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My Birthmonth Series: 8 Clothing Styles That Make You Look Older And The Solution
How time flies! It's now the fifth month of the year. It means that another year will be added to my age in 20 days starting today.
Years ago I didn't mind my age. I thought, ttsss, it's just numbers or I feel young and that's what matters. But when I got in my 35th, I started to get affected by the numbers. Little by little.
When May came in, I noticed that the articles I've been reading are about "style errors that make you look older,""haircuts that make you look younger," "what your makeup says about your age" and many more. Don't get me wrong, I still believe that the condition of our heart (emotionally and physically for that matter) is the one that truly affects our over-all personality and outlook. And that flows through our outward appearance. I'm just so lucky to be told that I look 5 years or 3 years younger than my actual age, ehem ehem. I've noticed that making a little effort to make yourself look young, indeed uplifts your spirit and makes you look younger outwardly.
Now, I decided to share to you some of the things that I've read around the internet that could help you in times when you feel like you've aged. I'm not a fashion guru but I just want to share these simple tips. Notice, I said "feel" coz really at the end of the day age is all "feels" and what we feel isn't always true.
I'm making this a series of blogposts and this is the first one.
Clothing Styles That Make You Look Older And The Solution
1. Shapeless Blazers and Cardigans. If you're hiding bulges in your stomach, arms or hips under a boxy cardigan or blazer, you actually look bigger. Also, don't tie cardigans around your waist coz it doesn't cover up your waist but gives it more attention. Covering up is ok but too much hiding translates to being conservative or older. Instead, choose a jacket that nips the waist and falls right at the mid hip and not longer.
2. Too Much Tweed. While other fabrics like denim has a youthful vibe, tweeds have some kind of aging vibe as it is associated with matronly suits. But if you must wear tweed, choose big houndstooth pattern or pinstripes for a manly look. Opt for the right length and style and update your look by adding fresh looking pieces like a pair of jeans and modern boots for an updated vintagey look, like the one in this photo. It's ok to have a retro hint; just be sure to update your look by adding a modern piece to your attire like a chic leather jacket or pointed shoes.
3. All Black. Black has a wonderful slimming effect. But as people age, their skin look paler and the black casts attention to dark shadows under the chin and around the eyes. You could still wear black (YEY!) but put on an accessory like a scarf or a statement necklace that would add a little bit of color to your outfit.
4. Baggy Jeans or what they call "mom jeans." I'm also a mom so please take no offense. These jeans are the ones that are highwaist, low-crotch, tapered-bottom and has pockets at the rear end which has flattening effect on the buttocks. Some even have pleats which makes a poochy tummy (common effect of after-pregnancy) even more magnified. Would you believe that before, that was the "in" fashion for many years before the skinny jeans arrived? So if you still have those "mom jeans" in your closet until now, better ditch them and don't think of this unflattering style ever coming back in fashion again. When you choose jeans, try one that hugs your body and looks flattering on you.
5. Skirt Length that is close to the ankle tends to make you look wider. So the best skirt length is right above, in the middle, or just below your knee.
6. Socks, Sneakers and Chunky Soles. Socks and sneakers worn with anything other than workout clothes- a dress, skirt, capri pants - for comfort's sake looks unfashionable. Chunky soles which is a feature of comfort shoes or sandals is a very effective way to destroy any outfit. Choose kitten heels or stiletto as much as you can. An option is wedge heels for more comfortable footwear to walk with than stilettos.
7. Too Young, Too Trendy or Too Sexy. Maybe this is the reason why in department stores there's a section for teens, for young adults and for adults. Though you would find clothes from the teens section that would sometimes fit the young adult but even that, on a case to case basis. Example: a glitzy, star-studded hot pink pants won't look appropriate on a 30 year old lady. A simple basic tshirt, jeans and a scarf or jacket would be more stunning and appropriate.
Also, wearing clothes that are too revealing and flashy - short shorts, sequins, net stockings, skin-tight clothes, low-cut necklines- make you look not young, but trying hard to look young. You can still look fashionable and smart without looking dated with a fit black dress, silky top and fitted jeans, or a long-sleeved dress and ankle boots.
8. Bra. This has been the most simple and basic. Wear only the most right-fitting bra. Hoist "the girls" up high on your chest and off your midlife tummy. You'll look more youthful and ten pound slimmer.
This is the first in my birthmonth series. Bye for now lovelies!
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