6 Style Mistakes Older Men Make Trying to Look Younger

It’s a basic principle in human psychology that we all want more of what we don’t have.

When you’re young, you deliberately put in the effort to appear older and more mature to those around you.

If a young guy doesn’t have facial hair, he tries to use a beard growth product to induce growth. If he’s skinny he’ll want to go to the gym and try to look bigger and more mature.

But when you’re 50, the question becomes “How do I look younger?” And at 70 you’ll probably be looking for ways to reverse your age.

However, in the quest to look younger and more stylish, older guys can easily lose touch with what really works for people their age.

When you’re 45, it’s not just enough to know and follow style trends. You have to know how to find the balance between what’s in style and what works for someone your age. That said, here are some mistakes older men usually make trying to look younger.

1. Resisting Change

One of the biggest challenges older people have with style is holding on too tightly to what they consider “their style.”

If you look at your past photos that are up to 15 to 20 years ago and there isn’t much difference between your style then and now, you’re probably holding on too tightly to what’s familiar to you.

Some men will rock the same style of clothes, caps, wristwatch, neck chains, shoes, beard shape pattern, etc., for up to 15 years. Even when those close to them suggest some changes, they impulsively resist it.

But here’s the thing: Without flexibility and adaptability, growth is impossible. Don’t get stuck in the same grooming style. Feel free to try a new hairstyle (you can even ask for a recommendation from your barber). You’ll often end up discovering new things you will like.

2. Styles That Accentuates Your Age

When you’re younger, you can get away with a lot of things in fashion. You can wear baggy or skinny clothes, but because you have a great body shape, you can get away with it.

But as you get older, your body changes. Hence, you need to choose your clothes based on your body type.

But here’s the problem:

As people get older, they tend to care less about wearing clothes that fit. And this is understandable because when you’re older, you prioritize comfort over style.

However, you want to find the balance. As much as you don’t want to wear clothes that are too tight, you also don’t want to wear badly fitting clothes either. Why?

Badly fitting clothes will make you look older. People tend to add on a few pounds when they get older. And it will also take more work to maintain a good shape. You don’t want to accentuate these aspects of old age by wearing badly fitting clothes.

Put a little more effort into making sure your clothes fit properly. This style tip is relevant no matter your age, but even more important as you get older.

3. Chasing Trends

As much as it is not good to get stuck in the past, pursuing trends doesn’t make you look good either.

Older guys who are too concerned about following the latest trends often come off as trying too hard.

For instance, if in the next few months a few music pop stars or celebrity models start wearing skin-tight jeans and you jump on it too, you’ll appear like you’re having a hard time accepting your age.

What you want to do is look good and stylish, not chase trends. Trends change all the time, and trying to keep up with it isn’t worth the effort. Leave them for the much younger guys.

4. Use Trends, Don’t Chase Them

Many years back, suits were cut big and baggy with multiple buttons. Watch some old Hollywood videos, you’ll understand what I’m talking about.

As much as it is still in style to wear suits today, wearing it the same way it was worn some 70 years back will make you look like an ancient guy. Suits are cut much slimmer now, and they have fewer buttons–usually just one or three at most

In the 70s and 80s, flared trousers were cool for men, and a full afro was in style for African men. But if you wear them today, you’ll look out of place.

As much as you don’t want to chase the trend, you still need to be aware of them. Some style changes are too significant to ignore. You don’t want to show up to parties or meetings like you’re a vampire from the 80s.

5. Simple Is Better When You’re Older

Complicating your style with excess jewelry, cologne, or graphic tees isn’t okay at any age, simple is always better.

But as you get older, it’s even more important for you to be mindful of overdoing it. Some older guys in their quest to keep the bad guy look overcomplicate their style.

Wearing three rings on both hands, three necklaces, and three hand bands with a gold watch may be okay for a pop artist and his die-hard fans, but it will only make an older guy look peacockish. Always make it sweet and simple.

6. Dad Jeans

Though there’s nothing wrong with being a dad, you surely don’t want to wear anything that has been tagged “Dad—-” when it comes to style.

One of the major reasons older guys hold on to their baggy jeans is that it’s just comfortable. You can easily slide your legs in and out.

However, as much as they are comfortable, baggy jeans make you appear shapeless. There are much better options out there that are stylish and comfortable.

Here’s the thing: when you start getting older, you start losing shape as well. Even if you go to the gym, you know it’s much harder to keep in shape when you’re older. Hence, it’s always better to wear fitting clothes.

Final Words

Though there’s a lot of anxiety that comes with getting older, growing older is still a blessing. Embrace it. Even as you try to adopt the best style for your age, have fun with it. In the end, style has no definite rule. If it looks good on you, it’s your style.

The rule is not to go to the extreme with it. Don’t get stuck in the old and don’t run after the trends. Always step back once in a while, observe your style and make the appropriate modifications. The bottom line is to be deliberate about your style.