The fashion and beauty industries are known to thrive from products that claim to make us look younger. It’s the sad truth, but most of us fear becoming old, and well, there are many options out there to help us stay young as long as possible. But with trends continuously shifting, sometimes it’s hard to keep up with what really compliments our style, our taste, and our age. So to make things easier, we’ve compiled a list of fashion looks that might appear youthful in the ads, but at the end of the day are going to leave you looking and feeling older than you actually are.
Big Hairdos Are A Do Not
You might ask, “But volume is trendy, no?” Well, yes, but there’s a twist to it. While adding volume to your hair can be incredibly beautiful and youthful, there’s a very thin line between trendy and heavy. Hairdressers from all over the world have shared that many mature clients think that in order to stay in fashion, they need to get a heavy and fancy hairdo. But this is a big no-no.
In contrast, having teased-up hair could potentially have the opposite effect and give the impression that the person is significantly older than her actual age, rather than enhancing a youthful appearance.
Super Long Hair
This one might not come as a shocker. Several women opt to cut their hair shorter as they grow older, and there is a very good reason for it. That’s because really long hair (not shoulder-level hair, but hair past one’s ribs type of long) can make a woman look much older than she is. Hairstylists usually recommend cutting your hair every few months anyway to keep it super healthy.
While some women hope that the long and flowy hair could mask and hide some of their imperfections, but maybe we should look at our imperfections as what makes us beautiful and unique. A fresh and longer bob hairstyle is a much better choice.
Matching Lipstick To Your Outfit
So this one is kind of debatable, but it should really not be taken lightly. True, the make-up community does usually recommend that lipstick should be somewhat matched to our outfit, but there are specific tricks that can be used – and some choices that should be avoided. For example, wearing a bright red sweater with bright red lipstick could be a terrible idea. It seems like it could work, but in reality, it’s not great.
You might wonder why this is the case. The reason is that this style is often associated with what is commonly referred to as “mom-style.” As a result, it is automatically linked to being somewhat outdated or appealing to an older demographic, rather than being seen as trendy or fashionable among younger people.
Jeggings Are A No-No
Jeggings are great – they are comfortable, they can easily fit into any type of body, and they can be trendy. But while jeggings can definitely be much more comfortable than jeans, it might even sound unnecessary to remind us that, in the end, they aren’t jeans. Jeans are usually designed to fit our bodies in a specific way, while jeggings might not actually be the most flattering choice for us.
The thin material tends to reveal every small bump and imperfection in our aging bodies, creating a less than flattering appearance. In contrast, jeans provide a more supportive fit that holds everything in place, giving a smoother and more polished look.
Large And Gaudy Jewelry Is Too Much
Though we can’t say that a beautiful and delicate statement necklace isn’t flattering, this one is another thin line in the fashion industry. Big and plump necklaces might not be as trendy as we hoped they’d be, especially when they take over a person’s entire outfit. They can really be the extra push that makes an outfit tacky versus fashionable. So next time you add a big necklace, think again!
In recent years, less has definitely become more, so opting for a thin and delicate necklace and pair of earrings might do wonders if we’re trying to keep our looks on the younger side.
Too Much Fake Tan
We get it, looking tanned is fun and can easily give us that “careless” and younger look we’re looking for. But sadly, it has been proven that tanning is one of the main actions that age our skin more rapidly. Not to say that the sun rays can exacerbate our wrinkles and fine lines. Consequently, many women and men choose fake tan. This isn;t the way to go at all.
But while fake tanners are less damaging, having way too much unnatural dark shade in our skin can be such a terrible decision, resulting in an unwanted orange and older look.
Overly-Done Eyebrows
If there is one thing that we’ve learned over the years, it’s that over-plucked eyebrows should be left to the ’90s and early 2000s. Sure, back then, almost everyone did it. But the thin, weirdly shaped eyebrow trend is no longer in fashion today since “natural” has become the new trend. It’s better to go for slightly filled eyebrows that don’t draw too much attention and let your eyebrow hair grow out.
Overplucking eyebrows can significantly contribute to an older appearance. This trend was popular around two decades ago, and persisting with it today may not be the most flattering choice for a youthful look. Embracing more natural eyebrow styles can enhance one’s features and provide a fresher, more contemporary appearance.
The Jersey Dress Trend
Another trend that is long gone is the jersey dress style. In all fairness, it is very understandable why a person would find it brilliant to wear something as comfortable as a jersey dress. But unfortunately, this is another fashion choice that ages a person pretty fast. The typical cotton fabric easily pinpoints to every single body part, even those that we are not quite comfortable sharing with the world.
