Reader Request: “I’m a 23 year old 5ft 90lb Asian girl who often gets mistaken for a 15 year old (or an 18 year old on a good day). Can you offer any fashion advice on how to look more your age? Specifically when it comes to casual clothes. I’m in grad school in the sciences and don’t have the benefit of wearing nice professional clothes.”
Being the approximate age and size of this reader, I set out to illustrate her situation. I put on my “grad student of the sciences” ensemble: sweatshirt, jeans, sneaks, and a curious face. I avoided makeup and pulled my hair back into a simple ponytail. I pictured my parents nodding vigorously in approval (their mantra is: a minute wasted on makeup, hair, or fashion is a minute that could’ve been better spent on studying). End result – below left.
Before (left): Ready to get carded for a PG-13 movie.
After (right): A few changes make a big difference in age.
Left: Gap hoodie PXS, A&F; kids tee sz M, True Religion “Joey” kids sz 12, New Balance sneaks kids sz 4
To keep casual and grad school-appropriate (I’m picturing long treks across campus and hours studying in the library), I avoided high heels. I wouldn’t call myself fashionable, so keep in mind these aren’t tips to look more stylish, or taller – just more mature:
And although this isn’t fashion advice – I feel that looking more mature or sophisticated truly starts at one’s face. Asians, especially, tend to have young baby faces that can really be transformed with a little eyeliner, mascara (on curled lashes), and bronzer. The products I’m wearing can be found in my everyday makeup for beginners video. Huge difference:
Continue reading for more suggestions…
I decided to put together another outfit for casual weekend-wear:
Before (left): going to jump rope in the park
After (right): going to an outdoor bistro lunch w/ handsome date (yea yea, humor me)
You’d be surprised at how many people I see around Boston donning jorts (jean shorts), a graphic tee, and rubber flip flops. What could look acceptable on a normal sized woman, though, is devastatingly childish on a tiny petite. My tips for the casual “tee and shorts” outfit:
Low wedges and strappy sandals are my must-haves for summer. I love strolling around Boston, but I don’t enjoy doing so tottering in heels or flopping around in rubber thongs. I’ve amassed several pairs of summer “walking shoes” from Macy’s and Target at decent prices.
Hope you guys found this post somewhat helpful, or at the least – entertaining! I also hope I didn’t offend any grad students. I have no idea how the reader in question dresses typically, so just gave it my best shot.
Readers – please share your tips on looking or dressing your age : )
Omg thank u sm for this blog…
I’m 18, always mistaken for a young child, like 15-16, and it really sucks buying alcohol or going pub, and being taken seriously 🙁
I hope you have a blessed day, thank u sm!!
This is ironic. I’m in my 50s and people think I’m in my 30s. That seems like a good thing but it gets annoying because people talk down to me, call me ‘Missy’ and say ‘when you get to my age’, ‘when you have children’ etc. I’ll try some of your tips!
This totally works. The before and after is quite dynamic. Not only do you look older, you look more attractive!
Just came across this post although I’m really late here, but I’m 33 years old, 4’7″ (yes, super short) and I still have a problem of looking young. In my 20’s I was always mistaken for a young teen, now I get mistaken for an 18 year old, so there’s some improvement! I definitely believe a little bit of make up can make a huge difference. Adding a little bit of accessories (nice earrings, watch, etc) can also help.
Re-reading this today, and it's still super relevant. Jean, any chance you might do an updated version of this post?
I can relate I'm a 24year old mom of an almost 2year old son.i walked into the liquor store last week and was told sorry Hun you have to be at least 21to be in here��
My best advice is to search thrift and other second hand shops for more expensive brands that tend to read older, like Talbot's, Ann Taylor (not LOFT), various Nordstrom or Macy's brands. Not that you can't get great stuff at less expensive places, but these brands, while still stylish, will come off as older even if a very similar silhouette to what found in fast fashion shops.
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Haha! I have the same problem. I often thought to be 13, 15 and on very good days 18. Recently someone special wanted me to look more grown up so I'm looking for ideas. These look awesome. Thanks 🙂
I'm nearly 23 by the way and also do Science – Microbiology and Biochemistry. You've given me a fantastic idea of what to wear tomorrow! 😀
I completely understand. I am turning 26 later on this year in August and people think I am in in my teens. Its frustrating and annoying.
I'm almost 26 and people think I'm in my teens, like 15-17…Frustrating most days.
I love this post! Could you do another post like this? Maybe with a fall/winter look?
as a 28 year old woman i found this article very helpful. i am a Norwegian with long dark hair and bright blue/gray eyes, 5'2 and extremely baby face. I get checked out by 16 years olds or 40 year olds, and i just want to be seen as pretty instead of oh so cute and pedo bait. so enough of this ranting and thanks for a great article, i already wear makeup, but i guess i should try a more adult style, although it would be very much out of my comfort zone to wear things like blazers and cardigans, so if anyone has a suggestion of what to wear that's not too dressy, i would like that.
Thank you for this post! I needed this.
As a barely 4'11 90-something lb lady (half Korean and in the sciences too!)… I have had a print out of this post taped to the inside door of my closet since my last year of grad school 5 years ago. It has helped me immensely when I'm about to walk out of there with a t-shirt and cut offs draped over my arm so I have to ask myself, "Do you want to be carded again? This is how you get carded again." Your blog has been so useful and I cannot thank you enough!
Could you do another post similar to this with more suggestions?? I celebrated my 25th birthday two weeks ago, and last week while sitting at my 18 year old brothers baseball game, all his teammates parents thought I was his adorable younger sister….
OMG thanks for posting this! I'm 23 and 4'10 and I put in so much thought into how to wear my hair and outfit to look my oldest. But people think I'm 15 🙁
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Sadly this applies to me as well. :/ However I'll still try out the tips sans makeup.
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This post is perfect for me! I just graduated college and am currently looking for a job and looking old and professional has definitely been a challenge. I feel like people don't take me as seriously.
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Jean – your blog is awesome! I love your witty posts and pictures! I'm wondering, do you have a post on "getting ready for work"? I would love to see/read how you get ready on a daily basis!
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