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10 Things That Instantly Make You Look Older Than You Are

Have you ever put on an outfit or worn a new style and been like “Wait, why am I suddenly older?” Sometimes it’s the little things we don’t notice that make us look older. It’s not about keeping up with the fashion – or trying to be 20 all over again – it’s just about keeping things fresh and polished so you feel as young as you actually are. Let’s go over a few of the mistakes that instantly make you look older and more importantly, what you can do about them.

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Wearing Outdated Clothing

close up of a hand, looking on a flea market for clothes.
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Hanging on to clothes from another era can age you fast. That old blazer with shoulder pads or your super-loose jeans may be comfortable, but they can shout “I haven’t changed my style in years.” You don’t have to follow every trend – just swap out those old pieces for something a little more modern or classic. It only takes a few upgrades such as a better-fitting jacket or new sneakers to get years off your face.

Neglecting Your Posture

Incorrect posture concept
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Slouching does not only damage your back, it also makes you look older and less confident. Whether you’re standing or sitting, good posture instantly makes you look better (literally!) Imagine being pulled up on a string over your head. Bonus: standing up straight makes you feel empowered and more in control as well, adding a youthful vibe.

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Ignoring Skincare

Skipping out on skincare is like letting your car sit in the sun every day — it’s going to show. You’ll look older than you actually are with dry, saggy skin and lines. An easy moisturizing routine and some sun protection (yes even on cloudy days) is enough. don’t forget the areas people often notice first – your hands and neck.

Wearing the Wrong Glasses

Portrait of blond middle-aged woman wearing eyeglasses
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Eyeglasses should highlight your features, not overpower them. Large bulky frames or out-of-date wire-rimmed glasses instantly age your face. Rather, get a pair that is modern and elegant. Even if you don’t wear prescription glasses, you can go with some trendy sunglasses to make you look a bit more youthful.

Unkempt Hair

A Woman Combing Her Hair while Looking at a Mirror
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Hair is one of the first things people notice, and it’s easy to fall into a rut. By not trimming or keeping to a look you’ve had for decades, you feel old. A new cut, some shine serum, even switching up your part can help. Don’t overlook your hair color either — keep it bright or blend grey to get a new, cool feel.

Overdoing Makeup

Portrait of attractive young woman with stylish makeup
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Makeup needs to be kept simple. Extra-thick foundation can create fine lines, and heavy, dark lipstick isn’t always as youthfully exciting as you want it to be. Try lighter, dewy products that even out your skin tone and make your natural features pop. A little mascara and some blush can be all you need to give yourself a glowing, youthful look.

Wearing All Neutral Tones

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If you have a closet full of beige, gray or black, you’ll be lost among the crowd—and not in a good way. Neutral colors are fine, but a little pop of color like a bright scarf or a bold shirt can take the entire look to the next level. Even some glimmers of pastel or jewel colors will give your outfit more life and brightness.

Overplucked or Messy Eyebrows

Woman plucking her eyebrows in a bathrobe. Hygiene.
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Thin, overplucked brows—or ones that are just all over the place—can make you look older right away. Sparse brows can make your face look tired, and messy ones can look like you haven’t kept up with yourself. Fuller, nicely shaped brows give your face a fresher, younger vibe. Grab a brow pencil to fill them in a bit or get them cleaned up by a pro.

Carrying Old-Fashioned Accessories

Jewelry
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Accessories make or break an outfit. Old, bulky handbags or out of style jewelry are going to drag down your outfit. Rather, choose simple and modern designs. Even swapping out a worn-out watch for a more minimalist one or switching shoes can make a difference.

Neglecting Your Teeth

Happy young man cleaning teeth with dental floss
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A smile says a lot about you and a tattered or yellowed tooth adds years to your face. Brushing, flossing and sometimes whitening (even if it is store bought strips) can whiten your smile. A healthy bright smile doesn’t just make you look younger – it also makes you feel more secure.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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