MomSkoop
Turning 40 is an exciting milestone, but it often comes with questions about how to dress for this new chapter. Many people stick to old fashion habits that no longer serve them well or make them feel confident.
This guide will help you identify common style mistakes and show you simple ways to update your look so you feel amazing and put-together every single day.
1. Wearing the Wrong Shoes
Your feet deserve better treatment as you get older.
Those sky-high stilettos or worn-out sneakers might have worked in your twenties, but now they can cause serious foot problems and back pain.
Investing in quality footwear with proper support makes a huge difference in how you feel throughout the day.
Look for stylish options with cushioned insoles, reasonable heel heights, and good arch support.
Brands now offer gorgeous shoes that combine fashion with comfort, so you don’t have to sacrifice style.
Your feet carry you everywhere, so treat them with the respect they deserve.
2. Wearing Clothes That Don’t Fit Properly
Clothes that are too tight or too loose can instantly age you.
Many people hold onto sizes from years ago or buy things hoping they’ll fit differently later.
The truth is, wearing your actual size right now makes you look slimmer and more polished.
Proper fit means clothes skim your body without pulling or sagging.
Consider getting key pieces tailored to your exact measurements.
A simple hem adjustment or taking in a waist can transform an ordinary outfit into something that looks expensive and custom-made just for you.
3. Overusing Bold Prints or Bright Colors
Remember when you could wear head-to-toe animal print without a second thought?
Those days might be behind you now.
Bold prints and super bright colors can overwhelm your features and make you look like you’re trying too hard.
Instead, choose one statement piece and keep everything else neutral and simple.
A leopard print scarf with a black outfit works beautifully.
Softer, richer colors like burgundy, navy, or emerald green often look more sophisticated than neon shades.
You can still have fun with fashion without looking like a walking rainbow.
4. Clothes That Are Overly Short, Cartoonishly Printed, or Extremely Casual
That mini skirt from college needs to find a new home.
Showing too much skin or wearing clothes covered in cartoon characters can make you look like you’re desperately clinging to youth.
There’s a difference between youthful and juvenile.
Choose hemlines that hit at or just above the knee for a flattering, age-appropriate length.
Trade graphic tees with silly sayings for classic tops in solid colors or subtle patterns.
Even your casual weekend wear should look intentional and put-together rather than like you just rolled out of bed.
Comfort matters, but so does looking grown-up.
5. Neglecting Fabric Quality
Cheap fabrics scream cheap clothes, no matter how trendy the style is.
That polyester blouse might have been a bargain, but it probably looks shiny and feels uncomfortable.
As you get older, quality matters more than quantity in your closet.
Natural fibers like cotton, linen, silk, and wool breathe better and drape more beautifully on your body.
They also last longer, which means you save money over time.
Feel the fabric before you buy anything.
If it feels scratchy, stiff, or plasticky in the store, it won’t magically improve at home.
6. Overaccessorizing or Choosing the Wrong Accessories
Did you know Coco Chanel advised removing one accessory before leaving the house?
That wisdom still holds true today.
Wearing every piece of jewelry you own at once looks cluttered and distracting rather than stylish.
Choose two or three accessories maximum for any outfit.
Also, make sure your accessories match your outfit’s formality level.
Delicate gold jewelry works better than chunky plastic bangles for most situations.
Your bag should be proportional to your body size.
A tiny purse on a larger frame or an enormous bag on a petite person throws off your entire look.
7. Wearing the Wrong Underwear
Visible panty lines and ill-fitting bras can ruin even the most expensive outfit.
Your underwear is the foundation of everything you wear, yet many people ignore it completely.
A properly fitted bra lifts and shapes your silhouette, making your clothes hang better.
Get professionally measured because most women wear the wrong bra size.
Seamless underwear prevents those embarrassing lines under pants and skirts.
Shapewear can smooth everything out, but make sure it’s comfortable enough to wear all day.
Nobody sees your underwear, but everyone notices when it’s wrong underneath your clothes.
8. Not Coordinating Hair and Makeup with Your Outfit
Your hairstyle and makeup from 1999 probably shouldn’t make a comeback.
Fashion evolves, and so should your beauty routine.
Heavy foundation, dark lip liner, and frosted eyeshadow look dated and add years to your appearance.
Similarly, a hairstyle you’ve worn for two decades might not flatter your face anymore.
Update your look with softer makeup in colors that complement your skin tone.
A modern haircut with layers and movement can take years off your appearance.
Your hair and makeup should enhance your outfit, not fight against it or transport people back in time.
9. Neglecting Clothing Maintenance
Wrinkled, stained, or damaged clothes make you look sloppy regardless of their original cost.
Taking care of your wardrobe shows you respect yourself and the people around you.
Iron or steam your clothes before wearing them.
Replace missing buttons immediately and fix small tears before they become big problems.
Remove stains promptly and store clothes properly to prevent damage.
Shoes should be clean and polished, not scuffed and dirty.
A well-maintained inexpensive outfit always looks better than neglected designer clothes.
Spending five extra minutes on clothing care makes a noticeable difference in your overall appearance.
10. Not Dressing for Your Lifestyle
Wearing stilettos to the playground or gym clothes to dinner doesn’t make sense.
Your wardrobe should match the life you actually live, not the life you imagine having.
If you work from home, you need comfortable but presentable clothes for video calls, not power suits.
Active parents need washable, durable pieces that can handle spills and playground duty.
Look at your calendar and plan outfits accordingly.
Having the right clothes for your real activities makes getting dressed easier and helps you feel confident.
Stop buying clothes for an imaginary lifestyle and focus on what you truly need.
11. Not Understanding Your Body Shape
Your body has likely changed since your twenties, and that’s completely normal.
Fighting against your natural shape instead of working with it leads to frustration and unflattering outfits.
Learn whether you’re an apple, pear, hourglass, or rectangle shape.
Each body type has specific styles that highlight its best features.
For example, empire waists flatter apple shapes, while A-line skirts look amazing on pear shapes.
Stop buying clothes just because they’re trendy.
Choose pieces that actually work with your proportions.
When you dress for your body type, you look taller, slimmer, and more confident.
12. Wearing Too Much Black
Black is easy, slimming, and goes with everything, right?
While that’s partially true, wearing only black can wash out your complexion and make you look tired or harsh.
As skin loses some of its natural glow with age, solid black near your face can emphasize lines and shadows.
Try navy, charcoal, or deep burgundy as alternatives that provide similar versatility without the harsh contrast.
If you love black, wear it on the bottom and add softer colors near your face.
A pop of color in a scarf or top brightens your entire appearance.
You can still look sophisticated without living in head-to-toe black.
13. Blindly Following Trends
Just because something is trending on social media doesn’t mean you should wear it.
Those ultra-low-rise jeans making a comeback might be fun for teenagers, but they’re not for everyone.
Chasing every trend makes you look desperate and can be expensive and exhausting.
Instead, develop a personal style that reflects who you are and what makes you feel confident.
Choose classic pieces that never go out of style and add one or two trendy accessories if you want.
Quality over quantity always wins.
When you dress authentically, you look more put-together and comfortable in your own skin than any trend could achieve.