Stylist Tells Us Clothing Colors And Patterns That Make You Look Older

While aging is inevitable, the way getting older makes us look (and feel!) isn't. There's a plethora of ways we can age on our own terms; skipping certain eyeshadow colors if you have older eyes can revolutionize your makeup game, and avoiding common lipstick mistakes that make you look older will turn up the youth factor. When it comes to outdated clothing mistakes that make you look older, experimenting with patterns and colors can leave you feeling years from your true age — on both ends of the spectrum. 

According to fashion stylist and lifestyle expert Joseph Katz, who provides style commentary on his "The Katz Walk" YouTube series, classic prints like florals, paisley, and checks can work for or against you. The intricate details of each pattern will determine whether the garment makes you look older (like ditsy florals) or younger (like vintage paisley). In an exclusive conversation with Glam, Katz, who also offers Skype Style sessions, explains that while high-contrast colors and deeper palettes can land well in some cases, there are times when lighter color schemes are the most flattering in these prints. 

Colors and patterns certainly count for a lot, but Katz stresses that fabrics should also come into consideration when creating a younger look. "Choose lighter fabrics, such as silk or jersey, which offer great drape and movement, rather than overly thick or heavy materials that can feel dated or bulky," he adds. "These details help create a look that feels contemporary and elegant."

As spring rolls around, florals are a must for every age group, but Joseph Katz warns us that going too tiny or repetitive with your botanical pattern can leave you looking older than you might like. "Avoid overly repetitive designs or pairing them with boxy or oversized silhouettes, as they can detract from a flattering and youthful look," he says. Instead, Katz recommends reaching for "delicate florals" — those that evoke feelings of romance and tend to come in lighter color schemes. "Think soft palettes of pastel pink, leaf green, white, and subtle beige tones, often enhanced with stylized botanical-inspired lines for a fresh and modern touch," he exclusively tells Glam.

That said, high-contrast palettes and bolder floral designs can still work if they're eye-catching enough to make a statement. After all, oversized floral prints have been the it-girl take on the dated ditsy trend since 2023. Katz advises looking for large floral motifs that "leverage dark backgrounds to amplify vibrant, high-octane colors and create striking contrasts," along with floral designs that clearly have artistic touches. "Stenciled shadow effects add a contemporary flair, while faded finishes evoke a charming vintage aesthetic," he adds. Standout pieces? Katz loves the Maribar Dress from MISA Los Angeles, the Gaia Floral Midi Dress from Astr the Label, and, for a budget-friendly option, Fortunate One's Feeling in Love Maxi Dress.

The check is another classic print that will always reemerge on the runway in one form or another. If your goal is to avoid looking older, though, Joseph Katz reveals that large checks can come across as too traditional. "For a more updated aesthetic, consider classic black-and-white polka dots, which are rising in popularity — especially in smaller scales with spaced elements," he exclusively notes to Glam. Jennifer Lawrence's polka-dot Oscars dress was the start of a huge style trend in 2024, so don't be afraid to ride the wave that's still going strong.

Whether you go for checks or polka dots, you can make the look more youthful by choosing unpredictable patterns. "Add a playful touch by incorporating irregular shapes and varied sizes," Katz tells us. "This innovative approach creates a fun and modern vibe, perfect for those looking to stand out."

Regardless of which prints and patterns you feel drawn to, you can always make an ensemble more youthful by introducing modern details. "When styling pieces to avoid the aging effect, I recommend incorporating modern elements to create a fresh and youthful balance," Katz confirms to us. "For example, instead of high necklines, opt for a midi dress with a slit or a flattering V-neckline to add a touch of drama and subtle sexiness." In particular, Katz loves the Four Sleeve NK Shirt Long Dress from Norma Kamali, which features traditional large houndstooth on a silhouette with contemporary embellishments. When it comes to polka dots, Katz points to the Sari Maxi Dress from Runway the Label, which makes a classic print "very modern and sexy" thanks to the flair sleeve and V-neck. 

For fans of paisley, this traditional print can definitely still fit in your wardrobe after a certain age, but some adjustments may be needed. "Paisley prints can occasionally feel dated, depending on the color palette and scale of the design," Joseph Katz explains exclusively to Glam. "To achieve a more youthful and contemporary look, opt for fun boho-inspired styles featuring vintage shades of paisley. These designs exude a warm, trans-seasonal elegance that works across multiple occasions."

Paisley is thought to have roots in Persia, originally brought to Europe by the East India Company in the 1700s. It's had several booms since then, one of the most well-known occurring in the hippy era of the '60s and '70s which saw the pattern being used with vibrant contrasting colors. If you don't know where to start with boho-inspired paisley, retro designs from this period can serve as a great base point. Reaching for fashion from decades ago may seem counterproductive to creating a youthful look, but blending vintage eras was one of the biggest trends in 2024 — and continues to turn heads. "One standout example is this gorgeous dress from L'Agence, which perfectly captures the modern paisley trend with its refined balance of color and print." For those seeking more of a fashion risk, Katz recommends something like the Helen Jumpsuit from Bananhot.