With the rise of fashion bloggers and Instagram stars ranging from tweens to women in their 80s, there are no rules anymore when it comes to fashion. However, there are definitely key investment pieces that will make every outfit flattering, and of course, there are garments that will do the opposite. Don’t fall into the fashion trap and learn about what to avoid if you don’t want to look older. these are 14 dressing mistakes that will make you look older and how to change them.
14 dressing mistakes that will make you look older
1. Fast fashion trends
Fashion leaders often agree that anything too trend-focused can age even the youngest.
A subtle nod to trends is really nice, but anything else can make you look like you’re the 16-year-old who bought the entire store window. Unless you are really 16, wearing those clothes that are too youthful that the trend sets, will only accentuate your age more and make you look out of place in what is really going for you. The key lesson? Don’t force a modern trend that just doesn’t fit your personality, shape, or age.
2. Loose clothing
Oversized clothing will not only make you look older, it will also take away from your natural shape by making you appear larger in size, and that’s probably not what you want. Therefore, avoid anything resembling a tent. And, when it comes to denim, be sure to invest in jeans with some lycra, spandex, or elastane to ensure they don’t stretch too much after general wear.
3. Too many accessories
Listen to Coco Chanel on this one, the iconic fashion designer once said “When you accessorize, take off the last one you put on before you go out”, no wonder it has become a world famous quote. Listen to Coco to avoid looking like you just robbed a jewelry store.
4. Mistakes when wearing black
Now, don’t panic because this doesn’t mean you need to get rid of all kinds of blacks completely. Just because matte black fabrics can be draining and too great a contrast on older skin, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t embrace black on lustrous or lush materials like silk, velvet, or satin. These can give you a new life: just add a touch of color on your lipstick or accessories.
5. Stockings
It’s a bit controversial as they’re a staple of most women’s wardrobes, but it seems like tights really get old. Nude pantyhose are especially unflattering as the skin tone never matches the rest of the body and they give your legs a weird kind of matte texture. The same with black tights, although many people love to wear black tights in winter, special care must be taken of how they will be worn if you do not want to look older.
7. Mini skirts
Digital fashion editor Penny Goldstone says many older women “fall into the trap of trying to dress younger by wearing short, tight skirts,” but she assures us that doing so has the opposite effect. “It’s all about wearing clothes that flatter your body no matter what age or shape you are, but ‘midi’ style dresses are much more flattering on women.” She suggests pairing them with fancy sneakers.
8. The Jersey
Thanks to the jersey’s anatomical fit by default, it’s as clingy as it is comfortable to wear, so it’s best to buy just the material, whether it covers you or has a ruched pattern. Due to its texture and light quality, it is not known whether to go for the most expensive or the most attractive, so buy with caution.
9. Not dressing according to your shape
Not dressing in your body type can add years to you. Dressing Mistakes Like Wearing A Boxy Jacket That Is The Wrong Shape For You or a skirt that is too short will end up making you look older. Instead, opt for more tailored clothing that will fit you perfectly and will be timeless.
10. Very long hair
This is not a hard and fast rule as it really depends on your hair type. But usually, hairdressers will tell you that hair after the age of 40 tends to become thinner and harder to style.
No, this doesn’t mean you need to get that pixie haircut as you enter this decade, but think about adding volume to your hair by getting layers and avoiding poker hairstyles.
11. Maxi dresses and skirts
You don’t have to match your hemline to your age, instead go for midi lengths (any length between knee and ankle), as styles that skim your ankles can make you look dowdy. And long skirts and dresses could also make you look wider than you are. Fashion stylists always advise finding the thinnest part of the knee area (be it above, below, or in the middle) and use that as a guide to determine how short or long the hem should be.
12. An ill-fitting bra
Garment technologists (yes, that’s actually a job title) will tell you that bras that don’t cover your breasts perfectly — that is, no spillage or extra room — probably won’t fit you. And, the consequence of wearing a bad bra is that it will change your posture and most likely leave you slouching. And yes, poor posture will age you.
13. Platform heels
While we love and appreciate the comfort and chic style of a chunky heel (and an ugly shoe in general), a platform shoe is likely to add additional weight to a woman’s lower body, and as we know , it can make you look disproportionately making you look disheveled, too. When in doubt, go for a pointed heel.
14. Headdress
When it comes to wedding attire, independent fashion stylist Amy Hanson-Bevan says she’s not a fan of vanities. “People just mistake them as a great ‘accenting touch,’ but you can accessorize your outfit in other ways. Make it fun with a cute earring, bag, or shoes. A lot of people think they have to use a vanity to attend a wedding, but they often age an entire outfit or otherwise detract from it.