Have you ever been accused of not dressing your age? I think that no matter what year our birth date is, some of us would like to think that we can pull off certain items of clothing just because we’re so darn fabulous! Truth be told, there are some things that we should toss in the donate bin and forget about because we’ve moved beyond that stage in our lives. Think you might still be trying to pull off some questionable clothes? Keep reading for 10 telltale signs you’re not dressing your age and find out!
1. Shameless Shirts
Graphic T-shirts are great for casual wear and there’s nothing wrong with sporting something with a fun message but when your closet is full of graphic T’s with suggestive or childish sayings like “No Pimp Required” or “Life is short and so is your penis” and you graduated college years ago, it’s totally not age-appropriate dress! Granted, there are some graphic T’s out there for grown folks that are appropriate but I’m solely referring to the graphic T’s that are attention-grabbing and not in a good way!
2. Aging Ungracefully
Dressing your age should be fun regardless of what your chronological age is and if you’re a young lady dressing like you just stepped out of a movie from the 1800’s or like you’ve been rummaging through your mom’s collection of her retired Chic Jeans, it’s time to shakeup your wardrobe! There’s nothing wrong with wearing hand-me-downs but there’s no reason to make yourself appear older than you are. Mix up older items with more modern pieces or make something new by DIY-ing it! It’s not all about wearing expensive or super trendy clothes, it’s about looking your best!
3. Big Reveal
Even celebrities are sometimes guilty of breaking the rule of not dressing your age when they’re caught wearing clothes that are way too revealing and sexy! When a woman’s wardrobe consists mainly of plunging necklines, micro-minis and “do-me” heels, it’s time for a wardrobe intervention! There’s a time and place to wear some of those pieces but if you’re kids are embarrassed by your clothes or you’re constantly getting comments from strangers, it’s time to rethink your shopping habits!
4. Forever Young
Some brands are made for a specific age group in mind and once you’ve hit a certain age, it’s just not cute anymore and you’re wearing age-inappropriate clothes. If you frequently skinny jeans and Uggs with your teen or you have an extensive collection of Hello Kitty clothes and you’re the same age or older than the character-she’s 35, it’s time to retire those clothes and display your affinity for Hello Kitty in more subtle ways.
5. Call of Duty
Most workplaces have a very specific dress code and if you find yourself constantly dressing like you’re giving a presentation to work colleagues, you’re probably not dressing your age. I get that you want to look smart and sophisticated but if your closet resembles the career wear section of a department store, you probably come off as a workaholic and appear older than you are! Save your pant suits and skirt suits for work and incorporate a few pieces of your business wear into your everyday attire to avoid looking too serious or dull.
6. Oversized Overload
Wearing loose-fitting pieces with fitted items can look cool and casual but if you have a habit of wearing head-to-toe baggy clothes as part of your everyday garb, you’re running the risk of dressing too young. Tweens and teens can pull off wearing baggy outfits but grown-ups can easily end up looking indigent or like a gangsta rapper if they aren’t careful! There’s nothing wrong with wearing loose clothes as long as you balance the look out-avoid looking frumpy or sloppy!
7. Ill-fitting Attire
Just like clothing that is too big can make you look like one of the characters from the cartoon Boondocks, wearing ill-fitting clothes are too tight can make you look like you’re not dressing your age also! Think about it, when was the last time you saw someone wearing something that was too short or tight and thought it looked good? Probably never, it looks like they’re wearing someone else’s clothes or they think that wearing smaller sizes means they’re younger or slimmer. Embrace your curves and stature and show them off with clothes that flatter!
8. Highly Decorated
Another clue that you could be dressing too young is if the majority of your collection of jewelry consists of plastic hoops, colorful doorknockers and the latest in trendy costume jewelry. Or maybe you’re on the opposite end of the spectrum and you love wearing pearl earrings, necklaces and antique brooches? It’s cool to integrate different types of costume and fine jewelry into your ensembles but avoid overdoing any one type of accessory like too much plastic neon or vintage jewelry. Too much jewelry can be a distraction anyway so keep things minimal and let your personality and smile shine through!
9. Mega Logo Mania
There was a time when women liked to flaunt logos whether it was a pair of designer denim or a top with a rhinestone studded logo, but nowadays going too hard with logos and embellishments can look tacky and appear like you’re not dressing your age. In-your-face logos can make you look dated, like you’re trying to relive a certain time or bring back an older trend so avoid both of those fashion mishaps, keep logos small and unobtrusive to look more fresh and modern.
10. Purse Play
The handbag has the power to quickly turn a stylish look to tacky if it’s paired with the wrong outfit and mismatched items can make you look like you’re not engaging in age-appropriate dress. Picture this, a girl in her early 20’s is dressed in a simple white T and boyfriend jeans but is wearing a huge leather handbag that looks like it’s from your grandmother’s yard sale. Or how about a 40-something woman whose also wearing something casual but pairs her outfit with a bright pink leopard print Baby Phat bag-it just doesn’t look right! Wearing the wrong type of purse can be just as damaging to a look as wearing age-inappropriate clothes so choose carefully!
Dressing your age can be a delicate subject as there are some women who can pull off just about any look and then there are those who tend to take a look a little too far. As long as you’re not attracting the wrong type of attention and your clothes fit properly, women should be free to show off their fabulous personal style! Just keep in mind that you want people to notice you and not just your clothes or your body. What do you think are the classic signs of not dressing your age?
Top Image Source: eyeshadowlipstick.com
Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I tell if I'm not dressing my age?
- If your clothing feels out of place for your lifestyle or seems too youthful or too mature, you might not be dressing your age.
- Is it wrong to wear trendy clothes at any age?
- Not at all! The key is to choose trends that flatter your body and suit your personal style rather than wearing items just because they're popular.
- What are some signs that my style is too young?
- Wearing overly flashy or childlike patterns and choosing clothes that don’t fit your body shape well can make your style appear younger than your age.
- Can wearing only basics make me look older?
- Basics are timeless, but pairing them thoughtfully with stylish accessories can help keep your look fresh and age-appropriate.
- How important is fit in dressing my age?
- Fit is crucial; well-fitted clothes look polished and flattering, helping you present a more age-appropriate appearance.
- Should I avoid all bright colors if I want to dress my age?
- Not necessarily—bright colors can be great when balanced well and matched with classic pieces to keep your look mature yet lively.
- Are there specific fabrics I should avoid as I get older?
- Avoid overly shiny or cheap-looking fabrics and opt for quality materials like cotton, wool, or silk that elevate your outfit.
- Can accessories make a difference in dressing age-appropriately?
- Yes! Choosing sophisticated and minimal accessories can enhance your outfit and reflect your maturity.
- Is it okay to mix youthful and mature styles?
- Absolutely—mixing styles thoughtfully can create a unique and age-appropriate look that feels true to you.
- How often should I reassess my wardrobe to ensure it fits my age and lifestyle?
- It's a good idea to review your wardrobe every season, donating items that no longer suit your style or life stage.