There’s nothing wrong with adjusting your fashion sense as you get older to make yourself look and feel more youthful. However, many people don’t realize that, in their attempts to do this, they’re actually doing their image a lot of harm. So, to help serve as some fashion guidance, this article will take a look at various fashion mistakes that tend to make older people look a bit silly.
Wearing Clothes That Are Too Tight
As Healthline points out, tight clothing is known to be good for appearing more fashionable, but don’t overdo it as you get older. Clothes that are too tight can be unflattering and uncomfortable, drawing attention to areas you might prefer to downplay. Instead, choose garments that fit well and allow for movement. Better still, tailored pieces that skim your shape without clinging look very sophisticated and offer a more polished look, although they’re pretty expensive.
Sticking to Outdated Trends
A lot of older people hold on to trends that were popular decades ago, and while it’s easy to understand why, doing so can make your style feel stuck in the past. Try to update your wardrobe from time to time with a few modern pieces each season, and you’ll be able to keep your look fresh without needing a complete overhaul.
Ignoring the Importance of Good Shoes
When trying to look more youthful, many people make the mistake of wearing worn-out or inappropriate shoes, which can undermine an otherwise great outfit. Shoes are an important aspect of your overall look, so investing in quality, well-maintained footwear makes a big difference. Make sure they’re comfortable, though.
Overdoing Accessories
It’s common fashion advice to accessorize in order to look more youthful, but you need to find a balance. Piling on too many accessories can overwhelm your look and appear cluttered. Less is often more, and selecting a few statement pieces can have a much stronger impact.
Dressing Too Young
Perhaps the most important piece of advice on this list is that you shouldn’t try to dress too much like the younger generation, which could otherwise make you look out of touch rather than stylish. Embrace your current stage of life with pieces that enhance your natural confidence and grace. When in doubt, just stick to timeless classics.
Ignoring Fit and Proportion
As we briefly mentioned earlier, wearing clothes that don’t fit properly or have awkward proportions can be very unflattering. Baggy clothes, for example, can swamp your frame, while overly tight garments can look uncomfortable. Don’t overlook this–pay attention to the fit and choose pieces that flatter your shape, and you’ll look far more youthful.
Wearing the Wrong Colors
Believe it or not, choosing colors that clash with your skin tone can wash you out or draw attention for the wrong reasons, so it’s best to opt for shades that enhance your natural complexion and make you feel vibrant. Understanding which colors work best for you helps you select clothes that truly complement your overall look, so do your research before buying new clothes.
Sticking to One Style Forever
It’s very common for us oldies to get stuck in a style rut by sticking to the same look for years on end. Over time, this will make your wardrobe feel stale; try experimenting with different styles and keep an open mind to new influences that can refresh your look. It’s not about drastic changes but rather small tweaks that keep your style evolving.
Overlooking Grooming
Another common fashion mistake that makes you look silly as you age is to ignore grooming, such as letting haircuts slide or neglecting your skincare. This can detract from even the most wonderful outfit, so keep up with your grooming habits and you’ll look far more polished and put together.
Wearing Too Much Makeup
It should go without saying that overdoing makeup can age you rather than flatter your features, especially as skin changes over time. Opting for a lighter, more natural makeup look can highlight your best features and create a fresher appearance.
Clinging to Outdated Glasses Frames
Even just wearing outdated glasses frames can immediately age your appearance, so it’s a wise idea to update your eyewear to more modern or classic styles that suit your face shape. Glasses are not just functional; they’re also a fashion statement, and keeping them current adds to a polished look.
Neglecting Proper Undergarments
It might sound strange, but wearing the wrong undergarments can ruin the lines of an outfit, creating lumps or discomfort that are easily avoided. Choosing well-fitted, supportive underwear and bras that complement your clothing is essential. Proper foundations ensure that your clothes fit well and look their best, adding to your overall confidence.
Over-Relying on Black
People say that wearing black is slimming and versatile, but avoid wearing it too much, which can appear harsh as you age. Incorporating softer neutrals or experimenting with colors that complement your complexion can brighten your look. Mixing in lighter shades or adding colorful accessories can add dimension and interest.
Wearing Tracksuits
There’s no denying that wearing tracksuit bottoms or hoodies is very comfortable, and comfort is paramount as you age, so they’re rather tempting. However, the bagginess of these clothes can look awfully unflattering, especially if they’re not fitted correctly, so they’re best to save for cozy days at home.
Dyed Hair
Look–some people rock the gray hair look, and who knows, you might be one of them. However, this isn’t the case for a lot of people, so they resort to dying their hair. Dying your hair or getting highlights can do wonders for your look, but as with many things on this list, you shouldn’t overdo it. If you’re clearly 70 years old, yet you have bleach-blonde hair, don’t be surprised if you receive some funny looks.
Dressing Too Casually
Finally, if you’re getting on a bit, remember: there’s nothing wrong with sticking to the smart clothes that you have always loved wearing. As fashion trends change, it can be tempting to try to keep up with the kids and dress more casually. However, this is often counterproductive, whereas rocking your favorite suit or dress keeps you looking elegant and sharp. As the saying goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!