If you tell a teenager that they look older by a few years, they will be delighted. However, the older you get, the less this sounds like a compliment. There are several ways to avoid getting this quasi-insult, but the best one has to be mixing up the way you dress. In case you did not know, you can alter your appearance depending on the clothes that you wear! An important thing to do is to know what trends to follow to avoid looking frumpy and old. Mind you, it is not only enough to know which trends are hip but also to figure out how to make them work for you.
Poofy, Big Hairdo
It might be hard to believe now, but big hair used to be the hottest hairstyle around. People would back-comb and tease their hair to get that poof. However, you will look completely out of place if you rock this lock. On top of that, those processes can ruin your way. Stick to soft and silky hair from now on.
Poofy, Big Hairdo
Matchy-Matchy Outfits
There is something satisfying about coordinating your outfit by color, but the truth is that it is a boring way to go about it. You should mix patterns instead! This is a good way to avoid looking too polished. If you need some guidelines, it would be fun to mix circles and stripes, as well as plaid and leopard prints.
Matchy-Matchy Outfits
High-Waters
We do not think anyone should wear high-water pants unless you have the greatest socks we have ever seen. Otherwise, it is going to look rather tacky. When you buy pants, it is better to go with ones that can cover your ankle even when you are seated. Otherwise, what is the point of wearing pants at all?
High-Waters
Over-Plucking/Tweezing
Unless you are a literal infant, you must remember how celebrities liked to wear their eyebrows thin. You should not overpluck unless you want to look like a relic of the 2000s. We are actually quite happy about the fact that we can let those stray hairs stay. These days, it is better if the brows are bigger!
Over-Plucking/Tweezing
No Skincare Routine
Do not complacent about your skin just because you are still in your twenties. Even though your skin is fine and supple, it will not always stay that way. It is a good idea to protect it while it is still early. You should put on anti-aging products to keep signs of aging away from your face.
No Skincare Routine
Long Sleeves Only
There is no need to be ashamed if your arms have gotten flabbier over the years. The truth is that no one is really looking at them. However, other people will probably be weirded out if you are still wearing long sleeves regardless of how high the weather is. Do not be ashamed and put on those short sleeves!
Long Sleeves Only
Matching Lipstick And Dress
It is not a good idea to put on lipstick similar to the shade of your top. When you wear a pomegranate top, you should hold out on using your pomegranate lipstick! After all, we doubt that they really match. The difference is going to be strange. It is much better to wear pink lipstick to go with a black sweater.
Matching Lipstick And Dress
“Old Lady” Handbags
You should ditch the big handbags and leave them in the closet. We are not joking when we say that those are called “old lady” handbags for a reason. If you want to keep up with the times, you should pick out something that is more elegant and smaller in size. You probably do not need all that space anyway.
“Old Lady” Handbags
Undergarment Lines
Your clothes might look good on their own, but the fit is going to depend on your underwear. No matter how nice your clothes are, it will not look right if you have tight underpants or a bra peeking through. The best thing to do is to spend money on good seamless underwear to avoid humiliating moments.
Undergarment Lines
Jersey Fabric
Even though jersey is comfortable, the fabric usually clings to the body. It can highlight all the parts that you would rather hide since it will cling to you. When it comes to hiding certain body parts, you should go for cotton, wool, or silk instead. If you really like the fabric, you should try loose items or sheets.
Jersey Fabric
Tan Stockings/Pantyhose
If you are thinking of wearing pantyhose or stockings, the least you can do is not go for tan ones. These days, the “four shades darker than your skin tone” does not apply anymore. People will probably think that your tan was very uneven. Nude and black are the ones that will go well best with most outfits.
Tan Stockings/Pantyhose
Overdoing It With Powder
Powder makeup is no longer the best option on the market. After all, these products like to cling to the pores and dry out the skin. Makeup is supposed to cover up your flaws, not make people notice them even more! You can get a subtle face of makeup by using creams and liquid products instead.
Overdoing It With Powder
Hiding Your Figure
Older people seem to like loose clothes. We hope that you are not doing the same thing. It does not matter how old you are, it is always more flattering to go for something that fits your body. Form-fitting clothes will show off your figure better. We don’t get the appeal of clothes that look like garbage bags.
Hiding Your Figure
Keeping The Same Hairdo
Why on earth do you still have the hairstyle that you sported when you were younger? It might look good, but you should change it more often. This is especially true if you want to have a style update. Have fun and play around with your hair. Cut it short or change the color to something more fun!
Keeping The Same Hairdo
Minis
Older women should probably avoid any item of clothing that starts with the word “mini.” If you are no longer in your teens and early adult years, your hem length should not go anymore more than above the knee. There are times when you want to show off your legs, but there are better ways to go about it.
