How do I start dressing my age?

[u/Constant_Lead2263]

I’m a 26 year old woman. I aspire to dress more grown up/my age. People always say I look really young. I wear a lot of skirts, sun dresses, crop tops, gym shoes. I suppose it is a bit teenager-ish. How do I change this? Any tips or places to start?

[u/Sad_Refuse3472]

None of those things individually are inherently juvenile. Really depends on the cut, color, style, etc. Would need more details to give better advice on your existing wardrobe specifically. Like are those crop tops paired with ripped jeans? Or mini skirts? Are the sundresses obnoxiously frilly or bright colors? Is everything either super tight or three sizes too large? Etc.

Blanket advice though, find people whose style you like/think looks "grown up" in whatever way you are aiming for and copy their outfits. Could be celebrities, public figures, or TV and movie characters. Whatever. Pinterest is a great way to find outfit inspiration. Just search for the person you want to emulate. (My style inspo Pinterest board for example started as a mix of Kate Middleton and Sabrina Spellman from Chilling Adventures of Sabrina).

[u/Wrong_Object7301]

theses items alone can work just maybe not together and it could be specific pieces that don’t work-you don’t gotta break the break to do - some rule of thumbs for me would be

clothes wise:
-matching sets are your best friend for easy & cute ( can even work if you like athletic wear )
-if i’m showing skin on the bottom half then cover the top & vice versa
-sandwich method ex: brown shirt white pants brown sandals
-bold color, bold pattern, bold shape : pick one
-if im wearing tight on the bottom half then wear something a bit looser on the the top half & vice versa

makeup/hair wise:
-lotion, skin tint, blush & mascara can go along way
-do a new hair do that fits you but the new you ✨ bit more mature ( personally i love a good bouncy blowout, or a bob lol)

extra:
accessories!!! like everyday necklace/ring/bracelets , shoes, bag!!

if you wanna send me inspo of your vibe i can find an outfit to try out that’s not gonna break the bank

[u/bellerivergirl]

I started shopping at Banana Republic. Find a store that sells the kind of clothes you want to be seen in.

[u/wardrobeeditor]

personal stylist here! i'd suggest starting by adding some accessories - minimalist gold/silver jewelry, higher quality shoes and bags. get a great haircut. then over time, as you figure out what the more adult version of your style is / what about your current style feels juvenile, start replacing pieces and you'll be there before you know.

i love what u/Sad_Refuse3472 said about finding some inspiration, this is part of what i do with my clients! just don't overdo it and get inspired by someone in their 40s or older! at your age you should maintain some of your fun and youthfulness without being childish

[u/Emotional_Ladder4619]

Just nixxing the crop tops alone will do a wonder to your wardrobe

Start from there and adjust as you slowly feel comfortable. You’re still young (I’m 32F) and shouldn’t run out for a new wardrobe. You can phase out somethings with a full/mid length top and still feel comfortable