As children, we took it as a compliment when people assumed we were more mature than we actually were. Now? That is the most heinous insult I’ve ever heard! Worn-out clothing can make you appear years older than you actually are. You can look younger if you wear the right clothes, but you can also look older if you wear the wrong ones! Finding the perfect outfit can be difficult; what was fashionable even a year ago maybe a complete no-no today. To stay on top of the latest trends, you need to avoid these fashion faux pas. Here are some examples of fashion faux pas to avoid.
Poofy, Big Hairdo
Big hair was popular in the 1970s and 1980s. The only way to style your hair was to use a teasing comb or a backcombing comb. We now know how damaging this is to your hair, not to mention how out-of-date the look makes you appear to be. Soft, silky hair is here to stay, and we couldn’t be happier about it!
Matchy-Matchy Outfits
Color coordinating is out and mixing patterns and prints is in. Not only is it boring to wear matching outfits all the time, but it also makes you look older. Mix leopard with plaid and stripes with circles to avoid looking too put together.
High-Waters
Wearing high-water pants to show off your amazing socks is fine, but don’t stop wearing them just yet. However, if that isn’t the case, we regret to inform you that this style of pants is not recommended. When shopping for pants, make sure you sit down and check to see if the pants cover your ankles. Nobody wants cold ankles!
Over-Plucking/Tweezing
Years ago, thin eyebrows were the most popular style of brows to be seen wearing back then. Thick, natural brows are fashionable right now. Make room for your caterpillars to grow and ignore those stray hairs; the bushier the caterpillars, the better.
No Skincare Routine
Now is a good time to start using night and eye cream if you’re in your twenties. Even if you aren’t old yet, using an anti-aging cream (such as Olay’s) can help slow down the aging of your skin. Keep your youth by incorporating this into your morning and evening routines.
Long Sleeves Only
Even though arm flab is a thing as you get older, no one is really paying attention to your arms anyway. They will, however, if you are wearing a cover-up during the hot summer months. Take control of your arm flab and break out the short-sleeved shirts!
Matching Lipstick And Dress
Make use of pink lipstick to bring out the color of your black sweater if you’re wearing it. You should avoid purchasing a pomegranate-coloured lipstick to go with your pomegranate-coloured blouse, though it may be tempting. No true match will ever be found, and the difference between the two will appear aesthetically bizarre.
“Old Lady” Handbags
Large handbags sometimes referred to as “old lady” handbags, are out of style. Small, elegant bags have replaced the bulky, leather totes that were once popular. After all, how much stuff do you really need to carry around in your handbag?
Undergarment Lines
Wearing the appropriate clothing will only look good if you also wear the appropriate undergarments to go with it. If your bra is visible through your shirt or your underpants are too tight, your entire outfit will be thrown off balance, as will your entire day. In order to avoid embarrassment, we recommend that you purchase seamless clothing and accessories, such as the kind Faye Dunaway experienced after a night on the red carpet (below).
Jersey Fabric
Despite the fact that jersey material is comfortable, the fabric, unfortunately, draws attention to the wrong parts of the body. Silk, wool, and cotton are better choices for those who want to conceal certain parts of their bodies; jersey material clings to the body and is difficult to remove. If you absolutely adore the fabric and are unable to live without it, at the very least purchase looser pieces or jersey sheets!
Tan Stockings/Pantyhose
Tights in the colors black and nude are acceptable, but the tan is out of the question. In recent years, the “four shades darker than your skin tone” look has become less popular. Invest in stockings that match your skin tone, or don’t wear them at all!
Overdoing It With Powder
Powder makeup is the most effective way to dry out your skin and make your makeup cling to every pore on your face. Using powder makeup will bring all of your imperfections to the surface, even if you only have a couple. If you want to stay away from this fashion trend, liquid makeup and creams are better options.
Hiding Your Figure
As we grow older, we tend to dress in looser clothing. Instead of wearing clothes that are too baggy, wear clothes that are form-fitting and accentuate your curves. Those garbage bags that you use for clothing only serve to make you appear older.
