Back when we were young, it felt like we loved hearing how we looked so much older than our real age. However, as time goes on, the opposite becomes true. There are multiple fashion mistakes you can avoid to keep from looking older than you really are. Your outfit can affect how old you look, believe it or not. It’s no secret that fashion isn’t easy to get right. One minute, one trend is all the rage, and the next, it’s irrelevant. Fashion trends evolve constantly, so let us help you figure out what you need to avoid!
Poofy, Big Hairdo
Back in the ’70s and ’80s, everyone wanted big hair – the bigger, the better! Back-combing or teasing hair was the only way to go. Nowadays, it’s known that this will damage your hair. To top it off, that style is very outdated. Go with soft and silky locks instead.
Poofy, Big Hairdo
Matchy-Matchy Outfits
It’s a known fact that mixing prints and patterns is very fashionable. However, color coordinating isn’t so much. It can get boring to wear matching outfits. Not to mention, it’ll make you look older. Avoid looking too put-together if you want to look younger. Feel free to mix leopard and plaid or stripes and circles instead.
Matchy-Matchy Outfits
High-Waters
Do you wear high-waters to show off your amazing socks? If that’s the case, keep doing what you’re doing. Otherwise, avoid this style of pants at all costs. When buying pants, you should sit down and make sure your ankle is covered. We all know how unpleasant cold ankles are.
High-Waters
Over-Plucking/Tweezing
People used to like to get their eyebrows done very thin. However, nowadays, people prefer thick and natural-looking eyebrows. There’s no need to worry about any stray hairs. In fact, the bushier they are, the better it looks!
Over-Plucking/Tweezing
No Skincare Routine
Are you twenty-something? If so, you probably know that now is a great time to start using eye and night cream. Even though you’re still young, you can prevent skin aging by using anti-aging products. Include this step into your morning and night routine to stay young!
No Skincare Routine
Long Sleeves Only
Arm flab is a relatively common thing for most people. No one actually pays them that much attention. If you cover them up in the summer, however, people will look. Just own it and wear short-sleeved clothes!
Long Sleeves Only
Matching Lipstick And Dress
If you’re wearing a black top, finish off the look with a nice pink lipstick. However, when wearing a pomegranate blouse, do not pair it with the same pomegranate lipstick shade! In any case, it’s probably a long shot that you’ll find a perfect match. The difference will look odd.
Matching Lipstick And Dress
“Old Lady” Handbags
While big bags used to be very much in style, now they tend to be called “old lady” handbags and are no longer in. Nowadays, small and elegant bags are the way to go. In any case, how much do you really need to carry around with you regularly?
“Old Lady” Handbags
Undergarment Lines
Clothes only look good so long as you’re wearing the right undergarments underneath them. Your outfit might look amazing in itself, but it could be useless if your bra peeks through the shirt or if your underwear is too tight. Make sure to get some seamless undergarments to avoid any embarrassing moments. You don’t want to go through the same thing that Faye Dunaway had to, do you?
Undergarment Lines
Jersey Fabric
Jersey might be a super comfy material, but this fabric can accentuate all the wrong areas. As you probably know, it tends to cling to your body. Wool, cotton, and silk are better alternatives if you’re looking to hide certain body parts. If you can’t live without this fabric, try jersey sheets or buy looser pieces.
Jersey Fabric
Tan Stockings/Pantyhose
Nude and black tights are all well and good, but tan? That is definitely not a good look. The “four shades darker than your skin tone” look is long out of fashion. As a rule, try to get them in the tone that matches your skin best.
Tan Stockings/Pantyhose
Overdoing It With Powder
Avoid using powder makeup since there’s no better way to have your skin dry out. Not to mention, this type of makeup will stick to every pore, highlighting imperfections, no matter how few you actually have. Creams and liquids are the way to go to avoid this fashion faux pas.
Overdoing It With Powder
Hiding Your Figure
It’s no secret that older people tend to wear more loose clothing. Instead of doing that, get rid of all those baggy clothes and go for fitted ones that will accentuate your figure. Garbage bag-like clothing will do nothing other than make you look older.
