Outdated Accessories That Are Making You Look Older

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Whether it's our intention or not, our accessories tell a story. Jewelry, hats, and belts can seem like afterthoughts, but they're really a path to self-expression, which is why it's so important to choose your pieces thoughtfully. Now, TikTok's viral "eight-point system" might change how you get dressed by indicating how many accessories you should wear, but you still need to think about what pieces to incorporate. The main factors to keep in mind include your personal style and any aesthetic goals you might have — that might be leaning into a quiet-luxury look, or it may simply be to appear younger. And unfortunately, if you're hoping for the latter, some accessories can have the opposite effect.

Far from being subtle details that go unnoticed, accessories can add years to your look. In an exclusive chat with Glam, Tali Kogan, stylist and founder of MALKARI, reveals that some of your go-to fashion staples may even be working against you. Minimalists tend to reach for dainty necklaces, while those seeking boss-babe energy might rely on a classic watch to complete their style, but these are both examples of pieces that age a look. To clarify, aging is a blessing, and there's nothing wrong with looking older if that's your choice. But it's also okay to opt for more youthful pieces if they match your energy. Rather than sticking with old favorites that may no longer be working for you, you might want to get clear on what simple fashion accessories can make a statement and then curate the best additions to your wardrobe that will complete the specific look you're going for. According to Kogan, that journey begins with swapping out predictable pieces, like matching jewelry sets, for the unexpected, like a stacked wrist of bracelets.

If you're a minimalist at heart, then this may be difficult to hear. It's true that one of the biggest style mistakes you can make if you're going for quiet luxury is jewelry that's too loud, but at the same time, some subtle styles — like a single dainty necklace — can have an aging effect. "While minimal jewelry had its era, a single delicate chain can feel invisible and miss the moment to express your energy," explains Tali Kogan. In our exclusive chat, the stylist recommends combatting this with "statement stacking," which involves bringing several pieces of jewelry together. 

"Start with a bold anchor piece like the Hadara or Ariellea, then layer intentionally with pieces of varying lengths, textures, and styles — like Zara, Anette, or Eliza, and add depth with beaded layers like Malka or Rose Glow," Kogan tells us. "Don't be afraid to mix your metals. Contrast creates visual movement and personality." To pull off a mixed-metal look, experiment with different widths, incorporate stones and embellishments, and — good news for minimalists — keep the actual pieces daintier. If incorporating bolder pieces with different textures feels like too much, you can stick with your comfort-zone delicate pieces but still tell a story by layering them together. Alternatively, you can look for a single necklace that already comes stacked, such as the Kyerlyn Layered Gold Necklace.

In the interest of trying to look cohesive and put-together, it's easy to fall into the trap of overdoing sets. When you're building a monochromatic look or simply want to feel like you've got your life together, matching jewelry or accessories sets can seem pretty appealing. But according to Tali Kogan, this is just another move that can date a look. "Wearing a perfectly coordinated bag, belt, and shoes can feel overly polished and flat," Kogan tells Glam exclusively. "It lacks personal spirit."

Instead of playing it safe with sets, the stylist advises going for unexpected pieces that may not initially seem like they match. "Treat your accessories like a curated collection, not a uniform," she explains. "Echo tones or materials from your jewelry stack in other accessories, but keep the combinations feeling layered, not literal. It's about harmony, not sameness." This can be tricky to pull off since you don't want to end up bringing together pieces that clash. The key is to find elements that match between your pieces but also ensure that there are enough differences between them that the combo doesn't feel boring. For example, rose-gold hardware on your belt doesn't have to be paired with rose-gold jewelry; you could honor that pinkish undertone by incorporating jewelry with rose quartz or even a hat in a shade of pink. Find those complementary elements without doing an exact copy and paste between your jewelry and accessories, and your look will feel fresher. 

A chunky belt can seem like it sheds years off of a look, but the opposite is also often true. Statement belts can make you look older if the features that make them so eye-catching are dated. For example, a buckle style that's been done to death can make a belt — and its wearer — seem like they just stepped out of a time machine. "These can visually weigh you down and interrupt the line of your outfit," Tali Kogan shares exclusively with Glam, adding that being more creative with your belt choice will pay off.

"I love double belting right now," Kogan adds. "It brings structure and style in a fresh, editorial way. Think of belts as jewelry for your waist: sculptural, textural, intentional." If you're going to double belt, then you may want to stick with two similar styles rather than two clashing belts, and the same logic applies: Dated hardware or features can still age your look, even with a double belt. You could also mix materials to add more interest to your waist, bringing together something like the HIQUACC Women's Chain Belt with the FENLDY Adjustable Thin Belt. Moreover, quiet luxury is outdated in 2025, and we're instead wearing louder styles and more noticeable logos, so if you're going high-end, don't be afraid to rock an identifiable belt with the Gucci double G or the Chanel double C.

The truth is, a watch will always add an element of sophistication to your look. Even though the smartphone has made them largely redundant, a good watch still gives boss energy. Where a lot of people go wrong, according to Tali Kogan, is opting for a traditional style of watch that is delicate and dainty, as these "can fade into the background and feel more functional than expressive." Again, the stylist's answer is stacking, teaming up your watch with more exciting pieces of jewelry.

"Pair a clean, modern timepiece with MALKARI bangles or cuffs to create presence and rhythm," Kogan suggests exclusively to Glam. "Let your wrist tell a story." To pair multiple bracelets for a stylish, timeless stack that will elevate your look rather than date it, go for bracelets of different sizes and metals, varying elements between each piece so it feels like there's no repetition. Every piece should earn its place on your wrist. You can incorporate cuffs like the Grecian-style Gold and Silver Arm Cuffs from Toar Xdhc for more of a statement along with beaded bracelets if you're building a warm-weather look. Beaded options like the Adoyi Gold Bracelet Set come in traditional metals, but you can also get those with an earthier feel, such as the set of Vinswet Beaded Bracelets. Wearing pieces like this with your watch will add interest and youth no matter how long you've been wearing the same timepiece. 

A hat can be the most powerful part of an ensemble, with the right choice instantly elevating an outfit to an almost regal level of sophistication. That said, the wrong kind of hat can reduce an otherwise elegant look into a parody, making the wearer look older in the process. In particular, Tali Kogan warns against traditional hats with stiff silhouettes, such as fedoras, or cloches (with the latter popularized in the 1920s, it's no wonder that they will date your look). 

Staying away from these styles doesn't mean all hats are off the table, though. "Opt for softer, more minimal styles like a clean-lined beret, a wool bucket hat, or a crisp baseball cap styled with bold earrings and a strong neck stack," Kogan recommends in an exclusive chat with Glam. "The contrast makes it feel effortless, not forced." A baseball cap, in particular, can be a great way to build an elevated athleisure look, perfect for a low-key brunch or running errands. Plain options, like the Top Level Black Baseball Cap, will never go out of style. If you want more of a feminine feel to your baseball cap, opt for one with a simple design, like the Trendy Bow-Tie Baseball Cap from ANYZSCO. Incorporating a trendy hat into your wardrobe is one of the best tricks for dealing with oily hair, too, since you can throw one on if your mane is nearing wash day and look youthful while doing it.