The world’s most renowned fashion designer, Coco Chanel, said: “Every day is a fashion show and the world is the runway”. Indeed, her view on fashion is apparent through her designs and work, inspiring both women and men to dress better and boost their confidence. However, fashion is a double-edged sword. When worn correctly, your clothes may improve your looks; however, you may want to look out for fashion mistakes, which instead of doing wonder on your overall looks, may age you.
Here are several fashion mistakes that can make you look older. Make a note of them, and make sure you keep them in mind when choosing your outfit of the day:
1. Wearing too much black
Don’t get me wrong; black is a wonderful color. Not only you don’t have to think hard when matching your shoes, bags, or accessories; black actually trim your figure, making you look leaner. Plus point, it’s versatile; since you can wear it in almost any occasion. Wearing too much black, on the other hand, is a wrong move. A bright accessory like a scarf, a statement necklace, or pop-colored earrings may add contrast and make you look younger.
2. Wearing a bra in wrong-size
This point seems trivial, but it’s not. A wrong-size bra makes you look shorter, older and heavier. Definitely a combo you’d have to stay away from. The solution? Buy a new bra every six to eight months, and fit once a year to make sure your measurement is still up to date. Remember, woman’s body undergoes a lot of changes, even on daily basis. Weight gain or loss and hormonal changes may affect your breast size.
3. Your skirt is too long
Especially if your knee is not the body part you’re most confident about, a long skirt may seem to be an easy fix. However, a long skirt makes you look wider and old-fashioned. The solution? Find the slimmest area around your knee and that’s where your hemline should hit. Midi-skirts are also a good option, however you may want to choose them carefully since they’re a bit tricky.
4. Your glasses
If you are wearing glasses, grab them now and look at the frame. Is the frame dark and thick? Time to get a new pair. Yes, your glasses may add years to your age if they’re too geeky, sparkly, or overly embellished with jewels. Go for neon-colored frames instead, and a more delicate frame on top of it.
5. Baggy clothes
As you age, it’s understandable that you may want to hide several body parts. However, baggy clothes are definitely not the answer. Instead of oversized blazer, go for a well-cut jacket that accentuates your line.
6. Wearing old-styled pants
For instance, stay away from cropped, wide-leg Capri pants. Next item on the Don’t Wear list: jeans that are too stretchy! They may seem to be comfortable, but both two certainly age you.
7. Wrong fabric material
Now that you stay away from clothes that make you look older than you really are, keep on the watch. Wearing materials such as jersey fabric, that doesn’t create the most flattering shape, is also not a wise move. Best option? Tailor your own dress, so that you can hide body parts you’re not confident of.
8. Turtle neck
Although turtleneck seems to be ‘safe’ since it hides any signs of aging shown on your neck, covering your neck by wearing turtle neck or choker is a no-no. Instead, wear an appropriate v-neck, one that doesn’t draw unnecessary attention to your cleavage.
9. The person you’re shopping with
Does it even make any difference? Unfortunately, yes! Your shopping partner may indulge you to purchase any articles of clothing that doesn’t actually match you, and worse, not trendy. Shopping with your mom sounds like a good idea for quality-time, but not very much for your wardrobe!
10. Wrong size dresses
If you’re a 10, wear a 10. Don’t try sizing down your clothes; it doesn’t make you look thinner or younger, it’s unhealthy and makes you look less flattering. If your body undergoes any noticeable changes; probably due to aging or childbirth, do not force yourself into your old dresses. This doesn’t mean you need to wear size 12 if you’re size 10, though! However, you may wear a belt when you feel the dress is too loose. The best thing to do, find your own size and stick to it!
11. Your shoes
Shoes play a huge role in making you look younger, but also older. Avoid “heavy” shoes; those with bulky heels and platforms or even the ones with Velcro straps. Go with trendier shoes, flats or stiletto perhaps?
12. Dress your age
This means, you shouldn’t dress too trendy, too old, or too young. In the end, it boils down to one thing : moderation! Keep up with the color trends, but don’t appear as a try-hard. It’s okay to put effort to look young; you just want to make sure you don’t go overboard. And also, some clothes need to go as time flies. Don’t hold onto them and in the end, you make yourself look older. Oops!
13. Scarf
No, you don’t have to ditch your scarves, you only need to use them in a right way. When tied around neck (stewardess’s style), your scarf may draw attention to the neck area; and when you age, this may be unpleasant. Use your scarf as a bag accessory instead, creating a luxurious look on your purse.
So, what would you consider ‘moderation’ to be? Every woman has her own idea of ‘moderation’. Shopping is a nightmare for me. I am 58 years old and all I find are clothes that make me look like I’m trying to be 30 years old again or clothing designed for a much older woman.