Some Top Fashion Options That Make People Look Older Than They Are

Published on April 22, 2022
When you’re younger, you like to hear that you look a few years older. It’s often a compliment. However, it’s seen as an insult when you go over a certain age. Sometimes, appearing older doesn’t have anything to do with the wrinkles under your eyes or your gray hair. What you wear might be making you seem old.

Likewise, the right outfit often makes you appear younger. Regardless, it’s often hard to choose appropriate clothing to make yourself look less old. The fashion industry presents people with tons of choices, and they change constantly. Check out these fashion mistakes to avoid to look more youthful:

Poufy and Big Hairstyles

Big hair was popular in the 1970s and 1980s. Teasing and back-combing was one of the only ways to style your hair. However, people now realize how damaging it is. On top of that, it makes you look older!

Poufy and Big Hairstyles

Poufy and Big Hairstyles

Color Coordinating

It’s quite fashionable to mix patterns and prints, but color coordinating your wardrobe isn’t. Overall, it’s boring, and it ages you significantly. Therefore, you should never look too put-together when you head out of the house!

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Color Coordinating

Color Coordinating

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High-Waist Pants

High-waisted jeans and pants tend to look flattering on everyone. However, they may have a shorter length. Therefore, you should ensure that your ankles stay covered when you’re seated to provide a more youthful appearance.

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High-Waist Pants

High-Waist Pants

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Over-Plucking

Thin brows were very popular in the past, but that’s not true anymore! Thick and natural eyebrows are the rave anymore. Let those brows grow and keep any stray hairs. The bushier the brows, the better!

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Over-Plucking

Over-Plucking

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No Skincare Regimen

You should always use good-quality eye and night cream because your skin is often the first to show signs of aging. Therefore, you want to keep it looking young by using anti-aging creams to slow down the process.

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No Skincare Regimen

No Skincare Regimen

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No Long Sleeves

Your arm flab is often more prominent when you age. While you might think no one looks at your arms, they are bound to attract unwanted attention if you’re wearing a long-sleeved shirt in the middle of summer.

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No Long Sleeves 

No Long Sleeves

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Matching Lipstick to the Dress

Most people believe that you should match your dress color with the shade of lipstick to get a youthful appearance. However, that’s not the case, and it’s almost impossible to find the right color. Instead, choose a lipstick that complements your skin tone and wardrobe.

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Matching Lipstick to the Dress

Matching Lipstick to the Dress

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Old Lady Bags

Large handbags are often called “old lady” bags. They’re outdated and can make you look older. Instead, opt for a small and elegant handbag. You look more sophisticated, and they’re easier to carry around all day.

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Old Lady Bags

Old Lady Bags

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Undergarment Lines

The clothes you wear only look great if you’re wearing appropriate undergarments. The entire outfit looks bad if you have too-tight panties or visible bra lines. Seamless undergarments are the best choice here!

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Undergarment Lines

Undergarment Lines

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Jersey Fabric

Jersey material is very comfortable, but it often highlights the wrong areas. Since it clings to the body, you look older! Overall, silk, wool, and cotton are better choices to hide certain parts and flaunt your best features.

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Jersey Fabric

Jersey Fabric

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Tan Stockings and Pantyhose

Black and nude tights are always acceptable, but tan is out. There used to be a rule that you used pantyhose that were four shades darker than the skin. However, it’s unpopular now. Choose your skin tone shades, or don’t wear them!

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Tan Stockings and Pantyhose

Tan Stockings and Pantyhose

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Overdoing Your Powder

It’s easy to dry out the skin and have makeup cling to the pores if you overdo your makeup powder. It’s known to highlight the imperfections in your skin, even if you have few of them. Instead, opt for liquid makeup or creams.

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Overdoing Your Powder

Overdoing Your Powder

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Hiding the Figure

Women typically wear looser clothing as they get older because it’s more comfortable. However, that could age you even more. Ditch that baggy style for some form-fitting clothes that accentuate your curves to appear more youthful.

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Hiding the Figure

Hiding the Figure

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The Same Hairstyle

Sticking with the same hairstyle your whole life is boring. Freshen things up by switching the length or color. You can do both, too! Make an appointment with your hairdresser to update your look quickly without spending too much.

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The Same Hairstyle

The Same Hairstyle

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Miniskirts

Its best to stay away from “mini” anything as you start to age. Older women should have a hem length right above the knee. Stick to that rule, regardless of how beautiful your legs are. Still, doing what you want exudes confidence, so dress for yourself!

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Miniskirts

Miniskirts

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Sentimental Items

Some clothing items might hold sentimental value, but you probably shouldn’t wear it. Consider hanging it up as a conversation piece in your home or hem it. You may even create a new article of clothing with the same fabric.

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Sentimental Items

Sentimental Items

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Trendy Glasses

Certain brands and products are trendy, but that doesn’t automatically mean they look good on you. Square-framed and dark sunglasses draw more attention to eye bags and wrinkles, making you look older!

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Trendy Glasses

Trendy Glasses

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Dark Lipstick

Darker lipstick shades can highlight your mouth, but you might not like that as you get older and have more wrinkles. Lighter shades also accentuate the area without drawing attention to cracks. Consider smoothing the surface first if you must wear dark lipstick!

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Dark Lipstick

Dark Lipstick

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Poor Colors

Your skin tone should determine what colors you wear. If you have cool undertones, grays and blues work well on you. However, warm undertones do better with reds, yellows, or browns.

