When we were younger, we enjoyed hearing that we looked several years older than we actually were. However, things have changed. There are several fashion mistakes you need to avoid if you don’t want to look older than you are. The right outfit can make you look younger or older!
It’s true that fashion isn’t always easy to get right. Some trends that were in style just last year might be considered a faux pas today. Fashion trends are always evolving, so let us help you figure out what to avoid!
Voluminous, Overly Styled Hair
In the ’70s and ’80s, everyone craved big hair. Back-combing or teasing your hair seemed like the only styling option. Nowadays, it’s well known that this can seriously damage your hair, not to mention the fact that the style looks outdated. Soft, silky locks are the preferred look today!
Coordinated Outfits
Combining different prints and patterns is trendy and stylish. Overly matching colors, on the other hand, is no longer in vogue.
Wearing matching outfits can come off as dull and make you appear older. To maintain a youthful look, avoid appearing too coordinated. Instead, try mixing leopard print with plaid or combining stripes with polka dots for a fun, modern twist.
High-Water Pants
Are you wearing high-water pants just to flaunt your amazing socks? If that’s your goal, go ahead and keep rocking the look. After all, nobody likes having cold ankles!
Otherwise, it’s best to avoid this style of pants at all costs. When shopping for pants, make sure to sit down and check that your ankles are fully covered.
Excessive Eyebrow Plucking
In the past, having thin, overly plucked eyebrows was trendy. Nowadays, the fuller, the better!
Nowadays, people prefer thick, natural-looking eyebrows. There’s no need to stress over a few stray hairs.
Neglecting a Skincare Routine
If you’re in your twenties, it’s the perfect time to start incorporating eye cream and night cream into your skincare routine.
Although you’re still young, incorporating anti-aging products into your routine can help prevent signs of skin aging. Adding this step to your morning and night regimen can help you maintain a youthful appearance.
Always Wearing Long Sleeves
Arm flab can be an unfortunate part of aging for many, but honestly, most people hardly notice it.
However, if you cover them up in the summer, people are bound to notice. Embrace it and wear those short sleeves with confidence!
Coordinating Lipstick and Outfit
If you’re wearing a black sweater, try completing your look with a pop of pink lipstick. Finding the perfect shade might be challenging, but it adds a fun contrast.
However, avoid trying to match a pomegranate lipstick with a pomegranate blouse! Even slight differences in shade can look off, trust us.
“Outdated Style Handbags”
Large handbags, often called “outdated style” bags, are no longer trendy.
Nowadays, it’s all about small, stylish bags. Plus, do you really need to carry that much in a handbag?
Visible Underwear Lines
Your outfit can only look its best if you choose the right undergarments. Opt for seamless underwear to prevent any awkward wardrobe mishaps.
Even if your outfit looks stunning, it can be completely undermined by visible bra straps or too-tight underwear. No one wants to experience a wardrobe malfunction like Faye Dunaway did, right?
Stretchy Fabric
Although jersey is a comfortable fabric, it can sometimes highlight the wrong areas, as it tends to cling closely to the body.
Wool, cotton, and silk are better options if you want to conceal certain areas. If you can’t part with jersey, consider opting for jersey bed sheets or choosing looser-fitting garments!
Too Much Face Powder
Avoid overusing powder makeup—it can easily dry out your skin and make the makeup settle into every pore.
It tends to highlight imperfections, no matter how few you might have. Creams and liquids are better alternatives if you want to avoid this fashion faux pas.
Concealing Your Shape
Older individuals often prefer wearing looser clothing.
You should avoid baggy clothes and opt for form-fitting ones that highlight your body shape. After all, clothes that resemble a garbage bag will only make you look older!
Minis
As you age, it’s often wise to steer clear of anything labeled “mini.”
For older women, it’s generally a good idea to stick to skirts or dresses that are at least knee-length. Even if you have great legs, this choice tends to be the most flattering.
Clothing With a Story
Your dress may hold sentimental value, but that doesn’t mean you need to keep wearing it.
If it’s oversized and shapeless, consider having it tailored or transformed into a scarf. There’s no need to keep wearing an unflattering dress just because it was part of your child’s first birthday celebration!
Stylish Shades
Just because a certain style of sunglasses is in fashion doesn’t mean it’s the best fit for you.
