Today, I’m sharing another listicle. This time, we’ll look at 10 Style Mistakes That Make You Look Older (and how to fix them). I’m all about aging with grace, strength, and beauty, but staying modern, fresh, and relevant is also important. Aging is a privilege, but looking frumpy is optional! Style is meant to evolve with us, not work against us. Yet, some common fashion mistakes can add years instead of enhancing our natural beauty. The good news? Simple tweaks can modernize your look and give you a fresh, youthful edge—without chasing trends.
Happy Sunday, gang! The first week of February is in the books, and we’re onto Valentine’s Day. Last week, we shared 10 Luxurious Self-Care Ideas, Pretty in Pink, and 10 Must-Have Wardrobe Staples. I had a weekend getaway to 30A this weekend, so stay tuned to what I packed, which will be in a blog post shortly. If you’re interested in Packing Lists, Curated Reading Lists, or more in-depth content (I have a video series about The Foundations of Ageless Style), please check out our Exclusive Membership, which includes ad-free blog posts. Its never been easier to Become A Member.
If you want to look polished and elegant without aging yourself, here are 10 style mistakes that make you look older and the simple solutions to fix them.
1. Wearing Clothes That Are Too Baggy
While we all love comfort, drowning in oversized clothing can make you look shapeless and older than you are. Baggy silhouettes lack structure, and instead of hiding problem areas, they often exaggerate them.
✅ Fix It: Opt for tailored pieces that skim—not squeeze—your body. A structured blazer, high-waisted trousers, or a cinched waist dress can add instant polish without sacrificing comfort. This is key if we want to avoid 10 style mistakes that make you look older.
1. Structured Blazer: ASOS DESIGN Cinch Blazer in Black: This tailored blazer features a cinched waist, offering a flattering silhouette that accentuates your curves.
Quince or J.Crew also carry excellent blazers.
2. High-Waisted Trousers: ZARA Belted Straight Leg Pants: These high-waisted trousers come with a belt to define the waist and straight legs for a sleek, elongated look.
Ann Taylor is an all-time favorite of mine, specifically for pants. They just get a woman’s body.
3. Tuckernuck Cinched Waist Dress: With a scoop neckline and self-belt, this dress will take you to a number of places.
ANTHROPOLOGIE Dresses Collection: Explore a variety of dresses for weddings, vacations, and a casual day out.
2. Sticking to All Black, All the Time
Black is slimming and chic, but head-to-toe black can wash you out as your skin tone changes over time. It can emphasize shadows and make your complexion look dull.
✅ Fix It: If you love black, balance it with softer neutrals like camel, navy, or gray. Add a pop of color near your face with a silk scarf, bold earrings, or a soft-colored blouse to brighten
1. Silk Scarf: Patterned Silk Square Scarf: This vibrant-patterned silk scarf adds a pop of color to any ensemble. Its luxurious texture and design make it a versatile accessory for various outfits.
2. Bold Earrings: Chunky Drop Chain Link Earrings: These statement earrings feature a bold chain link design, perfect for adding a modern touch to your look. Their versatile style complements both casual and formal attire.
3. Soft-Colored Blouse: Willa Silk Blouse: Crafted from silk crêpe de chine, this blouse showcases a delicate scarf print in soft hues. Its slim, boxy silhouette and tie cuffs offer a blend of comfort and elegance.
3. Wearing Dated Denim
Coming in at number 3 out of 10 style mistakes that make you look older is denim. If your jeans are still low-rise, overly distressed, or boxy and shapeless, they might be aging you. Styles that were trendy decades ago can look out of place today.
✅ Fix It: Upgrade to modern, structured denim with a slight stretch for comfort. High-waisted, straight-leg, or ankle-length jeans are universally flattering and effortlessly stylish.
1. High-Waisted Straight-Leg Ankle-Length Jeans: MOTHER The Tomcat High Waist Straight Leg Ankle Jeans: These jeans feature a high-rise waist with a straight-leg cut that hits at the ankle, offering a classic yet contemporary look.
2. Barrel Jeans: Old Navy High-Waisted Barrel Ankle Jeans: These high-waisted jeans have a relaxed fit through the hip and thigh with a tapered leg, creating a flattering barrel silhouette that hits at the ankle.
3. AGOLDE 90s Pinch Waist Straight Leg – A vintage-inspired, structured fit.
4. Ignoring the Power of Accessories
Minimalism is chic, but skipping accessories altogether can leave you looking unfinished. On the flip side, overdoing statement jewelry can feel outdated.
✅ Fix It: Keep it balanced and intentional—a classic leather handbag, a sleek belt, or delicate gold jewelry can add instant sophistication without overwhelming your look.
1. Classic Leather Handbag: Kate Spade Reegan Shoulder Bag: This elegant and minimalist bag is versatile enough for both formal and casual events. Made from durable Saffiano leather, it features a main zipper compartment, an interior pocket, and a decorative flap with a magnetic snap. Available in three colors—Meringue, Black, and Orange Cream.
2. Leather Belt: Gucci Leather Belt with Interlocking G Buckle: A timeless piece from Gucci, this black leather belt features the iconic interlocking G buckle in gold-tone hardware, adding a touch of luxury to any outfit.
3. Delicate Gold Jewelry: 14K Gold Teardrop Necklace: This dainty necklace features a simple teardrop pendant on a delicate chain, offering a subtle yet elegant touch to your ensemble.
5. Choosing Outdated Footwear
Square-toe pumps from the ’90s or clunky orthopedic-looking shoes can date your entire outfit. While comfort is a must, style doesn’t have to be sacrificed.
✅ Fix It: Invest in modern yet comfortable shoes like pointed-toe flats, sleek loafers, or block-heel ankle boots. A classic white sneaker can also add a youthful edge to casual looks.
