The eight signs your wardrobe needs a generation-trap makeover and the biggest faux pas making you look old

BABY boomers, Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z – everyone falls into a generational category.

Apart from the obvious signs of ageing, it can be easier than you think to decipher which generation you belong to.

According to Stylist Sandy Schofield, each generation makes a number of different mistakes when it comes to fashion.

Think outdated patterns, ill-fitting clothing and micro trends that aren’t sustainable.

Here, Deputy Fashion Editor Abby McHale takes a look at the mistakes Sandy says each generation is making – and how best to rectify them.

Boomers

Aged between 59 and 77, Sandy says Boomers often struggle with oversized or ill-fitting clothing that hides their shape.

Often opting for clothing that is baggy, especially on the top half, may be comfortable but isn’t always the most flattering.

Instead, Boomers should look towards more fitted pieces in soft fabrics to retain the comfort factor.

For example, wide-leg trousers with an elasticated waist mean they’re still stretchy but skim over your hips and balance out proportions.

On your top half opt for cotton fabrics with more structure.

Sandy also notes that the eyewear boomers choose to wear can often be outdated.

This is an easy fix by opting for new frames that are more current.

Popular styles are currently a classy cat-eye or a Wayfarer.

Gen X

A generation that has really lived through every trend, now aged between 45-58, Gen X have championed all kinds of styles in the past and should know what looks best.

After enduring 80s power dressing, Sandy says that sometimes they can be stuck in the past.

Update tailoring by investing in more timeless shapes such as double-breasted blazers, smart tailored trousers, loafers and crisp shirts for pieces that will stay in your wardrobe for years to come.

Another flaw is coordination and these days, not everything has to match so perfectly

Black and brown can mix, your shoes don’t always have to match your bag and sometimes less is more when it comes to jewellery.

Millennials

Sandy says Millennials, aged 29-44, are often too stuck in the past to keep up with current trends.

Skinny jeans, for example, were popular with young Millennials' but this denim trend has long gone – as much as people try to bring them back.

Some Millennials have hung onto the shape, making their whole look outdated.

These days opting for newer styles, such as wide leg and barrel, can modernise your look.

Or if you insist on wearing skinny jeans still, update the rest of your look with the likes of on-trend ballet flats and a barn jacket.

Dressing as your younger self is also a Millennial faux pas, whilst floral midi dresses and white chunky trainers were bang on trend in 2019, that time has passed.

This doesn’t mean to say you have to invest in a whole new wardrobe, making small changes in styling will do the trick.

Gen Z

The generation that seems to cause the most controversy, Gen Z aged between 13 and 28, are the ones that seem to be setting the trends these days.

However, as trendy as they may be, Sandy says they rely too heavily on fast fashion, buying into micro trends that will only last a few months, sometimes even weeks, before they move on again.

Gen Z also likes to bring back trends that were considered fashion faux pas by other generations when worn the first time around

Sandy Schofield

Sandy suggests instead that they opt for trends known to stand the test of time as well as looking towards brands that are known for sustainability and conscious clothing rather than fast fashion.

Gen Z also likes to bring back trends that were considered fashion faux pas by other generations when worn the first time around.

By taking note of what has gone before, what works and what doesn’t, Gen Z can learn what pieces to invest in when it comes to fashion.

Hottest fashion trends of 2025

Fabulous' Fashion Editor Clemmie Fieldsend shares the biggest trends from the high street.

The East/West Bag

Baguette bags have had a good run, after returning from the 1990s' shoulders of Sarah Jessica Parker to modern-day fashion icons, like Hailey Bieber.

In 2025, the East/West bag is a similar but elongated shape and has long, thin straps that are easy to throw over your shoulder.

They’ve been on runway models' arms at nearly ever designer show – think Burberry, Givenchy and Bottega Veneta – and are hitting the high street now, too.

Powder pink

Bright fuchsia pink had its day after the release of Barbie in 2023 and now the more polished and expensive-looking pale shade is taking over for 2025.

Pantone may say that it's the year of Mocha Mousse, but the catwalks say otherwise! From Prada to Erdem, the subtle look was all over the spring/summer catwalks, worn head-to-toe or on its own.

If the sugary shade is too girly for you, then look to sharp suiting for a androgynous take on the colour.

The shell jacket

The '80s classic is back, but with a sleek and minimal new twist for 2025.

We all know we're likely to see rain for most of spring, so your practical coat of choice should be a cagoule jacket.

Depop revealed one of its big trend predictions for this year is retro sportswear, with surges already seen in ‘80s windbreakers’.

Seen everywhere from the stylish streets of Copenhagen to the Miu Miu catwalk, now mums who have an emergency raincoat crumpled underneath their pushchair are very much in fashion!

The turn-up jeans

While the shape of jeans remains the same for this year and barrel-legs will still be everywhere, the way we’re styling them is different.

This season, transform your wide-leg, baggy denims into turn-ups.

For this look, size doesn’t matter, so while deep turn-ups are a hit from jean trend-leaders Citizens of Humanity, a slight fold is still just as good – but only as it's just one single fold.

Peep-toe shoe

Get your pedicures booked in sharpish, as this season your toes are the main event.

After a long hiatus, the peep-toe has been welcomed back into the fashion fold, with brands like Hermes, Miu Miu and Tory Burch showing plain and embellished footwear in this style.

From mules to pumps and clogs (yes, clogs will be around too!), there are lots of different styles that are set to sweep the high street.

Sheer blouses

See-through looks have always lived on the catwalk, but have rarely filtered into everyday life – until now.

Designers Ralph Lauren and Tom Ford loved sheer looks on their S/S '25 catwalks and M&S even had sellout success with its black sheer pencil skirt last season.

Expect to see more sheer looks lining supermarket aisles and high street shops in the form of skirts, tops and frocks.