Grown-Up Looks for Young Adults
Keep it simple. Outfits that are loud, busy, or attention-grabbing often look less mature and put-together than simpler alternatives. Go for clothes and accessories that look nice, but aren’t distracting. For instance, instead of wearing a combination of bright colors or clashing prints, stick to a few neutral tones that complement each other. You can always add in a bright-colored or printed accessory to create a little interest. For example, wear grey pants, tan pumps or loafers, and a jewel-toned or printed blouse.
Invest in a few classic pieces. Some fashion staples never go out of style. Keep your wardrobe stocked with a handful of essentials that you can mix and match for different occasions. For example, if you’re a guy, a classic white T-shirt, some dark jeans, and a denim jacket are all must-have casual attire items that always look cool and grown up. For women, stock up on some simple pumps in neutral colors (like black or tan), a pair of flattering skinny jeans, and a blazer.
Wear timeless or vintage jewelry. If you wear jewelry, stick to elegant, simple pieces like basic chain necklaces, small hoop or stud earrings, and tennis bracelets. A simple leather or stainless steel watchband is also a great accessory for almost every outfit. Don’t just throw on any combination of jewelry—coordinate it with your outfit and with the other jewelry you’re wearing. For instance, you could combine some simple silver hoops and a silver chain with a navy blue dress for an elegant, cool-toned ensemble.
Choose practical, simple accessories. Big, colorful bags are fun, but they’re not the best bet if you’re going for a more mature look. Instead, grab a simple leather messenger bag or purse. The same goes for other accessories, like your phone case, wallet, belt, or hair clips. Choose accessories in neutral tones that can go with just about any outfit. For example, accessories in shades like brown, black, dark blue, white, or cream pair well with almost anything.
Don’t be afraid to wear a statement piece. Looking mature doesn’t have to mean “boring.” You can always spice up an otherwise simple outfit with a bold accessory or piece of attire. For example, throw on a bright blue scarf when you’re dressed in muted earth tones, or flatter your face with some colorful, eye-catching glasses. The trick with statement pieces is not to overdo it and wear too many—just pick one, and let it be the star of the show!
Keep your clothes clean and tidy. Nothing says “mature” like neat, well-pressed clothes. You can give even the most casual outfit a glow-up by taking the trouble to iron it and making sure it’s free of stains, dirt, and tears. Your clothes will also look neater if they fit you well. Choose items that feel comfortable and aren’t too baggy or too tight.
Dress for the occasion. An outfit that looks mature and stylish in one setting might look too casual or too dressy in another. Before you get dressed, think about where you’ll be going. For example, is it a work party? You might throw on a little black dress or wear a slim-fit blazer over a button-up shirt or a textured sweater. On the other hand, if you’re hitting the beach, a t-shirt and wide-leg linen pants is a fabulous and grown-up casual look.
Style your hair neatly. Simple, tidy hairstyles almost always look more mature. If you use accessories, such as clips or headbands, keep them subtle. Keep your hair neatly combed and use a little of your favorite styling product to tame frizz and flyaways. If you have longer hair, it can help to blow dry it instead of just letting it air dry. This helps create a sleeker, more intentionally styled look. Groom your facial hair if you have it. Keep beards and mustaches tidy and well-shaped.
Wear subtle makeup. If you’re a teen or 20-something, putting on makeup will automatically make you look a little older. Still, some kinds of makeup will give you a more mature or professional look than others. If you wear makeup, stick to natural shades. For example, you might wear nude lipstick with a little mascara and some natural-looking foundation. Avoid glittery eyeshadows and ultra-shiny lip-glosses, which can make you look a little younger or less mature. Bolder colors work well for evening looks. For example, wear bright red lipstick and a smokey eye if you’re going to a party or club.
