I'm 23 but I look 12. Normally I don't mind at all but I have to go and talk to someone on Friday where I need them to take me seriously. Because of a certain situation I'm being judged a lot lately, I'd rather not discuss it but that situation combined with looking so young has made me get a lot of negative attention lately.

Anyway, I usually wear T-shirts or tank tops with plain black pants or jeans and I hate makeup. I'm not interested in changing the way I look every day-just for Friday. Any ideas for clothes/makeup/hairstyles that will make me look older? I get paid tomorrow and I'm going shopping. To be safe I'd rather pick something more in the 40s-50s range so it will be more obvious and they will take me seriously.

I also know that the way I act/my social issues don't help at all but I don't have time to change that by Friday, so maybe if I change my clothes it will make a huge enough difference.

[TiredPilgrim]

You might try a more professional or polished look - think about dressing for work in an office.

I think it is good to 'look the part' to help confidence sometimes.

I'm in my 40s Anna and when I go for the smart look I either wear a mid length skirt or tailored trousers/ankle grazers/crops with a blouse. Hope this helps.

[splitimage]

A suit with a nice blouse always gets you taken more seriously. Don't know if you have long or short hair, but if you have long hair, try putting it up in a neat bun.

splitimage

[Travelinglady]

Definitely a blouse and tailored pants or a skirt. Maybe a silk scarf around your neck?

I don't know how your hair is now. I suggest you look through some style books at the hair salon and consult with the hair dresser.

A cardigan and scarf worn with trousers. If you have a smarter looking tank top you can wear that under the cardigan to save money, and to not overheat. If not, a simple sleevless blouse or knit top, purchased from the women's as opposed to juniors section. You can remove the cardigan on your way home if it's a hot day.

[Travelinglady]

Oh, and as far as makeup, if you don't want to go all out with foundation, then at least some light blush and lipstick. I recommend pink, not red.

deleted - I just didn't express my thoughts wwell

[healingme4me]

Originally Posted by TiredPilgrim

You might try a more professional or polished look - think about dressing for work in an office.

I agree, shop in the career section. Can still wear black pants or jeans with a dressier styled tank top, or sleeveless blouse.

Cardigans are classic and appropriate for chillier weather or air conditioned rooms.

A pair of flats, whether boat shoe style or loafers is a classic, timeless look.

Good Luck. Tj maxx or marshalls are great stores to snag some clothes that endure at a fair price, to be honest.

"Investigate your hidden assumptions."-Cornel West

Originally Posted by Anna72914

I'm 23 but I look 12

Hi Anna, my sister-in-law has a similar problem. I have noticed, in an effort to look older she wears overly high heels. I think it only draws attention to her youthful appearance.

I have another very petite friend though who I have noticed wears a lot of fitted suit jackets. It occurs to me that she does so to appear more mature - and it apparently works.

[GGChar]

Classy jewelry too. It doesn't have to be expensive. There are lots of places that sell fun pieces that aren't expensive. Do you have Charming Charlie's?

Thanks everyone! I ended up wearing black business pants with a blazer. As for shoes I had to borrow my cousin's heels-hair I couldn't get the bun to look neat so I just wore it down with some hairspray. And wore a little bit of makeup.

Hopefully everything went okay.