Our fashion and beauty choices can unintentionally add years to our appearance. From wearing outdated trends to applying makeup incorrectly, these common style mistakes can make you look older in a heartbeat. Knowledge is power, so avoid these 15 mistakes to keep your look chic and youthful.
1. Wearing Frumpy Clothes
Wearing too tight or loose clothes can make you look frumpy or uncomfortable no matter what age you are, but as you get older, this could add years to your appearance. Tailored clothing that fits your body perfectly will enhance your shape and create a more polished, youthful look. Look to sleek, structured, tailored pieces like button-downs, blazers, and suits, and get them altered to your body.
2. Clinging to Outdated Trends
Your clothes say a lot about your style, habits, and age. Holding on to trends from the past can make you seem stuck in a time warp, instantly aging your look. While keeping those old favorites is tempting, try updating your wardrobe with a few more modern pieces to keep your style youthful. Busy prints are a common offender that dates fast.
3. Applying Heavy Makeup
As you age, you might be inclined to layering on thick foundation and powder to hide wrinkles and other signs of aging. However, this can settle into fine lines and wrinkles, emphasizing them and making you appear older. Rather than slathering on cakey makeup, opt for natural, water-based products to give your skin a youthful glow.
4. Dressing in Dark Colors
While dark colors like black can be slimming, they can look harsh as you age. Your skin tone changes with age, so you will want to start incorporating softer, warmer tones into your wardrobe, brightening your complexion and giving you a youthful glow. Don’t shy away from color—it can work wonders, lifting your overall look.
5. Neglecting Accessories
Over-accessorizing with dated pieces or skipping accessories can add years to your appearance without you even realizing it. A well-chosen, modern accessory can instantly update your look and add a touch of sophistication. A statement handbag, a well-placed scarf, some layered necklaces, and a cute earring will add a playful, youthful edge to your look.
6. Letting Your Grooming Go
As we age, grooming habits like hair, nails, and skincare can be dead giveaways that we’re aging. Whether it’s frumpy hair or unwaxed eyebrows, neglecting these areas can make you look older, even if your outfit is on point. Regular haircuts, manicures, makeup updates, and a consistent skincare routine are essential for maintaining a youthful, polished look.
7. Not Balancing Proportions
It’s essential always to balance the proportions of your outfit, or you highlight flaws and create a chaotic and unflattering look. Combining high necklines with long hemlines is one way to come off as matronly and conservative. Instead, keep things in balance—if you’re covering up in one area, show more skin in another. For example, pair a long skirt with a chic tank top or a high-neckline top with tailored shorts.
8. Sticking to a Dated Hairstyle
Just like clothes, hairstyles have trends, too. Holding onto the same hairstyle for years can make you look dated and older than you are. Hair trends evolve, and wearing an outdated hairstyle is a surefire way to stand out for all the wrong reasons. Head to the hair salon for a fresh cut and color to instantly look more youthful and attractive.
9. Overlooking Your Eyewear
Eyewear is a subtle way to signify whether or not you’re youthful and fashionable. Outdated or overly heavy eyeglasses can add years to your face, making you look older than you feel. A pair of modern, lightweight frames are a great way to breathe new life into your style.
10. Wearing Bland Neutrals
While neutrals can be chic, wearing too many can wash you out and make you look older. Don’t be afraid to introduce some color into your wardrobe to brighten your complexion and add a youthful energy to your look. A tiny pop of color on your handbag, shoe, or jacket can make a big difference.
11. Dressing Too Stiff
Wearing stiff, heavy fabrics can add bulk and make you look older. Though these fabrics can be breathable and comfortable, they might not always be the most youthful or flattering. Instead, opt for lighter, more fluid fabrics like silks and satins that drape beautifully and move with you. This adds a softness and elegance to your outfit, helping you appear more youthful.
12. Sacrificing Style for Function
While comfort is key, sacrificing style for overly practical shoes can age your appearance. Dowdy shoes can instantly age you and draw attention to your feet for all the wrong reasons. Opting for modern shoes doesn’t mean you can’t be comfortable too. Try a pair of chic flats or stylish low heels that instantly elevate your outfit and keep you youthful.
13. Wearing Old-Fashioned Prints
Outdated prints are another fashion faux pas that signal you’re old and unfashionable. Clinging to prints that were trendy years ago can make your wardrobe look dated. To avoid this, try to opt for modern prints or classic patterns that have stood the test of time, such as stripes, polka dots, and cheetah prints.
14. Not Updating Your Denim
Denim styles constantly evolve, and wearing outdated jeans can age you. If you’re still wearing low-rise or overly distressed jeans, then people are most likely assuming you’re older. For a more youthful appearance, try shopping for modern cuts, such as high-waisted or straight-leg jeans. Updated denim will flatter your figure and keep your style current.
15. Ignoring Your Posture
Poor posture can make you look older and less confident, no matter how stylish your outfit is. Confidence and good posture can make a world of difference. Try standing tall with your shoulders back; this improves your appearance and conveys confidence and vitality. Good posture is a simple yet powerful way to look and feel younger.