Ideally, fashion should be fun and express who you are – but after a certain age, the game of clothing often has more rules. Anyone who wears trends as a Millennial or Gen-X person are popular with younger peopleoften hears sentences like: “That doesn’t suit your age” or “Don’t try so hard to stay young». But does your style have to change the older you get?
How do you feel about older people dressing youthfully?
“Society probably expects this of us, but theoretically it’s nonsense,” says fashion consultant Sharon Jost to 20 Minutes. Women are more often affected by this view. From a certain age onwards one of them will become one certain clothing style expected. However, the fashion expert takes the stance that every person can and should wear whatever they want. «No matter what age. If you want to express yourself with certain trends and you feel comfortable in them, you should definitely wear them.”
Jost warns: “You just have to be aware that certain items of clothing are associated with youthfulness.” That shouldn’t stop anyone from wearing them – but it can be exciting to be aware of the effect an outfit creates. At the same time, Jost emphasizes that fashion should bring joy. “If you like it and it suits you, then you can wear it. Gen Z trend or not.” You shouldn’t let society unsettle you. And appearing young is not a bad thing per se.
“Everyone has the freedom to dress the way they want”
Samira (20) from Zurich also sees it that way. “Others certainly have an opinion about it. “But everyone is free to dress the way they want,” she is convinced. Samira herself celebrates a cool and colorful clothing style in her old age. “But you probably adapt automatically because the environment does too.” People have the urge to fit in and not stand out from a group. She still hopes that she will always remain true to herself and not change too much in the future.
Women abroad are braver than Swiss women
Isabella (72), who is enjoying the sun on Europaallee and wearing a bright green summer dress, also believes that you should always remain yourself. “As you get older, your figure changes a little, that’s completely normal. That’s why some people adapt automatically. Not everyone feels comfortable in every cut as they get older, such as a miniskirt.”
In general, Isabella thinks that women abroad are braver than Swiss women: “In many countries they simply do better with fashion and have more courage.”
The Frenchwoman Nathalie (42) is currently in the phase in which you often ask yourself whether you have to adapt or not: “I’ve realized that there are a few things that I could wear, but that I no longer feel comfortable with,” she says. For example, short crop tops or tight leggings.
She has adapted her wardrobe so that she now focuses more on timeless and high-quality items. “Ultimately, the most important thing is that you don’t just follow any trends, but rather find your own style,” says Nathalie.
Nino (33) also feels that his clothing style has changed in recent years. “I attach less importance to my style today than I did a few years ago,” says the Zurich native. Comfort has become more important to him than the effect of a piece of clothing.
Joaquin (17) from Bern, who is traveling with Nino, emphasizes that what counts most when it comes to getting dressed is how comfortable you feel. “I think it’s cool when someone older wears Gen Z style.”
“As long as you feel young, you can dress like that.”
Kim (21) finds it “appealing” when older people dress youthfully. “We boys notice that straight away. For example, if a senior has long hair or wears eye-catching jewelry or a senior wears Nike TN sneakers,” says the Zurich resident. She hopes to still wear what she likes even at 65. “I don’t want to let society tell me what I can and can’t do.”
Alina (22) sees it similarly. She thinks it’s “super cool” when older people keep up with the times and are interested in current trends. “As long as they feel comfortable, they should wear what they like.” If older people try out fashion or wear new trends, support them.
Balance instead of disguise
Whether or not you change your style as you get older is ultimately up to each person. Stylist Sharon Jost notes: “Basically, you often turn away from looks that you wore as a teenager or child.”
If you still want youthful trends as you get older, you should focus on balance. “Taking something trendy and youthful and combining it with something classic creates an age-appropriate and balanced look,” advises Jost. For example, you could wear a pink crop top with ruffles with black, elegant trousers.
What is your opinion on the topic? Has your personal clothing style evolved over the years?
Vanessa Büchel (vab) has been working for 20 minutes since 2025. She is a fashion editor in the lifestyle department and writes about trends and styling tips.