Minis
Pieces With A Story
We all have a piece of clothing that we can’t let go because it has sentimental value. However, you do not need to wear it if the item does not fit you well anymore. Do not force yourself into the dress that you wore to that vacation a long time ago. You should get it altered if you really want to wear it.
Pieces With A Story
Trendy Sunglasses
It is hard to miss the rise in popularity of those dark and square sunglasses. They are the epitome of chic, and the youth seem to love them. However, you might want to avoid them if you have wrinkles and eye bags because they draw attention to them further. You should instead get one that looks and is lighter.
Trendy Sunglasses
Dark Lipstick
We hope that you are aware that dark lipsticks can highlight all the flaws on your lips. If you want to have a nice pout but keep attention away from cracks and crevices, go for a lighter shade. For those of you who really like dark red lipstick, do not forget to exfoliate your lips before putting it on.
Dark Lipstick
Bad Color Choices
When it comes to picking clothes, you should consider your skin tone. Blues and greys are going to wash you out if you have warm undertones. In the same vein, reds and yellows won’t look very nice on those with cool undertones. Make sure to figure out which one you have before you buy an item of clothing.
Bad Color Choices
Not Showing Your Neck
Did you think a turtleneck is going to help you hide wrinkles? Maybe it does, but it has never been comfy to put them on. This is especially true when it is hot outside! When you wear a v-neck or a scoop neck, people will not notice your wrinkles as much. Another alternative is to wear a collared shirt.
Not Showing Your Neck
All Black Everything
One does not need to be a fashion guru to figure out that black is good at slimming you down. However, be mindful that it can wash you out as well. Skin usually lightens when you get older. This is the reason that you should pay this more mind if you are aging. A splash of color can counter this effect.
All Black Everything
Tweed
This is not the easiest material to pull off. After all, tweed tends to age by ten years or so. We highly recommend avoiding it if you do not want to look older than your real age. It only works for little kids and people in their 80s and above. You can still try menswear by choosing pinstripes or houndstooth!
Tweed
Resisting Denim
We love denim because it has the effect of making you look more youthful. A dark wash is excellent at hiding your flaws. Not only is it easier to wear, but it also has the perk of dressing up your outfit. We especially like combining it with a blazer or a nice pair of heels for a more business casual look.
Resisting Denim
Chunky Jewelry
Costume jewelry reminds us of the ‘80s but not in a good way. They are hard to wear because they pretty much scream, “I’m old.” Anyone who wants to avoid side eyes and mean comments should go for more elegant and subtler pieces. We love how nice bar necklaces and small studs look on most outfits.
Chunky Jewelry
Stretchy Jeans
Anyone who wants to be comfy but still look cute probably has a pair of stretchy jeans in the closet. You can still wear them even if you are no supermodel. It is true that most of them can make you look lumpier, but this is not going to happen if you wear those with 2% elastic fiber.
Stretchy Jeans
Nothing Tight
You have probably noticed that there is a trend among certain people of certain ages in terms of the looseness of their clothes. Young people tend to wear tight clothing, while older people like to wear baggy pieces. In reality, you only need to get something true to your size if you want a nice silhouette.
Nothing Tight
Chunky Sneakers
Another popular trend among youngsters would be chunky shoes. This is true for booties, heels, and sneakers. But you should be careful because they might make you look not only older but heavier too. If you want to look slimmer, your safest bet is going to be light shoes like kitten heels or ankle strap flats.
Chunky Sneakers
Too Trendy
It is easy to assume that trendy clothes are always good, but it is easy to go overboard with it as well. You should let go of a style as soon as it goes out the window. Avoid wearing something past its prime because it will only make you look older. You might want to stick to classics that never go out. We are talking about leather, plaid, and the like!
Too Trendy
Jacket Around The Waist
Do you remember the time when it was cool to hang your jacket around your waist? We have to admit that we quite miss this trend. However, you should avoid this because it has been over 20 years since it was cool. You should do it on your shoulders since that won’t make your waist and hip seem bigger.
Jacket Around The Waist
Tanning
We have bad news for you if you enjoy tanning outside. You are actually damaging your skin even if it gives you a healthy and summery glow. In 25 years or less, you are going to find wrinkles and sun spots thanks to this horrible hobby. You can still get a nice glow to your skin with the help of tanning products.
Tanning
Flowery Prints
We all love florals every now and then. However, you should only use it as a statement piece if you want to stay on the safe side. You need to be careful about how to wear it since it can make you look like a granny. If you plan to wear a floral dress, find something that will flatter your body. Go for tight, not baggy, ones.
