Dressing to feel youthful is a powerful tonic to banish the blues and remain visible, but there are pitfalls to avoid. No one wants to look like mutton dressed as lamb, but sticking to an antiquated rule will also make us look older than we are. Below you’ll find what I consider to be unnecessarily aging:
FORGETTING TO BELT
No matter your age or body shape, showcasing your figure is always in style. By making smart choices and selecting pieces that highlight your waistline and accentuate your shape, you can enhance your natural beauty. Opting for well-fitted, flattering garments that celebrate your figure is rarely a mistake and can help you maintain a confident, stylish look.
BIG HAIRDOS ARE A DO NOT
You might ask, “But isn’t volume trendy?” Yes, it is, but with a caveat. Adding volume to your hair can indeed look beautiful and youthful, but there’s a fine line between trendy and overdone. Hairdressers worldwide note that many mature clients believe they need a heavy, elaborate hairstyle to stay fashionable. However, this approach often backfires.
LONG, FLOOR LENGTH SKIRTS
It’s true that overly long clothing or hair often doesn’t flatter as much as we hope. While some women opt for longer hemlines as they age, it’s important to choose carefully. Floor-length skirts, for example, can obscure your figure and may not highlight your natural curves. A shorter skirt often offers a more flattering silhouette and helps showcase your shape beautifully.
SUPER LONG HAIR
This one might not be surprising. Many women choose to cut their hair shorter as they age, and there’s a solid reason for it. Long hair can sometimes make a woman look older than she is. Hairstylists often suggest trimming your hair every few months to maintain its health and vitality.
WEARING THE SAME HAIRSTYLE FOR YEARS
While some women love changing their hairstyles frequently, others find a hairstyle they love and stick with it for years or even decades. If you’ve found a look that works well for you and makes you feel great, there’s no need to constantly change it—sometimes, sticking with what works is the best choice.
MATCHING LIPSTICK TO YOUR OUTFIT
This one is a bit debatable, but it’s important to consider carefully. While the makeup community often advises matching lipstick to your outfit, there are specific tricks to keep in mind—and some combinations to avoid. For instance, pairing a bright red sweater with matching bright red lipstick might seem like a good idea, but it often doesn’t work as well as it seems.
HEAD-TO-TOE PASTELS
It’s tempting to embrace the pastel trend from head to toe, and it has been popular for a while. However, wearing an entire outfit in monochromatic pastels might not always be the best choice, especially if you’re looking to avoid a more aged appearance. Monochrome pastel outfits can sometimes make lighter-skinned individuals appear washed out and may not be the most flattering.
JEGGINGS ARE A NO-NO
Jeggings are fantastic—they’re comfortable, versatile, and can be quite trendy. However, despite their comfort compared to jeans, it’s important to remember that they’re not quite the same. Jeans are typically crafted to enhance body shape in specific ways, whereas jeggings might not always offer the most flattering fit.
REALLY DARK LIPSTICK
There are times when an edgy, dark lipstick is perfect—whether it’s for the cold season or just a mood for something bold. However, darker shades can sometimes make you look unintentionally older. If you love the dramatic look, consider balancing it with lighter or brighter makeup elements to keep a youthful appearance.
LARGE AND GAUDY JEWELRY IS TOO MUCH
While a beautiful, delicate statement necklace can be flattering, there’s a fine line to walk in the fashion world. Oversized, chunky necklaces might not always be as trendy as we’d like to think, especially when they dominate an entire outfit. They can easily tip an outfit from stylish to tacky. So, before adding a big necklace, it’s worth reconsidering how it will fit with the rest of your look.
TOO MUCH FAKE TAN
We understand that a tan can give a carefree, youthful appearance, but it’s important to remember that tanning accelerates skin aging. Sun exposure can worsen wrinkles and fine lines. Many people turn to fake tans as an alternative, but even they come with their own set of issues. It’s worth considering healthier ways to achieve a radiant look without compromising skin health.