Hiding Your Figure
Keeping The Same Hairdo
It’s all well and good to finally find a hairstyle that suits you, but it can get really boring after a while. Change the color or length now and again – or even both. With the right hairstyle, you can look like a whole new person!
Keeping The Same Hairdo
Minis
When you’re beginning to get older, it’s best to avoid any clothing with the name “mini” in their titles. For older women, nothing should be shorter than just above the knee. Even if you happen to have amazing legs, trust us, this is for the best.
Minis
Pieces With A Story
While your dress might have some sentimental value, that doesn’t mean you have to wear it. If it’s big and baggy, you can get it hemmed or even converted into a scarf. Please don’t feel the need to walk around in a hideous dress because you had it at a meaningful celebration.
Pieces With A Story
Trendy Sunglasses
Even though a certain style of sunglasses might be in at the moment, that doesn’t necessarily mean that they will look good on you. Nowadays, it seems like just about everyone is wearing dark, square sunglasses. Did you know that they tend to highlight your wrinkles and eye bags? Go for a lighter pair in both lens shade and weight to steer clear of that mistake!
Trendy Sunglasses
Dark Lipstick
Dark lipsticks are great, aside from the fact that they draw attention to every line. You should go for lighter shades if you want to create a dramatic look without highlighting unwanted cracks. If you really love dark red stains, make sure to exfoliate first to make the surface smoother.
Dark Lipstick
Bad Color Choices
Different colors don’t look the same on different shades of skin tones. If you’re someone with cool skin undertones, you will look good in cooler colors like grays and blues. If you happen to have warm undertones, wear warmer colors like yellows and reds. It’s good to know this to avoid looking washed out.
Bad Color Choices
Not Showing Your Neck
Many people assume that turtlenecks are good for hiding wrinkles, but they are not. We doubt that you actually enjoy feeling hot and constricted, so wear a v-neck or a scoop instead. If you like a more modest look, you can draw attention away from your wrinkles by wearing a collared shirt.
Not Showing Your Neck
All Black Everything
It’s a known fact that black can make you look slimmer. However, the color also tends to wash out your complexion. As we grow older, our skin lightens in color. Meaning that you will look more washed out the more you age. If you have a black jacket on, pair it with a red shirt underneath it.
All Black Everything
Tweed
Tweed can have an aging effect on even the youngest-looking person by 10 years just like that. It’s a good look for kids and seniors, but not anyone else. If you like the look of menswear, go for pinstripes and houndstooth instead.
Tweed
Resisting Denim
Denim is one material that makes people look younger. If you want to hide problem areas, go for a darker wash. The versatile fabric looks much dressier in dark colors as well. You can make your look even better by pairing a blazer or a pair of heels.
Resisting Denim
Chunky Jewelry
Wearing costume jewelry is no better than saying “I’m old.” The trend has been out of style for a decade or so. Avoid wearing chunky necklaces if you’re looking to seem younger. Small and delicate pieces are the perfect way to look chicer and put together.
Chunky Jewelry
Stretchy Jeans
Even though stretchy jeans can be very comfortable, they could make you look lumpy if you don’t have a model’s figure. Want to flatter your silhouette and maintain your shape at the same time? Get jeans that have 2% elastic fiber instead!
Stretchy Jeans
Nothing Tight
Wearing tight clothes can take years off your age, but baggy clothes do the exact opposite. Often, older people seem to think that they wouldn’t look good in more fitted clothing. In reality, however, you will look your best if you wear something true to your size.
Nothing Tight
Chunky Sneakers
These days, sneakers, booties, and chunky heels are all the rage, but they can certainly make you seem heavier and older. Wearing sleeker shoes like kitten heels and ankle-strap flats are the way to go. These popular Fila disruptors wouldn’t do you much good.
Chunky Sneakers
Too Trendy
Trendy clothing is great, but there is such a thing as going too far. When a trend goes out of style, just let it go. You won’t look young and chic if you’re wearing something that’s clearly from last season. In fact, wearing such things will have the opposite effect. Classic trends like leather and plaid are always good ideas since they never are out of style.
Too Trendy
Jacket Around The Waist
About 20 years ago, it was very cool to tie your jacket around your waist, but it’s no longer the case. This trend is convenient if you don’t want to carry a said jacket around, but it will make your waist and hips look bigger than they really are. Just drape it around your shoulders next time.
