30 Youthful Styles to Insist on Wearing After 45 main image
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30 Youthful Styles to Insist on Wearing After 45

Graphic Tees

Graphic Tees

It would probably be a little tacky to wear a graphic tee or tank that said something like “#selfie” on it, but there are plenty of graphics that can be worn by women of all ages. Go for one that truly represents you!

 

Many choose to wear graphic tees featuring a band, comic book characters, or an event. Throw on a cardigan or shacket over the graphic tee for those colder days and you have a youthful look ready to hit the town!

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Bright Colors

Bright Colors

Yes, black is slimming—but it's no fun! Don't be scared to rock bright yellows, blues, and reds—if anything, it will make you look younger.

When you constantly wear black, everyone knows you're playing it safe. Brighten up your look by choosing some fun, cheery colors. It won't just make you look younger; you might even feel younger!

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Leather

Leather

Leather and faux leather are having a serious moment—Leather skirts! Leather jackets! Leather handbags!—and you don't want to miss out on this trend because of your age. If you don't want to go all in, choose pieces, like blazers, that have leather accents and trims.

 

Leather isn't just for the youth of today. Women of all ages can rock the look if they want. Like we said, if you're not sure about the whole leather look, start off with some smaller pieces until you're brave enough for a bolder look. 

Anything Sparkly

Anything Sparkly

Sparkly clutches, shoes, jewelry, and hairpieces can add a youthful touch to any outfit. Just remember to keep the rest of your outfit rather demure to balance out the glitter. A solid-color dress or a neutral top and black pants make the best bases to show off your bling.

A bit of sparkle shows your fun, youthful side while remaining chic. This could be a purse, a top, or even a full dress. It's hard to go wrong with a bit of bling. 

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Skinny Jeans

Skinny Jeans

Gen Z may be trying to cancel them, but skinny jeans will never die. They are basically the new norm when it comes to jeans. They elongate your legs and make you look taller, plus booties and tall boots look particularly amazing with skinny jeans.

With their sleek and slender style, they pair well with pretty much any kind of top. Instead of being bunchy or baggy, they tend to look more tailored than many jean types and give off a youthful style. 

Fun Hosiery

Fun Hosiery

It doesn’t have to be all solid colors all the time! Don’t be afraid to have a little fun with your hosiery. You can go with polka dots or something a little more stylish. There’s nothing wrong with making your hosiery the statement piece of your outfit.  

We realize this one might be a little more daring, but once you try it, we guarantee you'll be looking to buy your next unique pair of hosiery! It's an underestimated accessory, for sure. 

Faux Fur

Faux Fur

Faux fur is totally in despite the reputation it had five years ago or so. The thing about faux fur is that you should pick a high-quality, neutral-toned material. It will instantly make you feel as though you're headed to red carpet event.

There's just something incredibly luxe about wearing faux fur, and it shouldn't matter what age you are—enjoy the chicness of the style and rock it the next time you go out. You'll feel like a million bucks!

Booties

Booties

Booties don’t need to be tall. The best thing about these little boots is that they’re short and comfortable on the feet. Wear what you’re comfortable in, but never stop wearing booties.

There are so many fun styles of booties, there's a pair for every person's taste. Whether you like the studded look, leather, or suede, booties are easy to pair with outfits and can be incredibly comfortable while being stylish. 

Leopard Print

Leopard Print

Leopard print has a bad rap of only being worn by un-trendy people, but you shouldn’t be afraid to rock it! In small doses, leopard print can add just the right amount of visual interest to your outfit. Flats, scarves, and shawls are great options.

Leopard print seems to be one of those things that become super trendy before falling out of style just to return to favor sometime later. But it'll never truly fade away—everyone can rock a leopard print!

Bomber Jackets

Bomber Jackets

Bomber jackets are stylish, and they come in a wide range of colors. They’re perfect for dressing down an outfit or making a casual outfit a little more chic. We love the ones with flower embellishments.  

There are so many styles you can choose from when it comes to these jackets. You can go for an edgier look to a preppy look. Either way, this will make you look more youthful and, of course, incredibly stylish. 

