Do you remember the time when you felt so flattered after being told that you do look older? It is interesting to see how this former compliment becomes an insult as you actually grow older. In reality, you can avoid hearing this comment as long as you avoid certain fashion mistakes. In fact, you can even look more youthful by following certain tips! We know that it is not easy to keep up with fashion because trends are constantly changing and evolving. You can let out a sigh of relief because this guide of ours is here to help you.
Poofy, Big Hairdo
If you were alive during the ‘70s and ‘80s, you most likely remember just how much girls liked big hair. The only way to achieve this hairdo was to back-comb or tease your hair mercilessly. Sadly, it turns out that this was awful for your hair and can do some serious damage. Not only that, but it no longer looks hip. It is better to have soft and silky hair now.
Poofy, Big Hairdo
Matchy-Matchy Outfits
There was a time when people considered you stylish if you color-coordinated your clothes. Sadly, this is a boring look that will add years to your age now. In order to look cool and chic, you should start mixing patterns and prints instead of colors. As a tip, leopard, and plaid can look awesome together when done right. Try and play around with it and find what you like the most.
Matchy-Matchy Outfits
High-Waters
There is absolutely no other reason to put on high-water pants unless you just want people to see how neat your socks happen to be. However, this is the only exception to the rule. When you are out and about shopping for pants, just make sure to get something that will not leave your ankles feeling cold. The whole purpose of wearing pants is to keep your whole leg covered!
High-Waters
Over-Plucking/Tweezing
Yes, we also remember when people liked to pluck their eyebrows until they were as thin as humanly possible. If you do this now, however, people will think that you have not moved on from the early 2000s. The exact opposite is now all the rage. Anyone who wants to look stylish should opt for thick, natural, and bushy brows instead. This is much easier too, so it’s a win-win!
Over-Plucking/Tweezing
No Skincare Routine
You might think that you are in the clear while you are still in your twenties, but you should start putting on night and eye cream already now. Even though you still look fine, you can prevent serious skin damage by using anti-aging products early on. You can stay young by adding it to your daily routine when you wake up and before going to bed. Just be sure to find the right products for you.
No Skincare Routine
Long Sleeves Only
We want you to know that there is nothing unnatural about arm flab. You might feel conscious about it, but people are probably not paying any attention to it. However, they will look at you weirdly if they see you hiding it in the summer. Forget about your insecurities and put on short-sleeved shirts instead!
Long Sleeves Only
Matching Lipstick And Dress
If you plan to wear a black sweater, it is a neat idea to put on pink lipstick to match. This is a color combination that works well together. However, it is not a good idea to match your top and lipstick. It will usually not be a true match. The difference is only going to make you look weird!
Matching Lipstick And Dress
“Old Lady” Handbags
People refer to large bags as “old lady” bags for a reason. It is no longer cool to look like you have all of your belongings with you! Kick them to the curb and go for something smaller and more elegant. Trust us, there is no need for you to bring everything with you whenever you step out for drinks with friends.
“Old Lady” Handbags
Undergarment Lines
You might have the most beautiful clothes, but they will not look right if you are wearing the wrong undergarments. If the bra shows through the shirt, all of your efforts will go to waste. To avoid embarrassing yourself, you should invest in seamless underwear. This is a good idea if you do not want to experience what happened to Faye Dunaway.
Undergarment Lines
Jersey Fabric
We agree that jersey is comfy. Sadly, it likes to cling to the body like nothing else. It is not the best thing to wear if you want to hide problem areas. When it comes to this, you are better off wearing silk, cotton, or wool. You can always get loose jersey pieces or bed sheets if you really like the material.
Jersey Fabric
Tan Stockings/Pantyhose
If you need to wear stockings or pantyhose, the safest options would be black or nude. However, you should forget all about wearing something tan. Trust us, you should forget all about the “four shades darker than your skin tone” rule. It is only going to make you look like you have a weird tan on your legs!
Tan Stockings/Pantyhose
Overdoing It With Powder
Powder makeup used to be the only option we have, but this is no longer the case. You should ditch it because it will highlight your imperfections instead of hiding them. When you are buying makeup, it is a better idea to go for liquids and creams. The finish tends to look much smoother and subtler.
Overdoing It With Powder
Hiding Your Figure
For some reason, people start to wear loose items of clothing when they get older. You should not do the same thing because it will make you look frumpy! We promise you that it is more than fine to wear something that hugs your curves. Make sure to get the right size so that your outfit is more flattering.
Hiding Your Figure
Keeping The Same Hairdo
We can’t think of anything more boring than having a single hairstyle for the rest of your life. It is fun to mix it up by changing the color or length of your hair! When you need to shake things up, you should go to your hairdresser. This might be the thing you need to feel like a brand-new person.
