:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/051222-Fashion-Trends-Youre-Not-Too-Old-For-Social-2000-74b3102ca5e14a77821f7ec20a896881.jpg)
At some point, around the time I was in college, I experienced a mini fashion crisis. I suddenly felt my wardrobe — full of cutesy graphic tees, preppy staples, and bright colors — was a bit juvenile. I needed to be sexier, sleeker, and less quirky. I felt "too old" to be wearing the same stuff I loved in high school, and I needed a wardrobe makeover, stat. Fast forward to my current 30-something-year-old self, and I'm actually cringing as I type. Too old?! At what — 20?! I can only imagine what the younger me would think if she perused my current closet, full of the very same pieces she eventually purged (I would honestly love to have some of those tees back).
I know I'm not alone in questioning whether certain fashion trends skew a bit young. Even these days, when I'm slipping on a cutout dress or a bucket hat, I'll pause for a minute, wondering if I've suddenly become that woman, trying hard to fit in with people 10 years my junior. Then I remember: Fashion "rules" are completely made up. The truth is, clothes do not come with a wear-by date. Express yourself and have fun. Style is all about personal preference — not "dressing for your age."
To prove it, I've rounded up 18 of my favorite trends below that anyone at any age can wear.
Bows
They may be a mainstay in children's fashion, but bows are far from juvenile. In fact, top fashion houses have been digging this sweet detail as of late. Whether the bow is small or large, it's bound to add flair to your outfit.
Corsets
Blame it on Bridgerton, but the fashion world can't quit corsets. While you can wear them solo, an easier way to try this trend is through a corset tank, skirt, or dress, which has this detail built-in. Your outfit doesn't have to be overly sexy either; corsets make great layering pieces and can spice up structured slacks and suits.
Puff Sleeves and Ruffles
So fluffy, poufy, and playful. I admittedly wanted to rip these types of dresses right off my body as a kid and thought they felt uncomfortable then. I'm older and wiser now, so it's time to give puff sleeves another chance.
Platforms and Lug-Soled Shoes
I wasn't part of the grunge-loving Dr. Marten crowd as a teen, and toward the end of my 20s, I wondered if it was too late to hop on the bandwagon. It wasn't (and that's still the case if you're 40+ or had a pair and packed them away with your ripped muscle tees). I currently wear my bulky white Chelsea boots with everything from dresses to sweats. It's possible they're the world's most versatile shoe ever.
Mary Jane Shoes
Daniel Zuchnik / Getty Images
Speaking of shoe styles to try, Mary Janes are still going strong. The strappy flat — which you probably wore with a bunch of childhood outfits — and its heel version look great with just about everything. Pair yours with chunky socks for the celeb-adored babydoll shoe look.
Overalls
The fact that this exact outfit is also a favorite for babies and toddlers does not make it any less brilliant. Overalls work year-round and can be paired with any type of shirt and shoe style. I'm also including jumpsuits and rompers in this group, BTW. They're essentially the easiest, comfiest, most elevated outfit ever invented, and some days, adults really need that exact combination.
Short Shorts
Edward Berthelot / Getty images
I've honestly spent hours trying to remember if my mom owns a pair of real, non-knee-length shorts. Did my grandma own shorts? What's the deal with shorts? They're a versatile, timeless summer staple and, first and foremost, allow your legs to be free and keep you from sweating through pants on hot days. So, unless some outdated dress code is keeping you from embracing this essential, choose comfort over everything and invest in a pair that suits your style.
Leather Pants
Streetstyleshooters / Getty Images
Oftentimes, I think I'm "too old" for a trend because I don't want to waste the energy it takes to squeeze and shimmy into something tight and uncomfortable — much like I did during my college years. However, leather pants also come in many forms, whether it's leggings or wide-leg options, and will add a fashion-forward twist to even your most basic sweaters and tees.
Graphic Tees
Edward Berthelot / Getty Images
Graphic tees are a great form of self-expression and can keep dressier pieces from feeling too fancy and over-the-top. Go ahead and style them with skirts, slacks, sequins, or simply a pair of jeans to give your outfit that personal touch.
Sequins
Edward Berthelot / Getty Images
I once read something about how you shouldn't wear sequins over the age of 30 because they draw attention to your clothes. Um, who says we didn't want to draw attention to our clothes? Not only do sequins add a hint of glamour, they sparkle, shine, and come across as fun and joyful — both at night and during the day (another bogus rule). Go ahead and steal that spotlight.
Low-Cut Tops
The days of deeming something too risqué ended the minute cutouts, hip-high slits, and super sheer designs stopped phasing us (literally every celebrity has worn a "naked dress"). If you're comfortable and want to show some skin — whether it's with a plunging neckline or some other revealing detail — do it.
Over-the-Knee Boots
Edward Berthelot / Getty Images
Although thigh-high boots look great with miniskirts — another trend you're never too old to wear! — they're an extremely versatile shoe choice. You can pull them on over jeans or leggings to add interest and fashion-forwardness to your look, or slip them on under midi or maxi skirts for extra warmth in the winter.
Statement Prints
Edward Berthelot / Getty Images
Remember when I said that fashion was meant to be fun? Playing around with details such as color and pattern falls under that category. Mix different prints together for an eye-catching ensemble, but pair with neutral accessories to maintain balance.
Fringe
Matthew Sperzel / Getty Images
There's no denying that fringe is an attention-grabber, especially if it's featured on a skirt, dress, or top. Instead of stopping yourself from taking things to the extreme, keep that playful vibe by choosing your style in a bold color.
Crop Tops
Christian Vierig / Getty Images
It's not the toxic '90s — you don't need to have a specific body type or be a 20-something pop star to wear a crop top. Simply swap out your basic tee for a shorter version, or go all out in a bustier style before adding the bottoms of your choice. If you're not ready to show so much skin, stick with a high-waisted style for more coverage.
Breezy Frocks
Edward Berthelot / Getty Images
Simple, comfortable, and cute AF, frocks have an inherent youthfulness to them. This minimalist style works well on its own but can also serve as a wardrobe basic to build upon. Add a vest, blazer, or your accessories of choice.
Spaghetti Straps
Jeremy Moeller / Getty Images
Spaghetti strap tops may have been what you reached for when going out in your 20s, but they can work at any age. This halter version is stunning and allows you to show off some skin. Combined with a pair of cargo shorts, it's an on-trend look.
Trending Aesthetics
When it comes to fashion trends like colorblocking, gothcore, and Y2K 2.0, even if you think you've been there and done that, you can still do it again. Perhaps you didn't fully commit to the look the first time around or were too young to wear all the items you truly loved. You make the rules now, so there's nothing holding you back from embracing your dream aesthetic.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qrrSrbClnV6YvK57xZqqoaGfo3ykuM6tn6Kml2Szor%2FHoqanZaSnsq%2Bw0malqKxdqbywec6lm2asn2LEpq3R