40 Fashion Mistakes That Could May You Look Older Than You Are

Finding the right pair of glasses can be a bit of a challenge, but those trips to the eye doctor are worth it in the end. Then again, if you don’t want the specs to age you, it might be an idea to avoid slim frames. As per Best Life, bold frames will do a better job accentuating your facial features.

Are you a fan of pins and brooches? Unfortunately, sporting one of those items just below the collar of your coat can make you look older. Sure, it was a fashionable choice in the long-distant past – but not now. You're better off admiring them from afar, at least until they come back into style.

As we get older, our body shape changes right along with us. If you're struggling to dress your new shape, then try to embrace your new proportions! It’s simple: on the days you want to sport a baggy shirt, Best Life recommends grabbing a form-fitting item for your lower half, and vice-versa. You see, proportionate dressing will keep eyes on the areas you're more comfortable with.

Stuck in the category of not quite shorts or trousers, capris are a sure-fire way to add unwanted years to your look. According to Daily Fashion Muse, they’re a big hit with ladies who are 50 and above. Instead, the website notes that “structured pants” worn with fashionable trainers is a much better alternative today.

The odd accessory or two can really add your personality to your appearance. But when you slap on a bunch of accessories, you may inadvertently make yourself look older. Naturally, an abundance of those items will conceal your features. They’ll also give off untidy, jumbled vibes, which takes a very specific person to pull off. This lady is killing it, but not all of us can pull of such a whimsical look!

Pantyhose are ideal for ladies who don’t like showing off their legs. Yet nude-colored pantyhose should apparently be avoided at all costs. As fashion blogger Jennifer Connolly noted on her site A Well Styled Life, “These are totally out of date and scream out of touch.” We think this is a bit harsh, but you can't deny the sleek appeal of a pair of dark pantyhose!

Ah, floral prints: the perfect pattern for the summer! If you like to sport lots of it, though, you could be inadvertently aging yourself. Big floral prints are simply dated, especially if you wear them every day. Whether or not floral prints really age you is up for debate, but breaking up the floral patterns once in a while couldn't hurt.

When you hit a certain age, it’s highly advised that you stop powdering your face with makeup. To explain why, skin expert Dr. Carolyn Jacob spoke to WebMD. She said, “The skin doesn’t produce as much natural moisturizing factor as it used to, and the top layers of skin become dry.” Try liquid makeup products instead!

Turtlenecks might seem ideal when winter comes around, but maybe you should opt for something else from your closet. Why? Because necks should be flaunted at any age! If you're insecure about showing your neck, though, try wearing a light scarf or mock-neck blouse instead. Not only are they more physically comfortable than a throat-squeezing turtleneck, but they look cute, too!

Big, blocky heels are more than a little problematic. If you’re a particular age, they may not do your body or comfort any favors. On top of that, the footwear can also give the impression that your legs are bigger than they actually are. This plus the overall safety issue is a nasty combo! Try for smaller, thinner heels, and you may be more comfortable.

We can’t help but feel a little sorry for cardigans. There are some truly chic designs out there. And yet, they all come with an unfortunate stigma. Yep, you guessed it – “only old people wear them.” That’s right — one lone cardigan could add a few unwanted years to your style. If you’re not ready to part with the cardigan just yet, try choosing a style that incorporates modern design trends while still being comfortable.

How about this for a surprise? Omaha Magazine claims that thicker eyebrows will make you appear younger. Obviously, it’s still worth keeping them under control via whatever method works for you, but over-plucking is a big no-no. Pencil-thin brows are reminiscent of a time period that has long since passed!

This one should go without saying, but tweed outfits will age you the instant they’re put on. There's just something about tweed that brings to mind grandfathers and college professors. Plus, Best Life says that the material has an uncanny knack of messing with your shape, too, piling on pounds that don’t really exist. Linen-blends are said to be worthwhile alternatives.

Did you know that belts can be useful beyond holding up a pair of trousers? No? Well, listen up. According to Best Life, you can adapt various get-ups – including flowing gowns – by wrapping one around your midriff. Apparently, it’ll help compliment your figure and get eyes on your waistline. So don't avoid belts — use them to your advantage!

During a conversation with Good Housekeeping, fashion expert Annabel Hodin shared this piece of advice. She said, “I think delicate patterns are too girly to wear as you get older, as they have an aging effect. Instead, take inspiration from the Italians and go for rich colors, or choose dramatic, bold prints.” Thankfully, being bold is a good look on everyone!

Shapeless blazers might have a lot of upsides, but there’s one thing they don’t do – compliment your figure! Yes, unlike a form-fitting jacket, these products can swamp you, and that doesn’t do any favors for your appearance. Why not try the tighter alternative, then? After all, it could suit you better.

No, we’re not referring to The Rocky Horror Picture Show! In this instance, we’re talking about retro makeup choices dating back to your younger years. As per It’s Rosy, these looks will age you in seconds – the same way an outfit from the past would. So, avoid this particular time warp...it’ll do more than drive you insane.

Unlike more garish garments, pastel clothing is pretty reserved. Mind you, that’s part of the reason why men and women are told to avoid the latter as they get older. The website It’s Rosy notes that your skin and hair loses color as you age, and muted outfits can accentuate the gray hues. Plus, it just looks dated!

Pearl necklaces are still stylish, right? Well, that’s up for debate. There’s no denying the fact that these items seem ideal for fancy get-togethers, but Best Life claims they may make you look much older than you actually are. An enduring “chic silver” necklace is a more modern choice due to its ageless appearance. Still, you can't deny the elegance of a vintage string of pearls...

Nothing oozes old-school cool quite like a pair of sunglasses! And the best part of the timeless accessory is how it always enhances a look. Sunglasses protect the wearer's eyes from damaging rays and helps them maintain an aura of mystery. Seriously, squinting in the sun is an old gal's game! Sunglasses are the way to go.