Keeping The Same Hairdo
Minis
It is wise to remember that minis are mostly made for young girls and women. Steer clear of this style when you are older because it will only make you look like you are trying too hard. It does not matter how nice your legs are. For older ladies, it is better to stick to just above the knee and nothing more.
Minis
Pieces With A Story
A dress might have sentimental value, but you need to ask yourself if you really need to wear it. We know that it reminds you of a special event a long time ago, but this is not a good enough reason to put something on. This is especially true if it no longer fits like it used to. At the very least, get it altered.
Pieces With A Story
Trendy Sunglasses
You do not need to wear a pair of sunglasses only because it is chic. We have all seen the hip, young people and their dark, square glasses. However, they do not go as nicely on people with wrinkles and eye bags. Ditch the trend and go for something that is lighter when it comes to both shade and weight.
Trendy Sunglasses
Dark Lipstick
Before you put on a dark shade of lipstick, you should know that it can bring attention to every line on your lips. If you want people to look at your lips without seeing these flaws, you should pick a light hue. Before you put on anything bold and dark, you should probably exfoliate the dead skin cells away.
Dark Lipstick
Bad Color Choices
You should look at your skin tone before you pick what color to wear. People with cool skin undertones will look better in cool colors such as greys and blues. On the other hand, warm colors such as yellows and reds will suit those with warm undertones. If you don’t follow this rule, you might look washed out.
Bad Color Choices
Not Showing Your Neck
Did you think that you can hide your wrinkles with a turtleneck? It does to a certain point, but we do not think that it is worth being hot and constricted. You are actually better of wearing a top with a v-neck or a scoop neck. If you want something that looks more modest, you can’t go wrong with a collared shirt.
Not Showing Your Neck
All Black Everything
Every person out there probably knows that black clothes come with a slimming effect. However, you should be aware that it can wash you out as well. Skin usually gets lighter the older you get, so you need to be careful with this color as you age. Make sure to balance things out with a touch of bright color.
All Black Everything
Tweed
You should avoid tweed unless you are trying to look a decade older than you really are. But then again, we doubt that anyone wants that to happen. This is a material that only looks nice on little kids and folks in their nineties. If you like menswear, you are going to look better in pinstripes and houndstooth.
Tweed
Resisting Denim
Denim is something that can shed years off of your age. If you want to conceal certain areas and still look nice, a dark wash is going to help you out. On top of that, a darker shade is much easier to dress up. In fact, you can look very nice by putting on some heels or pairing it with a blazer.
Resisting Denim
Chunky Jewelry
When it comes to jewelry, you should steer clear of chunky costume pieces. They have not been cool for decades now, so you should forget all about them. Bubble necklaces are out, but delicate pieces are in. Bar necklaces and small studs go well with almost anything. They are subtle, but they are chic and classy.
Chunky Jewelry
Stretchy Jeans
We also love stretchy jeans because they are the most comfortable pieces of clothing out there. However, you should be careful since they can also make you look frumpy. The good news is that it does not have to be this way. The only thing you need to do is to buy ones that have 2% elastic fiber.
Stretchy Jeans
Nothing Tight
As a rule of thumb, tight clothes will make you look younger and baggy ones will make you look older. Most older people assume that they should avoid form-fitting clothes, but this is wrong. The truth is that your clothes should suit your body shape. This is the best way to achieve a flattering silhouette!
Nothing Tight
Chunky Sneakers
There is no way that you have missed the way chunky booties, heels, and sneakers have gotten more popular. Before you try them out, you should know that they will add pounds to you and make you look older. It is better to go for kitten heels, ankle strap flats, and other sleek shoes that are more flattering.
Chunky Sneakers
Too Trendy
The goal is to look trendy but be careful not to look too trendy. It is a good idea to ditch a trend as soon as it goes out the window. After all, people are going to look at you weirdly if you wear something that was popular last year but not anymore. If you want to play it safe, invest in classics such as leather and plaid because they are almost always going to look chic.
Too Trendy
Jacket Around The Waist
Do you remember the time when people thought it was neat to tie a jacket around the waist? If not, you were likely not yet born. We know that it can be tiresome to bring your coat or jacket with you all the time, but this is only going to make your waist and hips seem bigger. Just wrap it over your shoulders!
Jacket Around The Waist
Tanning
You should avoid tanning outside because it is bad for your skin. Even though you will look healthy right after that, you will suffer in 25 years’ time. No one wants to get sun spots and wrinkles because they are annoying and hard to deal with. Tanning products are better if you are trying to get a summertime glow without risking your skin. Trust us, this will pay off in the long run.
Tanning
Flowery Prints
There are times when your outfit can use a floral touch. However, it can be tricky to wear it without looking like an old lady. If you go for a floral dress, you should make sure that it fits your body to a tee. Anything baggy is definitely a no-no. Take a look at these ladies who got it right!
