With age comes perspective — and a few opinions that don’t always go along with current trends. Especially when it comes to impractical fashion choices, overhyped lifestyle trends, or the idea that everyone over an arbitrary age needs to “reinvent” themselves.
In the spirit of mild rebellion (and midlife clarity), I’ve gathered a few of my own unpopular opinions. They’re not meant to offend anyone; just the little observations that pop up after a few decades of watching trends come, go, and occasionally trip over themselves.
1. Shirts Tied Around the Waist Aren’t an Outfit
Coming off as casual and effortless is one thing, and then there’s “couldn’t decide what to do with this shirt.” It’s a look making a comeback on social media, but those of us who lived through the ’90s version know better. Unless you’re hiking and might actually need that flannel later, it’s more prop than purpose — and not a particularly useful one.
Don’t get me wrong: I’m not against creative layering. A sweater tossed over the shoulders “preppy-style” can look polished and intentional. But a shirt hanging limply around your hips? That’s not accessorizing; that’s carrying laundry.
2. Comfort Clothing Still Needs Context
Comfort is always welcome, but somewhere along the line, “comfortable” became shorthand for “anything goes.” There’s a fine line between relaxed and sloppy, and crossing it rarely feels as good as we tell ourselves it does.
Even in my Stronger Every Day post, where the outfit leaned more athleisure than is usual for me, the focus was on balance, not blur. It doesn’t take much effort to combine ease with intention; soft fabrics, forgiving cuts, and practical shoes can all look pulled together. Comfort and style aren’t rivals; they’re just better together when someone remembers to introduce them.
3. Not Everything Needs to Be “Extra”
Can we talk about the rise of impractical clothing details? When giant sleeves, floor-length fringe, and dresses require a sit-down strategy, fashion seems to have become a competition to see who can make moving the most difficult. Creative design is wonderful until it crosses into costume territory.
If a piece prevents you from sipping coffee, reaching for your keys, or visiting the restroom without a support team, it’s not style — it’s performance art. Simplicity can make a much louder statement.
4. Let’s Leave the Slippers at Home
There’s casual, and then there’s couch casual. Shoes that look and feel like slippers — fuzzy slides, Crocs, and yes, even those suede clogs everyone’s suddenly obsessed with — belong at home. I get the appeal; they’re cozy, soft, and easy to slip on and off. But somewhere along the way, it seems to have been decided that comfort automatically equates to cute and stylish. Not every pair deserves that promotion. And don’t even get me started on flip-flops!
As I mentioned in my Fall 2025 Footwear Review, I’m all for comfort, but function still matters. When footwear can’t handle a puddle, a hill, or a brisk walk across a parking lot, it’s probably not ready for public service. Cozy has its place, but if your shoes can’t go the distance, maybe they’re not meant to leave the couch.
5. You Don’t Have to Reinvent Yourself at Midlife
Reinvention gets all the headlines, but refinement deserves more credit. Who decided that turning fifty or sixty or even seventy meant you need to launch a new version of yourself, like a software update? The pressure to “start over” every time the calendar or a birthday turns is exhausting.
At this point in my life, evolution feels more natural than overhaul — polish what works, release what doesn’t, and appreciate how far you’ve already come. You don’t have to blow up your life to make it meaningful. Sometimes staying the course is the transformation.
Fashion Footnote
All of the pieces in my outfit were purchased secondhand, with the exception of the skirt. The jacket (Nine West) and the boots (Miz Mooz) are both part of my fall collection. The blouse, from the 2018 H&M x GP&J Baker collaboration, is one of my favorites. I paired it with my ‘wildcard’ black sequin skirt to the welcome party for a wedding we attended last weekend. The necklace was purchased from a vintage reseller at a neighborhood Art Walk this past summer, and I’m still trying to track down the brand.
Once upon a time, the phrase “don’t mix bold prints” was considered fashion wisdom. Thankfully, that unpopular opinion is no longer the default. As you can see, my look pairs two bold prints — leopard and floral — that supposedly shouldn’t mix, yet somehow, they play surprisingly well together. The combination works because it feels authentic to my aesthetic, and that, more than anything else, is what makes an outfit succeed.
Maybe my opinions are unpopular, or maybe they’re just what happens when you stop trying to please everyone and start dressing, living, and expressing yourself authentically. I don’t expect everyone to agree; that’s part of the fun. But if even one of these made you nod (or laugh), then I’ve done my job.
So, tell me — what are your unpopular opinions?
Stay well and let’s keep in touch! Subscribe, follow, friend, pin … all options are available. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
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Photo credit: MMPerez
Note: This is an unsponsored post; however, some or all of the links to clothing items are associated with an affiliate program, where I earn a small commission for each click at no additional cost to you.
Now, onto the Fine-Whatever link-up. The featured post from last week’s link-up, Burgundy and Grey Color Scheme for a Change in the Weather, was contributed by Di, who you’ll find over at I Wish I Was Back In Style. Her mix of textures and vintage-inspired accessories captures the charm of fall perfectly.
