How to Look Older: 20 Instant Hacks to Hide a Baby Face & Look Mature

Wondering how to look older? Whether you have a baby face or you want to appear more mature, you can learn how to make yourself look older with these tips. 

Some ladies want to know how to look older. That might be because they have a natural baby face or they simply want to look a little older than their years for a particular reason only they’re aware of. For sure, most people want to look younger, but there are situations in life when a bit of visual maturity is useful!

There’s a lot more to learning how to make yourself look older than you realize. It’s not always about trying to age your face and body to look older. In fact, it’s less about your appearance overall and more about how you carry yourself.

Someone with an immature personality and behavior will never be seen as old. Even grown adults who act childish often appear many years younger than they are.

Then you have teenagers who consider themselves “old people” because they prefer hobbies and topics of conversation that are more mature than what their peers enjoy. [Read: 15 steps to let go of insecurity and transform your life]

How to look older

So, you want to know how to look older. Well, there’s a right way of doing it which results in you looking older. There’s also a wrong way which results in you looking older with the wrong vibes.

We know that you want to look more mature, but there’s a fine line between looking mature and looking a little trashy. That’s not our goal here. We want you to look hot and smart.

So, we have some tips and tricks for you to follow to help you achieve that mature look.

1. Don’t overdo the makeup

This is a common mistake. Trust us, we have the photos. Before you dive into your makeup bag, remember less is more.

Just because you want to look older, it doesn’t mean you need to wear everything in your makeup bag on your face. So, take a breath, put the eyeshadow down, and continue reading. [Read: 22 ways to stand apart and shine from within]

2. Trying too hard makes you look younger

We know you heard wearing high heels makes you appear older, but it’s actually false. Women who wear high heels and a lot of makeup actually make themselves younger as younger women use these tactics to look older.

See what we mean? By doing this, you actually just prove that you’re younger than you look. [Read: The clothes make the girl – 15 tips to looking your best]

3. Get yourself some classic pieces

If you want to look older, opt for wearing clothes that are sophisticated and timeless. No, you don’t have to dress like you just joined the book club, but choose pieces that are classic and subdued in color.

For example, dark-wash skinny jeans with a plain white t-shirt and a pair of low heels give you an older look.

4. Focus on one area of the face

This will be a little challenging for you in the beginning, especially if you’re used to wearing a lot of makeup. But instead of putting everything on your face, focus on one area of your face.

For example, keep your eye makeup subtle, but do a strong lip or vice versa. Having a strong lip and eye only makes you look like you’re trying too hard.

5. Stay away from huge trends

We know you didn’t expect to read this, but it’s true. Though we all fall into fashion trends, try not to have your entire closet dedicated to one look.

Overly trendy looks actually come across as juvenile—exactly what you’re not looking for. If you’re not sure about certain trends, you don’t have to follow them, instead stick to a look that looks classic and feels comfortable to you. [Read: How to look cute – 25 ways to exude cuteness and melt any guy’s heart]

6. Do haircuts matter?

Well, depending on the cut, yes. For example, a lob or bob are two cuts that are currently very trendy. They cut off above the collarbone and give you a really clean and mature look, especially for younger women. What’s even better about this look is that they suit almost all face shapes and can be worn either wavy or straight. [Read: 40 sure-fire ways to look rich like you’re rolling in cash]

7. Beware of ponytails

Every girl loves a good ponytail, but they actually make you look younger. Now, the “young” ponytail is the one worn high on your head, the one you usually sport when you work out.

To wear a ponytail and look older, try one that’s sleek and low with either a side or middle part. It gives off a more mature vibe.

8. Go easy on the jewelry

This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t wear jewelry, because it really ties an outfit together. However, be mindful of how much jewelry you wear. If you wear too much, you look tacky. So, focus on a statement piece, tying your outfit together.

9. Invest in a great coat

You cannot imagine how much a coat changes your look. Wearing a sweater or jean jacket is fine, but, you need a proper coat.