Keeping The Same Hairdo
Maintaining the same hairstyle for the rest of your life is extremely monotonous. Change the length of your hair, the color of your hair, or both! So, if you want to freshen up your appearance, visit your local hairstylist for a new look.
Minis
As you get older, it’s best to avoid anything that is considered “mini.” The best hem length for older women is no more than a few inches above the knee. We recommend that you follow this rule no matter how beautiful your legs are.
Pieces With A Story
Despite the fact that that dress holds sentimental value, there is no requirement that you should wear it. If it’s too big and baggy, have it hemmed or use the fabric to make a scarf or something similar to wear with it. Avoid walking around in that hideous, unflattering dress simply because you wore it to your daughter’s first birthday celebration.
Trendy Sunglasses
Just because a pair of sunglasses is fashionable does not imply that they are beneficial to one’s well-being. Those pesky eye bags and wrinkles are accentuated by the dark, square-framed glasses that everyone is sporting these days. In terms of both weight and lens shade, go for a pair that is lighter.
Dark Lipstick
Dark lipsticks draw attention to every line. lighter shades are an excellent way to draw attention away from unwanted crevices and cracks while still enhancing your pout. If you absolutely must have a dark red, exfoliate your skin beforehand to smooth out the surface.
Bad Color Choices
Different colors look better on different skin tones than they do on each other. If your skin has cool undertones, such as blues and greys, you should wear cooler colors, whereas those with warm undertones should wear warmer colors, such as reds and yellows, to complement their complexion. Find out what works best for your skin tone, or you’ll risk looking washed out and unappealing.
Not Showing Your Neck
Many people believe that wearing a turtleneck will conceal wrinkles, but this is not true. Instead of feeling constricted and hot, a scoop or v-neck will help you to forget about your wrinkles altogether. A collared shirt is a good choice if you want to maintain a more conservative appearance.
All Black Everything
Almost everyone understands that dark colors make you appear thinner. It’s important to remember, however, that the color can also make your skin look dull and drained. With age, our skin becomes lighter, so the older you become, the more washed out you will appear. Dress up your black jacket by layering it with a redshirt.
Tweed
Tweed has the automatic ability to make even the most youthful-appearing people appear ten years older. Tweed is great for children and elderly people over the age of 90, but that’s about it. In the event that you want to experiment with menswear, choose houndstooth or pinstripes instead.
Resisting Denim
Denim is one of the few materials that have the ability to make people appear younger. In order to conceal your problem areas, we recommend going with a dark wash of clothing. A darker color is also more dressy, especially when you pair your pair (haha) with heels or a blazer, as shown in the photo above.
Chunky Jewelry
Costume jewelry exudes an air of “I’m old.” If you want to appear younger, avoid wearing chunky bubble necklaces, which were popular a decade ago. Delicate pieces such as small studs and bar necklaces are becoming increasingly popular.
Stretchy Jeans
Even though stretchy jeans are extremely comfortable, they have the unfortunate side effect of making people who do not have supermodel bodies appear lumpy. For women who want to maintain their shape while also flattening their silhouette, jeans with 2 percent elastic fiber are recommended.
Nothing Tight
Tight clothing can take years off a person’s appearance, whereas baggy clothing has the exact opposite effect on their appearance. Older people frequently believe that form-fitting clothing is not appropriate for them, but the truth is that clothing that fits true to size adds dimension and shape to your body.
Chunky Sneakers
Despite the fact that chunky heeled shoes, booties, and sneakers are currently everywhere, the truth is that they actually make you appear heavier and older! Shoes with a slimmer fit, such as ankle-strap flats or kitten heels, are the way to go. Keep a safe distance from those Fila disruptors!
Too Trendy
While we are all for fashionable clothing, there is such a thing as being too fashionable. A trend should be abandoned when it has reached the end of its lifespan. Wearing something from last year will not make you appear young and fashionable; on the contrary, it will make you appear old and stale. Classic trends such as plaid and leather are better to stick with because they are more likely to last for a long time than other styles.
