new trends and ‘how to’-posts that you can use if you need a little help, a few tips or just some inspiration on what to wear where and how! Personal Stylist is a column that will answer some of the many questions we receive on a daily basis pioneering with a question from Cherie, who struggles with looking too young and fearing not being taken seriously. You too can ask a question on the comment icon below
I am 24 and heading to law school this fall. The only thing is, I am told often that I look like I’m 17, so at this point, older professionals do not take me seriously. I wear make up and dress my age for the most part, so I am at a loss as to what to do. Any suggestions?
Many search for answers and ideas that will make them look younger, but if you’re one of those people, including yours truly, who’ve always looked younger than they are, you sometimes need to put some effort into looking older. Here are some ideas by Joswids Blog on how to look more mature.
The Dos And The Don’ts
Like with any style or trends there are some dos and some don’ts that are good to keep in mind when going shopping or getting dressed. Take a look at these in order to start looking more mature.
DOs
Heels: Cherie writes that she mostly wears flip-flops. Heels will give you a better posture making you look more ‘in control’. Of course, who can stand walking in heels to class, so a pair of wedges will here do the trick.
Hair: Pulling the hair back will give you a more mature look without looking like a school teacher from 1960.
Skirts: Pencil skirts are elegant and feminine skirts scream professional business woman. For a young woman, we also suggest tulip skirts as pictured below.
Blazers: A classic item every woman needs in her wardrobe. Can dress up or dress down any outfit and will make you look elegant and sophisticated.
Handbag: A modern leather handbag in a fairly classic design is a great choice in stead of a handbag made of fabric.
DONTs
Slouching: Avoid slouching and clothes that make you appear like this. Hold your head high and straighten your back. This includes sweatshirts, which are great for relaxing, but not for going somewhere you want to be taken seriously.
Prints: T-shirts with cartoon characters.
Shape: Shapeless dresses.
Pastels: Items in pastels like bubblegum pink, light blue, sea green.
Some of the items pictured below are beautiful [like the Valentino headband] and may be suitable for some readers, styles and occasions, but they do show what will make people look younger and not more mature.
Ideas for your hairdo…
Instead of wearing your hair in a ponytail or letting in down without really making any effort to make it look like a hairdo, put your hair up in a bun like these Hollywood actresses pictured below. The bun can be perfectly pulled back and it can be messy. Either way it will make you look more mature and elegant.
Buns are fairly easy to make, but a good tip is to wash your hair the day before you’ll be ‘needing’ this hairdo, as freshly washed hair is a little harder to work with. However, there are many products that will make the hair easier to work with like a texture balm.
Inspirational Outfit…
Here is a look that will make you look more mature, however still keep it trendy and suitable for a young professional woman. The key is to take classic items and mix in some fun and feminine accessories. Dressing completely traditional and old-fashioned will not make people think you’re more mature – that will make them think you have no personality, which means it’s important to stay true to yourself and have a personal style at the same time.
This outfit is very classic consisting of a pair of pants, a silk blouse, black heels and a blazer, however choosing a loosely fitted blouse instead of a classic one and a pair of tight fitted pants makes this outfit right for a young woman. Instead of the necklace, a scarf would also do the trick of making it more fun and trendy. And by scarf we don’t mean a small silk one, but rather a larger scarf with an exciting print.
