Sloppy Dressing Habits That Baby Boomers Can’t Stand

Burtland Dixon | November 12, 2024 2:30 pm

"Those who want things always to stay the same are not living in the real world," Anna Wintour famously said. Many millennials would argue that's one of the issues with the older generation; fresh and new isn't one of their strong points. When it comes to fashion, things always change. That's why there are "trendsetters" and fashion shows to showcase all the innovative emerging styles. One thing the two generations can agree on is that they don't see eye to eye when it comes to personal style. As you read on, you'll learn all the things baby boomers dislike about the younger generation's customs.

No Lint Or Animal Fur On Your Clothes!

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Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

People have a tendency to notice details about your appearance. That means that a single strand of lint has the power to stand out to anyone, especially if it's not the color of your garment.

All a baby boomer wants is for you to use a lint roller! However, not everyone thinks to carry one around or even considers purchasing them anymore. This is a battle the baby boomers might lose.

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Fabrics That Are See-Through

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Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
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Clothing is something that helped humans evolve from the Stone Age. The further along we came, the more protective our clothes got. So what's the point of putting something on if you're going to be able to see right through it?

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That's one perspective someone might carry when it comes to disliking see-through clothes, but there are many more as well. Here's a tip for people who like to wear sheer clothing: layers are your friend.

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What's Wrong With A Little Ironing?

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Fairfax Media via Getty Images/Fairfax Media via Getty Images via Getty Images
Fairfax Media via Getty Images/Fairfax Media via Getty Images via Getty Images
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Okay, you might be a little busy with the side-business you run, your corporate job, and tending to your dog, but do you have to leave the house without ironing your shirt? What's so hard about quickly straightening out your wrinkles?

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Hey, you can even throw your top in the dryer for a brief time to give it a crisper look. A baby boomer will not appreciate a lack of effort on your end, so acting as you care might not hurt.

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Rips And Tears Aren't Cool To Baby Boomers

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Pierre Suu/GC Images
Pierre Suu/GC Images
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Over the past few years, clothing with rips and other flaws in them is a look that many enjoy. Well, the baby boomers don't like it that much. It's not their style.

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Sometimes, it isn't your fault that your favorite pair of jeans begin to get tattered after wearing them often. That's just how it goes. But are you really going to explain to every baby boomer you come across that those are your favorite pair of pants?

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Seriously, A Massive Bag?

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Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images
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We'll start by saying there's nothing wrong with carrying around a purse, satchel, clutch, or whatever else it is you like to keep your belongings in when you're on the go. The thing that baby boomers dislike are the oversized bags.

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Walking around like you're about to check-in a suitcase at the airport isn't for everyone. While it might be trendy, it doesn't sit well with the older generation and it can throw off the rest of your outfit.

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Hair Tie Bracelets

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stocksnap/Christian Mackie
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We're sorry, are you a teenager? If you are, then this doesn't apply to you. Donning the hair-tie-as-bracelet style isn't something to be proud of. For one, you have a bag and if not that, then you might have a pocket.

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If you don't have either of those, consider tying your hair up and leaving it that way until you're finished with your day. Keeping a few in your car is a viable option as well.

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Do You Not Clean Your Shoes?

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shoes that are dirty
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POOL/Tim Graham Picture Library/Getty Images
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Okay, this should be an issue that bothers everyone over the age of 18. Having dirty shoes is nothing to smile about. Having unclean shoes should especially tick you off if you paid for them yourself.

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You're wasting your hard-earned by scuffing your kicks and not at the very least cleaning them. Unless you have money to blow like that and it throwing away cash doesn't bother you, then be our guest -- keep those shoes messy!

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Those Pesky, Dragging Pants

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Christian Vierig/Getty Images
Christian Vierig/Getty Images
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Pants should be the last thing that drags in your life. Well, to each their own, but baby boomers don't appreciate that trend in the slightest. Having a pair that hangs slightly above the ground pushes it, but once the hem makes contact with the floor, forget about it.

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When that happens, you begin to carry around all the dirt your pant leg picks up, and that isn't fun. Unless you're a forest ranger of some sort or someone who's job involves getting dirty, why would you want to make your pants look filthy?

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A Ton Of Accessories

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Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Coachella
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While donning accessories can improve your look, it isn't always a great idea to go overboard with it. A necklace, a watch, and a bracelet seem fair. When you start adding five or six wrist ornaments to go along with multiple necklaces, you've officially entered the anti-baby boomer zone.

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A single scarf can go a long way in making your outfit, so you don't need to overdo it. Still, some folks prefer it that way, and there's not much you can do to change their minds.

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How Are Your Sleeves Rolled?

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rolling of thy sleeves
Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for WeWork
Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for WeWork
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Rolling up one's sleeves is a fashionable style if done correctly. What's the right way you ask? Well, the double-roll is the style that sits well with many, and if it isn't that, considered yourself marked by a baby boomer.

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All it requires is two simple folds and your cuffs will look sharp. That means your sleeves should be at about your elbow if you do it right. The other style of having them slightly above your wrist doesn't look the same.

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Worn-Out Clothes Aren't That Fun

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Aaron Rapoport/CORBIS OUTLINE/Corbis via Getty Images
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Unless you're participating in a Kanye West fashion show, you're going to leave a bad impression with baby boomers if you're sporting worn-out clothes. While that style only recently became a popular trend in the late 2010s, it's not something everyone appreciates or understands.