Jacket Around The Waist
Tanning
Tanning in the sun can do some serious damage to your skin. While you might have a healthy glow, 25 years into the future, your skin won’t look so good. Sunbathing can cause age spots and wrinkles, things you want to avoid as you get older. Try using tanning products if you want to get a summary glow without the damage.
Tanning
Flowery Prints
Every so often, florals can be a good way to accentuate your outfit, but only use them as statement pieces. Wearing too much of this pattern will definitely make you look older. If you go for a floral dress, make sure it fits you right. In our opinion, these two women are doing it right.
Flowery Prints
Split Ends
Having long hair can make anyone look older, even a 30 year old. Want to keep a youthful appearance? Go to the salon or barbershop often. This will give you a fuller style. Not to mention, cutting your hair regularly will get rid of dead ends. As you get older, your hair thins out, so this is important.
Split Ends
Too Much Blush
Blush has to be put on perfectly. Putting it on the wrong spot or putting too much on can easily age you. Blush is meant to be faint and subtle – the opposite of a red lip. Applying an excessive amount of blush by mistake can be frustrating, but you can fix it, don’t worry. Just grab a beauty blender or tissue and blend it out until you’re happy with the way it looks.
Too Much Blush
Only Wearing Flats
We all know that heels aren’t the most comfortable footwear out there, but flats just scream grandma like nothing else. You’ll look younger if you wear a pair of heels. Luckily, new styles are good at combining both style and comfort. Boots and booties with thick heels, along with kitten heels, have made comebacks recently.
Only Wearing Flats
Logos For All To See
Wearing logo clothing just gives the impression that you’re trying too hard. Let’s be honest, it didn’t look good when you were 18, and it wouldn’t look good when you’re 50. It can also come off as attention-seeking. Wear peices from the brand when you like the style, not because it mentions the name of the designer.
Logos For All To See
Long Skirts
The older we get, hemlines tend to get longer with us, but this is something you can do gracefully. On the one hand, it can seriously backfire and just make you look frumpy. If you’re tall, you wouldn’t have this problem. You can also wear boots or high heels to make the look work. The key to this is proper proportion.
Long Skirts
Slouchy And Slouchy
This is one rule you should always be sure to follow. If you’re wearing tight bottoms, the top should be loose. The opposite is true as well, if you’re wearing loose bottoms, the top should be tight. These are good guidlines to avoid looking sloppy or frumpy.
Slouchy And Slouchy
Not Showing Your Waist
Unfortunately, loose clothing doesn’t always cover all those bulges you want them to. At times, they can even make us seem bigger. If you want to look like a huge garbage bag, then this is the way to go! You can add some shape to the outfit by using a belt. By cinching your waist, you’ll define your figure.
Not Showing Your Waist
Heavy Black Eye Makeup
Avoid wearing thick black eyeliner if you want to make your eyes really pop. The only thing this will do is bring attention to your wrinkles. Go for a lighter color and use that instead. We recommend colors like gray, brown, and olive green.
Heavy Black Eye Makeup
Clothes That Aren’t Tailored
No matter what style, clothing that isn’t fitted correctly won’t look so great on you. Despite the fact that alterations aren’t so cheap, it wouldn’t cost you $35 to get a jacket taken in or a shirt darted. Just drop by a local dry cleaner to get a better quote.
Clothes That Aren’t Tailored
Drugstore Reading Glasses
As you get older, your eyesight tends to get worse as well. However! You definitely don’t have to use those ugly reading glasses at drugstores. Get bigger and bolder frames if you want to highlight your face. This will work much better than cheap and skinny ones.
Drugstore Reading Glasses
Bras That Don’t Fit
This might seem like an obvious one, but we had to include it. Wearing bras that are the correct size is the way to go. You can completely change your figure with the right one. It’s not impossible to find a bra that offers support, style, and comfort all in one.
Bras That Don’t Fit
Chunky Heels
The only way that chunky heels is at black-tie events. Wearing them on other occasion will make you look outdated and nothing more. We recommend going for a pointed heel over a chunky one since it will make you seem lighter.
