Looking younger than your age is often a goal for many people. Your personal style and fashion choices can help you achieve a more youthful appearance no matter your age. This article will provide tips on how to dress in ways that can make you look younger.
Embrace Flattering Silhouettes
Flowy, Feminine Pieces
Looser, flowy tops and dresses can hide problem areas and create a more youthful silhouette. Billowy blouses, peasant tops, wrap dresses, maxi skirts, and wide-legged pants are all great options. The looser fit skims over your body, creating the illusion of a smoother figure. Stick to lightweight, breezy fabrics like chiffon or crepe. They tend to drape well and won't cling.
Avoid anything too oversized or baggy though, as that can overwhelm your frame. The key is finding the sweet spot between body-skimming and figure-hiding. Play with different silhouettes until you discover what flatters you best. As a bonus, flowy pieces give off an effortless, carefree vibe that reads young and hip.
Tailored Pieces that Nip In
On the other end of the silhouette spectrum, well-fitted pieces that nip in at the waist or shoulders can also create a youthful look. Pencil skirts, blazers tailored to highlight your shoulders, wrap dresses, and anything else form-fitting will slenderize and sharpen your shape.
The trick is getting the right fit - too tight looks unsophisticated and cheap. High quality tailored items made of substantial fabrics that still allow movement and breathing room are best. Pay attention to the little details like darts and seams that enhance your figure. Well-constructed pieces result in an instantly pulled together appearance.
Play with Proportion
Cropped Tops and Jackets
Cropped tops and jackets are hugely popular lately for their fun, flirty vibe. Cropping a top reveals just a peek of midriff, creating elongation. Pairing a cropped jacket, denim jacket, blazer, or cardigan over a dress or skirt also delivers visual balance. Keeping things in proportion is key though - an ultra cropped top with a maxi skirt can overwhelm a petite frame.
Make sure to balance a cropped top with high waisted bottoms, and try a cropped jacket with a shorter skirt or dress. When done right, it creates the illusion of longer legs and a taller, more youthful figure overall.
Higher Hemlines
Speaking of shorter hemlines, showing some leg is an instant way to appear more youthful. Mini and midi skirts and dresses are very on-trend lately. Choose lengths that you feel comfortable with and that work for your lifestyle.
The main thing to remember is keeping proportions in mind - shorter hems look best balanced with a heel versus flat shoe. Go forchunkier heels or wedges which offer more support. Make sure to avoid anything too short or revealing for a sophisticated take on the trend.
Brighten Up Your Color Palette
Vibrant Hues
nada about incorporating some vibrant shades into your wardrobe! Rich jewel tones like emerald green and sapphire blue have a luxe, expensive look. Vivid brights like hot pink, red, and cobalt pop against neutral skin tones for an energetic punch. Even metallics like gold and silver add shine and vivacity.
Having bright colors near your face can make your complexion appear fresher and glowier. Try a colorful scarf or statement necklace if you don't want to commit to a full bright ensemble. Bold bags, shoes, or other accessories also enliven an outfit.
Cheerful Prints & Patterns
Along the same lines, cheerful prints and patterns impart a youthful, spirited vibe. Small-scale floral, gingham, polka dot, and preppy stripe prints read young and feminine. Ethnic patterns like ikat and batik and geometric Art Deco motifs also provide visual interest.
As far as placement, pins and tops tend to be the best places for bolder patterns. They draw the eye upwards and keep the focus towards your face. Avoid overly busy patterns though, as they can overwhelm the eye and create visual clutter. Aim for prints with some negative space for balance.
Adopt of-the-Moment Trends
Modern Updates Tailored for You
Refreshing your style with current trends is an easy way to appear up-to-date versus stuck in the past. Luckily, designers offer a range of options these days tailored to different styles, budgets, sizes, and ages. The key is not going overboard with fast fashion or anything unflattering just for the sake of chasing trends.
Focus on modern twists to classic pieces first. Try refreshing beloved basics with of-the-moment patterns, updated silhouettes, or on-trend colors. Swapping trouser jeans for wide leg or flare fits, a button down for a statement collar blouse, or neutral purse for a fun punchy hue puts a current spin on wardrobe essentials. Ease into trends gently by integrating one or two per outfit.
Invest in Key Seasonal Staples
Along with refreshing your classics, add one or two seasonal trend pieces each year that speak to you. The current silhouettes, patterns, colors and accessories of the moment provide inspiration and variety. Statements sleeves, midi skirts, stomach cutout tops, check prints, bold greens, micro bags – there are countless options inspired by recent runways.
The key is narrowing down and only investing in what flatters your figure. Trying new shapes and pieces helps you discover new styles. Buy well-made trendy staples in neutral solids to maximize cost per wear too. That way you can incorporate them as key splashy layering pieces every season with the rest of your wardrobe.
Pull It All Together With Stylish Extras
Playful Hair Accessories
An easy way to channel youthful playfulness is by accessorizing your hair. Decorative clips, headbands, scrunchies, and barrettes all impart a girlish charm. Velvet bows and knotted scarves capture romantic whimsy. Pearl and jewel-studded bobby pins add Old Hollywood glamour.
The styling options are endless – pull back part of your hair to showcase an earring, tie a scarf in your ponytail for polish, weave fresh flowers behind your ear for free spirited allure. Such quick styling tricks require minimal effort yet make a major impact. They bring out your inner youthful spirit for an effortlessly effervescent look.
Statement Handbags
An eye-catching, trendy handbag acts like a punchy accessory that adds interest to any outfit. Petite bags in cheerful hues, cute shapes like heart purses, and those with playful hardware like bamboo handles all exude playfulness. Vivid, saturated colors and bold prints and patterns energize neutrals.
Alternatively, structured silhouettes with hint of shine, like a gold chain strap shoulder bag, convey refinement and maturity. Just make sure to style your bag appropriately with your look overall. Finish a formal outfit with a sleek leather clutch while a crossbody multi-print bag matches a boho chic dress perfectly.
Handbags gracefully straddle the line between function and fashion. With so many options, you can switch up your style from sweet to sophisticated to edgy seamlessly. Using handbags to incorporate color, hardware embellishments, or on-trend silhouettes transforms any look.
Closing Thoughts
The most important thing is wearing styles that you feel confident and comfortable in. Stay true to your personal tastes and style identity. Seek out elevated versions of pieces you already love in fresh cuts, colors and fabrics. Choose silhouettes you feel amazing in. Have fun trying new trends that bring out your inner youthful spirit!