Jacket Around The Waist
20 years ago, tying your jacket around your waist was considered fashionable; today, it is not. When you don’t want to carry your coat or flannel around with you, this trend may be convenient, but it can actually make your hips and waist appear larger than they actually are. Rather than wearing your jacket over your shoulders, drape it over your shoulders.
Tanning
Sun exposure outside can be extremely harmful to your skin. However, even though you’ll have a healthy glow, for the time being, it won’t look that way 25 years down the road. Tanning can cause wrinkles and sunspots, which are things you’ll want to avoid as you get older. Using tanning products, rather than sun exposure, can help you achieve that summery glow without damaging your skin. Later on, your skin will thank you for it.
Flowery Prints
The addition of florals to an outfit is a nice touch every now and then, but only as a statement piece or as a boot. Floral everything has a tendency to make a person look older. Consider wearing a floral dress, but make certain it is tailored to your body type. The two ladies in the photo below look fantastic in their florals!
Split Ends
Even if a person is 30 years old, having long hair can make them appear older. Hair cuts on a regular basis are essential if you want to maintain a youthful appearance. It won’t just give you a fuller look, but it will also help you avoid split or dead ends in your hairstyle. This is important because our hair becomes thinner as we grow older.
Too Much Blush
One makeup product, blush, requires a flawless application to achieve the best results. If you apply blush in the wrong place or use too much, it will make you look older. In contrast to a red lip, blush is intended to be subtle rather than “in your face.” To remove excess product, dab it with a tissue or a beauty blender and blend it out until you reach the desired color.
Only Wearing Flats
Although heels are not the most comfortable option, nothing says granny quite like a pair of flats. Wearing a small heel can make you appear younger, and trust us when we say that new styles are available that combine comfort and style. Boots and booties with short, thick heels and kitten heels have returned to fashion, and we couldn’t be happier.
Logos For All To See
“I’m trying way too hard,” says the logo on the clothing. It didn’t look good when I was 18, and it doesn’t look good now that I’m 50. Your appearance will attract attention and make you stand out from the crowd. You should wear a designer brand because you like the style, not because the designer’s name is written across the chest.
Long Skirts
As we get older, our hemlines tend to get longer, but this can be done in a graceful manner. On the other hand, this look has the potential to backfire and make you appear shabby. Tall people and those who wear high heels and boots are less likely to have this problem. However, those who are shorter may experience it. Proper proportions are the ultimate goal!
Slouchy And Slouchy
In terms of bottoms and tops, we believe that if your bottoms are tight, your top should be loose, and vice versa for bottoms that are loose and top that is tight. This is a general rule of thumb that should be followed to avoid looking frumpy or sloppy.
Not Showing Your Waist
Sadly, loose clothing does not conceal all bulges and, in many cases, makes us appear even larger as if we were a giant garbage bag. By wearing a belt with your outfit, you can give it more shape. You want to accentuate your waistline in order to show off your shape.
Heavy Black Eye Makeup
Instead of slapping on thick black eyeliner to draw attention to your eyes, use a thin line. Only your wrinkles will be highlighted as a result of this. Instead, opt for a lighter-colored liner that you can lightly apply. Colors such as olive green, gray, and brown are good choices, to begin with…
Clothes That Aren’t Tailored
Unaltered clothes, no matter what the style, never look good on a person. Despite the fact that alterations can be expensive, it shouldn’t cost more than $35 to have your shirt darted or your jacket tailored. For more accurate numbers, check with your local dry-cleaning establishment.
Drugstore Reading Glasses
As we all know, aging results in diminished vision; however, this does not imply that you must resort to the unsightly readers sold at drugstores to compensate. Instead of a cheap, skinny frame to draw attention to your face, opt for a larger, more prominent frame.
Bras That Don’t Fit
It is critical that you wear bras that are comfortable. With the proper bra size, you can completely transform and perfect your figure. We live in a time when bra brands place a high value on comfort, support, and style…enjoy it! There is nothing that makes a woman appear older than drooping breasts.
Chunky Heels
Unless you’re attending a formal event, chunky heels are only acceptable for black-tie occasions; otherwise, they look dated. Alternatively, if you want to wear heels, we recommend a point heel, as this will make you appear lighter in weight.
