25 or 55, your choice of clothing is an essential part of your looks especially when it comes to determining your age. Glowing skin, luscious locks and a flawless physique are also an indicator that you are in a certain age range but an ill-fitting pair of blazers or an outdated pair of dad’s jeans can instantly date you and do so unfavorably and incorrectly. If you are of the mind to either look younger or just look your age then streamlining your wardrobe should be your first step. Dressing to feel youthful is a powerful tonic to banish the blues and remain visible but there are certainly pitfalls to avoid like sticking to antiquated rules which will make you look older than you really are. The secret from going drab to fab, looking relevant without being trendy, comfy without being lazy and sexy without being overt comes with experience and experimenting with simplicity being key! A clean, lean silhouette with modern sharp lines is timeless and ageless and here are fashion habits that age you and their possible fix. Remember, great style is truly ageless.
You forgot about fit
Fit is the key to everything!
If you disregard the fit of your clothes, you run the risk of looking older. Ill-fitting clothes looks like you are trying to hide your body which turns out to be conservative making you look frumpy and older. I am not advocating for skintight clothing to stay youthful instead, I am suggesting that you wear pieces that are tailored to your body. Wearing baggy clothes can be fun but there is a difference between wearing something designed to be loose and wearing a size too big. Many brand’s aesthetics is oversized and loose and this is a popular look that is very comfy but tricky to get right. Choose pieces that are loose but not overwhelming. You can only wear a baggy outfit on one half of your body at a time. Pair slim fitting bottoms with an oversized top and vice versa. Some part of your body silhouette needs to be accentuated or you risk looking larger and older. Take a look into your wardrobe and see if your pieces are tailored to your shape if they are not, and you have been feeling frumpy in your outfit choices lately, this might be why.
Wearing retro or vintage pieces like it’s still the 80s
Fashion is cyclical and everything eventually comes back into style but the second time is never the same as the first incarnation. Trends change rapidly and so if you are wearing outdated trends, you will look out of touch and older However, it is not so much about what you wear but how you wear it. It is better to invest in styles that nod to the direction of what is current to give you a modern twist.
Putting a modern spin on retro pieces will not only give you a more contemporary look, but you will also stand out from the crowd.
Stuck in a style rut
Style doesn’t come with a “use by date or time” schedule to determine when to ditch your old clothes and invest in new pieces. Sadly, many men and women continue to wear the same old pieces for years and if it isn’t broken, it doesn’t need fixing. Without the occasional refresh of clothes, hair and makeup inclusive you can end up looking dated and older than you really are. This can happen to anyone: falling into a dreaded sartorial rut. To stay excited about your wardrobe, keep the habit of alternating out staples. Purchasing clothing regularly and investing in a wardrobe that makes you feel great will boost your confidence as well as your wardrobe. Stop relying on the same trusty old pieces and update them with more modern versions that fit well. You will not only appear more youthful and on trend, but you will enjoy getting dressed every morning when you have more modern pieces that fit.
Your glasses are so last year
The style and shape of your glasses are just as susceptible to fashion trends just as seasonal embellishments that can date your clothes and accessories. If you wear glasses you should know firsthand that updating your lenses creates an instant makeover and this is super true if you don’t wear contacts and wear your glasses round the clock. Take a risk and try out something you would not normally wear and see what difference it makes. If your eyeglasses are dated, you would look older in them because frame shape changes and yours may be aging you. Steer clear of skinny, cheap frames and opt for bigger and bolder frames to highlight your face. Choose a modern frame that makes a fun statement.
Overly matching
A few decades ago, this was an epitome of style to have your shoes match your handbag and your handbag to match your hat. That style rule now feels dated since fashion has embraced affection for clashing but this is not to say you can never match but try alternating with a few outfits to feel more contemporary. Experiment with wearing shoes that don’t match your purse and see what fun combinations you can come up with and have fun with it.
Ill-fitting lingerie
egardless of your age, poorly fitted underwear hampers your style and this is especially true when you’re an age where you will be needing more support. The wrong underwear can leave your clothes looking lumpy and your breasts sagging so get a professional bra fitting and ensure it is perking things up so your clothes hang properly. Panty lines are not flattering on anyone so ensure your underwear lays smooth against your skin. Opt for panties with laser cuts edges that are invisible under your pants.
You’re stuck in a beauty rut
Makeup and hairdo can work wonders in helping you look your best but there are some makeup mistakes that can age you like heavy and thick foundation, too much concealer in a lighter shade, dark and thin eyebrows etc. So if you haven’t changed your hairstyle and makeup since college, it’s time for a change. Consult a good hairdresser and try a style that is more modern and manageable. Embrace new colors and products better suited to your skin in the now.
Keep people guessing about your real age for years to come with these fashion tips and style swaps that turn back the clock.