The quality often appears to be quite subpar, which is rarely flattering to us overall. This lack of quality can be disappointing and does not leave a positive impression. Consequently, it diminishes the overall appeal and satisfaction we might experience.
Head-To-Toe Pastels
We can understand the urge to wear pastels from head to toe, and in all truth, the trend has been alive for a while. But unless we do want to look a bit older, wearing an outfit that is only made of pastels might not be the best idea. That’s because wearing monochromatic outfits with the same shades can actually make some women fade, especially those with lighter skin notes, and is not the most flattering.
So, we’re not in any way saying that you shouldn’t wear pastels. But if you must, pairing pastel colors with a darker shade can be a great way to make things look more fashionable and youthful.
Long, Floor Length Skirts
It’s safe to say that at this point, wearing overly-long pieces of clothing or hair just doesn’t flatter us as much as we wish it did. Though several women choose to wear longer hemlines as time goes by, this choice is to be made with some caution. Floor-length skirts can easily hide a woman’s figure completely, which is not necessarily flattering since our curves are beautiful! Going for a shorter skirt is usually better.
If you still decide to go for this style, you might want to consider pairing a more form-fitting top with a flowing, floor-length skirt. This combination could create a balanced and pleasing silhouette, offering a stylish contrast between the snugness of the top and the relaxed fit of the skirt.
Powdery Makeup That Gets All Caked Up
Makeup undeniably holds a special allure, offering a delightful and creative way to enhance our natural beauty. It’s not only enjoyable to experiment with different looks, but it can also be quite budget-friendly, allowing us to highlight our facial features with just a little extra flair. However, as women grow older, some find it challenging to face the world without a touch of makeup. This can lead to the frequent application of heavier, cakey cosmetics, which might not always flatter their skin. Balancing the desire for enhancement with the need for a natural appearance becomes an art in itself.
Unfortunately though, if makeup is not put on properly, it can make someone look older really fast. Instead, it’s probably better to go for good quality tinted moisturizers or foundations.
Over-Covering Your Neck
As we age, the neck often becomes a challenging area to manage, sometimes causing significant self-consciousness. This heightened awareness of its appearance can lead us to instinctively try to conceal it whenever possible. However, there are occasions when covering it up can inadvertently draw even more attention to the area, rather than minimizing its prominence. Thus, while it may seem like a straightforward solution, hiding the neck isn’t always the most effective way to address our concerns.
For example, wearing a dark turtleneck on fair skin, or a light turtleneck on darker skin might create a huge contrast that ends up bringing more attention to the area. So once again, not that wearing a turtleneck is a bad thing, but letting that beautiful neck shine should also be an option.
Wearing The Same Hairstyle For Years
Some women find joy in frequently changing their hairstyle, experimenting with different cuts, colors, and styles to reflect their evolving tastes and personalities. This constant change can be exciting and refreshing, allowing them to express themselves in new ways. On the other hand, there are women who find comfort and confidence in sticking with a hairstyle that suits them perfectly. For these women, maintaining a consistent look offers a sense of identity and stability. After all, why change something that works so well and complements them perfectly?
Well, unfortunately, even the nicest hairstyles end up fading over time, eventually making the person look older than she actually is. So there is no harm in changing it up every few years to keep the youthful feeling alive and to adapt to the ongoing changes in hairstyle fashion.
Really Dark Lipstick
There are numerous occasions when reaching for an edgy and dark lipstick feels just right. Whether it’s the chill of the cold season setting in or simply because we’re experiencing a bit of a blue mood ourselves, there are times when we just want to add some spice to our appearance. Unfortunately, while dark lipstick can be bold and stylish, some of these deeper shades may unintentionally give the wearer a more mature look than intended.
Because our lips might become thinner and paler with the years, a dark lip can accentuate the inevitable signs of aging around the outlines of our lips. Instead, a nude color could work better over time.
Matchy-Matchy Jewelry
Fashion is known for its versatility, which can sometimes make it challenging to discern what remains stylish and what might be over the top. This fluidity can lead to confusion about what is currently trendy and what might have become excessive. As the iconic Coco Chanel wisely suggested, it is beneficial for women to pause before stepping out. Her timeless advice is to glance in the mirror and remove one accessory or item, ensuring a balanced and elegant appearance. This simple yet effective practice helps maintain a sense of style that is both chic and understated.
For example, wearing too much jewelry, and on top of it, matching it all together can seriously weigh someone down. Always better to break matching sets up and wear them one at a time, which also allows you to showcase their uniqueness while pairing it up with different outfits.
