Five trends to avoid if you’re over 40, according to The Chic List fashion column

A fashion column in You Magazine is advising readers over 40 to steer clear of five specific trends, arguing that age should not dictate style but that certain cuts and fits can grow less flattering with time. The piece, by Joanne Hegarty, reflects on how personal style can remain joyful while adapting silhouettes to suit changing bodies and comfort levels. It is part of The Chic List, a column that often links practical styling guidance with notes on what appears on the fashion radar.

According to the column, the five trends to avoid are knee-length Capri pants, hit-the-knee skirts, short fitted sleeves, overly tight jeans, and trainers worn with dresses. The author notes that knee-skimmed Capri styles, though popular with younger shoppers and influencers, tend to compress movement and can create a disproportionate line on more mature frames. For those who want a leg-lengthening effect, she recommends Capri alternatives that stop above the ankle and pair them with a structured top, such as a blazer or leather jacket, to preserve a polished silhouette. The column also flags skirts that hit at the knee as a less flattering length for many readers over 40, suggesting instead midi pencil skirts or shorter minis worn with opaque tights and knee-high boots to preserve proportion and ease of movement. Short fitted sleeves are described as unflattering on the upper arms, with a preference for sleeveless or full-length sleeves to maintain balance.

The piece further cautions against tight jeans, recalling memories of skin-tight Levi’s 501 adverts and acknowledging that many readers now favor denim with more room to wriggle. Finally, the author warns against pairing trainers with dresses, noting that such ensembles can appear too casual or youthful for mature silhouettes. The column offers practical alternatives, including swapping in cropped or relaxed denim, choosing pointed flats or heels, and selecting chic sandals when wearing dresses to preserve sophistication and comfort. The focus remains on preserving personal joy in dressing while embracing cuts that suit the body’s evolution.

In addition to listing trends and alternatives, the feature weaves in styling cues that readers might recognize from other parts of the fashion world. For example, a burgundy Cefinn cape layered over a light rollneck and a leather pencil skirt is highlighted as a sleek autumn/winter look, illustrating how well-chosen outerwear can harmonize with a streamlined silhouette. Snake-print kitten heels by Aeyde are cited as a fashionable way to elevate new-season outfits without sacrificing comfort or polish. These details reflect the column’s emphasis on cohesive, age-aware styling rather than simply abandoning trends.

The discussion of age-appropriate fashion is complemented by contemporary celebrity moments that underscore the broader conversation about age, identity, and style. At the Venice Film Festival, actress Ayo Edebiri, star of The Bear, drew attention for her balloon-trousers look by Chanel as she premiered her new film After The Hunt. The ensemble demonstrated how designers and stylists continue to experiment with proportion and tailoring in ways that can be accessible to a range of ages, with simple strappy heels grounding the look.

The Chic List’s guidance is framed as a resource for readers who want to enjoy fashion without compromising comfort or confidence. While the column acknowledges that trends shift and that fashion should be a source of joy, it also emphasizes the value of thoughtful fit and proportion. The updates, published in late September 2025, reflect an ongoing trend in fashion media that celebrates personal style across generations rather than prescribing a single, youth-centric standard. By balancing trend awareness with practical adjustments, the piece invites readers to curate wardrobes that feel both current and true to their evolving bodies.

Overall, the column reinforces a key message for style-minded readers: age can broaden the possibilities of how to wear a trend, not constrain them. With the right tailoring, fabric choices, and footwear, outfits can remain both on-trend and flattering. The featured brands and items cited in the column serve as examples of how high-street and luxury options can be combined to create wardrobe foundations that endure beyond a single season. The article thus contributes to a broader cultural conversation about fashion as a lifelong form of self-expression, comfort, and joy.