Chunky Heels
Silk Scarves
Have you started noticing wrinkles and lines on your neck? If so, you should know that a silk neck scarf will do nothing other than give them more attention. Not to mention, wearing one will also make you look top-heavy, and no one wants that.
Silk Scarves
Pearls
Wearing pearls can instantly add years to your appearance. Even if you plan on going to a charity ball, leave those pearls at home. Silver accessories are a better option since they’re both cheaper and timeless!
Pearls
Boot-Cut Jeans
Boot-legged jeans will only make you seem short and squat and let’s be real – no one wants that. Instead, opt for slim-fitting denim that will make you look more slender and draw attention away from your bottom half.
Boot Cut Jeans
Solar Shield Sunglasses
If you want everyone to know that you are old, then go ahead and wear one of these pair of Solar Shields. They are, to put it lightly, massive and hideous. While they block out the sun effectively, no one should really be wearing them unless they need to for medical reasons.
Solar Shield Sunglasses
Transition Glasses
Transition glasses are magical in the sense that they can make even the young look old. Who wants to wear sunglasses inside anyways? Even though they can be rather convenient, you won’t be able to convince us to put them on anytime soon.
Transition Glasses
Jean Sets
Once upon a time, jean sets were all the rage and so popular, but this is no longer the case. Wearing a matching set of black-wash jacket and pants will do nothing other than age you. Pick one of them to wear, but not both at once.
Jean Sets
A Huge Wallet
Having a huge wallet practically screams “I’m old”. There is no reason for you to have a pen, pictures of your grandkids, and 20 credit cards all in one place. All you should have are the necessary cards and a few bucks. Nothing more and nothing less!
A Huge Wallet
Jewelry Sets
Why would anyone get matching pieces of jewelry anyway? We hope every person on the planet knows that it is no longer necessary for your ring, bracelet, necklace, and earrings to match. Get ready for people to assume you are older than you look, if you do. Metal tones look better when they do not match!
Jewelry Sets
Jeans & Running Sneakers
There’s no time we can remember when it was ever considered a hip combo. This, in fact, has probably never happened before and never will. Tight jeans and running sneakers just don’t look great all together. Even though moms and dads seem to like it, you might want to steer clear of it. It’s not the look you are going for!
Jeans & Running Sneakers
High Socks & Shorts
You should probably leave those tall socks alone if you already have shorts on, no matter how cute they might be. If you want everyone to know you’ve got a zero style, that combo is just a good one. Instead, choose low socks that rest on the top of the sneakers. It’s going to look chic, and it’s still going to be very comfortable.
High Socks & Shorts
Short Haircut
Short haircuts will make you look older. It is a good idea to go with longer haircuts if you want to take away the attention from your face. Bobs and pixie cuts will perform the reverse of that. Of course, the worst-case scenario is that you end up with a ‘do’ similar to what Kate Gosselin had.
Short Haircut
Elastic Waist Pants
Ladies, you can now buy very comfortable clothes for yoga. We don’t understand why anybody still needs their waist elastic pants. Go ahead if you want to look a lot older than your true age. It’s a good idea to purchase yoga pants or ‘athleisure’ clothes, as they are usually stylish. The nice thing is that they are also very comfortable!
Elastic Waist Pants
Old Ties
Jill Merriman is a networking expert with great advice on connections. It is important to get this right when you are going to a formal or business event. She said, “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.”
Old Ties
Eyeglass Chains
We never understood why somebody would want to have their eyeglasses chained together. This, frankly, never did anything but age the person wearing it! This is a tacky style that only senior citizens can pull off. Keep these glasses on your face or in your bag. Keep an eye on it if you are concerned about losing it.
Eyeglass Chains
Wrong Color Makeup
What most people want to show off is the youthful glow of their skin. This isn’t going to be possible when you have bronzer and foundation in the wrong shade. Actually, they will only make your face look ashy! Let us not forget that the goal is to look healthy and not like you are about to go to the grave.
Wrong Color Makeup
Glitter Overload
For teens, ladies and gentlemen, you better leave the glitter. Anyone older than that will be wise to stay away from eyeshadows with glitter in them. It’s a youthful look, but maybe it’s a lot younger than you would like to be. Only your lines and wrinkles will be made more obvious by the sparkly material.