Floral Patterns Are Out
Floral patterns often evoke a dreamy and romantic style, but it’s important to be mindful of how we incorporate them into our wardrobes. For example, the floral outfits commonly found at your local department store may frequently be quite outdated, which can inadvertently lend an aged appearance to almost anyone who chooses to wear them. To avoid this, it’s essential to select floral designs that are modern and fresh, ensuring they complement your personal style without adding unnecessary years.
So for those who love patterns, there is nothing wrong with wearing a floral pattern once in a while. But if you’d like to make things more youthful, choosing different prints (like geometric, abstract, and even polka dots) might be for the better.
Ill-Fitting and Exposed Undergarments
The fashion industry has inundated us with a plethora of undergarment options, catering to nearly every conceivable need and preference. With a vast array of shapes, sizes, and colors available, there is literally an option to complement any outfit we might choose to wear. Many of these undergarments boast the ability to “work miracles,” enhancing our appearance or comfort. Both luxury and budget-friendly brands have tapped into this market, offering a diverse selection that covers every imaginable shape and style. Whether you’re looking for something simple or something that promises transformative results, the options are seemingly limitless.
So with so many options, there are almost no excuses for choosing to wear an outfit that exposes our underwear. For real, choosing to wear colorful straps and ill-fitting underwear is something that we shouldn’t have trouble fixing with the array of options these days.
Huge And Baggy Outfits
There’s no denying that aging presents its own set of challenges. Among these is the inevitable need for many to reconsider their wardrobe choices, often opting for looser and more relaxed clothing. While it’s true that oversized outfits have carved out a niche in the fashion world, it’s important to remember that excessively large garments can sometimes add years to our appearance, rather than offering the youthful vibe we might be aiming for.
Tent-like and baggy dresses simply fail to accentuate our bodies, making us look older and even careless. Instead, a good combination of something baggy with a piece of clothing that is slightly tighter almost never fails, and keeps that “umpf” feeling alive.
Constantly Wearing Long Sleeves
As we grow older, it’s only natural that various parts of our bodies undergo changes along with us. One common area that experiences this transformation is our arms, particularly the underarm region, which can become noticeably floppier. This change might lead to heightened self-consciousness about our appearance. Although this is an entirely normal aspect of the aging process, many individuals find themselves instinctively opting to cover these areas more frequently in an effort to feel more comfortable and confident.
They end up wearing long sleeves almost on a daily basis, including during the peak of summer. That way, instead of covering up, the person might simply get more attention. Besides, constantly sweating while wearing a long sleeve in summer probably only reinforces that the person is getting older.
Tan, Shiny Pantyhose
Here’s the thing: a pair of tights can either complement an outfit beautifully or completely ruin the entire ensemble. It’s all about balance and making the right choice. Historically, tights were designed to give the appearance of youthful skin, but in today’s fashion world, they don’t quite serve the same purpose. Instead, they have evolved into a versatile accessory that can add texture, color, or warmth, depending on how they are styled with the rest of the attire.
Even though tights can be a statement piece of many women’s closets, some types of pantyhose (like the really shiny ones) may do the complete opposite of what they are intended to. So going for darker colors or really see-through could be a better wardrobe option.
Dark, Heavy Eyeliner
Over the years, one fashion trend that has undergone significant transformation is the way eyeliner is used. The application of really dark eyeliner can swiftly create a heavy look, which has the unintended effect of making someone appear older than they actually are. This trend has evolved as people have become more aware of how makeup can influence the perception of age, encouraging more subtle and refined techniques in eyeliner application.
For example, as the day passes and the make-up gets smudgy, the eyeliner may get stuck in certain areas that end up accentuating the fine lines and wrinkles around our eyes. Instead of covering it up, the eyeliner might do the exact opposite.
Small, Stiff Handbags
Selecting the ideal bag can truly elevate an already stunning outfit, serving as the perfect accessory to complete your look. However, it’s crucial to explore the various types of bags available to make a well-informed choice. Understanding the diverse options allows us to identify those that best suit our style and needs, while also recognizing which types might be less desirable or practical. This thoughtful consideration ensures that our bag complements rather than detracts from our ensemble.
Small, leather, and hard bags may seem convenient and fashionable, but they are way too close to being considered “grandma bags”. So if you want to avoid that, try to go for a looser bag or something that doesn’t scream “old”.