POWDERY MAKEUP THAT GETS ALL CAKED UP
Makeup can be fantastic—it’s fun, often affordable, and great for enhancing our features. However, as we age, some women may find it challenging to go without makeup, leading to the use of heavy or cakey products. It’s important to find a balance with makeup that enhances rather than masks, focusing on lighter formulas and techniques that complement your natural beauty.
OVERLY-DONE EYEBROWS
One key lesson from the past is that over-plucked eyebrows should remain a ’90s and early 2000s trend. Back then, thin, oddly shaped brows were popular, but today’s fashion embraces a more natural look. It’s best to aim for slightly fuller brows that blend naturally with your face and allow your eyebrow hair to grow out.
OVER-COVERING YOUR NECK
The neck can become a tricky area as we age, often making us self-conscious and leading us to cover it up frequently. However, covering it too much might sometimes draw more attention to it or make the issue more noticeable. Instead, consider styles that flatter and complement the neck area without drawing excessive attention
MATCHY-MATCHY JEWELRY
Fashion is incredibly versatile, which can sometimes make it hard to discern what’s still in style and what might be overdone. As Coco Chanel famously advised, before heading out, it’s wise to pause, look in the mirror, and remove one accessory or element. This helps ensure your look remains stylish and refined without being overwhelming.
THE JERSEY DRESS TREND
Another outdated trend is the jersey dress. While its comfort is understandable, it’s a style that can quickly age your look. The typical cotton fabric tends to cling to every body part, including those you might prefer to keep under wraps. Choosing alternatives that offer both comfort and a more flattering fit can help maintain a youthful appearance.
FLORAL PATTERNS ARE OUT
Floral patterns can certainly create a dreamy and romantic style, but it’s important to be mindful of how you wear them. For example, floral outfits found at many department stores can sometimes look outdated and may inadvertently age you. Opting for modern floral designs or incorporating floral patterns in a more contemporary way can keep your look fresh and stylish.
SMALL, STIFF HANDBAGS
Selecting the right bag can beautifully complement an outfit, but it’s crucial to understand the various types and know which ones to avoid. Some bags might not suit your style or body type and could detract from your overall look. Knowing which styles enhance your outfit and which might not be as flattering can make a big difference in achieving a polished, fashionable appearance.
HUGE AND BAGGY OUTFITS
Aging can indeed come with changes in how we dress, often leading to a preference for baggier outfits. While oversized clothing can be fashionable, choosing extremely large garments might sometimes make you appear older than you are. Opting for well-fitted, tailored pieces that offer comfort without excessive volume can help maintain a youthful and stylish appearance.
CONSTANTLY WEARING LONG SLEEVES
As we age, various parts of our body, including the underarm area, may become a bit floppier, which can understandably make us self-conscious. While this is a natural part of aging, it’s common for people to start covering these areas more. Instead of focusing solely on covering up, consider styles that offer comfort and confidence while also highlighting your best features.
WATER PANTS AND CAPRIS
High water pants have always been a bit of a fashion enigma. While they offer comfort and convenience, their style often leaves much to be desired. However, as the weather warms up and beach outings become more frequent, many people still opt for capris or high water pants. If you choose to wear them, pairing them with more stylish or well-fitted pieces can help balance the look and keep it fresh.
TAN, SHINY PANTYHOSE
Tights can be a hit or miss with an outfit. While they used to be seen as a way to give the skin a younger appearance, today, they might not always have the same effect. Choosing the right pair of tights, in terms of color, texture, and fit, can either complement or detract from your overall look, so it’s important to select them thoughtfully.
DARK, HEAVY EYELINER
Eyeliner trends have evolved significantly over the years. While dark eyeliner was once popular, it can sometimes appear heavy and age your look. Opting for lighter, more subtle eyeliner techniques can create a fresher, more youthful appearance.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, many fashion trends that are popular today might unintentionally age you more than you realize. From oversized garments and heavy makeup to outdated hairstyles and ill-fitting accessories, these choices can often have the opposite effect of what we intend. To maintain a youthful and stylish appearance, it’s crucial to stay informed about how different trends impact your look. Opt for modern, well-fitted pieces and subtle enhancements that complement your natural features, and don’t be afraid to adapt trends to suit your personal style.
