You may think of yourself as a savvy dresser, but unfortunately every woman has at least one ‘wardrobe staple’ that isn’t doing her any favours.
And, according to fashion expert Natalie Angel, there are some repeat offenders that can actually make a woman look a decade older than she really is.
Natalie, from Australia’s Sunshine Coast, is passionate about encouraging women to embrace their own style while also finding the courage to try out new looks.
And while the 43-year-old says there is ‘no right or wrong way to dress’, there are some items that invariably do women no favours and need to be shown the door.
But ditching those clothes that prematurely age you doesn’t just have to be an exercise in clearing out your closet; instead Natalie sees it as one part of a process of updating your wardrobe and having the ‘confidence to try something new’.
OLD EYEWEAR
It may come as a surprise to learn that your daily reading glasses and sunglasses can be a fashion faux pas – if the look is outdated.
Natalie said eyewear can be a giveaway of someone’s age – or inadvertently make them appear older – and so it’s important to keep up to date with the latest styles.
‘Eyewear is an important thing to consider when it comes to staying on trend,’ she said.
‘I could guess how old you are by looking at the reading glasses and sunglasses you wear.’
This means if you’re wearing glasses typically associated with someone much older, you may end up ageing your entire look.
Natalie’s solution? Ditch the reading glasses from your local pharmacy and instead splash out on a pair from a upmarket optometrists.
‘Update your style to make sure they’re on trend.’
DATED FOOTWEAR
The shoes you wear can also be an indication of how old (or young) you are.
Earlier this year, Gen Z, those aged 12 – 27, caused a stir among the 30-something Millennials by bringing back visible socks and declaring low-cut or trainer socks ‘uncool’.
Similarly, Natalie said footwear can also be an indicator of someone’s age.
‘Unfortunately super comfortable, conservative shoes scream that you’re older. You can wear an on-trend dress, but if you’re got the wrong shoes, that certainly ages you as well,’ she said.
But all is not lost for fans of comfortable footwear.
‘There are so many good brands that offer wide foot options and prioritise comfort. It is possible to be super comfortable and in fashion with your footwear.’
RIPPED JEANS
Any form of distressed denim, such as ripped jeans, should be avoided at all costs, says Natalie.
It may once have been fashionable, but today it looks outdated. And outdated styles either betray the wearer’s true age, or make them look older than they really are.
Another rule for denim is that it’s essential to wear the right fit for your body type (more on that later).
Natalie specifically warns to never under any circumstance reach for skinny jeans with tiger stripes across the hips. Skinny ripped denim is an absolute no-no.
‘Any denim with holes is a look no one is wearing anymore. Just throw it out,’ she advises.
ILL-FITTING CLOTHING
It doesn’t stop at ill-fitting denim: Natalie suggests ditching all of your clothes that no longer fit you properly.
She adds that clearing your closet of clothes that don’t fit anymore will not only make you look immediately younger, but is the perfect opportunity to update your wardrobe and experiment with style.
‘Nothing ages women more than wearing ill-fitting clothes. Usually a woman does it to try to stay in the size she used to wear,’ she explained. ‘Don’t!’
The only exception to the rule is if you’ve lost weight and have a wardrobe full of baggy clothes. Some of these old items can be repurposed into style wins.
‘The trend for loose-fitting clothing isn’t going anywhere,’ said Natalie.
She’s not wrong: wide-leg trousers, loose-fitting shirts and jumpers and over-sized blazers are still everywhere this summer.
CHANGE YOUR HAIRSTYLE
Not changing your hairstyle for years is a surefire way to remain stuck in a certain period, and invariably makes you look older.
If you’re want to look ten years younger, one shortcut that doesn’t involve updating your entire wardrobe is tweaking your hairstyle.
Doing so can refresh your entire look – without the hefty price tag.
Natalie recommends a subtle approach, however. Try minor tweaks, such as a new colour, or a fashionable fringe, instead of chopping your hair off completely.
