9 Fashion Mistakes That Make You Look Older
Fashion Mistakes to Avoid Looking Older
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:
- too many pastel outfits
- too much black
- baggy everything
- out-of-date eyeglasses
- the wrong lingerie
- out of date and too many new trends
- unflattering lipstick
- pantyhose
- matching accessories
1. Avoid wearing too many soft, delicate colors
Our skin tone fades as we get older, so wearing softer shades can be more flattering. Wearing too many pastels in the same outfit can make you look older. If you want to wear light colors from head to toe, opt for pale neutrals like nude, ivory, light gray, or beige. Baby blue with soft pink is a classic combo but hard to pull off over a certain age. If you love pastels near your face, anchor it with a stronger color on the bottom. Baby blue looks great with navy and black or brown and charcoal—ditto for soft pink, butter yellow, and pale peach.
2. Avoid too much black
Head-to-toe black is always chic, stylish, and easy to coordinate. It makes packing a breeze and enables you to have a smaller wardrobe. But it can also leach the life out of your complexion, which makes you look older. Since black is such a huge part of many women’s wardrobes, here are a few tips to make it more flattering:
- Wear a flattering colored scarf near your face.
- Wear a v or deep scoop neckline, so the black isn’t too close to your face
- Bump up your makeup to balance the black (think brighter lipstick and more eyeshadow).
- Wear colorful earrings and/or necklaces in colors that do flatter you.
- Wear black from the waist down and flattering colors on top.
3. Avoid wearing oversized everything
Many brands’ aesthetics are oversized and loose. It’s a popular look that’s very comfy but tricky to get right. Choose pieces that are loose but not overwhelming. Try wearing oversized just on one half of your body at a time. Voluminous tunics paired with oversized pants can make you look like you’re trying to hide something. Opt for slim-fitting bottoms with an oversized top. Or a slim-fitting top with oversized pants. Some part of your body silhouette needs to show, or you risk looking larger and older than you are.
4. Outdated eyeglasses
If your eyeglasses are dated, you look older. Check out how to choose the best frames for your face here. Frame shapes change slowly, but if you haven’t updated yours in several years, they may be aging you. On the subject of glasses, very few frameless ones don’t make you look older. Frames actually help cover undereye wrinkles and camouflage dark circles. Choose a modern frame that makes a fun statement.
Here are the eyeglasses that I wear daily. They’re expensive but worth the investment.
If you’re looking to update your frames, here are a few some great retailers:
See also- How to Choose the Best Eyeglasses
5. The wrong undergarments
Panty lines aren’t flattering on anyone, so ensure your underwear lays smooth against your skin. Thongs aren’t the most comfortable, so I gave up on them years ago. They fall under the “life’s too short category” for me now, so I moved on to no-show panties with either laser-cut edges or very thin lace that are invisible under your pants. These are my current favorites.
The wrong bra can leave your clothes looking lumpy and your breasts sagging. Get a professional bra fitting and ensure it’s perking things up so your clothes hang properly. Bras that dig in will leave bulges. Loose ones give no support, and visible bra straps scream poor fit. I’ve written a couple of posts about the most comfortable bras below that come highly recommended by the AWSL community:
6. Passé trends
Herein lies the problem with trends. They change rapidly, so if you’re wearing outdated trends, you look out of touch and older. It’s better to invest in styles that nod to what’s current and give your look a modern twist. Outdated jeans make you look out of touch, so be aware of current shapes and denim washes.
I try and share at least twice a week about how I’m styling the latest trends in an appropriate way or am doing a dressing room diary try-on from some of the most popular retailers you love, like Talbots, J. Jill, Nordstrom, and more. Below, you can dive into the three categories I have with all of my latest posts:
7. Unflattering Lipstick Makes You Look Older
Brown, deep and matte lipstick ages the face and sucks the life out of your smile. Opt for gleam vs. frost and dewy vs. matte. I go more into how to choose the most flattering lipstick for you in this post.
See also – Best Lipsticks After 50
8. Pantyhose That Make You Look Older Than You Are
Sheer hose is making a comeback but beware of tan or beige shades that obscure your skin too much. Many women aren’t comfortable with bare legs, so try self-tanner or opt for opaque tights or very sheer black, navy, or nude pantyhose. Footless tights and leggings will also work in place of pantyhose.
If you decide to go the self-tanner route, I’ve rounded up the best ones along with the best leg makeup in this post for you.
See also – best self-tanners and leg makeup
9. Too much matchy-matchy
Coco Chanel is famously quoted as saying, “before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” The truth is, too many statement accessories can age you. Matching accessories can do the same thing. Break your jewelry sets up. Don’t wear matching earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. Many women love the bohemian aesthetic and believe “more is more” This is personal taste, so wear what makes you feel confident. If you can pull off full-on accessories, go for it and enjoy it.
