MomSkoop
We all want to look our best, no matter our age. But sometimes, the fashion choices we make can add years to our appearance without us even noticing. Small styling decisions might be aging you more than you realize. Let’s explore some common fashion missteps that could be making you look older than you actually are, and learn how to avoid them.
1. Wearing Outdated Eyeglasses
Those frames you’ve had since college might feel comfortable, but they’re probably not doing your face any favors. Outdated eyeglasses can instantly age your appearance, creating a time-capsule effect that locks you into a bygone era.
Modern frames with updated shapes can brighten your face and complement your features. Consider rounder styles if you have angular features, or geometric shapes if your face is round. Many optical shops offer free style consultations to help you find frames that flatter.
2. Neglecting Your Brows
Eyebrows frame your face and can dramatically impact how youthful you appear. Overly thin, overplucked brows were trendy decades ago but now can make you look significantly older by creating a harsh, dated appearance.
Fuller, well-groomed brows instantly modernize your look and create a more youthful frame for your eyes. If yours are sparse from years of overplucking, consider using a brow pencil or powder to fill them in with light, feathery strokes. Many beauty counters offer free brow consultations to help you find your perfect shape.
3. Clinging to Matchy-Matchy Outfits
Remember when everything had to match perfectly? That perfectly coordinated handbag-shoes-belt combo might actually be dating you. Matching everything too precisely creates a rigid, outdated look that can add years to your appearance.
Modern styling embraces complementary colors and textures rather than exact matches. Try pairing your navy blazer with brown shoes instead of navy ones, or mix metals in your jewelry for a fresher approach. Fashion has evolved toward more relaxed coordination.
4. Sticking with Heavy Makeup
Heavy foundation settling into fine lines can actually highlight what you’re trying to hide. Thick, cakey makeup techniques from years past tend to accentuate texture and make skin look older than it actually is.
Lighter formulations with dewier finishes create a more youthful appearance. Try switching to tinted moisturizers or lightweight foundations with light-reflecting properties. Cream blushes and highlighters blend seamlessly into skin, creating dimension without emphasizing lines.
5. Avoiding All Trends
Freezing your style in the era when you felt most confident might feel safe, but it can instantly date your appearance. Wearing exclusively the styles popular during your youth creates a time-warp effect that ages rather than flatters.
You don’t need to chase every fleeting trend, but incorporating small modern elements keeps your look fresh. Something as simple as updated sunglasses, a contemporary shoe silhouette, or modern jewelry can revitalize your entire wardrobe. The key is balance—blend classic pieces with thoughtfully chosen current items.
6. Wearing the Wrong Bra Size
An ill-fitting bra doesn’t just feel uncomfortable—it actually affects how clothes drape on your body and can create an instantly aging silhouette. When your bust sits too low or lacks proper support, your entire proportion system shifts downward, creating a slouched, older appearance.
A professional fitting can work wonders for your wardrobe and posture. Proper support lifts your bustline to a more youthful position, improving how clothes fit and how you carry yourself. Many department stores offer free fittings with trained specialists who can help identify your correct size.
7. Choosing Overly Sensible Shoes
Comfort matters, but those chunky, orthopedic-looking shoes might be aging your entire outfit. Extremely practical footwear with no style consideration can drag down even the most fashionable ensemble.
Fortunately, shoe designers have made huge strides in creating comfortable options that don’t sacrifice style. Look for modern loafers, sleek sneakers, or block heels that provide support without screaming “sensible shoes.” Many brands now specialize in fashionable shoes with memory foam insoles, arch support, and other comfort features.
8. Surrendering to All-Black Wardrobes
Black is classic and slimming, but wearing it exclusively near your face can be harsh, especially as we age. All-black outfits can create stark contrasts that emphasize lines and drain color from your complexion.
Softer neutrals like navy, olive, or warm grays often provide the same slimming effect while being more flattering to mature skin tones. If you love your black basics, try adding a colorful scarf or statement necklace near your face to reflect warmth back onto your skin. Even a different neckline can make black more flattering.
9. Ignoring Proper Fit
Baggy clothes don’t hide figure concerns—they actually add visual weight and years to your appearance. Overly loose garments create a shapeless silhouette that can make you look older and larger than you actually are.
Clothes that skim your body without clinging create the most flattering, youthful look. Consider having key pieces tailored for a custom fit that honors your current shape. Even inexpensive items look more expensive and flattering when they fit properly. The most aging fit mistake is wearing clothes that don’t acknowledge your actual proportions.
10. Overlooking Hair Maintenance
Growing your hair super long or sticking with the same style for decades can add years to your appearance. Outdated or unmaintained hairstyles often become the most aging element of your entire look.
Regular trims keep hair looking healthy regardless of length, while strategic layers can add movement and softness around the face. Consider working with a stylist who specializes in flattering cuts for your age group and face shape. Even subtle changes like face-framing highlights can brighten your complexion and modernize your overall appearance.