10 Fashion Mistakes That Cost You Money Over 50
You know I love finding great fashion deals and sharing tips to help us look and feel our best. But what if some of the choices we make are costing us more than they should? As we step into our 50s (and beyond), every dollar counts and it’s time to get real about avoiding fashion mistakes that drain our wallets.
I’m sharing some common fashion mistakes I’ve seen—and made myself!—that can leave us frustrated and spending more than necessary. Let’s fix those fashion faux pas and build a wardrobe that works for us, not against us.
Fashion Mistakes That Cost You Money Over 50
1. Buying Clothes That Don’t Fit Properly
We’ve all been there: you see something on sale, grab your usual size, and assume it’ll fit perfectly. Then you get home, try it on, and realize it’s too tight in the arms or loose in the waist. Instead of returning it, you tell yourself, “I’ll make it work.” But let’s be real—you never wear it!
Money spent on ill-fitting clothes is money wasted. Always try items on before purchasing. And if you’re shopping online like many of us do these days, make sure to double-check the sizing chart and read the reviews.
2. Chasing Trends Instead of Building a Classic Wardrobe
This is one of the top fashion mistakes I see women over 50 making when I’m out and about! Trends are fun to try, but relying too much on the latest styles can leave you with a closet full of clothes that feel outdated next season. Plus, trendy pieces can be tricky to mix and match, which often means buying more just to make everything work. That’s why I recommend sticking to timeless basics you’ll wear for years. You can still have fun with trends by adding a few key pieces here and there without overhauling your whole wardrobe.
Wondering how to add trends into your own outfits in a tasteful way? You can see lots of examples of how I incorporate trends in these posts:
3. Skimping on Quality Basics
It’s tempting to grab that $10 t-shirt or $20 pair of leggings—we’ve all done it! I’ve learned my lesson that cheap basics often lose their shape, fade, or pill after just a few washes, meaning you’ll end up replacing them frequently, which adds up over time. Instead, it’s worth investing in high-quality essentials that will stand the test of time.
Here are some of my posts with recommendations for key wardrobe pieces like leggings, white tops, denim, and more—pieces that are not only durable but also versatile enough to mix and match for countless outfits.
4. Ignoring the Care Instructions
Let’s be real, ladies—how many times have we tossed a “dry clean only” sweater into the washing machine, thinking it’ll be fine? Spoiler alert: it usually isn’t. Improper care can lead to shrinking, fading, or stretching, making the item unwearable.
Before buying, always check the care labels. If something’s high-maintenance and you’re short on time (like me!), it’s probably best to skip it. Stick to machine-washable fabrics whenever you can.
I shared my tips for taking care of your clothes in the winter, including my recommendations for keeping your sweaters, boots, and denim in tip-top shape! I also compiled a list of my favorite cleaning and laundry must-haves from Amazon.
5. Buying for the Life You Used to Have
Our lifestyles evolve, and so should our wardrobes. Take a look at what your daily activities are. Do you spend a lot of time running errands? Or are you still working? Make sure that you’re spending money and purchasing for your current life!
6. Falling for “Sale” Traps
We’ve all been tempted by a sale, right? “It’s 70% off—what a steal!” But here’s the truth: if you don’t need it or love it, it’s not really a bargain. I share a lot of fashion and sale alerts here, but a good rule of thumb is to ask yourself, “Would I pay full price for this?” If the answer is no, it’s time to walk away.
That being said, there are definitely some brands worth the splurge, like these top athleisure brands and premium denim jean brands that truly deliver on quality and style.
7. Overlooking Accessories
Accessories can elevate an outfit. Invest in a few high-quality pieces, like a leather tote, a pearl necklace, or gold hoops. These classics never go out of style and pair well with everything.
I’m a big accessories gurl, and I share about my favorites all the time! You can find some of my favorites in these posts:
8. Forgetting to Shop Your Closet
Sometimes, the perfect piece is already sitting in the back of our closet, just waiting to be rediscovered. Buying duplicates or similar items only wastes money and valuable closet space. Take some time for a seasonal clean-out—it’s the perfect way to unearth those hidden gems. Then, make a list of what you actually need, so you’re shopping with purpose, not just on impulse!