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Hoodies

Hoodies

Hoodies may seem like a younger thing, but they aren’t. They’re a comfy and cozy way to stay warm when the weather isn’t freezing but chilly enough to wear something a little extra. Plus, you can look good in a hoodie without a ton of effort.

Some may think hoodies are not too stylish, but there are more and more varieties hitting the market. You can stick with a basic hoodie or find one a bit more dressed up, including buttons and different textures. 

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Short Skirts

Short Skirts

We're not talking mini skirts here; just a little something to show off your calves. And no, you don't need to wear pantyhose underneath because you are beautiful just the way you are!

This is another look that some may believe is too bold for them, but you can work your way into the look! Start with a skirt you're comfortable in, and you'll become more confident over time. 

Moto Jackets

Moto Jackets

Moto jackets have never gone out of style, and they will never go out of style. This is a timeless (and edgy) look that anyone can rock at any age.

Feeling a little hardcore? Like you want to show the world you're confident and edgy? A moto jacket could be just the thing you need to let everyone know just what kind of way you're feeling. 

High-Waisted Pants

High-Waisted Pants

These aren't your mom's jeans; the trick with high-waisted pants is that you can to pair it with something cropped or something you can easily tuck in. But the good news is that there's tons of versatility with this look; you can also wear high-waisted jeans or high-waisted skirts.

The high-waisted look is incredibly trendy right now. If there was ever a trend to get in on from a younger generation, this is it. Not only is it incredibly comfortable, high-waisted jeans tend to be flattering on most body types.

Leggings

Leggings

Leggings CAN be worn as pants—at any age. Bonus points for wearing bright-colored leggings! Just be sure to double-check in the mirror to see if they are see-through. That's a no go!

When they first started becoming popular, there was a big debate over whether or not they should be worn as pants. We know today that they people have voted yes, they are pants and can look extremely chic depending on how you style them. 

Over the Knee Boots

Over the Knee Boots

Over the knee boots are a fall and winter staple, but it does so much more than that. Over the knee boots also can make you look taller! We’re all in for clothing and shoes that make us look like we have a few extra inches.

You can pair these with skinny jeans, skirts, tights, or no tights, and they always look fantastic. If you want to make a statement, over-the-knee boots are a great, youthful way to style your look. 

Short Shorts

Short Shorts

There’s no reason not to show off a little extra leg! Choose a pair of shorts that hit at about mid-thigh (or a little longer) and that are mid-rise or high-rise. These styles will slim your waist and make your legs look a mile long.

If you like to show off a little leg, short shorts are a perfect style to enhance that leggy look. While there is a line you can cross, find the length that works for you and get ready to flaunt it!

Distressed Denim

Distressed Denim

Distressed denim probably isn't for the office, but don't be afraid to strut your stuff in a pair of slightly ripped jeans on a night out. Just keep the holes to a minimum. Wear a solid tee or tank and a pair of heeled sandals; You'll look like a style icon!

It's usually the older generation hating on distressed denim, so if you're trying to separate yourself from the older crowd and appear more youthful, this look will take you places. Easy to wear, easy to style, and just as comfortable as a regular pair of jeans!

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Cut-Outs

Cut-Outs

This is the perfect option if you're not comfortable going sleeveless. This way, you're still showing a little skin—plus, cut-outs are super in-fashion right now.

Giving your look a little extra flair, cut-outs provide more coverage than a sleeveless option but dare to show a bit of skin. Of course, this tends to give off a more youthful appearance—which is what we're going for here!

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The LBD

The LBD

Black looks good on literally everyone, and it's never out of style. If you think black is "boring" or you’re worried it will wash you out or age you, pair your LBD with a different-colored cardigan or blazer. 

While we did say to stay away from too much black, we never said to get rid of black altogether. A little black dress is a closet staple that every woman of every age should have tucked away, ready to use for the right occasion.  

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Low-Cut Tops

Low-Cut Tops

Just because you’re not 19 anymore doesn’t mean you have to wear turtlenecks all the time. You should feel free to show off a little skin! Choose low-cut tops that are narrow or that have a small cutout. You'll feel sultry, but many low-cut tops can actually be pretty modest. 