Flowery Prints
Split Ends
In general, you are going to look older if you have long hair. If you are not ready to part with your long locks, you should at least get regular haircuts. It will refresh your hairstyle and get rid of those annoying split ends. This is very important as you get older since hair usually gets thinner with age.
Split Ends
Too Much Blush
You need to apply blush perfectly if you want it to achieve the desired effect. It is easy to apply too much of it in the wrong area. Blush has a subtle effect, so it is nothing like a red lipstick. If you ever put on too much of it, you should get a beauty blender or tissue to rub it out until it looks good.
Too Much Blush
Only Wearing Flats
Now, heels are not known for being the comfiest things you can put on your feet, but flats have the effect of making you look older and homelier. This is why we are glad that there are now new styles that are both stylish and comfortable. We are glad that boots and booties with small heels are stylish again.
Only Wearing Flats
Logos For All To See
We really want to know why anyone wants to wear logo clothing. It feels like you are bragging and trying way too hard. You can be 18 years old or 50 years old, but they are not going to look good on anyone. Sure, it will make you stand out, but the attention is never going to be positive.
Logos For All To See
Long Skirts
Not only do clothes get baggier as we grow older, but hemlines often get longer as well. We are glad that you can style long skirts to look good. You do not need to look frumpy, but you will probably have to slip on boots or high heels if you are not tall enough. Proper proportions are the key over here.
Long Skirts
Slouchy And Slouchy
There is a rule that will never you do wrong regardless of what decade we are in. Balance is usually the most important thing when it comes to fashion. This is why you should never wear tight tops with tight bottoms or loose tops with loose bottoms! Make sure to balance it out by wearing only one of them.
Slouchy And Slouchy
Not Showing Your Waist
A lot of older people assume that baggy clothing is going to help hide their bulges. Sadly, the truth is that this style is just going to make you look heavier. It is better to wear something that will lend you a more flattering silhouette. You can add shape by using a belt when you wear a loose dress or tunic.
Not Showing Your Waist
Heavy Black Eye Makeup
Eyeliner has always been used to make people pay attention to our peepers. However, it is important to do it right. Do not simply apply a dash of thick black eyeliner because that won’t do the trick. This will just make people look at your wrinkles and lines. It is better to use gray, brown, and olive green liners.
Heavy Black Eye Makeup
Clothes That Aren’t Tailored
If you want to look your absolute best, you should go to the tailor and ask them to alter your clothes. This is the only way to ensure that they are going to fit you and accentuate your best assets. It is not exactly cheap, but it is not as expensive as you might think either. Give your local tailor a call now!
Clothes That Aren’t Tailored
Drugstore Reading Glasses
There is nothing unusual about having worse eyesight as you grow older. However, there is simply zero excuse for you to resort to those drugstore reading glasses. You can surely do better than those cheap and skinny frames! If you want to flatter your features, a big and bold frame is the one for you.
Drugstore Reading Glasses
Bras That Don’t Fit
A lot of people take it for granted, but a good bra can make a world of difference. Your figure will look much better if you are wearing one in the right size and right style. You might not know it, but it is not hard to find something that offers support, style, and comfort.
Bras That Don’t Fit
Chunky Heels
Chunky heels actually look nice and appropriate if you are going to attend a black-tie event. However, it is hard to wear them without looking outdated at any other time. When you need to add a few inches to your height, you should wear a point heel instead. This will help make you look lighter than you are.
Chunky Heels
Silk Scarves
You might think that it is a good idea to don a silk neck scarf when you need to hide your neck wrinkles and lines. However, the truth is that people will only start looking at them more! As if that is not bad enough, it is also going to give off the illusion that your upper body is heavier.
Silk Scarves
Pearls
A lot of people imagine women wearing pearls at charity balls and other similar events. However, we think that you should skip them unless you want to look more mature. When you are thinking of putting on accessories, it is better to buy silver ones. They are not only easy to wear, but they are cheaper too!
Pearls
Boot-Cut Jeans
We think that you should avoid boot-cut jeans if you do not want to appear short and squat. You do not want that, do you? When you are choosing a pair of jeans, you should pick a slim-fitting one. This is good at making you look thinner and lighter because it does not draw attention to your lower half.
Boot Cut Jeans
Solar Shield Sunglasses
Do you want everyone to know that you do not have a good sense of style? If this is the case, go ahead and put on Solar Shield sunglasses. We will be honest with you and say that they simply do not flatter any kind of face. Even though they are good at blocking out the sun, we do not think it is worth it.