9. Skipping Comfortable Shoes
We’ve all suffered through a night in uncomfortable heels, only to regret it later. But continually buying shoes that don’t fit well is a costly mistake. Make sure you’re prioritizing comfort for your feet.
I’ve got quite a few posts to help you find super comfortable, but stylish shoes. Here are some of my favorites:
10. Not Planning Your Outfits
I’m definitely guilty of this fashion mistake for women over 50! Impulse buying can be fun, but it often leads to a closet full of random pieces that don’t work together. Before you make a purchase, take a moment to think about how the item will fit into your existing wardrobe. Can you style it in at least three different ways with what you already own? If not, it might be worth passing on.
Have you made any of these fashion mistakes for women over 50? Do you have any tips to add to this list?
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I’ve done a few of those mistakes over and over. Thank You for all of your tips! I will definitely try to do better.
Great tips! Very practical. Thanks!
I really like seeing the styles and items you put together. Gives me ideas of clothes I have that I can add to or put together differently! Thanks!!
Love this post! I’m 73 and already follow these rules! I stick to Chico’s and Talbots, so I love your try ons from these places. I will definitely shop my own closet when I’m able to go up stairs again! Bill bought me a new Hyundai Palisade two weeks ago and it has that self driving feature. I don’t think I will use it! I haven’t driven since August 1 after my hip replacement and fractured femur. I just graduated from a wheelchair to a walker! I waved last weekend as we drove through Abington on our way to and from Maryland!
Goodness, Meta, you have had a rough time recovering. I’m glad that you’ve been able to graduate to a walker.
As always, you have given us gurls some good advice. Being on a limited income, I tend to shop sale racks and have made some good purchases and some awful ones! I’m learning from my mistakes, though.
A long as we learn from our mistakes, all is good!
Tania, Great tips for thinking for the long term of our wardrobe snd pocketbook. Thank you.
Very good advice. I have found some cheap items that last a long time. I have a lot of Walmart pieces still in good shape. I think it depends on the retailer. I have to work better on planning my wardrobe. Sometimes I feel I have nothing to wear.
Oh, yes, I can hear my sister cheering as you wrote to buy quality items and not cheap copies! I am always getting the cheap version. These tips are great, and I’m glad you wrote this blog. I needed to be reminded to mend my ways! haha
I was soooo bad for buying the cheaper versions, but I’ve noticed that I love and wear the more expensive versions. In the long run, I usually end up getting my monies worth more with the expensive items.
Thanks for these reminders, especially about sales. I have wasted money because it was “cheap” but only to wear it once or twice or it be something I already have. A bad purchase, whatever the cost, is a loss of both time and money.
I have made a few of these!
Thank you for the reminder. I’m just a few weeks away from retiring, and I need to rethink the clothing items I’ll need to buy in te future.
What excellent tips Tania! I had gotten in the bad habit of ordering something that one of the influencers shared with us without thinking about whether or not it fits my personality and lifestyle. I’ve pretty well gotten passed that now.
Probably have made most of these mistakes! Sale ( but poor fit & can’t return!), uncomfortable shoes ( that seemed ok when I fist tried them on!), cheap items that don’t held up….
Always more to learn! Thank you!
Every single one of these are such good reminders. Buying for the life I use to have and shopping my closet hit home for me. Thanks for these. Love the new car story!!
Every single one of these are such good reminders. Buying for the life I use to have and shopping my closet hit home for me. Thanks for these
I think shopping your closet is the best way to save money for sure. I know I have to stop myself and look to see if I already have an item before buying another one. I cleaned out my jeans a while ago and I found that I had up to five pairs of the same style. I was so upset with myself for wasting that money. I did find people to give some away too so that helped.
I needed this! Such good, timely, valuable, useful and helpful advice!! Thank you so much.
Great post! Always need to save when I can.
Wow great tips Tania!! I’m in the process of a closet clean out. I skipped the last two winters, ( snowbird😊). It’s been so nice discovering what I have😊
Also, I’m guilty of buying something I don’t need. Like finding items in my closet that still have the price tag on!