Do you “draw” your lips at home? If so, listen up. According to Reader’s Digest, overdrawing your lips can result in an unwanted clown-like effect. Should the lines fade away during the day, you could begin to resemble the likes of Pennywise, Ronald McDonald... you get the idea. Quite simply, it’s a look to avoid.

Depending on your age, keeping up with the latest fashion crazes can be incredibly daunting at times. Mind you, that doesn’t mean you should just stick your head in the sand! Here's a good rule of thumb: ignore all those cheap-but-poorly-made fast fashion trends, but feel free to experiment with traditionally "younger" styles. If you like a particular garment, don’t be afraid to give it a shot!

If you’re struggling to fit into a particular outfit from your closet but aren't yet willing to toss it into the "donate" bin, why not visit a tailoring shop? They’ll fix the garment right up in no time, and you can finally feel comfortable in your clothes. For lots of people, finding the correct fit is a simple matter of tailoring!

Matching accessories are still cool, right? Not always! Sure, it was very much a trend in the past, but that’s not the case right now. Items tend to be mixed with contrasting add-ons these days. Experts say you may look dated if you stick with the former approach, so why not try sporting a mixture of different designs and colors on your next outing.

Sometimes it can be too easy to grab the same pieces of clothing from your room for the day ahead. But that simple act can also age you considerably. To put a stop to it, try to mix up your appearance. It doesn’t even have to be a major change – a slight alteration is more than enough to give you a boost.

If you’re self-conscious about your knees, then a long skirt that reaches your feet might seem like the perfect fashion choice. Take it from us, though – it isn’t! Sure, the garment will conceal that area of your body, but at the same time, it may make you look a little dowdy. Fashion expert Lauren A. Rothman told Oprah.com that it shouldn’t drop any lower than the calf muscle.

While it might seem practical to have only one bag in your wardrobe, it’s actually a decision that could end up making you look older. Why? Well, according to the Daily Fashion Muse website, seasonal bags are very much a “thing” right now. During the warmer months, utilize a brighter satchel. Pull out a darker alternative when it gets colder! It's always good to have some variety, no?

Sensible footwear is nice and easy on your feet, and obviously, it's more important to be comfortable and safe than stylish. But if you want to have some more fashion-forward options, Best Life argues that shoes like loafers, boots, and — if you're daring — high-heels can punch up your confidence. Go on, give it a go!

Clothing made from jersey fabric might feel cozy, but it does have a tendency to hug your figure, too. If you want to take attention off certain parts of your body, then this may not be ideal! Oprah.com states that looser items and pleated products should stop that from happening – and could shave off the years as a result.

Depending on who you ask, cargo shorts are either a classic item of clothing or a true stylistic disaster. Which side are you on? One thing’s for sure: as per The Wall Street Journal, oversized and loose garments like cargo shorts will spell disaster if you want to avoid looking older than you really are.

There seems to be a bit of a misconception when it comes to retro fashion. Yes, it’s incredibly trendy today, but only in certain circumstances. You see, Best Life notes that retro-inspired products are the ones to go with. Rocking a shirt from decades ago isn’t nearly as stylish. It may actually make you look a lot older. This woman embraced retro influences, and she looks great!

We all have to work with our individual figures and pick out flattering styles accordingly. By ignoring your figure, though, you could be shining a spotlight on areas of your body that you aren't comfortable with, perhaps looking older in the process. So, take notice and start to tailor your style towards your shape!

One of the biggest mistakes you can make as you age is believing that your body, though different than it used to be, can no longer "pull off" certain "younger" looks, whether it's a hip-hugging skirt or skinny jeans. The fashionistas at Life Style Fifty recommend investing in wrap dresses, shift dresses, and jeans of any kind no matter how many birthdays you've celebrated. You're only as old as you feel, after all!

There’s no denying the fact that black is a shape-friendly shade, but that doesn’t mean you should sport the color all the time. Given that your features become muted with age, darker clothes can make it even worse – perhaps adding more years to your appearance. Given that an aged appearance is what we’re trying to avoid, maybe tease in some color to your next getup. 

We’ve got some news for you, folks – oversized jeans might not be the best option as you age. As per Best Life, they can wreak havoc with your shape, which doesn't do you any favors. Form-fitting pants are a much better choice if you want to be comfortable and look snazzy.

As it turns out, you may benefit from avoiding glittery outfits once you reach a certain point in your life. Best Life notes that if you continue to slip them on for nights out, it’ll create a perception that you’re trying to channel your youth, which could have the opposite affect. Honestly, though, you do you!

There’s nothing wrong with sporting brand-name outfits out of Abercrombie & Fitch or Hollister as you get older. The issue comes from grabbing garments with the company’s logo plastered across the front. According to Best Life, that’s a teenage thing — and a dated trend, anyway.

For this fashion faux-pax, a woman known as the “Bra Lady” spoke to Oprah.com. Expert Linda Becker told the website, “The wrong-size bra makes you look shorter, older and heavier. [And] when it is on the tightest hook – that’s when you know you need a new bra.” Grab the tape measure, people!

Picture this: you’re planning for a night out, and you’ve grabbed one of your semi-sheer garments from the closet. A good choice! But it can be ruined in an instant if you’re sporting a dark set of underwear. The two don’t go together at all, with Best Life claiming it’ll add unwanted years to your real age.

It’s Rosy claims that if you don’t “love” the items in your wardrobe, that negative feeling can transmit itself when you slip them on. Not loving what you're wearing is not good for your appearance. Before you know it, you look older than you really are. So the next time you go shopping, buy what you love, regardless of fashion "rules".