Flowery Prints
Split Ends
We have already talked about hair, but you should also keep in mind that long hair will make you look older. Anyone who wants to look youthful should get regular haircuts. As you get older, hair gets thinner. Aside from changing your hairdo every now and then, it is important to get rid of split ends!
Split Ends
Too Much Blush
You should be careful when you apply blush because the execution needs to be perfect. If you put it in the wrong area or put on too much, it is going to age you. The effect is not supposed to be “in your face.” It is meant to be faint, so you should always blend it out if you ever put too much on!
Too Much Blush
Only Wearing Flats
We know that no one really likes to wear heels all the time. However, it is safer to wear them over heels if you are going for style. A little heel is going to make a world of difference. The best news is that there are now styles that will let you be stylish and comfy at the same time.
Only Wearing Flats
Logos For All To See
We do not understand why people enjoy wearing clothes that have the logo on them. It feels like a way of saying, “I’m trying too hard.” This has never been a good look on anyone. On top of that, you should not wear a piece of clothing because the brand name is on it. Choose something because you like it!
Logos For All To See
Long Skirts
Hemlines usually become longer as people grow older. You do not need to do this in a boring way. When done wrong, it might backfire on you and make you look like a grandmother. This is not a problem if you are tall enough or at least wear boots and high heels. Just make sure to get the proportions right!
Long Skirts
Slouchy And Slouchy
This is probably the most basic fashion rule in the world. If you are wearing a tight top, your bottoms should be loose. If you are wearing a loose top, your bottoms should be tight. This is a good way to balance things out without overdoing anything. Follow this rule if you do not want to look frumpy!
Slouchy And Slouchy
Not Showing Your Waist
You might not believe this, but loose clothes are not the way to go if you want to hide bulges. In fact, it just backfires on you because it will make you seem even bigger. When you wear something baggy, you should put on a belt. After all, this is a great way to show off your figure while remaining modest.
Not Showing Your Waist
Heavy Black Eye Makeup
It is not a good idea to put on thick black eyeliner if you want your eyes to pop. The only thing that this is going to do is bring your wrinkles to the spotlight. It is better to pick a lighter color and to apply the liner gently. When you shop for eyeliner, you should pick something in brown, olive green, and gray.
Heavy Black Eye Makeup
Clothes That Aren’t Tailored
It is not always easy to find clothes that look good on you without having them altered. You might think that it is too expensive to visit a tailor, but the truth is that you can get a shirt or jacket fixed for less than $35 a piece. Of course, the best thing to do is to ask your dry cleaner for a quote.
Clothes That Aren’t Tailored
Drugstore Reading Glasses
Eyesight usually gets worse when you get older. However, this is no reason to use those reading glasses available at drugstores. Make sure to consider your face before you invest in a certain frame. Generally, it is better to avoid skinny and cheap ones. Go for bold and big frames that highlight your features.
Drugstore Reading Glasses
Bras That Don’t Fit
We can’t believe that we have to say this, but a lot of women end up wearing ill-fitting bras. Trust us, it will be easier to look better when you figure out your right size. These days, you can find pieces that have support, comfort, and style all in one. Saggy breasts do not look good on anyone!
Bras That Don’t Fit
Chunky Heels
It is fine to wear chunky heels if you are going to a black-tie event. In fact, they will look perfect during those occasions. Outside of that, however, they will only look outdated. When you need to wear heels, it is usually much easier to look good in a point heel. This still is going to make you appear lighter.
Chunky Heels
Silk Scarves
You should not wear silk scarves to try and hide your neck wrinkles and lines. These things are only going to draw the eyes of others to that part of the body. On top of that, it is going to add the illusion of a heavy upper half. We are sure that this is not a problem that you want to deal with!
Silk Scarves
Pearls
People usually associate pearls with sophistication, but you should steer clear of them. We do not care if you plan to attend a charity ball or two! Pearls will make you look older the moment that you put them on. When you need to accessorize, silver is just as sophisticated. The best part is that it is also cheaper!
Pearls
Boot-Cut Jeans
If you want to appear shorter and squatter than you really are, boot-cut jeans will do the trick. However, we are sure that you do not want that to happen. When it comes to jeans, you should get something that has a slim fit. This will make your silhouette look a whole lot better! It is easier to dress up as well.
Boot Cut Jeans
Solar Shield Sunglasses
You should not wear a pair of Solar Shield sunglasses unless you are already a senior citizen. As a matter of fact, you should probably avoid these products even then. After all, they are simply too huge and too ugly. Even though they will block out sunlight very well, you are not going to look good in them.