You may also enjoy Grooming Mistakes That Make You Look Older
What fashion mistakes do you think makes a woman look older than she is?
I’d love to hear in the comments below.
Thanks for reading and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.
Great tips today, Jennifer! I have found that I have had to adjust my makeup application and products for my 68 year old face. As Janice said, blush can get heavy handed really quickly and I am always aware of it. Remembering the days of my aunts with their Rouge cheeks😇🤣
We all need a stylish haircut. Since I have embraced my silver hair, I change my hairstyle regularly to stay up to date.
Absolutely true. Our haircut can make it break our style.
I too is small chested down to one comfortable bra. In Canada where are
Retailers for a 38 A. Last one is La Senza, ours left our little mall. Not many retailers are left. Help
Have you tried the soft, unstructured bras like I wear?
Pixie haircuts seem to be ideal for older women , less fuss and easier to apply hair color. Naturally wavy hair can be layered and tapered at the neck to look classic. Floral prints (most all) are matronly, yet small subdued color floral print blouses or tops with solid color bottoms ok. I have some polka dot tops and striped horizontal tops sometimes layered with a button down shirt or jacket. Best to wear colors that go with skin tone (winter, summer,spring, etc)
Hair that needs a touch up. I don’t live on the west coast, where people go gray more uniformly. When I am in a group and am a little bored, I like to look at women (and men) and try to figure out how many color their hair. It is usually 90% of the women and a surprising number of men don’t seem to have age appropriate hair color. But you need regular touch ups or you look pretty much like you are over the hill and don’t care any more.
Agreed. It looks like you’ve given up. Maintenance is important if you’re going to commit to coloring your hair.
I use L’Oreal preference lt. neutral blond, was lt brown for years then went lighter gradually. Most everyone dyes their hair in the deep south it seems. I can go quit a while before dying hair as gray blends in.
Great tips Jennifer! I’m 65 – I see so many women that either dress too old or too young (mostly too revealing in my opinion). I think a flattering hairstyle is important to consider as well, it definitely can be aging. Most important – I love that you emphasize this – wear what makes you confident!
Agreed. It can be a fine line for sure.
Some great ideas to look out for, I love basics and versatile pieces. For me the thing that makes woman look older is too much makeup, especially blush.
Yes! Some blush makes me look like Santa Claus so I have to be careful because I’m pale.
Totally agree. Too much makeup is clown like. I’ll add that not enough makes women look tired and older than we are. It’s a fine line. Just a bit of lipstick helps so much.
Amen to all of these. That said I’ll give up jeans forever before I wear the wide leg ones.
They’re certainly not for everyone. Luckily there are lots of options.
Not a fashion thing, but this makes a woman look old: not styling the back of your hair when you get up. I see women looking very chic and then the back of their head is not brushed, and split from sleeping on it. It takes away from their pretty look and looks old. Check the back of your head in the mirror!
YES! This is a huge one that I always notice. It’s very aging and frankly, poor grooming. Brush the entire heat every day. It’s best for your scalp too.
Yes, yes, and yes!!
Yes! This is a pet peeve of mine as well. No matter the age, brush or comb ALL your hair. 😊
Delia: I notice that alot in public, the back is split and matted, or sometimes seeing part of the scalp. All they have to do is run the comb or brush down the back. Most of them have shorter hair styles. On blush: I get the peachy powder blushes (Clinique, C girl) and find using a makeup sponge applies blush easier and more natural looking than using the one that comes in the compact.
Fabrics make a big difference, too. When I see polyester, particularly in a loud print, I think old lady.
Prints are VERY tricky for older women.
Hair bows, to me, on anyone over 10, are very aging. I’m not talking about barrettes, Bobby pins , ponytail holders or scrunched — I’m talking about decorative fabric bows.
All one color Hair! especially if your hair is really dark. Subtle highlights are much softer and flattering!
Agreed! It looks rather lifeless like you used shoe polish to color it.
Uh oh — that is me! I’m 63 and half-Chinese with pure blue-black natural hair coloring, no undertones. I’ve been coloring since 36 bc I don’t see that gray/white in an uneven pattern on my head does anything for me and my I look!
Perhaps you could soften it and try a deep, cool-toned brown rather than black. It’s easier on the complexion and worth experimenting.
Love to hear the saying “mutton trying to look like lamb” it was one used by my Dad who unfortunately died when I was 36 I loved your comments regarding “aging” everything hit their targets thank you I am one of your gals on the older side 83 this Oct but feel I don’t want to get frumpy
Great article! So refreshing coming from a stylish person in her sixties instead of from much younger fashionistas. One thing that I think can make a woman look older is frizzy hair. Our hair texture can change and using the right products & finding the right cut can make a big difference. Takes some trial & error, but very worthwhile to have healthy looking hair in a flattering style. And get regular trims, even if you don’t color your hair. No, I’m not a hairdresser— just someone who has naturally coarse frizzy hair 😂😂
I agree Darla! Thanks for sharing. I’ll need to do a whole other list😁
I have tried everything on my hair to smooth the frizzies. It looks like cotton candy. Is there anything out there to help my grey uncolored hair??