Silk Scarves
If you’ve begun to notice lines and wrinkles on your neck, wearing a silk neck scarf will only serve to draw attention to these imperfections. They also make you appear heavier in the upper half of your body, which is something neither women nor men want.
Pearls
Pearls instantly give the appearance of years to a person. We don’t care how many charity balls you attend this week; pearls should be avoided. Silver accessories are often less expensive than gold accessories, and they are also more timeless.
Boot-Cut Jeans
Boot-cut jeans only serve to make a person’s frame appear squat and short, which is the opposite of what most people want to achieve. Slim-fitting denim is a much better option because it will slim your figure and detract attention away from your lower half.
Solar Shield Sunglasses
Purchase a pair of Solar Shield sunglasses if you want someone to know you’re over the age of sixty. These things are enormous and unsightly. Despite the fact that they can block out the sun from all directions, they are not a good look…at any age!
Transition Glasses
Transition glasses make even the youngest of people appear to be in their late forties or early fifties. Inside, nobody wants to be seen sporting a pair of shades, do they? However, despite the fact that they are convenient, this is a look that you should avoid wearing at all costs.
Jean Sets
Even though jean sets were popular in their heyday, they are no longer in style today. Having a jacket and pants in the same black-wash denim will only make you look older. Make a choice between the two, but please don’t pick both!
A Huge Wallet
Nothing says “I’m old” quite like a large wallet on one’s person. The need to keep 20 credit cards, a pen and photos of your grandchildren all in one place is no longer necessary. The only things that should be kept in your wallet are the cards that are absolutely necessary and a few dollars for emergencies.
Jewelry Sets
If you’re still purchasing matching jewelry sets, please stop right now. It is not essential that your necklace, earrings, ring, and bracelet all be the same color. This appearance simply adds years to a person’s age. Mix and match metal tones instead than wearing the same metal tone over and again.
Jeans & Running Sneakers
This style has never been trendy, and it will never be trendy again. The rule is straightforward when it comes to pairing tight jeans with running sneakers: never, ever, ever. This is a common way for parents and children to dress, but we highly advise against it.
High Socks & Shorts
If you’re wearing shorts, you shouldn’t wear them with high socks. Socks that are just a few inches above the tops of your sneakers are ideal. This clothing screams “I don’t know what I’m doing” (and no short socks). Don’t dress like this to keep up with the times!
Short Haircut
Short haircuts just make ladies appear older. Rather than pixie cuts and bobs, longer hairstyles will attract attention away from your face. All we ask is that if you want short hair, please don’t get a horrible haircut like Kate Gosselin did, since she looked awful.
Elastic Waist Pants
Due to the availability of yoga apparel that is both attractive and extremely comfortable, elastic waist pants are no longer required. We suggest “athleisure” or yoga pants, which are both attractive and comfy summer options.
Old Ties
According to networking expert Jill Merriman, the wide, stripped 1970s tie and the thin 1980s tie are out of style. Instead, go for a fashionable tie with a contemporary floral theme to appear young and hip.”
Eyeglass Chains
Remove any eyeglass chains that are still attached to your glasses as soon as feasible! Spectacles should always be on your face or in your bag; they should never be seen dangling from your neck!
Wrong Color Makeup
Is there a quick and easy approach to restore your skin’s youthful radiance? To create a layered effect, use the wrong color foundation and bronzer. This causes you to appear ashy and deprives you of your natural radiance. Make an appointment for a professional match at a makeup store.
Glitter Overload
Blue Eyeshadow
It’s true that wearing various shades of blue eyeshadow makes you look older. To appear more trendy and younger, choose nude colors to brighten up your eyes and overall appearance. Take a look at the colors tan, beige, and grey.
Overdrawn Lips
Take a backseat, Kylie Jenner! Lips that are severely lined and drawn are no longer fashionable. This look has a larger chance of going wrong than of being successful. Avoid going crazy with the accessories and keep this look true to your natural features.