Solar Shield Sunglasses
Transition Glasses
A lot of people get transition glasses for the sake of convenience, which we understand. However, is it really worth wearing something that tacky? On top of that, you might have to wear sunglasses indoors. This is not a good look on anyone. Not only that, but it is not that hard to switch reading glasses for sunglasses.
Transition Glasses
Jean Sets
Do you remember when jean sets were all the rage? We have come a long way since then! If you wear a black-wash denim jacket, you should not wear pants that match. You have to pick between those two pieces. Whatever you do, you should not wear these two pieces together! Please, have mercy on us.
Jean Sets
A Huge Wallet
You should not bring a big wallet with you unless you want to look old. Aside from the fact that it is an outdated look, it is a hassle to carry around. Why do you need all your family photos, 20 cards, and a pen? Trust us, you are going to be fine with a small one that will fit right in your pocket.
A Huge Wallet
Jewelry Sets
In this day and age, it is hard for us to believe that people still wear matching jewelry. This is a boring look, so we hope that they all stop! We have gone past the need for our rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings to all match. If you want to look stylish, you should instead mix and match your metal pieces.
Jewelry Sets
Jeans & Running Sneakers
The truth is the jeans and running sneakers never made for a stylish combination. We are going to be the first ones to admit that it is comfortable. This is the reason that a lot of moms and dads like it so much. If you are gunning for style, however, this is an outfit that you do not want to be seen in.
Jeans & Running Sneakers
High Socks & Shorts
High socks and shorts make up another combination that makes us cringe. This is an awful look that is best left to little children. Any adult that tries this out is pretty much letting the world know, “I have no style.” If you wear sneakers, make sure to wear low socks that do not go over the top of the shoes.
High Socks & Shorts
Short Haircut
Short haircuts only age women. Take the focus away from your face with longer styles, not pixie cuts and bobs. If you are dying to have short hair, all we ask is that you don’t get an awful chop like Kate Gosselin did.
Short Haircut
Elastic Waist Pants
When talking about fashion, one of the things that we are most grateful for would be stylish athletic clothes. There are now yoga pants and “athleisure” clothes that have rendered elastic waist pants a thing of the past. You do not need to worry because these things are not only stylish but also comfy!
Elastic Waist Pants
Old Ties
Let us see what Jill Merriman, a networking expert, has to say about ties. “Gone are the days of the wide, stripped 1970s tie or the 1980s skinny ties. Instead, wear a trendy tie such as a current floral print to appear hip and youthful,” she reported. This is very important when you are going to a fancy event!
Old Ties
Eyeglass Chains
We are always puzzled when people still wear eyeglasses that come with a chain that goes around the neck. Why on earth is anyone wearing this if they are not yet in their eighties? Folks, you should have your glasses either on your face or inside your bag. They do not need to dangle off your neck.
Eyeglass Chains
Wrong Color Makeup
You might have really good skin, but it will not matter if you are wearing bronzer and foundation in the wrong shade. When you are not wearing the right color, you will only look ashy. If you have no idea which shade to buy, you can always visit a makeup counter and ask a sales associate to help you out.
Wrong Color Makeup
Glitter Overload
Can you really consider yourself an adult if you still have glitter on your face? Kindly leave this trend to teenagers and young adults. The sparkly things will only make people pay attention to all of your fine lines and wrinkles. You should opt for something matte if you want to look good but also appropriate.
Glitter Overload
Blue Eyeshadow
Eyeshadow palettes come with all sorts of colors, but it is not a good idea to wear blue eyeshadow unless you want to seem older. You can lighten up the eye area with nude colors. This is going to make you look younger and hip! For reference, it is never wrong to try out beige, grey, and tan eyeshadow.
Blue Eyeshadow
Overdrawn Lips
Have you started to do the same thing that Kylie Jenner does to her lips? We are sad to report that it is not a good idea to apply your lipstick so heavily. After all, the change of getting it wrong is way too high. You should just remain true to the natural features of your face so that you do not overdo it.
Overdrawn Lips
Dangly Earrings
We all know that it is fun to wear dangly earrings. However, they tend to lead the eye to a spot that a lot of older women try to hide. The pieces often end just above the neck area, which might have fine lines. This is part of the reason it does not look good on people who are already done with their twenties.
Dangly Earrings
Locket Necklaces
This type of necklace only works when you are a little girl. However, it is not going to look right or even good on someone in their fifties and above. Almost everyone uses a smartphone, so you can just look at that photo of your husband over there! There is no need to wear something so chunky every single day.
Locket Necklaces
Cargo Shorts
Do we really have to explain this one? Cargo shorts are the worst offenders when it comes to the world of fashion. We kind of understand the appeal of the extra storage spaces. However, we really do not know why you will want to keep your water bottle and flashlight on your person on a regular night out.
Cargo Shorts