Clothes That Make You Look Older and What To Wear Instead

Silvana Patrick
by Silvana Patrick

Did you know that some fashion styles you’re wearing might actually be making you look older?


That’s right, in this tutorial, I’m going to be talking you through the clothes that make you look older so that you know what to avoid.


Please note that you can take or leave these tips! They are just advisory. You should always wear whatever you feel best in.

Oversized clothes

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Finish your look with this classic handbag that Amazon reviewers swear by!


1. Wearing a totally oversized look 

The first thing that might be aging you is a head-to-toe oversized look. It may have looked cool for some fashionistas for the past couple of years, but it's unflattering for the majority of us.

Houndstooth blazer outfit

If you are a fan of baggy clothes then what you can do is compromise a little bit by varying the silhouette in the same outfit.


Try feminine sculpture silhouettes, for example. I'm a big fan of this 1980s Houndstooth blazer aesthetic because it belts at the waist, creating a flattering hourglass silhouette. 


Clothes that make you look older

Instead of wearing a traditional cardigan, which can be quite aging, opt for a faux sheepskin jacket. It's a much more refreshing and youthful alternative to black or other dark colors that are so common in the colder months.


It's super important, though, to balance the volume of the jacket with something more fitted at the bottom, so I paired it with the straight-leg black pants.

Yellow dress outfit
Necklace

2. Round toe chunky shoes

Sandals and shoes with a rounded traditional toe shape are super dated. Instead, opt for shoes in forever styles, such as pointy-toe pumps and slingbacks.


For a style update, try pairing sleek ankle boots with straight-leg pants or a maxi skirt or dress. 

3. Statement necklaces

While accessories always add depth and personality to your outfit, you have to be careful when it comes to the accessories you choose.


This is particularly true when it comes to some statement necklaces, as these big and bold necklaces can quickly cheapen your look and add decades to your age. 

Pink cardigan outfit

A safer option would be smaller, more delicate necklaces; you can never go wrong with those.


Clothes that make you look older

4. Skinny jeans 

As widespread as they once were, skinny jeans have been out of style for quite a while now. These days a more relaxed silhouette is in, and pleasantly it's flattering and, best of all, comfortable.


Blouse

5. Shapeless tops with large prints

Large prints draw attention to themselves. If you're trying to conceal certain areas, you might opt for bigger prints on tops, hoping they'll hide what you're less pleased with.


However, large prints often appear garish and outdated, accentuating rather than masking. If you're aiming for a more youthful look, it might be best to part ways with those tops altogether.

Striped shirt look

If you really want to wear prints, your safest bet is classic ones, like stripes, for example. Scale them down for a youthful, current appearance. 

Designer handbag

6. Overlooking the finishing touches

No outfit is complete without a purse or a handbag, but having the wrong handbag can also ruin your outfit, especially if you aim to look current and modern. 


Red leather bag

Investing in a high-quality bag ensures both quality and practicality, particularly in a neutral structure that complements any outfit.


You don't need to opt for a designer label to find a quality bag; simply inspect the stitches. Even, consistent stitching inside and out indicates superior craftsmanship, while uneven or irregular stitches signal a poorly made bag. Also, check the hardware.


A good rule of thumb is if it's the hardware on a handbag looks cheap or generally appears cheap the bag is most likely poorly made.

Neutral outfit

7. Wearing only neutrals 

You might believe that only wearing neutrals can be safe, but it also can be dating. The reality is that that single approach to dressing will leave you feeling flat and repetitive on most days.


Most people have a closet weighed down by lots of neutrals already. To achieve range in your closet, all you have to do is find the perfect ratio between color and neutrals.

Clothes that make you look older
You can see how just a simple addition of color in the details brings a refreshing vibe to the look. Nothing needs to be dramatic, just a little something to add dimension.


Clothes that make you look older

8. Wearing fitted ladylike blazers 

While shorter blazers may flatter certain body shapes, the overall vibe is quite dated. I am a firm believer that your blazer can dictate whether you look current or passé.


Above, you can see the difference between these two blazers. The one on the left looks quite mature, while a more relaxed cut is more current and stylish. 


Clothes that make you look older

There we have eight things that make you look old and what to wear instead. I hope you found this tutorial helpful and will implement some of these rules.


Feel free to share in the comments below if you're aware of any other clothing items that can make you look older and should be avoided!


Next, learn How to Elevate an Outfit: 3 Easy Fashion Hacks.

The author may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page.

Comments
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 1 comment
  • Dia112940890 Dia112940890 on Sep 05, 2024
    I'm not saying you're right or not but the fact that the model is posed, has contacts and has hair and makeup is the most dramatic thing that makes her look "younger".
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