How to look older

[Anonymous]

What advice do you have for someone who is middle aged but yourhful looking who constantly gets mistaken for way younger than they are, which is a negative in the professional world?

[Anonymous]

I'm so glad you asked. I have this problem too. I am almost 50 years old and everyone thinks I'm in my 30s. No, this is absolutely not a humblebrag, it is a serious thing when one works with a bunch of 60-70 year old former military men. I'm sure they all think I should be at home minding the babies like their wives did. Never mind that the babies are in middle and high school and don't need minding...

[Anonymous]

I dunno. Show up with good ideas that demonstrate your decades of experience?

[Anonymous]

Harsh lipstick and baggier clothes.

[Anonymous]

Let your hair go gray and wear fancy suits. Speak properly, less casual. Probably smile less.

[Anonymous]

I have had this issue my entire career. Here is what I do:

1. Conservative, more masculine or androgynous clothes. This may not age me that much but it does make me look less feminine which has the same impact in terms of making people take me more seriously.

2. Minimal makeup, especially eye makeup. I rarely wear lipstick.

3. Dark colors and classic pieces. I wear a lot of black and navy, button down shirts, carry a simple black bag, my jewelry is minimalist and usually just simple gold pieces, few stones.

I also think it's partly in how you carry yourself. At work I've always been more serious, not very smile-y, very calm and not reactive. When people perceive you as young and feminine, their subconscious sexism assumes you are silly, frivolous, and emotional. By adopting a serious and very professional demeanor, you can dispel that assumption.

None of this makes people like you or find you attractive. But it does make them respect you. Unfortunately, for women, you sometimes have to choose one or the other. At least, I did.

[Anonymous]

I find looking older pretty easy. It happens year after year. The trick is to grow some grey hair. Lighten up on the exercise and let that belly grow. It's effortless if you are committed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I find looking older pretty easy. It happens year after year. The trick is to grow some grey hair. Lighten up on the exercise and let that belly grow. It's effortless if you are committed.

[Anonymous]

Eyeglasses will make you more mature if you choose correctly.

[Anonymous]

What do you recommend for men - middle aged with no gray hair and not balding and thin

[Anonymous]

In addition choose conservative clothing like bankers and lawyers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What advice do you have for someone who is middle aged but yourhful looking who constantly gets mistaken for way younger than they are, which is a negative in the professional world?

This is not a thing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What advice do you have for someone who is middle aged but yourhful looking who constantly gets mistaken for way younger than they are, which is a negative in the professional world?

This is not a thing.

Yes it is. How would you feel about getting a surgical procedure from someone who looked like they were right out of med school vs someone who looked they had been a surgeon for years? Ditto for lawyers, real estate agents, pilots, and some many other professions. Perception vs reality.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What advice do you have for someone who is middle aged but yourhful looking who constantly gets mistaken for way younger than they are, which is a negative in the professional world?

This is not a thing.

It absolutely is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What advice do you have for someone who is middle aged but yourhful looking who constantly gets mistaken for way younger than they are, which is a negative in the professional world?

This is not a thing.

It absolutely is.

You means people think you are inexperienced at your job.