Either grey, black, or camel as they’re able to fit with every outfit you match it with. A coat takes an unfinished look and makes you look like you have your life all figured out. [Read: How to feel more confident in your body and fall in love with you]

10. Ditch the Uggs *or any fluffy or fat boots*

Yes, we know, they’re comfortable, but they also make you look fourteen. So, ditch them. Wait! You can wear them around the house – that’s a compromise. But seriously, your yoga pants and Ugg look has got to go. If you want to look older, stop wearing clothing making you look like a teenager.

11. Stand up straight

This is a small thing to do, but it completely changes the way you present yourself. Older women are confident. If you slouch, you’re not giving off that vibe.

Standing or sitting up straight automatically makes you look older. So, constantly make sure your head is up and your shoulders are back. [Read: How to be a lady – 23 classy women traits that awe everyone else]

12. Match your bra to your shirt

If you wear a black bra under a red t-shirt, you’re probably sixteen. See, we don’t even have to know how old you are, we just assume you’re young. We know, it’s a small and insignificant thing, but trust us, people notice it.

So, make sure not only that your bra somewhat matches or blends well with your shirt but that your bra strap isn’t showing. It just makes the outfit look clean and crisp. [Read: 14 tips to revamp and reveal the hot and sexy you]

13. Show your confidence

One of the major differences that come with age is confidence. The older you get, the more comfortable you are in your own skin. That means if you want to appear older, you have to carry yourself as if you were older.

Start working on your confidence. Learn how to feel good and love yourself for you – stop trying to be someone else! Since this takes a while to work up to, fake it ‘til you make it and you’ll seem older than you really are. [Read: 16 ways to build confidence and realize your worth]

14. Discuss mature topics

Older people don’t run around discussing the latest fashion trends or social media gossip. Usually, they tend to discuss more meaningful topics.

Things that get people thinking in an emotional way are really the best things to talk about in order to make yourself look older.

15. Sidestep the drama

Another thing that declines with age is a person’s interest in dramatics. You shouldn’t be involved in gossiping or being overly invested in what other people are doing.

Focus on your own life and you’ll convince people you’re older than you are. [Read: Drama queen alert! – 12 steps to calmly deal with the diva]

16. Wear neutral tones

Bright colors are really for younger people. The more colors you wear, the younger you’ll appear. In order to look older, stick to neutral tones.

Wearing black, grey, tan, brown, and the likes frequently will make you seem a lot older than you are. That doesn’t mean you can’t have a pop of color in your outfit, simply avoid going all-over rainbow.

17. Keep your voice lower

High-pitched squealing is usually accompanied by girls, not women. In order to appear older, speak in a lower, slower voice. It not only makes you seem more put together, but you’ll look more mature. [Read: What men like in women more than anything else]

18. Wear glasses

Even if you’re not someone who needs them, wearing them can be helpful in making yourself appear older than you are. There’s just this idea that older people should all have glasses.

Wearing glasses can help others see you as a more mature, intelligent person. And that means they’ll assume you’re a bit older than you really are. Just make sure to get some that make you look good, too.

19. Make strong eye contact

Young people often have issues making eye contact, particularly with people older than them. Doing so makes you seem confident and more self-assured.

And most older people tend to feel that way about themselves. In order to look older, focus on making eye contact with people. Really make sure they feel the connection you’re making with them. [Read: The all-in women’s guide to making eye contact with men]

20. Listen intently

If you really want to learn how to make yourself look older, start listening better. One thing that really differentiates the older crowd from youths is the fact that they can listen better.

They pay attention to what other people are saying with the intent to understand, not just reply. That means the next time you’re discussing something with someone, focus on what they’re saying more.

Really make an effort to hear where they’re coming from so you can have a full, in-depth discussion about it. It’ll not only make you seem older, but it’ll make people like you more, too. [Read: 19 ways on how to be a better listener in a relationship]

Now you know how to make yourself look older

Learning how to look older isn’t that hard and a lot of it comes down to how you act rather than how you look.

Whatever your reason for wanting to appear older than you are, these tips should help. But, be warned that at some point, you might want to revert back and learn how to look younger!

[Read: How to look younger and capture the fountain of youth in 15 steps]

Now that you know how to look older, use some of these tips in your daily routine. Remember, less is more, you don’t have to overdo it to get that mature look.