40 Worst Accessories for Women Over 40
The point of accessories is that they’re supposed to be fun. Nothing brings more joy, or visual interest, to an outfit quite like a funky belt, an artsy earing, or a playful bag. And now that you’re 40, you’re able to step up your game in the accessories department. After all, you can afford better quality duds, and you’ve got years of fashion experience to draw upon.
But before you start adding a stack of bracelets here and a colorful pair of tights there, you’ll want a refresher on the fashion accessories no woman over 40 should own. Your days of fishnet tights and bedazzled sneakers are over (thankfully!), but your decades of classic bags and perfectly styled ensembles have only just begun.
Fishnet tights are perfect for a Halloween costume , a gothic punk event, or a frisky night in the bedroom. And that’s about it. Wearing them on any other occasion just cheapens the rest of your outfit.
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Leave the fun leggings to the kids, and incorporate festive and bright patterns and colors in more mature ways, like in a chic scarf or pair of gloves.
Some bold jewelry can be tasteful, but too many loud pieces—like oversized cuffs, or rings with mixed-and-matched gemstones—can draw unwanted attention. And to learn what you should keep, check out these 50 Essential Accessories for Women Over 50.
Yes, thigh-high boots are definitely on-trend for 2019 . But trying to keep them upright and around your thighs just isn’t worth the struggle. They’re either constantly falling down, or are impossible to squeeze into. And now that you’re 40, you just don’t have time for dysfunctional footwear.
Handbags adorned with images of the Eiffel Tower are not only unattractive, they’re cheap-looking, too. Instead, take an actual trip to Paris and invest in a timeless leather classic. Believe us, you won’t regret it.
Sometimes, a little bedazzling can look grown-up, but too much can quickly become major overkill. If you want to rock rhinestones, stick with jewelry.
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You might as well wear heels if you’re going to wear platform sneakers. They serve no function (other than being hideous and uncomfortable).
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Hair bows are a hit or a miss. Go too small, and and it looks juvenile. (This happens with some medium-sized bows, too.) A better, easier-to-pull-off bet is to go with a slouchy, thin bow around a ponytail.
Cheap jewelry is one thing. Cheap jewelry that leaves a mark on your body is another entirely. Toss it. And here’s a pro tip: use rubbing alcohol when faced with a green-finger dilemma. It’ll set your skin good as new.
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Mary Janes, jelly shoes, and Crocs should only show up on children’s feet. Not only will you look like you’re trying too hard, you’ll probably look pretty ridiculous, too.
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There are some chic headbands on the market that work for an older crowd, but stay away from any headbands with super crazy patterns, small bows, butterflies, or—and this should really go without saying—cat ears.
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Unless you’re in Vegas and really feeling yourself, body chains should never been worn outside of Sin City.
Even if it’s practically Antarctica outside, wearing a slouchy beanie won’t do you any favors—in the style or comfort departments. Stick to a tight-fitting cap or a warm, shearling trapper winter hat .
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Swapping charms with your BFF in 6th grade was indeed a blast. But times have changed. Now would be a good opportunity to pass down any beloved charm bracelets to a younger female family member.
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It may be a beach staple for women in Brazil, but string bikinis should be worn with caution, mainly because they’re so uncomfortable to wear. You’ll be too worried about discomfort (or wardrobe malfunctions) to actually enjoy the sand, sun, and sea.
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Let’s leave the sparkly dresses and shimmery heels for a festive New Year’s Eve , yeah?
Keep it classy with small to medium-sized hoops in different thicknesses. Hoops come in all shapes and sizes these days—so it should be easy to avoid the oversized ones.
It’s pretty easy to spot costume jewelry from a mile away—it’s big, it’s gaudy, and it couldn’t look more cheap. This type of jewelry might have been fun (and budget-friendly) in your 20s and 30s, but it’s high time to retire those pieces that aren’t worth a penny.
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Unless you’re traipsing around the house or enjoying the brand’s incomparably comfy slippers, Uggs really shouldn’t be seen in broad daylight.
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Like a fine wine, a nice handbag gets better with age. Similarly, like a bottom-shelf wine, a cheap handbag only gets worse—and quickly, too.
These two pieces of jewelry should have stayed in the ’90s, but, for some crazy reason, they’re back on everyone’s feet. Treat your feet to a luxe pedicure and skip this frightening fashion faux-pas.
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It’s fun to wear brightly-colored socks for Christmas, Halloween, or Valentine’s Day. But sporting festive feet too often might make you appear a bit kooky.
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You’re not Mary Poppins, therefore, you won’t be needing an oversized purse to pull out a giant lamp or a spoonful of sugar when needed. Stick to something that can carry what you need (with maybe a little bit room for some extras).
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We get it. Defying your parents with a nose, lip, or brow piercing—or, for the true punks, an industrial—was exhilarating when you were 18. Getting one after 40? Who are you standing up to?
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Scrunchies really don’t do anyone any favors, especially older women with thinning hair—which can come across as even more thin with a scrunchy pulling it.
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Choker necklaces are a major trend among women in their 20s. Going with a longer chain—one that directs attention away from the neck and towards the chest—is the more tasteful move.
These would be age-appropriate if you’re wearing boots up to your shin, but sporting knee socks with sneakers or flats might come off as a try-hard schoolgirl costume.
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Instead of trying to incorporate an animal-print bag or shoe into your wardrobe, pair a subtle leopard print pant with a black top or a cheetah-printed coat with your classy, solid-colored ensemble. Mixing too many prints will be too distracting.
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Let the 20-somethings wince in pain and tend to blistering wounds after spending hours in these heels. Once you hit 40, give your feet a rest.
Small sunglasses might have been super groovy years back. And while they are technically on-trend again , it doesn’t mean you should wear them. They’re unflattering on most face shapes and really don’t do much in terms of protecting your eyes and the surrounding eye area from sun damage.
Leave the Minnie Mouse backpack for your niece or daughter.
Though relatively easy to walk in, platform shoes are still hazardous for your ankles and feet. Oh, and they also look ridiculous. Toss ’em.
If it’s an investment piece or heirloom that you can’t live without, feel free to keep it. Just make sure you don’t ever wear it in tandem with other rings. As for the inexpensive, meaningless rings? You know what to do.
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You don’t need the back of your phone to remind you that “you’re beautiful.” You can do that yourself!
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These types of earrings are hard to pull off, no matter what age you are. Stick to studs, small hoops, or tasteful, dangly pieces.
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You spent a lot of money on that bag and you want people to know—we totally understand. But after age 40, flaunting a ton of logos becomes a bit of a faux pas. Buy as many designer items as you’d like, but choose ones that are more understated than they are flashy.
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There are functional backpacks, and then there are trendy backpacks, which tend to be too small to hold anything, really. Stick to the functional ones.
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Don’t do the Paris Hilton look. Trade in your buggy sunglasses for a pair that actually fit your face.
Rocking one beautifully designed cuff bracelet can work, but piling on a bunch of jingly bracelets can quickly get excessive and overcrowded.
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If you want to rock trendy cowboy boots this season, stick to ones that are a solid color. By sporting cowboy boots with bright colors or crazy patterns, you’ll look like a rodeo clown. And for more sage fashion advice, learn all about the 30 Fashion Trends That Will Never Go Out of Style .
14 Fun Ways to Add Leopard Print to Any Look
Bergdorf Goodman
For an easy to way jazz up your wardrobe, consider leopard print. Yes, yes, I know—it’s been pilloried to the moon and back, thanks to overwrought use in decades past. But here’s the thing: Leopard print is decidedly, unambiguously cool now. (After all, the ’80s are back in full swing.) Whether you’re looking to inject some spark into an everyday outfit with a well-chosen accessory or looking to make the pattern a cornerstone on a head-to-toe getup, leopard print can do it all. All it requires is an open mind, a careful selection, and—in a marked departure from the fashion decisions of the ’80s—a little restraint. Here’s how to pull it off.
Nordstrom
This sleeveless chiffon dress pairs perfectly with black heels and a cardigan for a fall look that’s subtly sexy.
Barneys
From the front, a cowl neck and midi hemline makes this Azeeza dress the definition of feminine and flattering. However, turn it around and you’ll find that piece is actually hiding a tastefully open back, giving the look just the right amount of coyness.
Barneys
These ultra-luxe leopart pants from Nili Lotan are as comfortable as pants get—when you slip them on, it feels like wearing a cloud.
Vince Camuto
If your wardrobe is primarily composed of basics in various shades of white and black, then this calf hair satchel from Vince Camuto could be your perfect statement accessory.
Bergdorf Goodman
It doesn’t matter whether your favorite fall outfit is a casual pair of black jeans and a crewneck tee or a fancy turtleneck dress with tights, because these waterproof booties will match any autumnal get-up.
Nordstrom
If you’re a city slicker who spends their entire day on their feet, then consider investing in Cole Haan’s sophisticated streamlined mule-loafer hybrid. Not only does it have a comfortable rubber sole and cushioned insole, but it’s just simple enough to pair with almost anything.
Nordstrom
Not quite sure about the leopard print trend yet? Test the waters with a simple scarf, like this oblong one from Nordstrom. It’s perfect for the chillier temperatures, and at just under $20, it’s a fiscally sound purchase whether or not you actually decide you like the animal print style.
Neiman Marcus
Can’t afford to jet off to Paris for a weekend getaway? Consider this leopard print beret from Marzi the next-best thing. Just don this sophisticated accessory to a nearby cafe, grab a croissant from the counter, and viola!
Barneys
Vis Ā Vis’ glam field jacket with four pockets and a tuck-away hood is versatile enough to wear both with a pair of jeans to work and over a LBD during date night.
Neiman Marcus
This sharply tailored stretch knit blazer from Berek has an eye-catching (and trending) metallic coating.
Coach
This leopard tote bag is the fashionable answer to hauling bundles of work papers around all day.
Barneys
Leopard print is notorious for being over-the-top, but this burnout blouse proves that it’s possible to tone the trend down a bit for those who want to.
Nordstrom
Perfect for work or travel, this Fuzzi mesh tulle skirt is wrinkle-resistant and shape-retaining no matter where you go.
Net-A-Porter
Say hello to yet another risk-free but effective touch of leopard print. This skinny calf hair belt from Frame can be worn with jeans or even paired with a flowing silk dress, giving it the potential to be your go-to fall accessory.