Timeless Styles for Older Adults
Wear simple, classic pieces. No matter how old you are, timeless wardrobe pieces can help you look on-point and stylish. Invest in some classic items that are flattering at every age, such as blazers, jeans, and pumps or loafers. As you get older, stick to solid colors or simple, bold prints instead of busy florals or paisley prints. Go for neutral or jewel-toned colors, but avoid wearing too much black, which can also age you. EXPERT TIP Alena Le Blanc Alena Le Blanc Personal Stylist Alena Le Blanc is the Personal Stylist and the Founder of Le Blanc Label. Based in San Francisco, California, Le Blanc Label is the leading personal stylist brand for sustainable style transformations. Alena and her team specialize in seasonal wardrobe refreshes, closet edits, styling for special events, travel, photoshoots, and general personal needs. Alena has been featured in podcasts including EMPOWERED BY WMN, I Am Fearless, and Mind Power Meets Mystic. Alena received her BFA in Fashion and Apparel Design from the Academy of Art University. Alena Le Blanc Alena Le Blanc Personal Stylist "Quiet Luxury" is a fashion trend that values quality and craftsmanship over flashy designs. The trend emphasizes minimalism and timeless pieces of the highest quality. Examples of quiet luxury include a well-made cashmere sweater, a perfectly tailored blazer, or a simple white cotton shirt.
Go for tailored looks. Clothes that fit you right will always look more flattering. Avoid wearing anything too loose or baggy. Even if you don’t have the time or money to visit a tailor, know your measurements so you can buy clothes that already fit correctly. For example, a structured jacket with a well-defined waist will look more flattering and won’t age you as much as something loose and baggy.
Steer clear of trendy, youthful styles. While it might be tempting to hop on the latest fashion trend, they tend to get outdated quickly. Plus, wearing something too youthful can actually have the opposite effect and make you look older. Avoid items like distressed jeans, tube tops, or anything else that’s strongly associated with teens or very young adults. This also goes for things like baseball caps and baggy athletic clothes.
Choose subtle jewelry and accessories. Big, chunky necklaces and brooches can make you look older. Instead, opt for smaller, daintier pieces. If you’re a guy, a big metal wristwatch will also age up your look. Consider trading it out for something sleeker and more modern, like a smartwatch with a simple leather or silicone band. For example, opt for a solitaire gemstone pendant on a fine chain instead of a chunky beaded necklace.
Get a fresh, stylish haircut. Once you find a hairstyle you like, it can be tempting to stick with it for years—or even decades. But getting a new haircut can freshen up your look and give your confidence a boost. If you’re a guy, don’t be afraid to try edgier, more modern hairstyles, like a tapered fade or a quiff. Many of these styles look fresh and elegant at any age. For older women, layered and textured cuts add a vibrant sense of volume and movement. And there’s no reason you have to cut your hair short! You can continue to rock long locks at any age, as long as you care for your hair and keep it looking healthy.
Embrace your gray hair. Once you start going gray, it’s tempting to run to your stylist for a dye job or reach for the boxed hair dye. But in many cases, dying your hair can actually make you look older. With proper care, you can keep your head of gray hair looking fabulous and age-appropriate. Your silver strands will look their best if you get regular trims and go for fresh, modern cuts with clean edges. Since grey hair tends to get dry and frizzy faster than naturally colored hair, use conditioner and light, hydrating styling sprays to lock in moisture and keep it sleek. A blue or violet toning shampoo can help prevent yellow or orange discoloration and keep your grays bright.
Use makeup with light, sheer coverage. If you wear makeup, don’t pile on heavy matte foundations and concealers. These tend to settle in fine lines and wrinkles and make your skin look dry. Instead, choose a light, hydrating foundation designed to give your skin a dewy finish. Since your skin tends to get paler with age, go for a foundation with a warm tone that’s one or two shades darker than your natural skin tone. Overall, keep your makeup light and subtle. Swipe on a little mascara and some lipstick or lip cream that’s close to your natural lip color to create a natural, healthy glow.