Nowadays, it seems like dark, square glasses are everywhere. However, they often emphasize wrinkles and eye bags. Instead, opt for a pair with lighter lenses and a more delicate frame.
Deep Lip Colors
Dark lipsticks tend to highlight every fine line.
Go for lighter shades if you want to accentuate your pout without drawing attention to unwanted lines. If you love dark red tones, make sure to exfoliate first to create a smooth surface!
Unflattering Color Choices
Not all colors suit every skin tone the same way. If you have warm undertones, opt for warmer shades like yellows and reds.
If you have cool undertones, cooler shades like greys and blues will complement your skin tone best. Understanding this can help you avoid looking washed out.
Avoid Hiding Your Neck
Many believe that turtlenecks help conceal wrinkles, but they really don’t.
Instead of feeling overheated and restricted, opt for a v-neck or scoop neckline. For a more modest look, you can divert attention from wrinkles by wearing a collared shirt.
All-Black Outfits
It’s well known that wearing black can create a slimming effect. However, it can also make your complexion appear dull and washed out.
As we age, our skin naturally becomes lighter, making us look even more washed out when wearing all black. If you’re wearing a black jacket, try pairing it with a red shirt underneath to add a pop of color and brighten your appearance.
Tweed Fabric
Tweed can make even the youngest-looking person appear 10 years older almost instantly.
It’s suitable for kids and seniors, but not really anyone else. If you’re into menswear, opt for pinstripes or houndstooth instead.
Skipping Denim
Denim is a versatile fabric that can instantly give you a youthful vibe. Want to conceal any problem areas?
If that’s the case, opt for a dark wash denim. The darker shade not only helps to conceal problem areas but also makes the look more polished and sophisticated. Elevate your style by pairing it with a blazer or some heels.
Bold Statement Jewelry
Costume jewelry often gives off an outdated vibe. Instead, opt for small, delicate pieces that offer a more chic and sophisticated look.
The trend for chunky necklaces has been out of style for over a decade. If you want to maintain a youthful look, it’s best to steer clear of them.
Elastic Denim
Even though elastic denim is incredibly comfortable, it can create a lumpy appearance if your body isn’t quite like a model’s.
If you’re aiming to smooth out your silhouette while keeping a flattering shape, opt for jeans that contain about 2% elastic fiber instead!
Loose and Relaxed Styles
Snug-fitting clothes can help you look younger, while oversized, loose garments can have the opposite effect.
Many older individuals may shy away from form-fitting clothes, thinking they won’t suit them. In reality, wearing clothes that are well-fitted and true to your size can actually enhance your appearance and help you look your best!
Bulky Sneakers
Sneakers, booties, and chunky heels are trendy right now, but they can sometimes make you look older and heavier.
Opting for sleeker shoes, like kitten heels or ankle strap flats, is a better choice. Trendy styles like the Fila Disruptors, however, may not be the most flattering option.
Overly Trendy Styles
Trendy clothing can be great, but sometimes it can be taken too far.
Wearing something from last season won’t make you look young and chic. Instead, opt for classic trends like leather or plaid—they’re timeless and never go out of style.
The Truth About Tanning
Tanning outdoors can cause significant damage to your skin. While it may give you a temporary healthy glow, the long-term effects—like wrinkles, age spots, and increased risk of skin cancer—will show up in 25 years, and it won’t look as glowing or healthy then.
Tanning can lead to sun spots and wrinkles—exactly what you’d want to avoid as you get older. Instead, try using self-tanning products to achieve a summery glow without risking skin damage!
Floral Patterns
Floral prints can add a nice touch to your outfit, but it’s best to reserve them for statement pieces to avoid overdoing it.
Floral prints can add a nice touch to your outfit, but it’s best to reserve them for statement pieces to avoid overdoing it.
Split Ends
Long hair can sometimes make you look older, even if you’re just 30. Want to maintain a youthful appearance?
Make regular visits to the salon or barbershop! This will give your hair a fuller, healthier style while getting rid of dead and split ends. As hair tends to thin with age, maintaining regular trims becomes even more important to keep your hair looking fresh and youthful.
Visible Logos Everywhere
Wearing logo clothing just screams, “I’m trying too hard.” It didn’t look great when you were 18, and it definitely won’t look any better when you’re 50.
Honestly, it comes across as attention-seeking. You should wear items from a brand because you genuinely like their style, not just because they have the designer’s name plastered on them.
