Everybody wants to be fashionable. Since the beginning of time, we’ve tried to make ourselves as distinguishable as possible. And one easy way to do this? Fashion! Have you noticed that looking back at history, we remember famous people based on their clothes, hairstyles and makeup? The reason is exactly this: every moment in time has its unique traits. But what happens when some moments overstay their welcome is that, well, these can age you significantly! Here are 9 fashion traps you may or may not have realized you’ve fallen into (probably because of nostalgia!).
1. Big, Frizzy Hairstyles
Remember the 80’s? We all had a crimping iron and hairspray! From movies to magazines, public figures insisted this trend was the new wave taking over the hair industry. While that might’ve been the case over forty years ago, some people today are still adamant on perming, sporting mullets or applying a heavy amount (in consequences, inhaling a bunch of fumes) of hairspray. The common nominator is that we all want volume. Yet we often fail to realize these solutions are very, very damaging long term. The hairstyles themselves are outdated, of course, often associating with older generations. They also look inexpensive, hair appearing like hay or a bird’s nest! It’s dry and frail, but what’s even more concerning is that it leads to hair loss. Not only does it age you in the moment, it makes you lose your hair prematurely. Which, at the end of the day, is so not worth the time spent having a little bit more volume!
2. Mom Jeans
If you’ve been anywhere on social media during these recent years, you noticed that the ‘mom jeans’ trend has been consistently on the rise. It is marketed as a transition from Millennials to Gen Z-ers in terms of fashion, with many arguing that low-rise jeans are a thing of the past and as such, make one look older. But that couldn’t be farther from the truth! Besides the name itself being indicative, many mom-style jeans are baggy, lack definition, not to mention the seams are executed sloppily for the sake of comfort. While you can make them work in more modern settings, it’s easy for these jeans to age you if not accessorized correctly.
3. Bold, Contrasting Makeup
When you say bold makeup, you might think of Marilyn Monroe and old Hollywood. Ruby red lipstick, powdered noses and penciled eyebrows. This was a sign of class back in the day, but what happens when one adapts it to today’s day and age? Pigments in eyeshadows, blushes, matte lipsticks that come in reds, blues and purples can make you look like you belong in the 70’s, hence age you dramatically for the sake of fashion.
4. Combining Silver and Gold
Lovers of jewelry, beware! This is a mistake many of us have made, and most likely still do. Being gifted beautiful jewelry pieces in another metal than the one you’re used to wearing may call to the late 90’s, early 2000’s when everyone was wearing everything, all the time. Shimmering gold, artsy silver pieces, all on both hands, neck, and ears. The look not only subtracts from the overall “value” of the outfit but adds years. It’s best to keep jewelry in one metal when worn, besides having it compliment your outfit!
5. Clothes That Don’t Fit Well
Adding more to the mom jeans trend, this issue is a two-edged sword. Baggy clothes generally call to a scruffy appearance, turning one’s look to outdated and boring. But then we also have clothes that can be too tight. Surely you have one pair of pants you’re emotionally attached to and can’t let go, or the prom dress you’d like to one day wear again. Clothes that fit too tight squeeze you in like a sausage, casting a light on age-related issues that may or may not even exist! One thing is certain, clothes that are too loose or too tight pile on the years to your detriment!
6. Perfectly Matched Sets
You’ve seen them all around. In ads, social media, magazines, promoted by the Kardashians! No one can contest that a matching set looks professional, blazers, dress pants, moccasins being among favorites. Yet having the same exact color, pattern, and structure may prove to be counterproductive. Where one wishes to be seen as fashionable, they may blend into the background due to an outdated, stiff look in a world of mixed textures and palettes. Monochrome outfits especially are no longer viewed as fresh, but an easy way out to thinking about what to put together. And that is frequently associated with growing older!
7. Long, Boxy Skirts
The love for over the knee skirts is also on the rise. And just like the pieces mentioned beforehand, they require a very meticulous styling to not age you dramatically. The reason being? Boxy skirts are known to be worn by two groups of people: schoolgirls and older women. Both of which prove unfavorable for young adults and working adults. These skirts are often associated with conservatism, leading to a period in time which no longer applies but appeals to a rising audience. The secret is of course, to pair it right and avoid having the skirt as the centerpiece of your outfit.
8. Worn shoes
Too many people forget about a heavily important element when designing their outfits: shoes! Shoes can make or break an outfit, and worn loafers or old flats can rob your fashion sense of its shine. While looking in the mirror often cuts out your feet, other people can definitely see, and, surprisingly, shoes may very well be the first thing someone notices. It would be unfortunate to get years added to your look just because of your footwear, since old shoes are associated with older folk. Make polishing your outfit a regular thing, starting with them!
9. Cheap and Shiny Looking Clothes
That is the case with 100% polyester, or stiff taffeta. They’re easily accessible monetarily but wear out just as fast, make you sweat like crazy and offer that 2000’s look straight from the bargain bin. The clothing item can seem appealing at first, but if we are honest, the most appealing thing about cheap materials is their price. These materials do nothing but emphasize flaws in the fit from start to finish, making your outfit look dated. And again, their lifespan is extremely short, so it’s not worth adding on the years to your styling choices for a few pennies off an item.