35 Comments
Love this and believe in it wholeheartedly: “…refinement deserves more credit.” While I understand why someone might feel like they’re reinventing themselves, I would wager the actual truth is they’ve finally found themselves and felt courageous enough to express who they are in ways that feel like reinvention. This, to me, is refinement.
Sherry, that’s such a thoughtful take and beautifully said. I couldn’t agree more about the difference between reinvention and finally feeling free to show who you’ve been all along. That confidence to live and express your truest self really is what refinement looks like.
The first one made me laugh! Love your outfit today!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Mireille, I’m so glad it gave you a laugh! Sometimes a little humor makes the point best. And thank you, this outfit was such a fun mix to put together.
I enjoyed knowing I am not the only one with opinions on the difference between style and lazy dressing.
You’re definitely not the only one! I think there’s a big difference between being relaxed and being lazy about how we present ourselves. So glad this post resonated with you.
Thank you so much for hosting this linkup opportunity. Have a blessed day!
I like your unpopular comments regarding fashion. I have a few of my own.
1) Thin leggings are not pants. I don’t care whether one is young or old. Leggings are for the gym. A couple of years ago I waited in line at customer service behind a mom and her teenage daughter. The daughter wore thin black leggings over her extremely generous (ala Kim Kardashian) behind. I could clearly see the floral print of her panties! Neither of my daughters would have been allowed in pubic looking like that. Leggings are fine under a dress or a tunic length top (though I hate the proportions tunic tops give). Our bottoms need more coverage than leggings give.
2) There is nothing wrong with wearing sheer hosiery with skirts and dresses when the weather is cool. I have become okay with leaving my pasty white legs uncovered in the summer. I refuse to do so when the weather cools off! It is just too darned cold. Not all of my skirts and dresses look good with colored tights. I have some flesh-toned tights (some are even fleece lined) that do not pretend to look like skin that I am okay with wearing in the cooler weather. In the early fall and late spring I do wear sheer skin-toned hosiery. I do not care that the fashion police say I should either go bare-legged or wear black tights.
3) Exposing one’s midriff is only cool at the beach and gym. It is not appropriate at work or school. I personally would not want to see anyone’s muffin top. I am all for body positivity, but there’s a time and place for showing certain things. On a related tangent, it reminds me of when I was nursing my daughters 4 decades ago. I did nurse my daughters in public, but never showed any skin on my torso. I knew how to breastfeed modestly. Once while at a local mall, I bought myself a drink and sat down in a remote corner of the food court – no one was near my table – and proceeded to modestly nurse my baby. A little while later, a 50ish woman sat down at a table directly across from me. she smiled at me when she noticed the baby in my arms. A few minutes later I looked in her direction to find her scowling at me! She had figured out that I was nursing and obviously thought I was doing something disgusting and lewd. I smiled at her and continued feeding my daughter. I felt that if the woman were disgusted by my behavior she should be the one to move – not I. A little more time passed. the woman did not get up and leave. but, lo and behold, her posture relaxed and she actually smiled at me. I believe to this day that she actually took a moment to rethink her reaction to my feeding of my daughter. I concluded that I was doing a public service by demonstrating that it is possible to nurse modestly.
Kathy, I couldn’t agree more on all three counts, especially the third. I would do the same when my kids were little and always made a point to nurse discreetly. Like you, I saw it as a small way to help normalize something completely natural while still being mindful of my surroundings. And yes to leggings that actually cover and hosiery that keeps you warm; comfort and common sense never go out of style!
The only time I have a shirt tied around my waist IS while I’m hiking! And I know it looks awful even then but usually mid-hike I no longer care about looks whatsoever. I had to laugh at your flip flop comment though because I can do nearly anything in a pair of flip flops… even hiking. I have a time or two much to the chagrin of the park rangers we encountered!
Ha! I love that. I’ve definitely reached the “mid-hike, no longer care” point myself. And I’ll give you credit for being able to hike in flip-flops, that’s impressive (and brave!). I can barely make it across a parking lot in them after a pedicure without regretting it. 😂
Love your shirt Rena
Thank you for the party, and that I can share my links here as well
My entries this week #7+8+9
Please join SSPS & HIH https://esmesalon.com/tag/seniorsalonpitstop/
Thank you! I’m glad you liked it, and I really appreciate you joining the link-up each week.
Hello. Firstly, I love the skirt! Did you say where it was from and I missed it?
I love clothes and get most of mine from Thredup with a few new things sprinkled in; I enjoy seeing other people’s outfits; you can always tell when they’ve had fun putting them together.
It’s old fashioned of me but “sloppy” looks don’t appeal to me and I look terrible in them. Casual can be elegant however and although I look terrible in sports clothing, my husband always
looks preppy and cool in his somehow; probably because unlike me he is tall and American instead of short and English. 🤣👍💗
Thank you! I found the skirt at Kohl’s last year, and it’s turned out to be such a versatile piece. I completely agree that casual can absolutely be elegant when it’s intentional. And your comment about your husband made me laugh; it’s funny how certain styles just fit some people effortlessly!
