Picking up fashionable clothing items and accessories for your wardrobe is a great idea to craft your perfect style, especially if you’re looking to add some youth to your outfit. However, not all fashion trends make you look younger, so be careful. Avoid the following 20 outdated fashion trends that make you look older.
Low-Rise Jeans
While they might have been a staple of the early 2000s, low-rise jeans are no longer “in” and can be unflattering and outdated, although, as GQ points out, this is a controversial topic. These jeans often sit below the hips, leading to a less streamlined silhouette. High-waisted or mid-rise options provide a much more modern and flattering fit, enhancing your natural shape and elongating your legs to make you seem more youthful.
Shoulder Pads
It should probably go without saying that shoulder pads tend to look bulky and out of place. There’s just something old-fashioned about them; instead, modern styles favor a more natural shoulder line. Alternatively, consider shopping for tailored jackets without exaggerated padding, which can provide a sleek, contemporary look without the need for padded shoulders.
Crocs
There’s no denying that Crocs are comfortable, but they tend to be associated with casual, outdated fashion. Their bulky design can detract from a polished appearance while also making it look like you don’t care about your style. Consider choosing stylish yet comfortable alternatives instead, such as loafers or sleek trainers, which can help maintain a fashionable edge without sacrificing comfort.
Baggy Cargo Trousers
Popular in the ’90s, baggy cargo trousers can now appear sloppy and out of date. Their oversized pockets and loose fit often lack refinement in comparison to the slimmer, more tailored trousers of today’s fashion scene. They provide the same practicality without compromising on style, so they’re worth looking into.
Heavy Hair Spray
It’s not the ‘80s anymore, so using heavy hair spray to achieve stiff, unmoving hairstyles will only make you look older, potentially even damaging your hair. Today’s hair trends favor natural, flexible styles, so stick to light-hold products that allow movement and maintain a natural appearance, avoiding the helmet-like effect of heavy sprays.
Velour Tracksuits
It wasn’t long ago that velour tracksuits were a loungewear favorite, but these days, they’re seen as a fashion misstep. Their shiny, plush fabric can look dated and tacky, so try to broaden your horizons to include more modern athleisure, such as sleek leggings and stylish sweatshirts.
Excessive Jewelry
A lot of people are fooled into thinking that wearing excessive jewelry makes them look younger, but it actually does quite the opposite–especially large, chunky pieces. They make an outfit look cluttered, which contrasts badly with the minimalist jewelry tastes that are currently in vogue.
Distressed Denim
It seems like only yesterday that distressed denim clothing, such as jeans with rips and scuffs designed into them, were the height of fashion. Nevertheless, fashion changes fast, and rather than making you look trendy, these intentionally scruffy clothes will make you look old and out of touch today.
Thick Black Eyeliner
Even though it’s had several waves of popularity, thick black eyeliner is no longer “in” and can create a harsh and dated look. Modern makeup trends favor softer, more natural lines, so consider using brown or gray liners to provide definition without overpowering your features.
Overly Matched Outfits
Believe it or not, wearing perfectly matched outfits can make you look older as they seem rigid and outdated. This is why it’s wise to mix and match colors, patterns, and textures, helping you to create a more dynamic and contemporary look.
Bulky Trainers
While you might still love your bulky trainers from the ’80s and ’90s, they’re probably making you look outdated and cumbersome nowadays. Sleeker, more streamlined footwear options are much more trendy, so it might be time for you to put your old trainers back in their shoeboxes.
Capri Trousers
Another outdated fashion trend that will make you look older is capri trousers, which cut off mid-calf, creating an unflattering silhouette to today’s fashion standards. They often make legs appear shorter and wider, so just go for full-length trousers or ankle-length styles instead, which are much more timeless.
Animal Print Overload
We feel like we shouldn’t have to tell you that while animal prints can be stylish, wearing them excessively can seem dated and bizarre. A single statement piece, such as a scarf or bag, is certainly a good idea, but going overboard will only make you seem like you’re trapped in the ‘80s.
Overly Structured Suits
Some men think that overly structured suits, with their rigid lines and heavy fabrics, make them look fancy, but in reality, they’re just old-fashioned. Modern tailoring focuses on softer, more relaxed fits for a reason, so don’t make a fool out of yourself by looking like a butler from the ‘50s.
Glitter Eyeshadow
Glitter eyeshadow, once a party favorite, can seem childish and dated these days. Modern makeup trends focus on matte and shimmer finishes for a more sophisticated look. Subtle, luminous eyeshadows enhance your eyes without overwhelming them, ensuring a refined and elegant appearance.
Neon Colors
Just like glittery eyeshadow, neon colors, while eye-catching, can look dated, child-like, and overwhelming. Softer, more muted tones provide a contemporary and versatile look. Alternatively, incorporate some pastels or earthy shades into your wardrobe, helping you to create a more sophisticated and fashionable appearance without the clashes of neon.
Tube Tops
Despite being immensely popular in the early 2000s, tube tops often lack the structure and support needed for a flattering fit. Modern alternatives like off-the-shoulder or one-shoulder tops offer a stylish update, providing better support and a more flattering silhouette that feels more youthful and contemporary.
Skinny Jeans
Between the mid-’00s and the early ‘10s, skinny jeans were all the rage, with “emos” being particularly fond of them. Looking back, though, it was a pretty cringeworthy trend, although we might have gotten away with it when we were younger. As grown adults, though, skinny jeans only make us look out of touch and misshapen.
Bum Bags
You might be surprised to learn that your bum bag might be making you look older despite recent attempts at a comeback. A modern crossbody bag or sleek belt bag offers a contemporary alternative, providing the same convenience without making you look like you’ve arrived straight from the ‘80s.
Frosted Lipstick
These days, the metallic sheen of frosted lipstick can appear dated and less flattering than you might think. If you want to look youthful today, it’s better to stick to modern lip trends such as those with matte or satin finishes, helping to enhance your natural lip color; not make them look like they’re straight out of a school disco.