What instantly ages?

[MadameNaice]

Whether that be clothing or cosmetics, I'm interested to hear your opinions. I have a few of my own thoughts on this, though I could be way off the mark.

Am in need of a boost and think I might be unwittingly ageing myself before my time.

Thanks.

Pearly nails
Chunky jewellery
Shimmery/metallic lipstick

This is a very "white women" specific thread, IMO. It reminds me of that poem about aging disgracefully and daringly wearing purple, as if wearing purple is only for the young.

@DidIActuallyJustSayThat
I think we should have bells that we can ring so that the young and stylish can avert their gaze as we approach.

Too much Botox and really heavy makeup on the young 20 somethings. There are some at work like this and they could be any age up to 40 so really ageing on them.

On the flip side, since I have spent so many months in level 4 (Scotland), I now live in my warm waterproof parka and sensible boots to go on my many outside walks with friends!

There is often an emphasis on ‘showing your figure’ on here, especially for more formal occasions. It’s perfectly possible to look stylish (even youthful!) in styles that aren’t traditionally flattering.

Exactly.

Slippers? Really?
I have a Cath Kidston purse full of receipts and cards in my bag, probably puts 20 years on me for sure.
What a ridiculous thread, these type of threads always just end up ageist nonsense.

@Frequentflier

This is a very "white women" specific thread, IMO. It reminds me of that poem about aging disgracefully and daringly wearing purple, as if wearing purple is only for the young.

Yep. It’s rampantly ageist and sexist so the additional focus on white western beauty standards lowers the bar even more. Horrible thread.

These type of threads have done me a favour because they have desensitised me to the various opinions of other people and made me realise how subjective it all is. I read them I think some of them might have a point, others have a very outdated concept to me of what actually constitutes ageing or outdated. I’ve learned not to take it personally so thanks Mumsnet! My hair is now grey at 42. I don’t think it’s ageing as I think I try to look as cool as I reasonably can (ha ha). However I concede that it doesn’t make me look any younger either and I’m fine with that. That said I just bought a pair of furry snow boots and they are probably horrendous. Sometimes you have to just give less shits, we don’t owe anyone a youthful or stylish look do we.

I think you need to find your style and go with it, you can make changes and experiment but people who know what suits them always look stylish and put together. Less is often more with make up and smoking really tells on skin.

Quite

It seems that the 'problem' is actually existing at all while ageing.

finkking I agree with you.

I think people are hoping for a magic list of ageing clothes or looks which they can then avoid and not look aged. It doesn't work like that!

My teenagers (15 and 17) wear quite a lot of the things on this thread. One has a bob. Bootleg jeans are back in, or even full on flares. They are getting out of skinnies. They wear chunky boots mainly, but have 'mum boots' and style them with short skirts. They don't look 'aged' because they are young, it's that simple.

It's like 'fringes' are always trotted out. Younger girls don't wear fringes as much, so it's obvious you should grow out your fringe and get curtains- ummm, that will show your wrinkles on your forehead!!! There isn't a way, apart from weird frozen Botox head, to stop your forehead looking 'older', fringe or no fringe. Same for wearing trainers or whatever, if you are older looking no amount of prancing around in trainers is going to help that, wear them as they are practical and stylish and great shoes!

The things that make you look younger IMO are having a fabulous smile (so fixing your teeth if they are stopping you smiling), being welcoming and a fun person, not bitter about life. Style does come into it, but the loveliest person I know (my mum) wears fleeces, straight leg jeans, has a bob and looks absolutely fantastic for 75 because she clearly doesn't faff about clothing too much, just looks 'nice' and IS nice.

I’ve got short white/grey hair and if I dyed it I think I’d look the same, but with dyed hair. It doesn’t fool anyone.

I think knowing what suits and flattering on you works best for me.
I've bought into certain trends such as certain long floaty dresses for example which have aged me along with my hairstyle.

I've already ordered a fleece and this thread is making me question some of my life decisions lol

I also have a few Kipling bags...

Honestly? I’ve seen illness and trauma age people beyond belief @MadameSapphire, this is so true, and it isn't a choice for them and nor can they reverse it necessarily.

That's why I disagree that wearing sports wear like a rain jacket, or trainers, or nice leggings/trousers are ageing- these people don't look aged because of that, they look 40-90 because they are, and they look like they have rocked up ready to live life, go on walks, go on hikes and so on. I don't think anyone looked younger swapping a sports/hiking jacket in for a wollen coat!

The boots in the link look like wellies

Re: the 'white western women' thing: I'd hazard a guess that most of the posters are white western women The OP asked for opinions and people gave theirs - probably based on their lived experiences.

If others outside of those racial and cultural categories want to offer their opinions, they are free to post. A contrasting perspective would be interesting to read.

These are just opinions on styles and not criticisms of specific people. No need to invoke professionally offended!

You will all look your age, no matter what you wear or how many times you dye your hair and that's fine.

Just don't kid yourselves that you all look younger than the grey haired,mum boot wearing 'oldies' You really don't.

Oh God. The Mum boot debate. Abandon the thread, all is lost.

Vile, nasty ageist thread.

I will never give up my Kohl eyeliner. I'll be leaving directions to the undertaker that I need to be wearing Kohl eyeliner in my coffin!

Who sees slippers apart from the people you live with??

Bloody hell, we are all fucked if wearing comfy slippers in our own homes is wrong, however stylish the home is.

off to comb my fringe and worry like hell about my choice of boots.

Think this year has been a game changer. I honestly just wanna be comfy...also dont care if I look 5 yrs younger or older

TBH, I don’t want to look young. I actually like the age I am now - I’m way more confident than I was in my 20s, I have more energy, due to less anxiety and more sleep. I think this thread is just about looking after yourself, trying to avoid universally unflattering things and making the best of what you have. None of us should take any of the comments as negative criticism, but I think we should always be open minded and try to evolve - in all ways, not just superficially. Also this: The things that make you look younger IMO are having a fabulous smile (so fixing your teeth if they are stopping you smiling), being welcoming and a fun person, not bitter about life. Style does come into it, but the loveliest person I know (my mum) wears fleeces, straight leg jeans, has a bob and looks absolutely fantastic for 75 because she clearly doesn't faff about clothing too much, just looks 'nice' and IS nice. @Poppingnostopping

@herethereandeverywhere Not " professionally offended" at all.. Just amused. Would be difficult to be offended by the advice that wearing a rainproof coat is aging, in a rainy country when currently the only thing to do is sit in a wet bench