I agree with you. I wear comfort clothing to swim meets and at home mostly. I see high schoolers wear actual slippers to school. It blows my mind!
Right? I’ve seen that too, and it always stops me in my tracks! There’s a time and place for comfort, but slippers in public just feel a step too far.
I would add leggings to the unpopular opinions. But, I’m the opposite of saying we shouldn’t wear them anymore. I love my leggings and find they work so well under the flowy kimonos I now choose to wear. I also don’t like skinny jeans which is weird as I love legging so much. But, I don’t like tight denim of any kind, and that’s what those always felt like. I remember the flannel shirt around the hips in the 90s, but my hips never need any more attention called to them! I think you’re right about them being performative.
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Marsha, I completely get how leggings can absolutely work when styled with intention, especially under flowy layers like kimonos. It’s all about balance and proportion, and you clearly have that figured out.
This is spot-on!! Yes to all of them. I’m going to add another which is that cropped trousers/jeans must be worn with socks – particularly in autumn and winter.
Yes! I’m with you on that one — bare ankles in cold weather just make me shiver. Cropped pants can look great, but a good pair of socks can add another layer of style while adding some practicality to the outfit.
I stopped taking any notice of what other people are wearing on social media so I hadn’t realised shirts round the waist was a ‘thing’ now lol! The only time I do that is during a hot flush!
Love these! And I just noticed Gail’s comment about the socks and yes to that! lol!!
Hugs
Suzy xx
Haha, a hot flush is definitely a valid exception! 😄 And yes, apparently the shirt-around-the-waist look is making a comeback, though I think most of us are fine leaving that one in the past. I’m with you (and Gail) on the socks, too!
I actually agree with all of these! Slippers are home shoes. They should not be worn out.
Jennifer
https://curatedbyjennifer.com
I love hearing that! 😊 Slipper should absolutley be left at home. It’s funny how some trends blur that line, but I’ll always be team “real shoes for real life.”
I couldn’t agree more with number 4, lets leave the slippers at home. It screams low effort! Although, it seems comfortable but not appealing to the eyes outside the house.
Exactly! Comfort is great, but there’s a fine line between effortless and no effort at all.
Rena,
Thanks so much for stopping by and for your sweet comment on my Halloween decorating…Decorating my home is my passion and it keeps me busy and from getting bored…Is that acceptable for your party here??? I love this outfit on you!! You look great…Last year, after losing my husband to pancreatic cancer in just 5 weeks, i did sort of have to reinvent myself as my life changed so drastically…I am still refining what I want the rest of my life to look like without him….I did buy a bunch of new clothes because after losing almost 40 pounds, I was finally able to fit back into clothes I did not wear for a long time but that was the problem…They were outdated…Plus, I wore scrubs to work as I was an RN working in direct patient care. Now that I am retired, I wanted to build my retirement wardrobe of casual , comfortable pieces….I agree with you that life is a transformation at different levels…
Hugs,
Deb
Debbie-Dabble Blog
Deb, I’m so sorry for your loss. That must have been such a difficult time, and I truly admire the strength it takes to rebuild after such a life change. What you said about refining what life looks like now really resonates. It sounds like you’ve embraced this new chapter with grace and purpose, and it’s wonderful that decorating and creating brings you joy. And yes, your posts are absolutely welcome in the Fine-Whatever link-up as well.
Rena, you sum up your unpopular opinions well, I would agree with all of them! I am so amused at what some people wear out of doors. It amazes me to see the high school kids get off the school bus in the wildest array of clothing that look like pj’s, and slippers, as well as shorts and flip flops in the winter. Thanks so much for featuring my photo last week, and for hosting the link up. Hope you enjoy your week!
Di, thank you so much! I know exactly what you mean, some of the outfits I see out and about leave me both amused and bewildered. It’s like the dress standards have completely disappeared! I’m so glad you enjoyed the feature, and I always appreciate you joining the link-up each week. Hope you have a wonderful week as well!
Oh, leggings are no trousers! That’s one of mine. I think any other print works good with the floral print! Love that skirt!
Nancy, I’m right there with you — leggings definitely aren’t trousers! 😄 And thank you! I’m so glad you like the skirt. It’s one of those pieces that seems to work with just about everything, even a bold mix of prints.
My unpopular opinion: sweater tossed over the shoulders “preppy-style”. I am sorry, I just hate that look – I associate it with pretentious people.
I do agree with you in that there is a fine line between comfort and sloppy. I am trying to smarten up a bit now, as I let myself go when I retired.
I get it and that’s totally fair! Certain looks definitely carry old associations that are hard to shake. I think the key is making any style feel genuine to you, not like a costume. And I love your mindset about smartening up a bit, it’s never about perfection, just feeling good in what you wear.