Basic Self-Care
Wash your face twice a day. Washing your face is important at any age. When you’re younger, it helps prevent dirt, oil, and cosmetics from clogging your pores, which can cause breakouts. As you get older, it’s still important to cleanse your skin regularly, since dirt and other irritants can age your skin prematurely. When you wash, use gentle cleansers that are free of alcohol and harsh perfumes to avoid irritating or overdrying your skin. Use your fingers to wash your face. Harsh scrubs, brushes, or washcloths can cause irritation. Unless you’ve been sweating a lot, try not to wash your face more than once or twice a day to prevent drying out your skin.
Moisturize your skin every time you clean it. Any time you wash your face or body, your skin gets a little dried out. While your skin is still damp, apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to lock in hydration. This will help reduce irritation and prevent breakouts or premature wrinkles. Look for a moisturizer containing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Too much sun exposure can also damage and prematurely age your skin.
Brush and floss your teeth daily. Taking good care of your teeth from an early age is the best way to maintain a youthful, healthy smile. See your dentist once or twice a year (or as often as your dentist recommends). Additionally, you can keep your teeth in great shape by: Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day Eating healthy foods and avoiding foods and drinks that are high in sugar Avoiding tobacco, which can stain your teeth and contribute to gum disease
Condition your hair every time you wash it. Dry, damaged hair can make you look less mature and put-together when you’re younger, and age you prematurely when you’re older. At every age, take proper care of your hair by conditioning frequently, getting regular trims, and avoiding harsh styling products and techniques. If you have oily hair, you may need to wash it as often as once a day. If your hair is dry or chemically treated, wash it less frequently to avoid overdrying it. You’ll probably need to wash less as you age, since your hair and scalp will become less oily. Avoid heat-styling your hair frequently or using harsh products, such as dyes, bleaches, and chemical perms or relaxers. These can all be damaging to your hair.
Care for your hands and nails. Moisturize your hands daily and protect them from the sun by applying a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50. This will help keep them looking young and healthy. Tidy, well-kept nails look good at any age, so don’t forget to regularly trim and clean your nails. If your nails are brittle, try applying a nail hardener to keep them strong. Be careful of using too many harsh nail products, such as nail gels or acetone-based nail polish removers. Wear gloves while washing dishes or using harsh cleaning chemicals to protect your hands and nails.
Get 7-9 hours of sleep each night. If you’re a teen, try to get at least 8-10 hours. No matter how old you are, getting enough sleep is important to keep you looking—and feeling—your best. Try to get to bed and wake up at the same time each night—even on weekends and days off. To get the best quality of sleep, keep your room dark, quiet, and comfortable. Avoid looking at bright screens starting at least 30 minutes before bedtime. If you have trouble getting a good night’s sleep no matter what you do, talk to your doctor. They may be able to figure out what’s causing the problem and recommend a treatment plan.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Your diet doesn’t just affect how you feel on the inside—it can also make a difference in your appearance. To keep your skin, hair, and teeth looking their best at any age: Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins (such as chicken, fish, or tofu), healthy fats (such as olive oil, nuts, or seeds), and whole grains. Limit the amount of junk food, sugar, salt, and saturated fats you eat. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Limit sugary drinks and alcohol.
Get 30 minutes of physical activity most days. No matter how old you are, you can benefit from getting active. Physical activity not only helps you look and feel your best, but it also reduces stress and boosts your confidence. Aim to spend about 30 minutes moving around most days of the week. You don’t have to do anything really intense. Just going for regular walks around the neighborhood is a great way to stay fit. If you have trouble with your joints, talk to your doctor about low-impact exercises you can do safely, such as biking, water aerobics, or gentle yoga.
Watch your posture. When you’re young, good posture is key to looking mature. As you get older, standing straight and tall can help prevent you from looking older than you are. Whatever your age, try to be mindful of your posture, whether you’re sitting, walking, or standing. For example: When you’re in a chair, sit up straight. Keep your head up and your shoulders back and relaxed. Stand tall with your head, shoulders, back, and butt aligned on top of each other. Try to avoid slouching your shoulders, sticking your butt out, or pushing your head and neck forward. Try not to hunch over when using your computer or phone. It may help to do core exercises, like planks and bridges, to correct a habitual slouch.
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