Buzz
If you’re aiming to present yourself as a fully mature adult, a good starting point is updating your wardrobe. Small style adjustments can make a significant impact in how others perceive your maturity and competence. This could lead to more respect and serious consideration from others, and the best part is that you won't have to compromise your personal style to do it.
Steps
Building a Wardrobe with Essential Basics
Incorporate more neutral shades into your wardrobe. Bright colors are often linked with youth, while more muted tones are typically associated with adulthood. If you're not ready to let go of your favorite bright hues, consider mixing them with neutral colors like brown, black, grey, or white.
- Don’t toss out those vibrant tees just yet. Simply pair them with a neutral blazer to elevate your look, giving you a more mature style without losing your personal flair.
- Make sure you have wardrobe staples like a quality solid-colored t-shirt that can be dressed up or down.
- A soft, cozy black, grey, white, or navy sweater.
- Comfortable yet stylish trousers that are suitable for stepping out in public.
Avoid overly attention-grabbing clothing. Clothing that is too complex or revealing can make you appear younger than you intend. Choose a more refined and modest style, letting your skills and personality stand out instead.
- This might be as simple as fastening an additional button on your shirt or investing in more modest attire.
Pick a versatile shift dress. A shift dress is a loose-fitting, typically sleeveless dress that hangs from the shoulders without clinging to the body. It’s ideal for both casual and business-casual settings, making it a key item in many women’s wardrobes.
- Opt for neutral-colored dresses to really emphasize the mature look.
Invest in a suit or pantsuit in a neutral hue. A well-tailored suit does wonders for projecting a mature and professional image, especially in business environments. Fabrics like wool convey quality and sophistication.
- If you live in a warm climate, consider a tropical wool pantsuit for both comfort and elegance.
- Be mindful of overly loose or boxy fits, as they can make you look younger than your true age.
EXPERT TIP
Alena Le Blanc
Personal Stylist
Personal Stylist
Neutral color schemes let the quality of fabric stand out. Earth tones and neutrals have an enduring charm. These shades provide a neutral backdrop, allowing you to add small touches of color through other clothing or accessories. This approach lets you express your personal style while maintaining a sophisticated, timeless look.
Invest in button-down shirts or blouses. Button-down shirts are a staple in both men's and women's wardrobes. Keep a few in your closet for an easy way to enhance your mature appearance.
- For women, consider a silk blouse. It adds a touch of elegance and charm to a mature, professional outfit.
- If you’re looking for something to pair with a suit, try a ruffled blouse for an extra dash of style.
Upgrading the Clothes You Already Own
Get rid of clothes that don't fit properly. Eliminate anything that is either too tight or too loose. While oversized or snug clothes may seem stylish on a younger person, they can appear immature on an adult. Opt for well-fitting clothes to create a more polished, adult look.
Seek out a skilled tailor. There’s nothing like a suit, jacket, or pair of pants that are tailored to your body. Even if you’re not ready to invest in a custom wardrobe, consider having a few off-the-rack pieces tailored to fit you better. A small alteration can make a noticeable difference in giving you a more mature look.
Make sure your shirt or blouse is tucked in. You’ll instantly appear more polished than if you leave your shirt hanging out or half-tucked. You can do a full tuck, or just tuck in the front while leaving the back loose.
- Certain tops, especially women’s tunics and sweaters, are meant to be worn untucked. Wearing them this way doesn’t necessarily make you look younger.
- If your shirt has a longer back and shorter front, it's likely designed to be tucked in.
- After tucking in your shirt, raise your arms straight above your head to check that it’s not tucked in too tightly.
Keep your clothes wrinkle-free by ironing, folding, and hanging them. Wrinkled clothes can make you seem less mature. Iron your clothes before wearing them, and make sure to fold or hang them properly once you're done wearing them to stay wrinkle-free!
- A clothes steamer is another great option for keeping your shirts smooth and free from wrinkles. It will also eliminate any lingering odors.
How to Accessorize for a More Mature Look
Invest in more formal footwear. Replace sneakers and sandals with leather boots, dress shoes, heels, or chic flats. You’ll instantly look more mature than you did in your old sneakers.
- Stiletto heels can elevate almost any outfit to a more adult level. Wear them to the office for a more polished look.
- Choose skinny heels over thicker ones. Adults tend to wear shoes with thinner heels, while thicker heels are more common among younger people.
- Don’t overlook the elegance of flats. Whether in casual or business settings, a pair of stylish flats or loafers can make you look more grown-up.
Pick out a stylish statement bag. A statement bag can truly tie an outfit together and often becomes the focal point of your look. A quality leather bag that’s both practical and stylish, without being overly flashy, can significantly elevate your style and add a mature touch.
- Look for a bag that’s big enough to be functional, but not so large that it draws too much unnecessary attention.
Consider investing in a leather briefcase. For men aiming to appear more mature, swapping a backpack or messenger bag for a high-quality leather briefcase can make a big difference. A good briefcase can last a lifetime and will show the world you mean business.
Think about wearing glasses. A stylish pair of glasses can instantly make you appear older and wiser in any setting.
- For a touch of flair, opt for designer frames.
- If you have a round face, go for frames with sharp angles like retro wingtip or cat-eye styles.
- If you have a square face, round or curved frames will complement you best.
- If you have an elongated face, try frames that are slightly wider than your brow line.
Match your accessories. Aim for your shoes, handbag, and other accessories to match in color or material. If you're wearing black leather shoes, choose a matching black leather handbag and even a black hairband. Coordinating your accessories will help create a more mature, polished appearance.
Don’t overdo it with accessories. While accessories can enhance an outfit, too many can make you seem immature.
- Stick to one or two key pieces, like a necklace and a pair of earrings, instead of layering on several items.
- In general, subtlety works better than excess when it comes to accessories that help you look more mature.
How Can You Transform Your Wardrobe to Reflect Maturity?
Quiz Collection: We’ve curated these quizzes specifically for you.
1
What Is My Personal Style Quiz
2
What Is My Aesthetic Quiz
3
What Should I Wear Today Quiz