Glitter Overload
Blue Eyeshadow
Did you guys know that with blue eyeshadow on, you look older? When you want to lighten up the eye area, you should use nude eyeshadow instead. If you want to seem youthful, go for beiges, grays, and tans. We know it’s fun to play with color, but the blue eyeshadow goes a bit too far.
Blue Eyeshadow
Overdrawn Lips
It is not a good idea to copy Kylie Jenner with an overdrawn lip. After all, it is more likely that you will probably mess it up more times than you actually get it right. You should concentrate on highlighting your features instead of going overboard. When it comes to most things in the world, moderation is the best path to take.
Overdrawn Lips
Dangly Earrings
If you wear hazardous earrings, you should be prepared for people to notice the neck area. Women in general want to stop this from happening. This is especially true if you have started developing lines in that area. We should probably leave this trend behind in the hands of younger girls who still have smooth and supple skin.
Dangly Earrings
Locket Necklaces
A locket can be a sweet present. We all know it’s nice to be reminded of your loved ones. However, this is a look that only looks good on little girls. You don’t have to keep your husband or boyfriend’s picture with you all the time. After all, you can simply save the image on your phone!
Locket Necklaces
Cargo Shorts
Cargo shots might just be the biggest fashion faux pas on the planet. It is nice to have so many pockets, but how much stuff do you really need? We’re sure that you can do it without a water bottle and a flashlight all the time. If you need somewhere to leave your things, simply grab a small purse.
Cargo Shorts
Belly Chains
This is the next best thing if your mother has strongly refused to let you pierce your belly button at Claire’s nearby. And by “best thing,” we mean, obviously, the worst thing.
Belly Chains
Crocheted Blanket
We don’t know what celebrity aunt started this reign of hand-knitted terror, but it was a legitimate thing to walk around clothed in what is very obviously an overly large, cozy teapot that happened in the ’90s. Don’t let us go back there, ever.
Crocheted Blanket
Pleather Chaps
2020 has been truly terrible. If the chaps return, that’s when we’re sure we’ll know it’s the apocalypse. We seriously believe that this trend in fashion should never be brought back. Don’t you agree?
Pleather Chaps
Cropped Pinstripe Pants
We really have no clue how this trend was allowed to take place, but we can only assume that everyone who credited us with inventing the pinstripe put us all under a spell.
Cropped Pinstriped Pants
Embellished Jeans
Let’s pause for a moment to promise each other that we will never let embroidered denim become such a thing again while we’re at it. Something like that, not even Queen Bey can pull off, and just about anything she can pull off.
Embellished Jeans
Useless Belts
I would absolutely love to turn back time and start questioning J.Lo what was even holding up her belt. It could be a thing that time, but today, when you wear one, people will definitely stare at you.
Useless Belts
Cropped, Wide-leg Capris
Who doesn’t love capris—they’re both functional and cute. But when it comes to them, the more the better. While wide legs, full-length pants are flattering, wide capri-length pants can cut off the leg line and make you look more stumpy than stunning.
Cropped, Wide-leg Capris
Tightly Pulled-Back Hair
A tight bun or a ponytail gives women an older appearance; there is something about a tight bun that is very “headmistress” To avoid this mistake, never wear your hair completely pulled back. Let some wispy pieces fall loose instead, framing your face and softening your appearance.
Tightly Pulled-Back Hair
Over-Accessorizing
Between wearing the right number of accessories and going overboard, there is a fine line. Looking at you, Iris Apfel, some women can wear a ton of accessories and look good. It’s pretty tough for most women to pull it off, however.
Over-Accessorizing
Cheap Outerwear
If there is one area where you should splurge, it’s outerwear. If you scored your new coat for $40, people will be able to tell, so it’s worth it to pay a bit more for a quality one that’s comfortable and won’t start falling apart after a single season.
Cheap Outerwear
Ugly Holiday Patterns
Sweaters are a staple of winter fashion, but opt for a nice color like white, black, or gray that is neutral. Steer clear of cheesy holiday patterns that feature snowflakes, reindeer, etc.
Ugly Holiday Patterns