Maxi Skirts
On the one hand, it can have the opposite effect and make you look frumpy.
If you’re tall, this won’t be an issue for you. You can also pair it with boots or high heels to make it work. The key is maintaining the right proportions.
As we age, hemlines often get longer, but it’s possible to do this with elegance and style.
Avoiding Waist Definition
Unfortunately, loose clothing doesn’t always conceal body imperfections and can actually make one appear larger.
If you’re aiming to look shapeless, loose clothing is the way to go. However, adding a belt can bring definition to your outfit. By cinching your waist, you create a flattering silhouette and enhance your figure!
Overly Dark Eye Makeup
Avoid using thick black eyeliner if you want your eyes to stand out. Opt for a lighter color to line your eyes for a more flattering effect.
Using thick black eyeliner will only draw attention to any fine lines or wrinkles. Instead, we suggest shades like gray, brown, or olive green for a softer, more flattering look.
Ill-Fitting Clothes
No matter the style, untailored clothes won’t do you any favors.
Although alterations may not be cheap, having a jacket taken in or a shirt darted typically costs no more than $35. You can always visit a local dry cleaner to get a more precise estimate.
Budget Reading Glasses
As you get older, it’s common for your eyesight to decline. But you don’t have to settle for those unattractive drugstore reading glasses.
Opt for larger, bolder frames to highlight your face. They will work far better than the cheap, thin ones and give you a more stylish and defined look.
Pearls
Pearls can instantly make you look older.
Even if you’re planning to attend a charity ball, it’s best to leave the pearls behind. Silver accessories are a better choice as they’re more affordable and timeless!
Oversized Protective Sunglasses
If you want to broadcast an outdated look, just slip on a pair of oversized protective sunglasses.
Simply put, they’re bulky and unattractive. Sure, they do a great job at blocking the sun, but honestly, no one should be wearing them.
Denim Outfits
Once upon a time, denim sets were all the rage, but those days are long gone. Quite the opposite, actually!
Wearing a matching set of black-wash denim jacket and jeans can make you look older. It’s better to choose either the jacket or the pants, but not both together.
A Large Wallet
A bulky wallet is yet another sign that says, “I’m outdated.” Stick to just the essentials: a few cards and some cash.
There’s really no need to carry around a pen, photos of your grandkids, and 20 credit cards all in one wallet. Keep it simple, nothing more and nothing less!
High Socks with Shorts
If you’re wearing shorts, it’s best to avoid high socks. Opt for low-cut socks that only come up to the top of your shoes for a more balanced look.
Otherwise, wearing high socks with shorts just screams, “I have no sense of style.” Let’s be honest, nobody wants to come across as outdated or unfashionable.
Short Hairstyles
Short hairstyles often add years to a woman’s appearance.
Stay away from bobs and pixie cuts if your goal is to shift attention away from your face. If you still want short hair, avoid styles similar to what Kate Gosselin chose.
Elastic Waist Pants
With so many comfortable yoga clothing options available, it’s time to put those elastic waist pants to rest.
If you want to look good while working out, opt for yoga pants or athleisure wear—they’re both stylish and comfortable.
Spectacle Chains
If you’re still wearing glasses with a chain attached, it’s time to reconsider your accessory choices.
Ditch that chain immediately! Glasses are meant to be worn on your face or stored in your bag – definitely not hanging around your neck.
Excessive Glitter
Glitter is meant for teenagers.
If you have more mature eyes, it’s best to steer clear of glittery eyeshadows. Unfortunately, glitter tends to highlight fine lines and wrinkles, drawing attention where you might not want it.
Blue Eyeshadow
Blue is indeed a beautiful color, but certain shades of blue eyeshadow can add years to your look.
You can brighten up your eyes and overall appearance by opting for nude shades. This will give you a more youthful look!
Excessively Overdrawn Lips
Move over, Kylie Jenner. The trend of overdrawn, heavily lined lips is fading fast.
This look is more prone to mishaps than successes. It’s better to embrace your natural features rather than overdo it.
Utility Shorts
Cargo shorts are a fashion faux pas, plain and simple. It’s time to let go of these unflattering pieces!
Sure, extra pockets can be handy, but there’s no reason for a water bottle or flashlight to be bulging out of your thigh pockets. Let’s keep it sleek and simple.