Dangly Earrings
Dangly earrings only help to draw attention to a part of the body that most elderly women want to keep private. Older generations are viewed as out of touch when they embrace this look, which was designed for younger people.
Locket Necklaces
A locket necklace could be the perfect gift for your 8-year-old daughter, but it’s not a trendy item for a woman in her 50s. Save a photo of your husband on your phone or frame it and hang it on your office wall…but not around your neck!
Cargo Shorts
Cargo shorts are a fashion faux pas that break all the rules. Although the promise of having more storage space may entice you, believe us when we tell that your flashlight and water bottle have no place in your hip pocket.
Belly Chains
We can all recall the belly chain craze that swept the country a few years ago. However, that age has long since past, and wearing one will only make you appear older. As a result, if you find yourself tempted to revive this trend, resist it. That’s all we have to say about it for the time being. Not to mention the fact that belly button rings aren’t any more comfortable or secure. The majority of the time, they come out as a little cheesy. Avoid the belly chains at all costs, no matter what you do.
Crocheted Blanket
We have no idea which celebrity started this horrible fad of hand-knit sweaters that look more like blankets than sweaters. Walking around with a tea cozy thrown over your shoulders was entirely acceptable – and even trendy – back in the day. On the other hand, it is undeniably not a fashionable or fashionable piece of apparel to wear nowadays. As a result, it should be self-evident that wearing such a garment will only make you look older.
Pleather Chaps
We can all agree that the year 2020 was a colossal failure. Only a return of the pleather chaps in some form or another might make things worse. We recognize we’ve reached the end of the line at this point. This is a fashion trend that should be faded out completely and never seen again. Who was it that first brought this trend to the attention of the public? What were their thoughts when they made this choice? Was it some kind of inside joke that we didn’t know about?
Cropped Pinstripe Pants
Another design trend that we don’t understand is the cropped pinstriped pants style, which was fashionable for a brief period in the late 1990s and early 2000s. You will almost surely appear ten years older if you wear this style of clothing. We have no understanding how this inclination was ever allowed to thrive in the first place, as previously stated. The truth is that it did, no matter how you spin it. And it was a big hit with us back then. After the spell has been broken, we might start to realize that this is no longer a common occurrence.
Embellished Jeans
For the sake of argument, let us all swear that embroidered denim will never, ever become a major fashion trend again. It is an appearance that instantly ages a person, aside from the fact that it appears cheap. Even a celebrity like Beyonce can’t pull off the style, which simply goes to show how bad the fad was to begin with. Beyonce is capable of pulling off any style! It turns out that even the most gifted among us can’t make embroidered pants seem beautiful.
Useless Belts
If we had one chance to time travel, we’d use it to ask J. Lo how much weight her belt was intended to be able to support. Of course, the fashion was as hot as it could possible be right now, but everyone will be staring at you while you’re wearing it. People will naturally question someone’s fashion sense if they wear anything comparable to what you’re wearing today. Not to mention the fact that wearing a pointless belt makes a person appear much older. It just does not exist anymore.
Cropped, Wide-leg Capris
For many of us, capris are a wardrobe must-have. They’re useful while also being cute. It is, nonetheless, totally prohibited when it comes to wide capris. Although wide-leg full-length trousers are attractive, wide-leg capri pants decrease your leg line, making you appear shorter and ‘stumpier’. In a nutshell (pun intended), avoid wearing extremely large capri pants. Capris are a terrific option when it comes to fashion. Wide-legged jeans? Great! Simply stay away from combining those two elements, and you’ll be fine.
Tightly Pulled-Back Hair
Ladies with their hair pulled back into a tight bun or ponytail are often thought to be older. When we see a woman in uniform with a tight bun, we automatically think of the title “headmistress.” To avoid making this type of mistake, avoid wearing your hair completely pushed back. Allow certain face-framing elements to naturally fall around your face instead. It will make you look younger by softening your overall appearance.