You can choose a plunging neckline without revealing a large amount of skin. Not only will this look be chic and stylish, but you'll also look more youthful in this type of outfit, showing you're not afraid to reveal a bit of skin. 

(Image via Instagram)

Sneakers

Sneakers

While sneakers are super casual, you can easily dress them up with a cute sweater, cardigan, or nice blanket scarf. Plus, sneakers have come a long way; now you can find leopard print sneakers, velvet sneakers, etc.

Sneakers don't always look like gym shoes. With the variety there is today, sneakers are just as stylish as a bootie! If you're wanting a sportier, more casual look, there are plenty of options to choose from 

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Off-the-Shoulder Tops

Off-the-Shoulder Tops

Just because you’re getting older doesn’t mean your shoulders look horrible. We’re going to bet that most women’s shoulders look as beautiful as they did when they were in their 20s. Wear that off the shoulder top with pride.  

The shoulders are a part of the body that can remain looking youthful even as you age. If that's the case, be sure to include some off-the-shoulder tops in your outfit rotation!

The Bikini

The Bikini

With the popularity of high-waisted bikinis on the rise, there’s no reason we shouldn’t wear a skimpy bikini. Plus, if you want to wear something a little more modest, you can wear something over it while still soaking up the sun!

We are in an era of body positivity—it's not cool to shame anyone for how they look. With that being the world we live in, there's no reason you can't rock the bikini. Just be confident!

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Backpacks

Backpacks

As we grow older, we usually transition into a purse and ditch our backpacks. Why? Backpacks can be just as stylish as any purse out there, plus they can hold more than most purses. They’re totes you can put on your back.

So not only are they incredibly functional, they are also usually more comfortable than a purse. There are super stylish backpacks out there. Adding a backpack to your look will definitely make you appear more youthful. 

Slit Dresses

Slit Dresses

Slit dresses are so stylish, and women over 45 don’t need to shy away. Their legs are just as beautiful as anyone else’s. If you feel uncomfortable showing off your bare leg, you can wear hosiery under it or get a dress with a lower slit.  

Similar to a plunging neckline, just because there is a slit doesn't always mean it will show a bunch of skin. Find the right style of slit you're comfortable with and stick your leg out in this youthful style.

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Spaghetti Straps

Spaghetti Straps

Sundresses are almost exclusively spaghetti strap for a reason. It’s cool and easy to wear. You can wear a little shawl if you still feel uncomfortable or a sweater to give your arms a little warmth inside stores or restaurants where it’ll be inevitably freezing.

Spaghetti straps show off a little more skin than a typical strap, and of course, a little more skin usually makes a person appear more youthful. It's comfortable, easy to wear, and looks incredibly stylish. 

Sheer Clothing

Sheer Clothing

Don’t give up sheer clothing! You don’t have to show off your bra like twenty-somethings, but there are a lot of things you can do with sheer clothing. You can put a patterned sheer skirt over a solid color skirt. You could also lighten or darken colors by throwing sheer over it.

When you wear something sheer, you're still covering up, but also revealing a bit more skin. This is one of the easiest ways to appear chic and youthful while wearing something you can be completely comfortable in. 

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Sleeveless Tops

Sleeveless Tops

As women, the older we get, the more insecure we get about our arm flab. That's bologna. You shouldn't let it stop you from wearing sleeveless tops. Rock that sleeveless tee or choose pieces with flutter sleeves or cap sleeves!

There are multiple ways you can style a sleeveless look without going fully sleeveless. If you love flaunting your arms, this is the perfect item for you. With the sleeveless style, you also get to pick out the width of the strap, which can translate into a bunch of different looks. 

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Crop Tops

Crop Tops

Crop tops are no longer just a young woman’s game. They can look sultry and chic on women of all ages when they’re paired right. Find a high-necked crop top and wear it with your favorite high-waisted skirts and pants.

Showing a bit of midriff is no big deal in this day and age. If you feel comfortable showing that slim stretch of skin, crops tops are an incredibly youthful look. You'll have people wondering what your actual age is!

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