If You’re Over 50, Please Stop Wearing These 3 Things

Before you think I’m about to police your wardrobe, let me be clear: I will never tell you what you can and cannot wear. At this stage of life, you’ve earned the right to put on whatever feels good, whether that’s leggings, a bold lip, or your favorite sneakers. Confidence is always in style.

But here’s the twist: I’m not talking about what’s hanging in your closet. I’m talking about what we carry on the inside-the things we wear on our sleeves and in our hearts.

Because here’s the truth: turning 50 is a rite of passage. You’ve got wisdom and life experience that only time can give. And with that comes an invitation to let go of some heavy “outfits” that are no longer serving you.

So here are three things I want you to stop wearing starting now:

1. Stop Wearing Worry Like an Accessory

Worrying about things you can’t control is like wearing a pair of shoes that are two sizes too small…you think you need them, but all they do is cause pain.

Whether it’s your adult kids, aging parents, or the choices of friends and family, you can love and support them, but you can’t live their lives for them.

As Mel Robbins says in her “let them” theory, sometimes you’ve just got to let people do what they’re going to do. Worry won’t change the outcome. What it will do is rob you of peace.

Ditch the worry and replace it with trust, patience, and presence.

2. Stop Wearing Comparison Like It’s Your Favorite Jacket

If you’ve ever caught yourself looking at younger women or scrolling social media and feeling “less than,” you’re not alone.

Comparison sneaks in and makes us forget all the incredible things we’ve accomplished and become.

Here’s the truth: you are not invisible.

You have value, wisdom, and a presence that younger people wish they had. Don’t waste energy sizing yourself up against others.

Instead, set your own goals, define your own success, and celebrate the unique life you’ve built. Your story is worth owning. Comparison only dulls the shine.

3. Stop Wearing Age Like It’s the End of the Story

Some people treat 50 like a finish line. I see it differently: 50 is the starting line of your next chapter. This is the time to ask, “What do I want for myself now?”

Whether that’s traveling more, strengthening your body, starting a new hobby, or redefining your career, your age is not the end – it’s an opening.

Wear your age like a badge of honor. Every line, scar, and gray hair tells a story of a life lived and lessons learned. Don’t carry the narrative that life is “over.”

The best is still ahead if you choose to believe it!

My Advice To You

At 50 and beyond, you don’t need to dress yourself in worry, comparison, or the belief that life is over. Those things are heavy, outdated, and don’t fit the woman you are today. Instead, start building a wardrobe made of confidence, curiosity, and joy—those are the pieces that always look good and never go out of style.

And here’s something personal I want to share: once I truly embraced the “Let Them” theory—like really adopted it and lived it—I noticed a dramatic shift in my happiness. Letting go of the need to control what others say, do, or think gave me back my peace. It’s a mindset shift that comes with wisdom and life experience, and it’s incredibly freeing.

Because the truth is, we can’t control other people—not our grown kids, not our partners, not our coworkers or friends. What we can do is continue to show up for ourselves. We can take care of our own mental and physical health, keep learning and growing, and stay open to joy. That’s what this chapter is all about.

So if you’re wondering what to “wear” as you move forward—start with self-compassion, toss in some healthy habits, and add a splash of bold dreaming. You’ve earned the right to live this season fully—and beautifully—on your own terms.

And just for the record, I do love fashion! If you’re interested in some of my favorite style and wellness reads, you can check out some of my tips and picks for women over 50 fashion: