Fashion Pieces That Are Making You Look So Much Older

When you were around 7 or 8, were you one of those kids who loved to play dress up? Maybe you snuck into your mom's wardrobe to put on her "fancy" clothes and high heels and shuffle around the house, admiring yourself in every mirror you passed and grinning a lipstick-smeared smile? At that point in life, you probably wanted to look older, and that likely remained the case for the next several years. But somewhere down the road, there comes a tipping point where you don't actually want your outfit to make you look older. In fact, many people want to avoid it at all costs.

You may not realize that some of your go-to fashion pieces are making you look much older than the number of candles on your birthday cake. Some are outdated trends, while others are items that aren't really worn anymore. And let's be clear: There's nothing wrong with wearing these items — we just want you to be informed when making your sartorial decisions. So, have a read through this list and think about what easy updates you could make to give your outfits new life.

Take a survey of your wardrobe: If you have pieces that look bedazzled, i.e. any kind of added-on sparkly element, be it on a top or pair of jeans, they're aging you. This trend is incredibly old at this point, so wearing it will make you look older and even potentially out of touch. If you want to bring some bling to your outfit, add some colorful jewels to your look for a more youthful approach.

If you've held onto your jeans from the early 2000s, we admire your dedication to conscious living. After all, a lot of those early-aughts trends have come back around. But cuts have also evolved, so fits are better and more modern. If your jeans are shapeless, meaning they don't hug your body nicely and they make your toosh look droopy, then it might be time to invest in a modern pair, like trouser jeans, the fall 2025 denim trend taking classic jeans to a new level.

Listen, we probably all have that sweatshirt or T-shirt that's emblazoned with a brand name or a place we visited years before, and we keep it because it's cozy and an easy piece to throw on. But tops with big logos and jumbo words across them are dated, and they're making you look dated as well. Instead of aging yourself with logo tops, opt for a plain style, which will look simple and elegant — two keys to nailing modern style.

There are times when big shoulder pads come back into fashion. If you're a trendy and intentionally bold dresser, then you do you with your big shoulder pads. If that's not you, however, then shoulder pads are probably another dated '80s element that's making you look like you haven't considered your clothing since Ronald Reagan was in office. Instead, choose modern blazers that are structured and create flattering silhouettes. Making shoulders look giant to make the waist look smaller is no longer chic or necessary — we're wholeheartedly embracing our bodies in the 2020s.

Fact: Many people experience foot and walking issues as they age, from bunions to balance problems, making stilettos out of the question. That doesn't mean that clunky, unattractive shoes are your destiny, though. Choosing such footwear can immediately age you, especially when there are cute yet comfortable alternatives available, including ballet flats, loafers, and cute, low-profile sneakers. Even kitten heels are great for those who want to spice up their looks. And if you've been fighting the idea of insoles, you should stop it and buy them for your feet — they'll thank you later.

If you ever watch a movie or TV show set in the 1960s or before, it looks as if every woman was required to own and wear skin-colored pantyhose. Now, however, the idea is cringe-worthy. They immediately make the wearer look old-fashioned and stuck in a bygone era. If you're looking for something that covers your legs in cooler months, a pair of tights in an outfit-coordinating color or a pattern is the modern go-to. Hosiery is having a moment right now, after all, but it's all about designs like lace and dark-colored tights — think plum, brown, and black.