Jewelry Mistakes That Are Making You Look Older

Putting on jewelry is like adding the icing to an already delectable cake: It's the final touch that elevates your look from pretty to perfection. Of course, this involves a lot of decision-making. There are plenty of things to keep in mind when choosing your signature jewelry style, like aesthetic, material, and price point. But have you ever evaluated a piece for how old it makes you look? 

That's right: We're adding yet one more complication to the mix, since careless jewelry styling can apparently age you. And we're not talking about obvious discordance, like a grown adult wearing a candy necklace. Rather, certain statement pieces, metals, and accessory combinations could be silently working against you.

To find out more — and learn to avoid hidden pitfalls in our jewelry box — Glam spoke exclusively to professional costume designer and wardrobe stylist Chloée O'Hayon-Crosby. From going too matchy-matchy to donning the wrong metals, she revealed four basic jewelry mistakes that may be making you look older.

Once upon a time, matched jewelry sets were the height of elegance. Forget shopping for individual items — a cohesive set complete with earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings was a shortcut to foolproof fashion. However, Chloée O'Hayon-Crosby warns that such combos could now seem trite and old-fashioned. "Wearing a perfectly matched necklace, earrings, and bracelet set might feel classic, but in reality, it can look dated," she exclusively tells Glam.

O'Hayon-Crosby further explains that today's jewelry trends are less centered on sleek perfection and more focused on light, eclectic curation that reflects your personality. "Modern styling is all about mixing textures, metals, and styles in a way that feels effortless," she says. But this doesn't mean you have to set aside your love for timeless pieces. O'Hayon-Crosby adds, "Try pairing a vintage-inspired statement earring with a sleek, contemporary ring for a fresh, stylish contrast." This thoughtful mixing and matching lets you utilize classic styles without veering too passé or, worse, costumey.

We're all for the pure joy of the colorful dopamine jewelry trend, but you can have too much of a good thing. And sadly for jewelry enthusiasts, that includes too many daring statement pieces, which can end up weighing you down when used in excess. As stylist Chloée O'Hayon-Crosby explains, "While a bold statement piece can be fabulous, layering multiple oversized pieces can overwhelm your features and feel heavy, both visually and physically."

Fortunately, you don't have to completely kick these pieces out of your jewelry rotation. Rather, a little restraint can go a long way. Speaking exclusively to Glam, O'Hayon-Crosby suggests instead opting "for one standout piece — like a sculptural cuff or bold earrings — and balance it with more delicate elements to keep things looking chic and refined." This gives your statement items room to breathe and become a true focal point without other jewelry pieces competing for attention.

Note: Your clothing choices can also make or break the success of your chunky-jewelry look. For instance, style a statement necklace as the focus of your outfit by framing it with a V-neck top, layering it over a turtleneck, or wearing neutral colors that let the necklace shine.

No matter what style of jewelry you personally prefer, Chloée O'Hayon-Crosby warns against one major and widespread error: ignoring (or mistaking) the metal tones that actually complement your skin, a misstep that can easily wash you out. To make matters worse, the stylist explains that your go-to jewelry may not suit you forever, as your complexion changes with each passing year.

"As we age, our skin tone can shift, and the metals that once looked great on us might not be as flattering anymore," O'Hayon-Crosby exclusively tells Glam. "Yellow gold can sometimes highlight sallowness, while overly cool-toned silver may make skin look dull." This means that a little vigilance is in order — such as periodically checking your undertone to find out what colors are your best match. For instance, certain TikTok filters will tell you if you are a silver or gold jewelry girl.

If that sounds like a lot of work, O'Hayon-Crosby suggests you can also play it safe by sticking to more versatile metals. "The trick is to find the right balance," she says. "Rose gold and mixed metals can be a great middle-ground for a youthful, glowing effect." Plus, using mixed metal looks will let you keep wearing your favorite pieces that may no longer be a perfect match for your skin tone, so nothing in your jewelry collection goes to waste.

Sometimes, it's hard to let go of your favorite styles, even when the rest of the world has moved on. Unfortunately, clinging too hard to outdated jewelry pieces is a surefire way to show your age. "Some jewelry trends from past decades (think heavy beaded necklaces from the early 2000s or thick choker styles from the '90s) can make an outfit feel dated if not styled in a modern way," Chloée O'Hayon-Crosby exclusively explains to Glam.

But all hope is not lost — wearing out-of-fashion jewelry simply requires a more creative approach. "If you love a vintage piece, mix it with contemporary elements — like layering a classic pearl necklace with a sleek gold chain to give it new life," the stylist suggests. This shakes off the dust and ensures that your overall styling doesn't look dated and referential.

Ultimately, there are no hard rules to accessorizing. Building your perfect capsule jewelry collection is a reflection of your personal taste and style. Still, incorporating these tips will complement your natural beauty and help you show your treasures off to their best advantage. As O'Hayon-Crosby sums it up, "Jewelry should enhance your look, not age it! The key is to mix, balance, and choose pieces that feel fresh, intentional, and uniquely you."