7 styles that make you look older

There’s no woman who will purposely wear something that makes her look heavier. But you’d be surprised by how many women unintentionally wear styles that make them look older. It’s not just vanity that keeps ladies wanting to look more youthful. Simply, why would anybody want to portray an aged image to the world? As compiled by goodhousekeeping.com, Huffington Post and realsimple.com, here is a list of styles that’ll add years to you.

Tweed



While some fabrics give off a youthful vibe such as denim and leather, tweed somehow has the opposite effect because it’s mostly associated with matronly suits. If it’s a menswear look you are after, opt for pinstripes or oversized houndstooth patterns. Leave the tweed for grandpa’s coat and instantly shave years off your look.

Reading glasses



No woman ever looked younger with little reading glasses perched on the end of her nose. Now that makes you look older. If you must wear reading glasses, avoid the classic stereotype of a granny with kooky reading glasses dangling on strings from her turtleneck. Instead embrace the sultry age of geek chic. Opt for thicker, Ernest Hemingway-style frames and leave the delicate wire-frames or rimless frames behind.

Gray hair



Gray dye on young women is all the rage these days, also making its way to Pakistan but the truth is it makes you look older. Maybe when you’re a senior it’ll be cooler to sport salt and pepper hair, but in your 20’s and 30’s, you want to look as young as possible. I’m not saying gray hair can’t be chic. Better options include going for colours that are flattering to your skin tones. Caramel highlights, for instance work well on the average Pakistani tone.

Cardigans



Although they seem like an ideal layering piece, it is really unflattering for heavier women because it lacks shape and structure so lumps and bumps are quick to appear. A better choice is a fitted jacket or blazer with some construction like set-in sleeves, seaming, and a collar, because it offsets middle-age spread. And whatever you do, don’t ever tie the cardigan around your waist because it never hides hips, only makes you look older.

Old lady handbag



Are you still carrying that over-sized logo bag from 15 years ago? Handbags have been a major driving force of fashion and style for the past decade and still carrying a typical organizer bag with multiple compartments can add unwanted years to your age. An efficient option would be a cute cross-body bag in a vivid spring hue or a fun leather bag.

Too much or too little makeup



Brassy blush and bright lipstick can be just as aging as no make-up at all. If you’re not sure what works for you, go for simple eyeliner, bronzer on cheek and a crimson pink pout — it works best for wheatish and fair complexions. If you’re a sucker for the beloved smoky eye, don a muted lip.  If you wish to accentuate your red lipstick, keep the rest of your make-up minimal. Learn how to apply pretty colours with a light hand and you’ll be on the right track to wearing makeup that won’t age you.

Cropped wide-leg capris



Who doesn’t love capris — they’re functional, comfy and practical. But when it comes to them, the more tapered the better. Think Audrey Hepburn or Jackie O. While wide-leg, full-length pants are flattering, wide capri-length pants can cut off the leg line and make you look not just aged but more stumpy than stunning. Try a pair of capris that have a narrow opening and are fitted at the knee or just grazing at the top of the ankle — très chic.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 17^th,  2014.

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