Agree: regular trims and shaping and using a good conditioner if dry, frizzy or naturally curly as coloring hair can dry it more.
Jennifer, you are so correct in that frameless glasses make you look older. I had them for a few years and a year ago I went out on a limb and got some trendy ones. It took me awhile to get used to them but everyone kept saying they looked really good on me. My husband even commented that they make me look younger! Looking back at pictures of me, I agree I look younger now. Also, I love the blue coat. Where did you get it?
The coat is from Kohl’s . I have frameless glasses but they’re my at home glasses because they are so aging.
Ruffles (most of them) fall into the ‘mutton dressed as a lamb’ category.
I recently purchased the Wacoal underwire sports bras featured in your bra post, and I love them so much that they are my daily bra. As a 36DDD, I struggled to find a bra with support and coverage that didn’t also add inches to my bust (making it harder to get a good fit in tops). While I might have preferred a light lining, so far I haven’t had an issue with the ‘headlights’ showing through. I did bend the underwire frame back a bit because the top tended to stand out in some tops.
Thanks for letting us know. It’s a very popular bra so it’s great to hear.
Linda P, I have been wearing Wacoal for many years and I totally agree with you!😍
Several times recently I’ve seen women with a “headlight” problem. They obviously didn’t take a moment to check themselves in a mirror before leaving home, as one “headlight” will be in one direction while the other is pointed in a different direction, thus drawing far more attention to their chest.
No a good look!
Great point!! I agree
Wearing the wrong shade of foundation is definitely an “ager”. A foundation that is too light makes the face look chalky/pasty; too dark accentuates wrinkles and blemishes.
Yes!! And too much powder.
Happy sunny warm morning, thank you for all great tips this morning. Have a great weekend 🥰
Great tips today. I need someone to help pick lipstick for me…always regrets
Are they too bright? Too dark?
Happy Weekend Pat!
Me too ! I would love to wear lipstick but lipsticks change color on me or fade away.
Clothing that does not fit is very aging. Two women can wear exactly the same items and one will look great and one will not. The one who looks great is wearing the right size that flatters her shape and curves. The other may be wearing pants that droop in the seat, are too long or a top that doesn’t fit across the bust or is too big in the shoulders or too long. Another thing that ages us is sturdy, utilitarian shoes. This has nothing to do with heel height (although give me cute, comfortable shoes with a 2″ heel and I am in heaven!) It has to do with proportions. For example jeans that droop in the seat, that are too long with sturdy shoes paired with a shapeless hoodie gives a completely different look than the same jeans that hug the behind, a flattering ankle length, comfortable low heel slides in a fun color and a shapely high hip cardigan. Same basic elements but one is energetic, ageless and flattering and the other is just covering for the body. The other big aging factor is our hair styles. It has nothing to do with long or short but everything to do with styling and attitude. Utilitarian hair styles of any length are not flattering. But that same hair cut styled with the right products, lift and flair will look fantastic.
As I reread my comment, I realize I can sum it up as attitude, fit, proportion and energy.
Great points. Poor fit is very aging.
I don’t see a problem with too much black. Haven’t worn much colour since I was 11 and no one thought I looked older.
Capri pants unless you’re really tall
I think Capri pants are aging at every age! You never see young women wear them.
Agreed on the capris. I read another post that said they never look good on anyone unless you are in a gym. I donated all of my jean capris and have “refreshed” my wardrobe with cropped pants.
Thanks for these reminders, Jennifer. One thing that I try not to do at my age (80 – how did that happen?) is to dress like a teenager. No distressed jeans for me, or cropped tops or high top sneakers. I enjoy watching my slim, tall, beautiful granddaughters wear these items. They look so cute. But I try to dress in comfortable, fashionable, and flattering outfits that make me feel confident.
You have a good list. It inspires me to review my daily look.
One look that flatters very few except the tall and fit is using leggings as pants. Not under a dress or skirt, but as pants with a t shirt or knit top. This combination flatters few at any age, but is especially unkind to those of us who’ve developed a “meno-pot.”
Skirted leggings are a close second for me. While they cover “assets,” to me they scream, “Y2K” – perhaps because I donated my last pair about 15 years ago.
I’m not sure about older, but I have read that Skinny jeans are out. Animal prints are out in favor of metallics. Tunic tops are out in favor of oversize button down open shirts. Camo is out which I never liked anyway! FYI.
Skinny jeans are out of favor for sure.