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We understand that your white shirt might become a little discolored because that's just the nature of that color. You have the ability to see your color clothes losing their luster, so use your best judgment when deciding whether it's time to give it up.

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Athletic Shoes In A Non-Athletic Situation

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For some reason, your choice in shoe type matters for the occasion. Call us crazy, but you wouldn't want to wear heels to go play soccer. While it's easy and comfortable to put on athletic shoes to just about anywhere, baby boomers aren't fond of that trend.

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There's a time and place for everything, but the baby boomers don't want to see your Nikes while you're at a fancy dinner. It shows you have proper etiquette when you wear the right shoes.

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Do You Wear Clothes That Don't Fit Properly?

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Christian Vierig/Getty Images
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We hate to break it to you, but your choice of clothing that doesn't fit you is another thing that baby boomers don't appreciate too much. What's the matter with selecting pants and tops that fit correctly?

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Well, it's all about trends. At one point, baggy clothing was all the rage in the early 2000s, (it's kind of made of a comeback for women), but now people like things extra tight. There's no winning with this situation.

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Make Sure Your Shoes Fit!

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the big shoes
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Jacopo Raule/GC Images
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Well, we'd reckon this might be a little tougher get wrong than having clothes that don't fit properly, but it still happens. Shoes that are too large make you look like you're going to audition for a clown job.

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That's evident to anyone and should be glaring to you since you're the one that's putting them on your feet! Don't get us started with smaller shoes. Didn't they hurt your feet when you tried them on at the store?

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Keep Your Nails Clean

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nails up todate
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Cindy Ord/Getty Images for NYFW: The Shows
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For women, a manicure can do wonders for your nails. It might be impossible to keep your nails perfect for more than a week or two, but you can still keep them fresh enough to not look cringe-worthy.

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This isn't a knock to anyone who doesn't bother to go to the nail salon or keep them painted themselves, we're only telling you what baby boomers find unsightly. By now, we hope you've caught on to that theme.

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Pay Attention To Your Belt Loop

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Jessica Rinaldi/The Boston Globe via Getty Images
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You might have on a perfect outfit with nothing a baby boomer would ordinarily complain about, but you can ruin it with one little detail. That detail is leaving your zipper visible or missing a belt loop.

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It's really something simple, but sometimes the minor details go a long way. You don't have to have an outfit that's absolutely perfect as long as you take care of the little things.

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Unkempt Facial Hair Is A No-No

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Fred Hayes/WireImage
Fred Hayes/WireImage
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This one is for anyone who has the capacity to grow facial hair. If you allow that hair to make you look like a werewolf, baby boomers will not like that at all. There are plenty of ways to keep it trimmed -- choose one.

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When you go to the barber and notice that you're starting to get a little rough, ask for a trim around the beard. You can also keep a razor at home and learn how to do it yourself.

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Cover Up Those Bra Straps

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visible bra strap
Michael Tran/FilmMagic
Michael Tran/FilmMagic
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It's no surprise that the generations have different takes when it comes to bra straps sticking out of clothes. It is underwear, after all, and many boomers don't wish to see it worn publicly.

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Younger people tend to have a different view about this, even going so far as to buy strappy bras that are supposed to be seen peeking out from under shirts and dresses. One thing to keep in mind: whatever your preference, it's probably best to keep the bra hidden in the workplace.

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Going Too Retro

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Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for NYCWFF
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There were many fans of Run DMC when they were in their prime. People would dress like them, listen to their music, and use their lingo as well. We speak for everyone when we say: leave that retro stuff in the past.

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You can sport a throwback vibe if it's casual, but if you arrive somewhere looking like you're stranded in the '80s, that's a bad look. Do yourself, and baby boomers, a favor and just not.

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Wet Hair, Don't Care

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hair that is wet
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Stefania D'Alessandro/Getty Images
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If it's raining outside, you get a pass on this one. Otherwise, it's best you put that blow dyer to work before you arrive anywhere or else you risk looking unfinished for anything you're about to do.

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Who wants to look like they're in a rush or like they overslept? Baby boomers don't want to see it, that's for sure. It's a sign of sloppiness at its core and you should only reserve it for meeting up with friends.

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Are Those Leggings Or Pants?

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Christian Vierig/Getty Images
Christian Vierig/Getty Images
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Yoga pants and leggings took the nation by storm and it doesn't look like there's an end in sight. Everywhere you go you see them and that isn't the slightest of an exaggeration.

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Kids at school, people at the grocery store, and even some of your co-workers will sport a pair of leggings, making it one of the fastest-growing trends ever. Well, here's a surprise. Baby boomers don't like it when your backside is all out in the open. There are ways to rock leggings or yoga pants and still have your rear-end covered.

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Do You Keep On Old Makeup?

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Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for MAC
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We can't speak for every woman out there, but we know there are some who simply don't have the time to take off their makeup before going to bed and that carries over into the next day. It's a process taking it off and we know that.

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But people can tell when you leave on that mascara from yesterday, especially baby boomers. Old eyeliner begins to fade unevenly on the second day, making you look like an impressionist painting or a raccoon.

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Having Messy Glasses Is No Good

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Not everyone has 20/20 vision, and that's fine. People who can see do have the power to notice when something is wrong with their glasses. If there's a smudge on the lenses, what's so hard about cleaning them?

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You can spoil the luster of nice frames by having dirty lenses. A microfiber cloth is a nice accessory to keep handy while wearing a pair of glasses. They'll come in clutch and make sure you don't get wrongly judged by the older generation.