Take Off The Brooch
Wearing a brooch might initially give off a fashionable and “vintage” vibe, but let’s face it, it’s not exactly the trendiest accessory out there. However, that doesn’t mean you should avoid wearing a brooch, especially if it’s a cherished heirloom passed down through generations in your family. Instead, we suggest that you wear it thoughtfully and with a sense of style, ensuring it complements your overall look without overwhelming it.
Brooches were in fashion many years decades ago, but since then it’s probably best to keep them safe and happy in your jewelry box. And if you must wear it, try to choose a smaller one that adds delicate detail to your outfit, instead of overrunning it.
Water Pants And Capris
If there’s one piece of clothing that has always puzzled many, it’s the iconic high pair of water pants. While it’s true that they offer comfort and convenience, one has to wonder if they ever really looked fashionable or stylish. Despite this, as temperatures rise and beach outings become more frequent, a surprising number of people opt for capris or high water pants. It seems that practicality often wins over fashion in warmer weather.
This can happen because they don’t feel so comfortable with a bathing suit as you get older. Unfortunately, though, this type of pants automatically comes hand in hand with being old, so it’s best to avoid and embrace that unique body by wearing an actual and comfortable bathing suit.
Wear Those Jeans!
One item in our closets that is likely to remain timeless is a reliable pair of jeans. Although various styles of jeans may fall in and out of favor over the years, a well-made, high-quality pair of tight jeans consistently serves the purpose of highlighting our shape. These jeans not only enhance our silhouette but also provide a versatile and enduring fashion statement that adapts to changing trends, making them an essential wardrobe staple.
So for those who choose to no longer wear jeans when they start getting older, you might want to start thinking about including that timeless piece of fashion in your wardrobe again. Jeans easily make one look youthful and always in trend.
Wearing Unflattering Colors
Experimenting with various clothing colors can provide a great deal of enjoyment, though it can also present some challenges. This doesn’t mean you’re restricted from wearing whatever you please—personal expression is always encouraged. However, if your goal is to maintain a lively and cheerful appearance, it’s a good idea to invest some time in researching color combinations. Understanding which hues complement each other can enhance your overall look and keep that jovial vibe alive.
For example, people with warmer skin tones look great in peaches, reds, golds, and corals. People with cooler skin tones, on the other hand, look much cooler with different tones of greens and blues. The best thing to do here is to experiment and see how you feel when you wear different colors of clothing.
Anything Tweed
Throughout history, tweed has experienced moments of being in vogue, but let’s be honest: it’s time to set aside the tweed for good. While it has had its fashionable phases, tweed has long since fallen out of style, and realistically, it’s unlikely to make a comeback on the runways anytime soon. So, as a general guideline, perhaps it’s best to leave tweed in the past and embrace more current fashion trends.
Really, the fabric choice rarely makes a person look young because it’s so heavy and serious. So if you’re thinking about a tweed outfit, maybe go for something more flattering such as suit fabrics like window panes or pinstripes.
Too Much Blush
There’s no denying that a well-applied amount of blush can give our face a healthy and “naturally” sun-kissed appearance, a look that many of us can appreciate at any time. This subtle enhancement can help us achieve that youthful glow we often desire. However, it’s important to strike the right balance, as applying just a little too much blush can lead to an outdated or overly dramatic look that feels quite old-school.
The days of wearing excessive rosy rouge are long gone, especially when our cheeks turn so pink they eventually becoming the first thing we see when we look at our faces. So unless we are looking for a ’60s throwback look, a tiny bit of blush might be a better option.
Relying On Trends Too Much
Sure, we’ve pointed out a few times that staying updated with trends can be beneficial, but it’s important to remember that moderation is key. Overindulgence, even in something seemingly harmless, can become problematic quickly. If you find yourself making fashion choices solely based on the latest trends without considering your personal style or comfort, it might be time to pause and reassess. Balancing trends with your own preferences can lead to a more authentic and satisfying wardrobe.
No matter how cool trends are, it is always important to consider your taste and the type of clothing that flatters you and makes you feel comfortable and beautiful. So don’t run and buy the first thing you see once a new trend is in, take your time.
Out-Of-Date Eyewear
While some individuals might not view eyewear as a fashion statement, the reality is that eyeglasses do fall in and out of style. Over the years, we’ve witnessed a wide array of trends in glasses, ranging from bold frames to minimalist designs. Although many people make a conscious effort to keep up with these changing trends and ensure their eyewear remains fashionable, there are still those who haven’t quite caught on to the latest styles.
Because eyewear is literally one of the first things anyone sees when they look at our face, more than staying in fashion, it’s important to choose something that flatters our features, especially as we age.