I’ve always believed that personal style has a unique power to boost confidence—or zap it—depending on whether it reflects who we truly are.
Sometimes, though, we don’t realize that certain fashion choices can inadvertently age us.
Of course, there’s absolutely no shame in dressing how you like, but if your goal is to look more vibrant and current, a few wardrobe tweaks could make a huge difference.
So if you’re looking for ways to refresh your style or gently steer a loved one in a more modern direction, read on.
Below are eight pieces that can make people look older than they really are, plus some ideas for updating your closet without sacrificing comfort or authenticity.
1. Oversized, shapeless clothing
There’s nothing wrong with wanting a little extra coverage or preferring relaxed fits.
But when clothes are too baggy or lack structure, they can hide your figure completely—making you appear older and sometimes larger than you are.
I once had a chat with a colleague who exclusively wore oversized sweaters and long, shapeless skirts.
She admitted that she felt more comfortable that way, but also confessed she felt “invisible” at times.
Wearing items that follow your natural shape, even loosely, helps project confidence and vitality.
Switching to pieces with subtle tailoring or adding a belt can highlight your silhouette and instantly give off a more youthful vibe, all while keeping it comfy and cozy.
2. Outdated shoe styles
Remember those chunky platform sneakers from the 1990s? Or the sensible block-heeled pumps from the same era?
While they might hold some nostalgic appeal, certain shoe silhouettes can date you more than you’d think.
Of course, comfort is crucial—no one wants to limp around in stilettos all day. However, there are plenty of modern footwear options that combine support and style.
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I used to cling to a pair of old-school wedge sandals because I loved how they felt.
But after finally replacing them with a more streamlined design, I realized just how much a sleeker shoe can elevate an outfit.
You don’t need to toss your entire collection—just look for pairs with clean lines and contemporary touches.
A flexible low-block heel or stylish flats can do wonders for freshening up your appearance.
3. Head-to-toe matchy-matchy outfits
My grandmother was the queen of coordinating everything. She had matching hats, shoes, bags—often in the same color family.
It was adorable, but it can also come across as dated if taken too far.
While having complementary colors can look intentional and polished, going for an exact match from top to bottom can appear a bit old-fashioned.
The trick? Aim for complementary shades or patterns instead of identical ones.
If you love wearing blues, try mixing a navy blazer with lighter-wash jeans and a patterned scarf.
It gives your outfit depth and personality without feeling overly coordinated.
4. Very traditional eyewear
Eyeglasses are one of those everyday essentials that can subtly shape how others see us.
Large, thick frames in dated shapes might give off a more mature vibe, especially if they haven’t been updated in a decade or two.
The same goes for those ultra-tiny wire frames that were trendy back in the ‘90s—they can sometimes pull your face downward visually.
I remember resisting an eye exam for the longest time, and when I finally went, my son actually nudged me to pick a more modern frame.
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Let’s just say, I was surprised how a slight change in style brightened my overall look.
If you’re due for a prescription update, it might be worth exploring new shapes and colors.
Aviator-style frames, cat-eye silhouettes, or subtle rectangle shapes can all lend a fresh, youthful flair.
5. Outdated denim cuts
Ah, denim. A staple in almost everyone’s wardrobe. But the wrong cut can sometimes add years to your appearance.
Super-high-rise “mom” jeans (especially if they’re baggy around the thighs) or extremely wide-leg denim can be tricky.
On the flip side, overly bedazzled or embroidered jeans might also date your style.
As someone who practically lives in denim, I’ve experimented with countless fits.
Bootcut or slim-straight styles are more contemporary choices that flatter a wide range of body types.
They’re snug enough to look modern without being overly tight, and they work with everything from sneakers to ankle boots.
Plus, you don’t have to completely ditch comfort—stretch denim is widely available now, offering the best of both worlds.
6. Stiff hairdos or outdated hair accessories
Yes, hair is technically not an article of clothing. But it’s absolutely part of your overall look, so I feel compelled to include it.
Relying on the same hairspray-laden style or wearing decorative combs and bulky scrunchies can give off an older vibe.
There’s nothing inherently wrong with a scrunchie if you love it—I still use one at home!
But wearing it as a main accessory out in public might date your appearance more than you realize.
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Even softening your hairstyle, trimming dry ends more often, or adding subtle layers can inject some freshness.
And if you enjoy hair accessories, consider minimalist clips or stylish headbands that feel a bit more current.
7. Extremely conservative prints
Classic prints like polka dots or florals can look chic and timeless, but there’s a difference between a bold, modern floral print and one that could be mistaken for your living room curtains.
Large-scale, overly busy patterns might not only date you but also overwhelm your figure.
I recall rummaging through my mother’s closet and finding a dress covered in huge, abstract flowers.
Beautiful on the hanger, but wearing it made her appear more mature than she felt.
Instead, a more understated pattern or smaller-scale florals can strike that balance between sophistication and youthfulness.
Stripes, geometric shapes, and subtle prints can also be great alternatives for a fresh, updated style.
8. Clinging to “safe” colors
Beige, gray, and navy have their place. They’re versatile, easy to mix and match, and certainly can look polished.
But an entire wardrobe dominated by neutral colors can come across as a bit dull—and sometimes, it adds years to your look.
As I mentioned earlier, don’t be afraid to experiment with a pop of color, like a vibrant scarf, statement belt, or bold cardigan.
Just integrating a cheerful hue here or there can do wonders for energizing your overall appearance.
Wrapping up
There’s no hard-and-fast rule saying you need to throw out half your wardrobe or ditch everything you love.
Sometimes the most impactful change can be as simple as swapping out an outdated pair of shoes or refreshing your glasses frames.
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The key is awareness. If your priority is looking as energetic and youthful as you feel on the inside, it might be time to reevaluate a few style choices that could be adding unnecessary years.
Ultimately, the real goal is authenticity—finding clothing and accessories that showcase your personality rather than overshadow it.
Taking small steps to modernize your wardrobe can help you feel more confident, relevant, and ready to take on any new chapter in life.
And that, in my opinion, is what true style is all about.
After all, personal style is just that: personal. Let it reflect who you are today, not who you used to be—and let it evolve with you tomorrow.
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