Fashion Mistakes That Make You Look Older

Growing older is inevitable. We cannot stall the hands of time, and we cannot look like Taylor Swift forever (even if we never looked like her). Over time, the small creases and wrinkles appear. Our bodies begin to change, due to hormonal, hereditary, or other factors. And, our skin gets thinner and looser.

So, what can we do to turn back the clocks and not “age” ourselves? The solution lies in our fashion choices: clothing, hair, nails, lashes, jewelry, shoes, and, of course, makeup. For a complete transformation, you might consider visiting Dashe Beauty - Premier Salon and Beauty Store in Kuwait, where their expert stylists can help you rejuvenate your look and embrace your unique beauty. That said, here are some fashion tips that won't make you look older.

Let’s Start with Hair

As we age, our hair becomes thinner and, in many cases, coarser. You should keep that in mind as you get older. Here are a few mistakes that many make:

Really Long Hair

How those TV commercials for hair products have us longing for those long, shiny locks that fall beautifully down the backs of 20-year-old models. Older women who grow long, long hair just look older than their years. Unless you plan to always wear your hair up in some way, ditch that style for something shorter – a shoulder-length bob, even one that is layered, will have you looking younger.

Trying for Too Much Volume

There is nothing wrong with volumizing shampoos, conditioners, and even mousse. You want a body for your thinning hair of course. But if you are “teasing” your hair to get it too poofy, you just look silly. 

Wearing the Same Hairstyle You Have for Years

Maybe you got a simple “wedge” cut years ago and have never changed it up. Some types of wedges are still popular, but they have changed over time. Talk to your hairdresser about other options that are more current.

Chunky Highlights

This is so long gone. Highlights in hair can be amazing and youthful looking, but big chunks of highlights will age you. There are plenty of over-the-counter products to comb in highlights. But better yet, get with your hairdresser and have it professionally done. Highlights today are far more subtle.

Moving On To Makeup

Skincare

First up? You need a daily skincare routine that will help reduce those fine lines and wrinkles that are beginning to show up. And there is no lack of products on the market – everything from retinol products to exfoliants, to skin peels. 

The key terms here are “daily” and “regular.” You have to keep at it.

A word to the wise here: If you decide on a skin peel, have a professional do the job.

Face Foundation

Get rid of any powdery foundation you are using. It sticks into those fine lines. And many of the cream foundations do the same as the day wears on.

There are amazing new brush and blow-on foundations – invest in a good one and see the amazing results.

Lipstick

Dump the dark red colors. If you have fine lines above your upper lip, they will seep into those and just highlight those lines.

Choose more neutral lip shades. And because your lips thin out as you age, get a lip plumper. It’s only temporary, but use it before you apply any lip coloring. You’ll look younger with fuller lips.

Eyebrows

A more natural look is now in fashion. So stop plucking and let them grow in. If they have some gray, just use a good hair color on them.

Over Blushing

A big no-no. You’ll only end up looking a bit like a clown. Choose a neutral blush tone and do it over-apply.

Now For Those Accessories

Jewelry, purses, and shoes. They accessorize your clothing in great ways and can make an outfit complete. But there are mistakes you may be making.

Clunky Jewelry

Time was, matching pieces of clunky jewelry were considered good fashion. No more. If you have such pieces, divide them up when you wear them. Wear a chunky necklace but temper it with smaller earrings and bracelets, and vice versa.

Purses

There is such a variety of purses and purse fabrics these days -everything from fanny packs to mid-sized to pretty large.

What you do want to avoid are those small, tight, leather purses with short handles. They just scream “Grandma.”

Shoes

Short stiletto heels may be manageable, but they are out now. You want comfort and style. So go for a chunkier heel that will be far easier to walk in and won’t date or age you.

If you are into lots of comfort, you can certainly wear a flat shoe with pants but watch the style. Rounded toes signal someone older who wants comfort over anything else. Pick a flat with squared or pointed toes.

And a word about that pantyhose. Please. Those shiny looks are bad. If you want a more tanned look for your legs, use some tanning cream and go without the hose. Tights in colors, though, still work.

Scarves

Yes, there is still a place for scarves in your wardrobe. But flowery scarves used to cover up your crepey neck just age you. If you must on occasion, go for geometric prints. 

If you are continually using scarves to cover your aging neck, invest in a good crepe cream. While many are only temporary, they will work for hours and give your neck a more youthful appearance. 

Eyewear

Yes, there are also trends in eyeglasses. 

Now the Main Event – Clothing

Nothing tells age more than the clothing and outfits you choose. Here are the biggest mistakes you can make.

Flowery Dresses and Skirts

Being a walking garden is just not cool these days. Get rid of that clothing now.

Too Much Black

That basic black cocktail dress is still a staple in any woman’s wardrobe. It can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

And black is still a slimming color if you are carrying a few extra pounds.

But wearing black all of the time is not cool. It does date you. If you wear black, add splashes of color with accessories – some colorful jewelry, an unstructured jacket, etc.

Too Many Pastels

Pastels are not good for every skin tone. They tend to “wash you out,” which always ages you some. If you choose a pastel top or bottom, use a more vibrant color to match it with. 

Always consider your skin tone as you play with the colors that are best for you. Those with lighter skin tones do better with greens and blues. Those with darker skin tones look great in the deeper, warmer colors.

Are there universal good colors for everyone? Yes. White, off-white, beige, and tan are always good choices.

Fabrics

Cheap fabrics always look bad after first wearing them. Just don’t do it. Choose fabrics that are sturdy and will hold their shape.

And a word about jersey clothing. Yes, it feels good. Who doesn’t love a great jersey T-shirt? But jersey dresses? No. They cling and will expose all of those lumps and bulges you’d rather no one see. Jersey is just not good for anything other than T-shirts.

Jeggings and Jeans

Jeggings, like jersey fabric, cling to you. If you have decent legs but a rounder middle, jeggings may be fine if worn with a loose-fitting longer top. Only you can be the judge of how you look in them.

Now, about those jeans. Styles change all the time, and you need to be mindful of the most current styles. Don’t date yourself by older styles. And here’s a good tip: you probably can’t go wrong with a pair of straight-legged jeans in a lighter color without all of the current holes. Pair them with tennis shoes or boots. For a dressier look, use some open-toed shoes with wedge heels. 

Undergarments

Here’s where you don’t want to scrimp. Outdated bras can create bulges under your clothing, for example. Invest in high-quality underwear that will minimize your body imperfections once you put on clothes. For panties, look for good-quality that are seamless and that offer to tuck your tummy in a bit or add to your butt appearance.

Tops for Cold and Hot Weather

You will look pretty silly wearing a long-sleeved top in the sweltering heat. You are trying to hide that flabby skin that is increasing on your upper arms.

There are plenty of exercises you can do to reduce if not eliminate those sags. Commit to those daily so that your sleeve lengths can match the weather.

Benefits of Eliminating These Mistakes

Face it. If you take these suggestions to heart, you’ll end up feeling so much better about yourself and your appearance. And if you are single, you are ready to look for a new relationship. Explore it. There are plenty of men your age who are ready for someone like you – someone who is confident and self-assured.

Is This a Full List?

No. But it’s a great start. Take this advice and you will be on your way to being a younger version of you.