How to Look Older (Teenage Girls)

Co-authored by Kathi Burns, CPO® and Amy Bobinger

Last Updated: January 19, 2023 References Approved

Looking young is both a blessing and a curse. Sure, plenty of people will tell you that you’ll appreciate it when you get older, but being mistaken for a kid can be frustrating when you want to be taken seriously. Luckily, you can look older with just a few changes to how you dress and act!

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Dressing Like an Adult

1
Choose classic clothing styles. If you want to look older, start with the way you dress. When you’re shopping, buy clothing cut in classic styles, like trousers, draped blouses, and sophisticated pencil skirts.^{[1]
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- Try wearing a pair of straight-leg trousers with a tailored button-down shirt and a pair of flats for a look that’s mature without seeming like you’re trying too hard.
- Avoid youthful clothing, like cropped tops or graphic tees.
2
Wear neutral colors and jewel tones. Neutral and soft colors like black, white, navy, and camel always look sophisticated.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Kathi Burns, CPO®
Board Certified Professional Organizer
Expert Interview. 31 December 2019.} If you love a bright pop of color, opt for jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, or ruby red. These colors look very rich and grown up.^{[3]
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- Stay away from candy-colored or neon shades, since these are usually worn by younger people.
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3
Wear clothes that fit and flatter your figure. Overly baggy clothes are often popular with younger people. For a more grown-up look, find clothes with a silhouette that fit close to your body without being too snug.But try to show not that much, because less is more ^{[4]
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- You don’t have to dress provocatively in order to wear figure-flattering clothing. Try wearing a fitted sweater with a boat neck, a pair of slim-fitting boot cut jeans, and flat ankle boots for a put-together look that is still age-appropriate.
4
Opt for dressy shoes over sneakers. You don’t have to wear heels all the time, although they can help you look taller. Choose sensible, nice-looking shoes like flats, loafers, boots, or sandals.^{[5]
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- If you do wear heels, make sure it’s a pair you can walk in comfortably. Tottering on a pair of too-high heels will make you look like you’re playing dress-up. Start out with a low heel or a pair of wedges, which offer more stability as you walk.
5
Choose sophisticated accessories. Don’t pile on every piece of jewelry that you own in an attempt to look more glamorous. Instead, choose simple accessories that accent your outfit, like a lightweight scarf, a nice-looking watch, or a pretty bracelet.^{[6]
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- Make any look more polished with a simple pair of pearl studs.
6
Wear a fitted jacket or coat over your outfit if it’s cool out.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Kathi Burns, CPO®
Board Certified Professional Organizer
Expert Interview. 31 December 2019.} Skip the hoodie when the weather turns cold. Opt instead for fitted outerwear, like a belted jacket or a coat that’s tailored to be fitted in the waist.
- A belted trench coat is a classic look that is flattering on almost every figure. Go for a feminine look on a fall day by wearing a trench coat over a dress or skirt with stockings and calf-length boots.
7
Carry a nice purse. You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on a designer bag, but a nice bag will make you look more mature. Look for a leather or imitation leather bag in a neutral color like black or brown.^{[8]
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- If you have to carry a backpack at school, look for one in a simple, neutral color.
8
Wear glasses if you need them. If you need help correcting your eyesight, the right pair of glasses can make you look older. Choose a pair that is proportionate to your face, and which contrasts the shape of your face. For instance, if you have a round face, a square pair of glasses can help balance out your full cheeks.^{[9]
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9
Add in new pieces a little at a time. If you suddenly start dressing in unfamiliar styles, you might feel uncomfortable. This can actually make you look younger, since to others it might seem like you’re playing dress-up. When you buy a new item of clothing, try seeing if you can use clothes you already have to make a cute outfit.^{[10]
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- If you buy a new pencil skirt, look through your closet to see if you have a glam tank top or a sweater to wear with it. Try pairing the outfit with your favorite flats or low heels.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Being Well-Groomed