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Poor Colors

Poor Colors

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Hiding the Neck

Most people believe that turtlenecks hide their wrinkles. However, that’s often untrue. Usually, a scoop or V-neck shirt helps you appear younger and doesn’t feel restricting or hot. Collared shirts can also help you achieve the same goal.

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Hiding the Neck

Hiding the Neck

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All Black

Black is a slimming color, but it could also make you look washed out. Typically, skin gets lighter when you get older, so you look fair-skinned when you wear an all-black ensemble. Instead, use it on the areas you need to slim and choose bold colors for the rest of the outfit.

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All Black

All Black

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Tweed

Tweed even makes young people age about 10 years. Regardless, you might prefer to dabble with menswear. If that’s the case, choose a houndstooth or pinstripe piece to help you look more youthful.

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Tweed

Tweed

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Resisting Denim

Many people dislike denim for some reason, but it can help you look younger. Consider getting a dark wash to hide problem areas. It’s also dressier, especially when you pair it with heels and a blazer!

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Resisting Denim

Resisting Denim

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Chunky Jewels

Costume jewelry was quite popular about a decade ago. However, it screams, “I’m old” now. Therefore, you should stay away from chunky bubble necklaces to help you look younger. Instead, consider tiny studs or bar necklaces for that delicate look.

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Chunky Jewels

Chunky Jewels

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Stretchy Jeans

Stretchy jeans, often called Jeggings, are very comfortable, but you could look lumpy when you wear them if you don’t have a supermodel’s body. To flatten your silhouette and maintain shape, consider jeans with a two-percent elastic fiber content.

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Stretchy Jeans

Stretchy Jeans

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No Tight Clothes

A huge mistake that makes people look older than they are is to wear something baggy. Older people often feel that form-fitting clothes aren’t appropriate for them. However, you should choose clothing true to size to provide shape and dimension without being constricting.

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No Tight Clothes

No Tight Clothes

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Chunky Sneakers

Chunky heels, booties, and sneakers are trendy right now, but they can make people look heavier and older. Stay away from those Fila Disruptors. Sleek shoes are the best option, such as strappy flats and kitten heels.

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Chunky Sneakers

Chunky Sneakers

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Trends

Trendy clothes are popular for a reason, but you should ensure you’re not trying to be too trendy. Let go of a trend when it’s out of style. Just because you’re wearing something from last year doesn’t make you hip or look younger.

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Trends

Trends

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Jackets

It was often seen as cool to tie a jacket around the waist. Generally, it’s convenient when you get hot and don’t want to carry the coat. However, it makes the hips and waist look bigger. Instead, drape it over the shoulders for a sophisticated look.

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Jackets

Jackets

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Tanning

Tanning and sitting in the sun for long periods is harmful to the skin. While you might get that “healthy glow,” it looks bad in about 20 years. Overall, tanning leads to wrinkles and sunspots, and you want to avoid them!

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Tanning

Tanning

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Flowery Prints

Florals are a great choice for various outfits but only when it’s a statement piece. If you wear an entire floral ensemble, it’s like to age you significantly. Those who love floral dresses should ensure they’re tailored to your specific body type.

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Flowery Prints

Flowery Prints

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Split Ends

Did you know that long hair makes you look older, even if you’re in your 30s? It’s crucial to get routine haircuts to give that appearance of youthfulness. That way, you avoid split ends and maintain a full style.

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Split Ends

Split Ends

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Too Much Blush

Blush is often hard to put on because it must be executed seamlessly. This product can age you if you use too much or add it to the wrong areas. It should be faint and not “in your face.” Make sure it blends with the rest of the makeup!

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Too Much Blush

Too Much Blush

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Wearing Flats

Heels aren’t very comfortable for most women, but wearing flats incessantly could make you look older. Even a small heel works well and gives you that youthful appearance you crave. Plus, many brands focus on comfort.

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Wearing Flats

Wearing Flats

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Obnoxious Logos

Nothing tells the world you’re trying too hard than wearing an obnoxious logo. It makes you look older and can be seen as attention-seeking. Overall, it wasn’t the best choice when you were a teenager, and it’s not at 50, either!

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Obnoxious Logos

Obnoxious Logos

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Long Skirts

Long skirts are a staple piece of clothing for the older generation. However, the look often backfires to make you look frumpy if they’re not tailored correctly. Therefore, make sure it’s suitable for your body.

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Long Skirts

Long Skirts

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Frumpy or Sloppy

The most crucial rule you should follow is that when you have a loose top, the bottoms should be tighter and vice versa. People often look frumpy or sloppy if both are tight or loose, which ages them significantly.

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Frumpy or Sloppy

Frumpy or Sloppy

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Hiding the Waist

Loose clothing doesn’t always hide your bulges and could even make you look larger. Therefore, you should shape the outfit with a belt to help define the waist. That way, you’re showing things off without being uncomfortable.

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Hiding the Waist

Hiding the Waist

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Heavy Black Makeup

Most people think they should use black eyeliner to make their eyes pop. However, it often brings too much attention to wrinkles in older people. Instead, go with a lighter shade, such as olive green, gray, or brown.

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Heavy Black Makeup

Heavy Black Makeup

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Untailored Clothes

Unaltered clothing doesn’t look appealing, regardless of the style. While alternations can get expensive, they’re worthwhile if you want to seem put-together and younger. Ask your local dry cleaner what they could do for you!

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Untailored Clothes

Untailored Clothes

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