When it comes to avoiding looking older, clothes are one of the things that we do have much more control over. Although we don’t want to be obsessing about looking younger as such, the last thing we want is to wear clothes that do age us; and we may not realise that certain items can even have this effect.
Here I have put together a list of clothes and accessories that have a tendency to do this
Large bold or floral prints and patterns
In general steer clear of these and in particular big flowers, they have a surprisingly ageing effect.
Excessively baggy or oversized clothes
Yes, they are as comfy, as are those big knickers, but they age you, plain and simple. I am not saying give up the big knickers (when no one is seeing them of course), but ensure clothes do not look either too baggy or that tops don’t look too long. Even more so if, like myself, you are petite.
Cardigans/Tweed/Pearls
Cardigans are a huge no-no, even when I was young I was never a fan of the cardigan. Tweed can also age you, as too can pearls.
Longer length or pleated skirts
Now we come to knee length; avoid conforming to one that some consider only suitable for our age! There is no such thing! Banish that idea and leave it in the last century. You wear what length you like.
A long pleated skirt though can really age you, and it can be better to opt for a more fitted style and yes that shorter length, or a full maxi. It is the in-between hem length that does not work so well.
I prefer to stick to shorter or full maxi (which as an evening dress can look extremely elegant), and I always, always steer clear of pleated as much as I steer clear of cardigans.
The Wrong Bra Fit
The correct bra size is super important, not only will it be more comfortable and offer the correct support but will make your outfit look so much better. It also makes the outfit look smoother without any creases and ensures they are facing forward, and not down, which not only looks unkempt but is ageing.
Accessories
Accessories can really boost a plain outfit but they can be tricky, so think in terms of balance. The general idea is never to wear too many accessories as it somehow also gives the appearance of looking older. So if you wear a shorter bold necklace then either do not wear earrings or keep to very small, understated ones.
The same goes the other way around, if you want to wear a great pair of earrings that stand out, but do not wear a necklace, or if you do one that is neither too big or bold.
My thoughts on this is to keep accessories to a minimum yet do not be afraid to still wear whatever accessories you love; just not all at the same time.
Long or baggy blazers
Blazers look great with the right outfit, and can certainly look classy. A black one can go so well with a plain white t-shirt and a pair of jeans, and can give a balance of both casual and stylish that not only works but can look youthful.
They should always be fitted blazers and certainly never too long, loose or baggy, as not only will it not have the same stylish effect but can look ageing when worn the wrong way.
Be careful wearing too much black
Last but not least is Black, I am guilty of wearing too much of it. It is slimming and goes with so many other clothes, especially shoes. Even so, too much of it can be ageing as can often make us look washed out.
I am not saying don’t wear black anymore, I would struggle if I didn’t. I love the colour, the classic black dress, the black jeans and t-shirt but I have since ditched the black woolly polo neck jumper though.
I now do try to opt for other colours more often or to add a splash of colour to the black outfit; such as a red top with black trousers. You can also opt for more charcoal or nearly black versions.
Hope these tips helped, let me know if you have others or if, like me you find it hard to avoid wearing too much black.