Solar Shield Sunglasses
Transition Glasses
You can be very young, but transition glasses are going to age you in the snap of a finger. On top of that, it can get annoying when they turn to sunglasses while you are inside the house. There is no denying the fact that they are super convenient. However, you can’t pay us to be caught dead in these shades.
Transition Glasses
Jean Sets
Can you believe that jean sets used to be popular? However, we hope that you are staying far away from this tacky trend in this day and age. You will look uncool and tacky if you put on a set of black-wash denim jacket and pants. There is nothing wrong with these items of clothing individually, however.
Jean Sets
A Huge Wallet
Do you really want to lug your most valuable things in a huge wallet? We don’t think so. It is going to make you look old, we promise you. On top of that, it is not a good idea to carry all of your cards with you. We are now living in the age of cashless payments, so you better take advantage of that.
A Huge Wallet
Jewelry Sets
Matching jewelry sets get the thumbs down from us. Sure, it is satisfying when you have the same style of necklace, ring, bracelet, and earrings. However, it is just going to make us yawn. This is how boring it is. You can come up with a more interesting look by wearing different metal tones with each other.
Jewelry Sets
Jeans & Running Sneakers
There are plenty of moms and dads who have no problems wearing this getup. However, we really do not think that you should be looking to them for fashion advice. Tight jeans and running sneakers do not look very nice together. You should avoid this combination if you do not want to look frumpy and old.
Jeans & Running Sneakers
High Socks & Shorts
If you already have shorts on, you should leave high socks alone. The only thing this will achieve is to make you look like a child. When you are wearing sneakers, you should pull on a pair of low socks. The ideal scenario here is that they are only going to rest right above the sneakers and no further.
High Socks & Shorts
Short Haircut
If you wear your hair short, you might want to be careful. The wrong cut is going to make you look older instead of making you look more youthful. Longer hairstyles are better at taking the focus away from the face. Bobs and pixie cuts might draw more attention to fine lines and other things you want to hide.
Short Haircut
Elastic Waist Pants
There are now a lot of yoga clothes on the market that are not only comfortable but also very stylish. We think that you should do away with those tacky elastic waist pants. If you want to look nice while working out, there are a lot of “athleisure” brands that offer cute yoga pants!
Elastic Waist Pants
Old Ties
When you are attending a formal event, you should know that your tie can make or break your outfit. Let us hear the advice of a networking expert called Jill Merriman. 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
This is one trend that we have never really understood. We do not understand the need for a chain for your eyeglasses if you are not old and forgetful just yet. Folks, you should only ever have your glasses either in your bag or resting on your face. No one wants to see them around your neck.
Eyeglass Chains
Wrong Color Makeup
People wear makeup because they want their skin to appear better than it really is. But you defeat the purpose if you do not put on the right shade of bronzer and color foundation. Mismatched makeup is only making to give your face an ashy look. You can always ask for help at the makeup counter.
Wrong Color Makeup
Glitter Overload
Glittery makeup is one of those trends that should be reserved for teenagers and no one else. The sparkles are only going to make people look at your eyes, as well as your wrinkles and lines. When you get to a certain age, this is exactly the opposite of what you should be trying to achieve.
Glitter Overload
Blue Eyeshadow
When you are picking an eyeshadow, blue is a color that you will probably want to avoid. They tend to make you look older, after all. Don’t worry, you can still wear eyeshadow. However, you need to use nude colors if you want to seem younger and chicer. Beiges, tans, and greys make for excellent choices.
Blue Eyeshadow
Overdrawn Lips
Anyone on Instagram will know that overdrawn and heavily lined lips a la Kylie Jenner is all the rage. However, you need to be careful if you try this trend. After all, it is very easy to get this look wrong. What we recommend is staying true to the shape of your lips and figuring out how to make it pop.
Overdrawn Lips
Dangly Earrings
If you wear dangly earrings, you should get ready for people to notice your neck area. The length rests there, so it is more visible. We are sure that you do not want that to happen if you already have lines there. You should probably retire this style of jewelry when you start to develop these signs of aging.
Dangly Earrings
Locket Necklaces
At one point, we all wanted to have a locket necklace bearing the photo of our loved one. It is a very romantic idea, isn’t it? However, this look is better suited if you are 8 years old. This will only look awkward and clunky if you are an adult. You should just save the photo of your partner on your phone!
Locket Necklaces
Cargo Shorts
Fashion gurus have a lot of disdain for cargo shorts. Even though we acknowledge that the extra pockets can come in handy, we think that these items often go overboard. After all, what kind of person needs so much pocket space? Honestly, just bring a bag with you if you have that much stuff to carry around.
Cargo Shorts