bare-legged was considered inappropriate, but those days are long behind us. Yet I still see women religiously wearing those nude, beige-toned pantyhose with every outfit—even in summer.

I remember my mother-in-law visiting last spring, dressed beautifully in a navy dress and heels, but something looked off. It was the thick, obviously artificial-looking pantyhose that gave her legs a strange, matte finish. When I gently suggested she try going without them, she was hesitant but agreed to experiment.

The difference was remarkable. Her legs looked natural, modern, and frankly, more youthful.

Those traditional nude pantyhose create a barrier between your natural skin tone and the world, often making your legs look artificial or washed out. If you need coverage, try ultra-sheer options in your exact skin tone, or better yet, embrace your natural legs with a good moisturizer and some confidence.

6. Shapeless cardigans that reach your knees

Ah, the security blanket cardigan.

You know the one I’m talking about—it’s probably in your closet right now. That super-long, loose-fitting cardigan that you throw on over everything because it’s “comfortable” and “versatile.”

I had a client who wore these exclusively. She’d pair them with jeans, dresses, even professional outfits. When we looked at photos together, she was shocked to see how the shapeless silhouette completely swallowed her figure and made her look much heavier and older than she was.

The problem with these cardigans isn’t the concept—it’s the execution. When a sweater has no shape and extends past your hips, it creates a tent-like effect that hides your waistline and makes you appear larger and frumpier.

Try cropped cardigans that hit at your natural waist, or longer ones that are fitted through the torso. You’ll still get that cozy feeling without sacrificing your silhouette or adding unnecessary years to your appearance.

7. ‘Sensible’ walking shoes 

Last but not least, let’s talk about those chunky, walking shoes that somehow became the unofficial uniform of a certain generation. You know, the ones with maximum cushioning, velcro straps, and all the style appeal of orthopedic equipment.

Last year, I watched a woman at the airport who was dressed quite stylishly in dark jeans and a nice blouse. But then my eyes traveled down to her feet—those bulky, medical-looking shoes completely threw off her entire look. It was like she’d given up on style from the ankles down.

Look, I’m all about comfort. As someone who spends hours on my feet, I understand the importance of proper support. But there’s a difference between comfortable shoes and shoes that scream “I’ve surrendered to middle age.”

Modern athletic shoes, sleek walking flats, or even stylish sneakers can give you the comfort you need without making you look like you’re headed to physical therapy. Your feet—and your overall appearance—will thank you for finding that sweet spot between comfort and style.

Final thoughts

At least a few of these hit close to home, didn’t they?

Look, I’m not here to shame anyone’s wardrobe choices. We’ve all been there—I still have that blazer with shoulder pads hiding in the back of my closet “just in case” they come back in style (spoiler alert: they probably won’t).

The truth is, style isn’t about following every trend or spending a fortune on clothes. It’s about making choices that help you feel confident and reflect who you are today, not who you were twenty years ago.

Start small. Maybe swap out those pleated pants for flat-front ones, or try ditching the pantyhose for a week. You might be surprised by how these little changes can make you feel more energized and contemporary.

After all, our clothes should enhance who we are, not age us before our time.