Top 7 Fall Fashion Mistakes That Make You Look Frumpy (and How to Fix Them)

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Fall fashion should feel cozy, chic, and effortless. But sometimes, the wrong style choices can unintentionally make us look older, dated, or even invisible. The good news? With a few simple tweaks, you can go from frumpy to fabulous this season.

Here are the top seven fall fashion mistakes midlife women make—and how to fix them with confidence and style.


Mistake #7: Not Updating Your Skincare Routine

The Problem: As the weather cools, skin naturally dries out. Many women stick to the same lightweight products year-round, leaving skin looking dull and tired.

The Fix: Switch to a richer moisturizer during fall and winter. Hydrated, glowing skin is the best accessory—it makes every outfit look better. Think of your skincare routine as the foundation of your entire style. My favorite is this Ole Henrikson Banana Bright Instant Glow Moisturizer and Eye Cream that give my skin the glow that you ladies always comment on. (I purchased these with my own money – no gifting!)

Another gifted product I am loving right now is the Ole Henriksen Peach Plumping Trio. I’ve always been a fan of the Pout Preserve Lip Treatment as a way of getting that “freshly injected lip” look…without the pain and expense of lip injections. (Thank you to Ole Henriksen for sending me a new color in Peach Glaze.) But I’m REALLY loving the combination of the Peach Glaze Glow Niacinamide Serum and the Peach Glaze Glow Mist:

  • Peach Glaze Glow Niacinamide Serum is a PLUMPING serum: it instantly brightens and plumps skin with antioxidant-rich hydration for a glowy skin.
  • Peach Glaze Glow Mist is something I keep in my tote bag to mist my skin and add hydration throughout the day. It is a refreshing ultra-fine facial mist powered by peach ferment, peach juice, and vitamin C for instant brightening and plumping hydration.
A packaging box featuring Ole Henriksen skincare products, including a cleanser and moisturizers, with bright orange colors and sunburst design.
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Glow Moisturizer Set
A box of Ole Henriksen Peach Glaze skincare products including a serum, glow mist, and lip treatment, presented in a visually appealing arrangement.
Ole Henriksen Peach Glaze Plumpng Trio

Mistake #6: Outdated Prints and Florals

The Problem: Old-school plaids or busy autumn florals can instantly date your outfit.

The Fix: Opt for modern neutrals and subtle patterns instead. Camel, cream, burgundy, and monochrome looks always feel fresh. If you love prints, make one sleek statement piece the star of your outfit instead of going head-to-toe.

A woman stands in front of a white background, wearing an orange corduroy blazer over a matching top, paired with blue jeans and brown slip-on shoes. She holds a brown suede handbag and has long, light-colored hair.
Rust Blazer + Shell Sweater + Slim Dark Wash Jeans + Rubber Sole Loafers COMFY! + Suede Hobo Bag + Coin Necklace
A woman with long blonde hair, wearing a burgundy cardigan over a white top, blue jeans, and leopard print flats, stands confidently against a plain white background.
Burgundy Cardigan + Tee + Dark Wash Slim Jeans + Leopard Ballet Flats

Mistake #5: Wearing Outdated Denim

The Problem: Denim is timeless, but certain cuts—like baggy, low-rise, or heavily embellished styles—shout another decade. Bootcut jeans, if not styled carefully, can lean “matronly.”

The Fix: Update your denim with modern cuts: straight leg, slim, or wide-leg. Choose dark washes or clean finishes for an instantly polished look that elevates even casual outfits.

A woman standing against a white wall, wearing a brown sweater, blue jeans, and black flats, holding a large black tote bag.
Brown Crewneck Sweater + Slim Dark Wash Jeans + Croc Tote + Ballet Flats (More Sizes Here) + Coin Necklace
A woman stands against a white background, wearing a stylish beige cardigan with a wavy design and blue wide-leg jeans. She holds a black handbag and has long, blonde hair.
Short Sleeve Cardigan + Wide Leg Jeans + Structured Handbag + Vintage Boots + Coin Necklace

Mistake #4: Too Many Bright Colors

The Problem: Some stores push bold brights and loud color combos for midlife women. While cheerful, too many brights can cheapen your look and clash with fall’s natural beauty.

The Fix: Let Mother Nature inspire you. Autumn offers the best color palette—rust, burgundy, taupe, navy, and earthy neutrals. If you crave brightness, add it through accessories like a scarf, bag, or statement shoes.

Person posing in a stylish, dark maxi dress with short sleeves, holding a brown bag and wearing animal print flats, set against a white background.
Brown Midi Dress + Long Pendant Necklace + Suede Handbag + Leopard Ballet Flats + Bangle Bracelet
A woman stands against a white background, wearing a burgundy top with a peplum design, blue jeans, and leopard print flats, accessorized with bracelets and earrings.
Burgundy Tie Top + Slim Dark Wash Jeans + Leopard Ballet Flats + Bangle Bracelet

Mistake #3: Over-Accessorizing

The Problem: Too many accessories can overwhelm your outfit and tip it into chaotic territory (think “Mrs. Roper” vibes).

The Fix: Coco Chanel’s advice still holds: “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one accessory off.”Keep accessories intentional and minimal for a refined, elegant finish.

A woman with long blonde hair wearing a navy sweater and light blue jeans holds a brown bag while standing against a white wall.
Crewneck Tee + Straight Leg Jeans + Rubber Sole Loafters + Suede Handbag + Coin Necklace

Mistake #2: Choosing the Wrong Cardigan

The Problem: Cardigans are cozy, but the wrong one—long, shapeless, or droopy—can age your look.

The Fix: Go for structure. Choose cardigans with clean lines, quality fabrics, and flattering cuts. A belted cardigan or one with a defined shape adds polish. If you love longer cardigans, pair them with slim pants or tailored jeans to keep your outfit chic instead of frumpy.

A woman stands in front of a white background wearing a beige cardigan, white top, and dark gray jeans, holding a light beige handbag.
Cardigan + Tee + Straight Leg Jeans + Fan Handbag + Loafers
A woman stands against a white wall, wearing a beige striped cardigan, black pants, and holding a black handbag.
Striped Cardigan + Black Slim Jeans + Loafers + Structured Handbag

Mistake #1: Wearing “Old Lady” Shoes

The Problem: Outdated, clunky shoes can drag your outfit down—no matter how well-dressed you are otherwise.

The Fix: Trade them in for sleek ankle boots, loafers, or chic sneakers. A pointed toe works wonders by elongating the leg and instantly modernizing your look.


Final Thoughts

Style in midlife isn’t about chasing every trend. It’s about making smart choices that highlight you. By avoiding these common mistakes and embracing these easy fixes, you’ll feel confident, polished, and unforgettable this fall.

✨ Want more style secrets? Join my Midlife It Girl Status membership, where I share exclusive fashion formulas and closet rescue tips you won’t find anywhere else!



I am 5’0 with a 26” inseam and generally wear size 2P. All items fit TTS (true to size) unless otherwise stated.

  • Valarie


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2 thoughts on “Top 7 Fall Fashion Mistakes That Make You Look Frumpy (and How to Fix Them)

  1. Could you send the link to the ballet shoes with strap ! It’s in the shoe part of the video. The shoes look black , but were referred to as leopard print.

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