1. Pointed-Toe Flats: Vivaia Aria 5° Pointed-Toe Ballet Flats: These flats feature a sleek pointed toe and are made from sustainable materials. They offer a comfortable fit with a cushioned insole and are water-repellent, making them suitable for various weather conditions.
2. Sleek Loafers: Birdies The Starling Loafers: Combining the elegance of a loafer with the comfort of a slipper, these loafers feature a sleek design with a soft quilted insole for added comfort. Quince Italian Leather Loafer is a great alternative.
3. Block Heel Ankle Boots: Dr. Martens 2976 Chelsea Boots: These classic Chelsea boots feature a sturdy block heel and are known for their durability and timeless style.
4. White Sneakers: Vionic Kimmie Slip-On Sneakers: Praised by Oprah Winfrey, these sneakers offer both style and comfort with podiatrist-approved support, making them ideal for everyday wear.
6. Neglecting Your Eyewear
Eyeglasses are a necessity for many of us, but outdated frames can instantly add years to your appearance.
✅ Fix It: Swap out old, heavy frames for lighter, more modern styles. Think sleek tortoiseshell, oversized yet refined shapes, or rimless designs that enhance your features instead of overwhelming them.
1. Oversized Shield Sunglasses: Make a bold statement with oversized shield sunglasses, a trend highlighted in Luar’s spring 2025 runway show. These frames offer a futuristic look while providing ample protection.
2. Vintage-Inspired Round Frames: Embrace a retro vibe with round frames reminiscent of the 70s, updated with modern materials and colors. This style offers a playful yet sophisticated touch to any outfit.
3. Cat-Eye Sunglasses: Add a touch of glamour with cat-eye sunglasses, a timeless shape that continues to captivate. Modern iterations feature sleek lines and contemporary details, making them a versatile choice.
4. Sustainable Frames: For the eco-conscious fashionista, consider sunglasses made from recycled or bio-based materials. Brands are increasingly offering stylish options that are both chic and environmentally friendly.
5. Statement Aviators: Aviator sunglasses have been reimagined with bold frames and tinted lenses, offering a fresh take on a classic style. These statement pieces can elevate your look effortlessly.
7. Wearing Too Much or Too Little Makeup
Caking on foundation or skipping makeup altogether can both age you in different ways. Thick makeup settles into fine lines, while bare skin can look tired without a little enhancement.
✅ Fix It: Aim for a natural, radiant look. A light-reflecting foundation, a swipe of cream blush, defined brows, and a hydrating lip color can work wonders.
1. Foundation: Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Foundation: This foundation offers a natural finish with buildable coverage, suitable for various skin types. It’s praised for its inclusive shade range and skin-friendly ingredients.
2. Cream Blush: Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder: This cream blush provides a natural, long-lasting flush with a lightweight, blendable formula. It’s designed to blur imperfections and control shine.
3. Brow Gel: Rare Beauty Brow Harmony Flexible Lifting Brow Gel: This water-based gel sculpts and smooths brows for a brushed-up look. It’s buildable and provides a flexible hold without stiffness.
4. Hydrating Lipstick: Urban Decay Vice Hydrating Lipstick: This lipstick offers rich pigmentation with a hydrating formula, ensuring comfortable wear throughout the day. Available in a variety of shades to suit different preferences.
8. Sticking to One Hairstyle for Decades
Your hairstyle should evolve with you! If you’ve had the same cut and color for 20+ years, it may not be the most flattering for your face shape and hair texture anymore.
✅ Fix It: Consider soft layers, volume-enhancing cuts, and subtle highlights to brighten your look. A modern, well-maintained hairstyle makes a world of difference.
9. Ignoring Proper Fit & Proportion
Wearing clothes that are either too tight or too loose can be equally unflattering. The wrong proportions—like long tunics over wide-leg pants—can overwhelm your frame.
✅ Fix It: Focus on balance. If you wear wide-leg pants, pair them with a more fitted top. If you love flowy blouses, tuck them into structured trousers or skirts to create shape.
10. Dressing “Too Young” Instead of Youthful
There’s a fine line between looking modern and chasing every single trend. Whether it’s the naked dress, crop tops, or low-rise jeans, there are some trends that highlight your age rather than making you look youthful.
✅ Fix It: Instead of dressing for a different decade, focus on timeless pieces with a modern twist. A structured blazer with tailored jeans, a chic midi dress, or classic loafers with a trendy handbag strike the perfect balance between sophisticated and current. The key is subtle updates—incorporating trend-forward accessories or silhouettes without veering into teen territory.
1. Tailored Blazer: Theory Single-Button Blazer: This classic black blazer offers a sleek, tailored fit, making it a versatile addition to any wardrobe.
2. Tailored Jeans: AGOLDE 90’s Pinch Waist High Rise Straight Jeans: These high-rise, straight-leg jeans provide a flattering, tailored silhouette, combining a vintage-inspired look with modern comfort.
3. Chic Midi Dress: Veronica Beard Midi Dress: This elegant midi dress features a timeless and flattering fit, suitable for various occasions.
4. Classic Loafers: G.H. Bass & Co. Whitney Weejuns: These classic penny loafers offer a polished look with timeless appeal, perfect for both casual and formal outfits.
5. Trendy Handbag: Kate Spade Reegan Shoulder Bag: This elegant and minimalist bag is versatile enough for both formal and casual events, adding a contemporary touch to your ensemble.
Closing Thoughts
Looking youthful isn’t about trying to be younger—it’s about being the best version of yourself today. By making these small adjustments, you’ll feel more confident, polished, and effortlessly chic at any age. Yes, it’s possible to avoid 10 Style Mistakes that Make You Look Older.
What’s a style mistake you’ve learned to avoid? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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