This is a post I need to print, for a constant reminder.😊
This post really got me to thinking about how long should you keep a outfit. Switching my summer clothes to winter i saw some outfits i wore to my Goddaughters 8th grade dance and she is now in the 10thgrade is it time to get rid of these
great tips for avoiding purchase mistakes.
This is a great post!!! Thank you, Tania!!! Happy Wednesday ❤️❤️❤️
I’m so sorry, Tania! I even told myself, “i not y”. 😏
This was a great post, Tanya- all good, relevant topics. Thanks for giving me something to think about! I especially liked topics 6, 8, and 10.
Julie
These tips are such great reminders for any age woman. At 67 I’m guilty of standing in the store and trying to remember what’s in my closet that will go with what I’m planning to buy! Oh, the memory issues!! I have gotten a lot better with not spending much time on the clearance racks since there are often good reasons why items end up there. My closet seems more full now than ever before. I do blame some of it on the fact that I live in PA and we get 4 changing seasons of weather. And the seasons have changed. For example our Fall was more like an extended late summer, and our past Winters have been mostly milder! Ughh..the challenges of looking good and being comfortable! LOL
Had to share a comment made by dear husband several years ago, when I brought home another great bargain, major markdown item. He said just buy the entire/whole outfit, you buy these bargains, then spend lots of money trying to find something that goes with it, just go ahead and buy the whole outfit, and then wear it. Can’t remember much of anything he says about other things, but I remember the, buy the whole outfit line, and now act on it. He also has come to regret that comment. lol
Lol! That last sentence made me crack up!
Sure we all make the mistakes! I am so guilty of these! Current;y have things in my online “bag” in a couple sites. Can’t decide to pull the plug, maybe I know they are mistakes!
Sure we all make the mistakes! I am so guilty of these! Current;y have things in my online “bag” in a couple sites. Can’t decide to pull the plug, maybe I know they are mistakes!
Guilty on all Accounts! However, most of the time I know what I need or want when I shop for clothes…..if I go shopping by myself!!!
My biggest mistakes I make are when I go clothes shopping with my Girlfriend or other Woman…..I know, A Girls shopping Day is fun. While I enjoy occasions like that, I nearly always end up buying things that I end up not wearing, because I let someone talk me into it. My taste and fit is very different from that of my Girlfriend. And yes, I resisted very much the Baby Blue Handbag she loved, but thought I “must have” it. Hahaha!
Very good article, great reminders to think before you purchase, and if it does not fit, work in your lifestyle, return the item. Have a blessed week!
Definitely guilty of a few of these! Thanks for the reminder! 🙂
All excellent tips! I’m afraid I am guilty of more than a few of these.
I completely agree with this post! Everything you said is right on target. One other thing that I do is turn my hangers backwards when I wear a outfit, then when I do my closet clean out the items that I have not worn I look at first. I say to myself, ” Why did I not wear this? Why should I keep this? Do I want to put this on and wear it today? If the answer is no then it’s donated. “
Great post with good tips thank you! I am guilty of not shopping my closet & buying things that look almost identical to what I already have. Funny car story. I live in the country & often drive in the middle of the road which my car hates. It flashes a coffee cup & says “driver rest needed” lol
Some very good, common sense ideas here! I’ve been guilty of buying sale pieces only to find out they weren’t worth the money even if it’s practically free lol. I try to keep to the basics now, making sure they are quality pieces.
This entire post for me was like sitting in church and having the “preacher step on your toes.” Every point you made hit me square in the face, especially shopping for the life I have now. I see so many things that I would have worn when I still taught, but don’t fit my lifestyle now.
Whoops, sorry for stepping on your toes.
Great post! I am so guilty of buying just because of the sale and then not wearing what I bought. Ugh
Great tips, Tania!
Love the blk leather pants outfit! Cute boots!
Yup, guilty as charged! Thanks for the reminders, Tania!
Great tips and advice, thanks!
Great tips. I’ve made all of these mistakes!
Thanks for the tips. I love the reminder about fit. I have purchased items in the past that needed altering but didn’t ever get to it!
Guilty, guilty, guilty! Thanks for the reminder.