It seems like everyone is trying to look younger, but if you have a baby face, you know how difficult it can be to be taken seriously in the workplace – or anywhere. If you want to know how to look older, we’re going to share the best tips and tricks.
How To Look Older – Best Tips and Tricks
Work on Your Posture
Good posture is important. It makes you look confident, taller, stronger and more professional. Slumping gives off the opposite vibes. Poor posture can make you look younger, but it can also have negative effects on your physical health.
Work on improving your posture to make yourself look older.
Go Monochrome
If you want to look older, go monochrome with your wardrobe. Pick one color and focus your entire look on that color – from head to toe.
Black is a popular color for monochrome outfits. You could wear a black:
- Top
- Pants
- Heels
- Blazer or trench coat
- Purse
When creating monochrome outfits, you can also add subtle variations of the color you choose. For example, you could pair a dark blue two-piece suit with a light blue button-down top. This is still a monochrome outfit because all of the colors are in the same family. But you still get a little contrast that adds interest.
Fill in Your Brows and Learn to Contour
If you want to know how to look older, start with your makeup. Fuller, thicker brows will give you a more mature look. Learning how to contour can help accentuate your jawline, cheeks and nose to give your face more definition.
Invest in a good eyebrow pomade or a brow pencil to fill in your brows if they’re sparse or thin.
Contouring can be a little more complicated, but here’s a great tutorial on how to get started:
Related: Order to Apply Face Products – All You Need to Know
Wear a Low Bun
Sometimes, it’s your hairstyle that makes you look younger. Try changing up your look and focusing on more mature, professional hairstyles. A low bun is a great place to start.
A chic low bun is easy to pull off, and it will give you a more sophisticated look. Here’s a great tutorial on how to recreate this look at home:
If you’re not a fan of low buns, you can try this hairstyle:
Be More Active
Here’s an unconventional tip on how to look older: be more active. Hit the gym or make sure that you’re exercising at least three times a week (if your doctor permits).
A strong body (and mind) can help you look older.
Invest in a Timeless Wardrobe
Here’s a simple tip on how to look older: invest in a timeless wardrobe. Classic pieces will always be in style, and they will help you look more sophisticated.
Subdued colors and classic styles will give you a mature look. Here are some great pieces to add to your wardrobe:
We’d also recommend investing in:
- A fitted black turtleneck
- A nice belt
- Basic tanks
- A black pencil skirt
If it’s in your budget, buy quality pieces that will give you years of use. They’ll be just as stylish ten years from now as they are today.
Related: 5 Trendy Clothing Websites
Get the Right Haircut
Your haircut can also make you look older or younger. Lobs and bobs are two great examples of haircuts that can make you appear more mature and sophisticated.
The great thing about these kinds of haircuts is that they complement most face shapes and hair textures.
Minimize Accessories
Knowing how to look older also means knowing how to accessorize. If you love to wear lots of jewelry and other accessories, it’s time to cut back.
Should you ditch all of your jewelry? No. Jewelry can help tie your look together, but don’t overdo it.
Instead, focus on one statement piece.
Ditch the Uggs and Yoga Pants
Sure, they’re comfy, but Uggs and yoga pants make you look like a teenager. We love Uggs just as much as you, and who wants to put on real pants anyway? But save this look for around the house.
Simple black pants and a plain white long-sleeve top will make you look older without making you feel uncomfortable.
Invest in a Great Pair of Heels
We tend to associate small with young. If you’re petite, you’re already at a disadvantage here, but heels can level the playing field.
A great pair of black heels will make you look sexy and older. Invest in at least one pair and go for quality over affordability.
How much of a difference can black heels make? Imagine these two outfits:
- A pair of dark jeans with a pair of white platform sneakers and a fitted white t-shirt.
- A pair of dark jeans with a pair of black heels and a fitted white t-shirt.
Which one would look more sophisticated and mature? A simple pair of black heels can instantly transform your look.
Don’t Go Overboard with Makeup
You’ve probably heard that wearing too much makeup can make you look older. That can be true. But more often than not, you’ll find that going overboard with makeup can actually make you look like a teenager.
Keep it simple with your makeup routine.
Choose natural colors for your eyeshadow. Mascara, brows and a pretty lip color are really all you need.
If you want to do a full-face look, stick to more bronzy and natural colors that complement your features. Keep it matte, and avoid dewy looks.
Invest in a Good Lipstick
Here’s another great tip on how to look older: invest in a good lipstick. You’d be amazed how much your lipstick can affect your look. The right color can completely transform your appearance and how you feel about yourself.
Red lipstick is a classic choice, and the right shade can help you look older.
How do you choose the right shade of lipstick?
Start with your skin tone.
- If you have fair skin, stick to paler nude colors.
- If you have darker skin, aim for richer colors.
Fiery red colors tend to look best on skin with warm undertones.
Stick to Neutral Tones
When it comes to your wardrobe, stick to neutral tones if you want to look older, like:
- White
- Beige
- Gray
- Black
You can still have some color in your wardrobe, but stick to subdued, muted hues. If you want to wear something like a graphic tee, wear it with black pants and sensible shoes to make it look more mature.
Related: Best Tips on How to Get Fuller Lips Naturally
Wear Fitted Clothing
If you want to look older, make sure that your clothes actually fit you. If you can, find a good tailor and use them to ensure that your tops and pants fit you well.
Well-fitted clothes will not only help you look more mature, but they will also help you look more put-together.
Avoid clothes that are too baggy or loose-fitting. Tuck in tops that are boxy or long. Make sure that your pants are just the right length and not overly loose in one area.
Buy a Good Coat
A nice, fitted coat will immediately make you look older, but it will also make you look more professional. Keep those fleece and bubble jackets in the closet, and trade them in for a trench coat or a statement jacket.
Stick to neutral colors like black, camel or gray.
Avoid Ponytails
We all love a good ponytail. It’s an easy hairstyle that keeps your hair out of your face. But this hairstyle can also make you look younger.
If you want to wear a ponytail outside of the gym or home, try wearing a low pony that’s sleek with either a middle or side part.
High ponytails will only make you look younger.
Match Your Bra to Your Top
Wearing a black or red bra under a white or beige top won’t do you any favors if you’re trying to look older. Do your best to match your bra to your top, so people don’t notice it. And make sure that your bra straps aren’t showing.
You’d be amazed by how much older and more put-together you’ll look when your bra isn’t noticeable, and your outfit is clean and crisp.
Wear Glasses
It may seem cliché, but if you want to look older, try wearing glasses. Even if you don’t need glasses, find a non-prescription pair and wear them. The right glasses will instantly make you look older and more mature.
Choose a style and frame that’s neutral. Black is always a good option, but you can have a few pairs in different colors to go with different outfits.
Ditch the Sneakers
Sneakers are fine for the gym, around the house or if you’re running errands. But for work or going out, choose more mature options, like:
- Heels
- Ballet flats
- Booties
Pointed heels are an especially good choice but be cautious of making yourself look too much older with this style.
Final Thoughts
If you’re trying to make yourself look older, these tips will help. The key is to start wearing more professional clothing with neutral colors and a fitted style.