How can I look more my age?

[LargeGlassofVino]

I am 31 but look at least 10 years younger, if not more, and I hate it. I recently got ID'd in the supermarket while buying wine, with my DS in the trolley, and it's really got me thinking how I can change my look. People assume that I am a teenage mum, and while I laugh it off I actually get upset about it as I feel that people don't take me seriously or they're patronising towards me.

I don't work any more so, since having my son, my wardrobe has become limited to jeans and jumpers/t-shirts and trainers. When I was working I always had to dress smart, which I loved, but now I just feel like a student. Seeing as how I'm running after my toddler all day, I feel stuck about wearing anything different though. I'm a size 8-10 btw.

So, I've been reading some of the posts on here and think that if anyone can help me, you guys can. Here's hoping.

OP, a perm, glasses and a couple of stone should do it. Always wear beige and invest in some Footgloves.

Seriously? Makeup, especially lipstick, add a few years imo. Also, slightly smarter clothes - a jacket always seems to pull everything together.

queenrollo, off topic, but as you mentioned it... Is Challenge 25 based on the argument that:to be sure someone is 18, it's best to assume if they look 21 or older they are going to be 18. But to be sure someone looks 21, it's best if they look 25, and to be sure someone is 25, it's best if they look 28, and to be sure they are 28.....etc

In other words, where does it stop.

Sorry, very off topic but this genuinely puzzles me!

oh it is utterly crap isn't it

I really sympathise

while I look older now (am nearly 40), I still get comments all the time (in fact, we were talking about me having a big birthday and someone assumed I was talking about 30 and one person even potentially thought it could be 20 ffs!)

when I had my kids, I was mid/late 20s and I got asked in the hospital (as ds got admitted with breathing problems) whether my social worker had been informed. I said err what, and it turned out the nurses assumed I was a teen mum so would automatically have a social worker! Not what you need to hear when you've just given birth.

I also had an operation (when I was 19) and reacted extremely badly to the anaesthetic. The arsehole anaethetist then spent the next hour explaining how adults never have this reaction, only young children and how I must either be lying about my age or have some sort of genetic disorder that meant I looked/my body remained childlike ffs! I checked myself out of the hospital after that.

it's so true, you get patronised and looked down on. It is awful. And I'm a fairly average size too.

You have to grow a thick skin. My other tip would be to accessorise. I still don't do that well but it is a real difference to someone looking 19 and someone looking 39 (the way they accessorise).

As others have said, you will be pleased when you are 50 and feel this way still. With my luck, I will hit 50 and suddenly look 70!

I'm wondering whether rather than being a case of you looking too young, whether it's more that you have low self esteem?

Obviously I don't know you but the way you said about your mum saying you look like a little girl must really hack you off.

Feeling moer assertive and having positive self esteem can make people seem more their age, even without altering their appearance.

Try a little more make up perhaps and perhaps some smarter clothes. That could make you feel more like you have a purpose other than only being a mum for the day and go out with a friend for lunch somewhere nice.

Even with looking younger for your age, sounds like you need a treat, even if you do have to take the baby with you for BF

I don't know if this is your sort of thing (I have no children so I may be hopelessly naive), but Karen Millen is doing some zip-up knit dresses this season (I've had them, stick them in a 40 degree wash and they're fine, but I suspect you couldn't tumble dry). They look more grown-up than jeans and very nice with a pair of flat boots?

I tried this on yesterday - I'm a size 14 in there, with about 36C/D boobs, and it's fairly flattering if, like me, you have a bit of a tummy:

www.karenmillen.com/Corset-knit-dress/Knitwear/karenmillen/fcp-product/903000055016

Other than that, smart jacket could make you look more grown up and less student-y?

What accessories do you wear? Little chic rings/earrings look more grown up, imo.

Thanks for all your replies - some good ideas which I will look into (esp the headscarf and blue rinse, hadn't thought of that ).

KristinaM you have summed up my mum fairly well. True it won't stop her criticising me, but perhaps I'll feel more confident in myself.

I think that my job was a big part of my identity and now I feel a bit lost (sad I know). As much as I love being a full time mum, I think it's knocked my confidence a bit so yes, you're right vintageteacups, it prob is down to low self-esteem as well.

Sweeping fringes are quite teenage aren't they?

Thanks for this post I am taking notes.
I too look v young for my age people dont take this problem seriously I am 35 but look a teenage mum!!! I hate it because i have had it all my life and being a mum of 2 dd I dont want to look a teenage mum at this age!!! Im sure I get people saying I look about 14 and i am very petite and 5ft 2 so sometimes I have to be carfull about what i wear or I look like someone you trying to look older and its just as embrassing.
I dont really buy alchol and dont smoke so I dont get asked for ID but the other mums at nursery look at me funny and it pushes my confidence down. I know people thisnk its nice to look younger than they are but I doubt they want to look 14-15 when they are 35!!! Anyway thanks for your post it is good to know other people understand what its like and im not alone on this matter.