14 Spring Style Mistakes To Avoid If You’re Over 40

Spring is nature’s cue for a fresh start—but my wardrobe doesn’t always get the memo. One minute I’m in sweaters, the next I’m sweating in sandals. And figuring out what still works after 40? Let’s just say it’s a journey.

I’ve made enough spring style mistakes to fill a highlight reel—so here’s a little guide, friend to friend, on what to skip this season.

Trust me, your closet will thank you.

1. Wearing Too Many Pastels

Pastels and spring go together like brunch and mimosas—but let me tell you, head-to-toe baby pink isn’t always the look. I once wore a full pastel suit to Easter brunch and, no exaggeration, I looked like a walking marshmallow. A stylish one? Maybe. But still… marshmallow.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not anti-pastel. They deserve their moment in the sun. But unless your goal is to resemble a macaron tower, balance is key.

Try pairing that pale blush blouse with something moodier—navy trousers, a charcoal blazer, even a rich brown bag. Pastels should whisper “spring,” not shout “sugar rush.”

2. Overly Trendy Pieces

I get it—trends are tempting. They wink at you from shop windows, whispering, “You can pull this off.” And sometimes you can! But after a certain age (ahem, 40+), not every runway craze translates into real life.

I once wore a neon jumpsuit that screamed Coachella when I was headed to a dinner party. Let’s just say… I was the appetizer.

Now, I pick my trends like I pick my dessert—one at a time and only if it fits my taste.

3. Ignoring Proper Fit

Here’s the thing no one tells you in your 20s: tailoring is magic. A great fit can make a $30 dress look like it walked out of a designer boutique, while the wrong fit—even in silk—can leave you feeling like you borrowed someone else’s clothes.

I once went to a gala in a gown that was two sizes too big. I spent more time adjusting it than enjoying the event. Lesson learned.

These days, I’ve made peace with my tailor. We’re basically on a first-name basis now. Because fit isn’t just about flattery—it’s about feeling put together without trying too hard.

4. Clinging to Youthful Patterns

Listen, I love a good pattern. But there’s a fine line between playful and “I just raided a tween’s closet.” I wore a daisy-covered dress once that looked adorable on the hanger—and borderline cartoonish once I stepped outside.

Now? I go for prints that have a little more grown-up energy. Think soft florals, classic stripes, or abstract patterns in muted tones.

You can still have fun with your clothes, but let’s leave the unicorns and candy hearts to the 12-year-olds.

5. Ignoring Layering

Spring dressing without layering is like going on a road trip without snacks—risky and likely to end in regret. I’ve made the mistake of leaving the house in a breezy dress on a deceptively sunny morning, only to be shivering by lunchtime.

A lightweight trench, a knit cardigan, a scarf that doubles as a mini blanket—these are the unsung heroes of spring style. They’re not just practical; they make your outfit look intentional.

Now, I never leave home without some sort of “just in case” layer tucked into my bag. Trust me, it’s the difference between surviving spring and thriving in it.

6. Neglecting Accessories

Accessories are like seasoning. A little can elevate the whole dish—too little and everything feels bland. I once wore a lovely (but plain) dress to a spring garden party and left my favorite scarf at home. Big mistake. The outfit looked like it was still waiting to be invited.

These days, I’ve learned that a belt, a bracelet, or even a bold pair of earrings can do wonders. Accessories don’t have to be loud—they just need to say, “I thought this through.”

And bonus: they’re the easiest way to refresh your wardrobe without buying a whole new one.

7. Sticking to One Fabric

Diversity isn’t just for the workplace—your wardrobe can benefit from it too! Sticking to one fabric, like all denim, can make your ensemble appear monotonous.

Mixing fabrics can add depth and dimension to your look. Pairing linen with silk or denim with lace can bring a refreshing contrast to your outfit. It’s all about creating texture and visual interest.

I recall wearing an all-denim outfit to a spring barbecue, feeling more like a denim billboard than a fashionista. Now, I embrace the tactile joy of mixing fabrics for a more dynamic ensemble.

8. Overaccessorizing

Look, I love jewelry. But there’s a difference between finishing an outfit and starting a one-woman symphony every time you walk. I once wore all my favorite pieces to a cocktail party and sounded like I’d been decorated by wind chimes.

Now, I pick one or two pieces and let them do the talking. A standout necklace or a pair of sculptural earrings is often all you need.

The goal is to shine—not blind.

9. Ignoring Seasonal Colors

Spring is nature’s way of yelling “color!” after months of grey and black. But I didn’t always listen. I once showed up at a spring picnic dressed like it was late November—rust, plum, and enough brown to blend in with the mulch.

Now, I lean into the seasonal shades. You don’t have to go full Easter egg, but a soft lavender blouse or coral flats can go a long way. It’s like matching your mood to the weather—and honestly, it just feels good.

10. Wearing Outdated Shoes

Shoes can make or break an outfit, and outdated shoes can anchor your style in the past. Spring offers the perfect opportunity to step into something new, literally.

Look for shoes that embody both comfort and modernity. A stylish sandal or sleek sneaker can elevate your ensemble without sacrificing comfort.

I remember clinging to my beloved platform shoes, only to realize they were more attic relics than fashion statements. Today, I embrace footwear that complements my current style and the season.

11. Overlooking Comfort

I used to think “fashion over comfort” was some sort of noble sacrifice. Spoiler: It’s not. It’s just a fast pass to spending the entire day adjusting, fidgeting, or silently plotting your escape back into pajamas.

One spring lunch, I wore this stunning but slightly too snug dress. It looked great… for about 15 minutes. The rest of the time?

I was doing the seated wiggle-and-shift like I was trying to tune a radio station with my hips. Never again. These days, I look for soft fabrics and easy cuts that still feel pulled together.

Because what’s the point of looking great if you’re counting down the minutes till you can change?

12. Forgetting Sun Protection

Spring sun is a trickster. It seems gentle—like, “Oh, I’m just here to warm your cheeks“—and next thing you know, you’re lobster red with a hat-shaped tan line.

I once spent the afternoon at an outdoor café, hatless, SPF-less, and way too smug about how “mild” the weather felt. Big mistake. Now, I treat sun protection like lipstick—I don’t leave the house without it.

A cute hat, oversized sunnies, and a dab of SPF can save your skin and still let you enjoy the sunshine without regret.

13. Opting for Baggy Clothes

Oversized doesn’t always equal effortless. Sure, it feels comfy, but sometimes those roomy outfits swallow you whole. I once showed up to brunch in what I can only describe as a stylish potato sack—and not in an “it-girl” kind of way.

The trick? Find that Goldilocks zone: not too tight, not too loose. Tailored pieces that skim rather than cling make you look put together without looking like you tried too hard.

A little structure goes a long way when it comes to showing off your shape—not hiding it under 12 yards of linen.

14. Ignoring Personal Style

Personal style is your fashion fingerprint, unique to you. Ignoring it in favor of fleeting trends can leave you feeling lost in the crowd.

Embrace what resonates with you, weaving trends that enhance rather than overshadow your individuality. Fashion should reflect who you are, not disguise it.

I once adopted a highly trendy look that clashed with my personal style, feeling like a stranger in my clothes. Now, I choose pieces that express my true self while welcoming the season’s new offerings.