Over-Accessorizing
There’s a fine line to be drawn between wearing enough accessories and going overboard with the decorations. Our collective, however, is not capable of accomplishing such a feat. The bulk of us ordinary people don’t look good with a plethora of extra adornments. In fact, it drastically reduces our life expectancy. Walking this tight line might be difficult, but with practice and perseverance, you’ll get the hang of it.
Cheap Outerwear
Outerwear is the one thing you should invest in if you don’t want to spend a lot of money on clothing in general. It will keep you warm and keep the elements at bay. You may think that finding a new coat for $40 is a great deal, but others will see right through it. Invest in a high-quality coat that is both comfortable and fashionable that you can wear every day if at all possible. You won’t have to worry about it falling apart after only one season of use this way. Not to mention that you’ll look amazing.
Ugly Holiday Patterns
Despite the fact that sweaters are a winter fashion must-have, while shopping for new sweaters, choose beautiful neutral colors. As an example, consider the hues black, white, gray, and blue. Avoid using clichéd Christmas patterns that include snowflakes, reindeer, and other holiday symbols. When you’re out and about, wearing these will make you look older and strange. Stick with tried-and-true patterns like stripes or plaid if you like patterns. For a long time, those will be classics.
Frameless Glasses
Many people prefer frameless glasses, and they aren’t the worst thing that could happen to you. In some cases, however, they may be a source of concern for adults over the age of 50. Because our coloring fades as we get older, wearing these glasses will lead us to blend in with our surroundings, creating an unusual effect that no one enjoys. We appear significantly duller as a result of our hair and skin losing color with time. Rather than frameless spectacles, consider ones with a larger frame or a vivid color when shopping for glasses. This will give your face more radiance and make you look younger.
Pastel Overload
Pastel colors are less acceptable for older individuals as they get older. This has a simple explanation: they thoroughly wash you out of your skin. As previously stated, as we age, our hair and complexion become duller, and wearing pale colors will exacerbate this appearance. This does not rule out the prospect of pastels being worn in the future. All that is asked of you is that you choose them carefully. Experiment with various hues and tints to see how they look on your skin and hair, then expand on your results.
Too Much At Once
It is absolutely up to you if you wish to dress more conservatively. If you feel like you’re looking older than you are, it’s possible that you’re wearing too many conservative pieces in one outfit. Wearing tweed with pearls, for example, will make the wearer appear older right away. Isolate those items and pair them with ensembles that are more whimsical in design to create a youthful touch. If you insist on wearing them together, add a modern twist to keep yourself looking fresh.
A Lot Of Jewelry
Consider this: whenever a women over the age of 50 appears in a rom-com, she is nearly always adorned with obnoxiously large jewelry items that jangle and rattle with every movement. Even if it adds to the film’s comic side, it has instilled in us the belief that wearing a lot of showy jewelry at once makes you look older. Once again, this is determined by your personality and personal style.
Prints
We have access to all of the current fashions and fads when we are young. Taking chances with one’s looks is valued and respected. Similarly to how fear makes you grow older, the young aren’t afraid to explore new things. Despite the fact that you may be retired and no longer live in an artsy studio apartment, you may still be considered youthful at heart, so why not dress accordingly? Allowing yourself to blend in with the throng is a bad idea. Instead, try something fresh, such as prints and bold hues. When you’re wearing a clothing that makes you feel great, the way you hold yourself alters.
Two-Piece Sets
If you love the coverage and comfort that a silhouette like this provides, go ahead and wear it. If the two-piece formal dress does not convey your genuine feelings, try on gowns that appear to be “younger.” To get an idea, look at how superstars like Jennifer Lopez and Sofia Vergara dress on the red carpets in Hollywood. They all have their own distinct personalities, and none of them follow any age-related guidelines. Maintaining a youthful appearance is simple: you do not need to age your clothes.
Cheap Fabrics
Although it may be tempting to save money by buying a $15 piece of clothing instead of a $50 piece, bear in mind that high-quality materials look significantly different on the body. They’re more comfortable to wear, appear more fitted, and give your figure more definition. Wearing a high-quality outfit will instantly improve your appearance, making you appear more appealing and coordinated rather than sloppy. One of the reasons people appear worn down is because of the textiles they wear.