12 Clothing Mistakes That Make Men Look Older (And What To Do Instead)

I’ll never forget that weekend.

Two years after graduating college, I went back for homecoming. Partly to see old friends—but mostly because, let’s be honest, homecoming was one hell of a party. We're talking 5,000 rowdy alumni packed into Collins Plaza in Cedar Rapids. 70% were single, recently graduated, and ready to make some memories.

And yes, let’s just say the “PG-13” version of that weekend still leaves plenty to the imagination.

But before I ever set foot in that crowd, I had a goal: I wanted to show up looking sharp.

I didn’t want to look like I was clinging to my college days. I wanted to stand out. And with the help of Nordstrom, I pulled together a simple, classic look:

• Tan wool pleated trousers
• A black turtleneck
• Houndstooth sport coat
• Clean dress shoes

And gentlemen… it worked. Compliments all night. Confidence through the roof. And one particularly memorable moment in a hot tub with a woman—let’s call her Shannon—who commented on how surprisingly sharp those pleated trousers looked.

Why do I tell this story?

Because it’s the perfect lead-in to today’s topic:
The subtle clothing mistakes that make men look older—and how to fix them without losing your edge.

Let’s dig in.

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1. Wearing Outdated Styles (Especially If You Bought Them “Trendy” 10 Years Ago)

Yes, you’re proud that suit from 2013 still fits.

But just because it fits doesn't mean it flatters.

Outdated lapels, oversized jackets, wide ties, and bold patterns scream “decade-old trend”—especially when worn by someone who looks like they haven’t updated their closet since college.

Instead:
Invest in timeless pieces that don't chase trends. Think navy and charcoal suits, minimalist dress shoes, and white or light-blue dress shirts.

Fun Fact:
In the 1940s, suit lapels were wide enough to signal prosperity post-Depression. In the '90s, everything went baggy. In the 2020s, it's all about balance and proportion.

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2. Pleated Pants Without Intention

Now, let me be clear: Pleats aren’t the enemy.

In fact, pleated trousers have made a comeback in recent years as part of the revival in classic menswear.

But here's the catch: if you wear them wrong, they can make you look like you're still dressing like your dad in 1991.

Instead:
If you wear pleats, do it with purpose. Go for forward pleats (which face the fly), and pair them with a fitted top half to balance the extra fabric.

And yes—Shannon was wrong. Pleats can look fantastic when worn intentionally.

Pleats, Please: A Guide to Pleated Pants for Men

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3. Black Everything

Black is bold, powerful, and timeless—when you're in your 20s.

But as you age, especially into your late 30s and 40s, black can actually wash you out, emphasize wrinkles, and dull your complexion.

Instead:
Transition into richer, more flattering neutrals like charcoal, navy, burgundy, and olive. These colors complement most mature skin tones and still convey authority.

A Man's Guide To Wearing All Black

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4. Outdated Tie Widths

Wearing the wrong tie width is like walking around with a flip phone—it ages you instantly.

• Too wide = '90s boardroom.
• Too skinny = indie rock band in 2011.

Instead:
Aim for a tie that’s about 2.75 to 3.25 inches wide—proportional to your jacket lapels and body frame.

And skip the novelty patterns unless you’re doing ugly tie day at the office.

7 Tips To Buying A Tie | How To Buy A Quality Necktie | Details To Look For When Purchasing A Necktie

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5. Worn-Out Favorites

That band tee from your college days? The lucky shirt with frayed cuffs? Your beat-up loafers with zero sole left?

These aren’t charming. They’re aging you.

Instead:
Audit your closet every 6 months. Toss anything that’s stretched out, faded, or fraying. Replace them with upgraded basics.

Pro tip:
Fresh socks and underwear every 6–9 months. It’s the style secret that literally no one sees—but everyone feels.

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6. Square-Toed Shoes

Few things signal “1998 sales conference” like square-toed dress shoes.

They were trendy for a hot minute. That minute passed… 20 years ago.

Instead:
Look for almond or round-toe dress shoes. Sleek. Timeless. Respectable. And way more flattering on the foot.

Squared Toe Vs. Round Toe Dress Shoes

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7. Wearing Trendy Teen Brands

You’re a grown man. If your hoodie says Affliction, Ed Hardy, or some washed-up logo brand—let it go.

These brands were cool in the club scene of the mid-2000s. Wearing them now just screams “trying too hard.”

Instead:
Stick with clean, modern basics from brands that focus on quality. Avoid logos when possible. The less branding, the more versatile—and mature—your look becomes.

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8. Outdated Glasses

Eyewear is face furniture. Outdated frames can date your whole appearance.

Instead:
Update your frames every 3–5 years. Go for styles that flatter your face shape and feel contemporary—not trendy.

How To Buy The Right Eyeglasses Based On Your Face Shape

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9. Unkempt Facial Hair and Rogue Body Hair

Let’s be honest. Nose hair, ear hair, and wiry eyebrows aren’t signs of maturity. They’re signs of neglect.

Instead:
Invest in a grooming kit (trimmer, tweezers, barber scissors). Ask your barber to handle anything you're scared to touch. Stay sharp.

7 Grooming Mistakes All Men Make

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10. Wearing “Comfort Shoes” With Dress Outfits

You’re dressed in a sharp blazer and tailored trousers… and then you throw on orthopedic slip-ons?

Don’t do this to yourself.

Instead:
You can have comfort and style. Look for brands offering cushioned insoles, arch support, and contemporary design. Avoid bulky soles and old-man silhouettes.

Top 10 Slip-On Shoes for Men Who Hate Tying Laces

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11. Sticking Only to Earth Tones

Wearing only muted browns, olives, and beiges can make you blend into the background—and not in a good way.

Instead:
Mix in crisp whites, bold blues, and even jewel tones. As you age, color becomes one of your best tools to signal energy and style.

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12. Poor Posture (The Silent Style Killer)

You could wear a $3,000 suit… but if you're slouching, you’ll still look tired, defeated, and older than you are.

Instead:
Train your posture like a skill. Ruck, stretch, strengthen your back, and wear clothing that encourages upright movement.

How To Fix & Improve Bad Posture (Man's Guide)

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BONUS: The Fastest Way to Look 10 Years Older? Ignoring Grooming.

• Lifeless skin
• Greying stubble with no shape
• Dull hair or outdated styles

You don’t need Botox or surgery—but you do need a routine.

• Exfoliate once a week
• Use moisturizer daily
• Get regular haircuts
• Update your beard style at least once a year

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Age with Intent, Not by Accident

Gents—getting older isn’t the enemy.

But looking like you’ve given up? That is.

The trick isn’t to dress young—it’s to dress with intention. To stay curious. To keep evolving.

Just like I did back at that Cornell College homecoming—with a timeless outfit, a little confidence, and a pair of pleated pants that, surprisingly, made me the most interesting man in the hot tub.

Want to level up your style even more?

Check out my Style System—a step-by-step program to help you build a wardrobe that gets compliments, commands respect, and never goes out of style.

Because gentlemen, great style isn’t about looking young…

It’s all about looking sharp.

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