1
Take care of your skin. A lot of teenagers struggle with acne, which can definitely give away your age. Help prevent pimples by washing your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser. Use a light moisturizer after you wash your face to keep your skin hydrated. You should also try to avoid touching your face throughout the day.
2
Upgrade your hairstyle. A cut that’s at or above your shoulders will often make you look older than having long hair. However, no matter what hairstyle you choose, you should get regular trims so your style looks fresh. The more polished you look, the more mature you will appear.
- Take the time to style your hair in the mornings. Comb your hair so it’s free from tangles, and style it into a low side-braid or part it to the side and wear it down.
3
Focus your makeup on one area of your face if you wear any. It might seem like the more makeup you wear, the older you will look, but the opposite is actually true. Young girls usually wear heavy makeup, while adults typically choose a more subtle style that draws emphasis to one area of the face.
- Wear subtle smoky eye makeup or a natural brown, beige look to emphasize your eyes.^{[11]
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- Wear a natural shade of lipstick like a soft berry tone to accentuate your mouth.^{[12]
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- Don’t wear a lot of shimmery or glittery makeup.
4
Get your eyebrows done. This is a small change that can make a big difference. Groomed eyebrows that suit the shape of your face will make you look more like a woman. Get your eyebrows shaped up in a salon or learn how to pluck them yourself.
5
Keep your fingernails neat. You can grow your nails out or you can choose to wear them short, but you should always keep your fingernails clean and neat. Use a nail file to remove any rough or uneven edges.^{[13]
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Spray on a little perfume before you leave the house. Choose a subtle, refined scent instead of a perfume that’s very flowery or sweet-smelling. A bottle of perfume usually lasts a long time, so don’t be afraid to invest in a quality fragrance if you find one you like.^{[14]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Acting More Mature

1
Practice sitting and standing up straight. Having good posture makes you seem more confident, and therefore more mature. Whenever you think about it, try to sit or stand up a little straighter. Hold your head high, roll your shoulders back, and hold in your stomach. Before long, it will be second nature.
2
Walk confidently. Practice taking long strides and holding your head high as you walk. Showing confidence will make you look and feel more mature.
3
Maintain your composure. Overreacting to a situation can make you seem immature. If someone hurts your feelings or is rude to you, be the bigger person instead of turning the encounter into a confrontation.
- It’s okay to stand up for yourself. If someone pushes ahead of you in the cafeteria, for instance, you could try saying something like, “Excuse me, but I was next in line.”
4
Set goals and focus on achieving them. Having goals will show others that you are focused on your future, which is a sign of maturity. Think about what you would like to achieve, then write down a list of steps you need to take in order to accomplish your goal.
- Examples of goals you could set might be your future career, a character trait you would like to improve (like being nicer to your siblings), or making the cut at the next cheerleading tryout.
5
Spend time with people who are mature. People naturally pick up the habits of their friends. Try spending time with a friend whose maturity you admire, and pay attention to their habits. What do you notice that makes them seem mature? How can you convey that maturity?
6
Stay informed on current events. You’ll seem more mature if you’re able to engage in a conversation about important events happening around the world. Read the newspaper, watch the news, or look at reliable online news sources to get an idea of the latest developments.^{[15]
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- If you read something that seems important and interesting but you don’t understand all of the details, ask your parents or another adult to explain it to you.

Expert Q&A
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Question

How can I change my look as a teenage girl?

Kathi Burns, CPO®
Board Certified Professional Organizer
Kathi Burns is a board certified Professional Organizer (CPO) and Founder of Organized and Energized!, her consulting business with a mission to empower people to master their environment and personal image by assisting them in taking control, making change and organizing their lives. Kathi has over 17 years of organizing experience and her work has been featured on Better Homes and Gardens, NBC News, Good Morning America, and Entrepreneur. She has a BS in Communication from Ohio University.

Kathi Burns, CPO®

Board Certified Professional Organizer

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Try getting a nice coat or jacket that fits you well that you can wear out. Jackets can help you look more grown-up.