BY TERRY MWANGI
Unless you are under the club legal age and you are trying to lose your youthful edge so you can get through, nobody ever dresses up with the aim of looking old. We all grow up, whether we want it or not and to some, style evolves with it.
Wardrobe and style choices that worked when you were younger may not be serving you well now. This does not mean limiting your clothing options (which takes away all the fun in dressing) but rather refining them to the pieces that suits you best. With the wrong outfit choice, an 18 year old can look like a 30 year old trapped in the wrong body and vice versa.
Here are some of the common mistakes that make you look older.
Oversized clothes
You may feel comfortable in loose clothes, but they make your overall appearance look tired. Well-fitting clothes make you look slimmer and young. Too tight outfits are also a fashion no-no. They will make you look like you are trying too hard and also make your extra weight peep out and make you look bigger and messy.
Don’t try too hard to follow trend
Everyone wants to look modern, but that does not mean forcing yourself into a trend that does not match your body type or age. Always go for sexy instead of flashy. Ironically, when you dress too young, you often make yourself look too much older. Treat celebrity looks as inspiration rather than something to replicate exactly.
Matchy matchy
Nothing screams grandma more than matching your nail polish with your handbag, belt and shoes. Go for unique color and prints combination, which are modern and youthful. Too much repetition of a color or theme in your outfit is too flat and boring.
Too much makeup
Your make up is your fashion accessory and nothing ages a girl more than this when overdone. Always keep things light and natural.
Too blinged up
Too much jewelry will make you look distracting, clustered, uncoordinated and add some years to your age. What’s the point of putting together a great ensemble while the little things can bring it down? Know what works for different outfits. Simplicity is key
The key to age-appropriate dressing is paying attention to what feels right on you. What you need is to refine your style to portray the woman of confidence and sophistication that you are. You do not have to be boring, add a little funk, not too much but just enough to keep it all interesting. Always aim at looking your best without an expiration date
Cheers too, forever young!
