How to Look Older (for Pre Teens)

Co-authored by Nini Efia Yang and Amber Crain

Last Updated: November 1, 2021 References

Being a preteen is awesome! If you want to look a bit older, though, we totally get that. We have some great tips to share with you, starting with easy ways to update your clothes, hair, and makeup. Then, we'll touch on a few ways to carry yourself more like a teen or young adult.

Method 1

Method 1 of 10:
Wear classic clothing styles that fit you well.

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Simple, classic pieces make you look polished. Black jeans, collared shirts, button-downs, pea coats, and leggings are just a few examples of classic pieces that always look good. To look older, choose items that fit you well. Try to avoid clothes that are super baggy or too tight.^{[1]
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- If you like wearing skirts, try a long, flowing skirt instead of a shorter style.^{[2]
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- A short-sleeved polo shirt tucked into khakis is a clean-cut and polished look.

Method 2

Method 2 of 10:
Wear an all-black outfit.

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Black is best, but wearing any head-to-toe color looks mature. Wearing monochrome outfits make a stylish statement and shows everyone that you put thought and effort into your look. Black always looks stylish and grownup, but you can try other neutral colors, too.^{[3]
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- Neutral colors: black, grey, tan, cream, white, navy, and brown.
- See what shoe colors you have first since they need to match, too. You probably have mostly black, white, and/or brown, so build your outfit from there.

Method 3

Method 3 of 10:
Avoid clothes with bold graphics and prints.

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Little kids love wearing shirts with big, bright graphics. Stick with simple clothes, especially shirts, without graphics. Avoid anything with huge logos or cartoon characters on them. Wild prints can also make you look younger.^{[4]
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- Avoid sports team T-shirts and jerseys when you're trying to look older.^{[5]
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- Striped tops are great, just choose subdued, neutral colors. For example, try a white and navy striped T-shirt.^{[6]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 10:
Iron the wrinkles out of your clothes.

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Wrinkled and torn clothes can make you look young. See if your parents have a clothing iron or steamer around the house and ask them to show you how to use it. Hang up your clothes when you're done ironing. That way, they'll stay wrinkle-free until you put them on!^{[7]
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- It's easy to burn yourself, so be sure to ask your parents for help.

Method 5

Method 5 of 10:
Swap your sneakers for flats or boots.

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If you do wear sneakers, go with brands/styles that teenagers like. For example, sneakers can be cool if you rock a pair of Converse, Jordans, or Vans. Otherwise, stick with a cute pair of flats, loafers, or boots. Shoes with low heels are also good since they make you look taller.^{[8]
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- Skip tall heels—they’re too hard to walk in and can look costume-y.

Method 6

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Trade in your backpack for a nicer bag.

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Older kids love carrying cool purses and handbags. Stick with simple designs in classic colors like black, cream, or brown. Leather (and faux leather) handbags are always a good choice.^{[9]
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- Leather messenger bags are also great—college kids use those a lot.

Method 7

Method 7 of 10:
Wear simple jewelry.

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Stick with a nice wristwatch or necklace. Big pieces of jewelry and bright-colored watchbands can look childish, so stick with gold or silver. Leather watchbands are nice, too! Avoid piling on the accessories and go with one simple piece that you really like.^{[10]
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Method 8

Method 8 of 10:
Update your look with a new hairstyle.

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Switching up your hairstyle can give you a whole new vibe. Some styles, like blunt bangs and ponytails, can make you look younger. To look older, opt for a side-swept fringe or use a curling iron to create loose, carefree waves instead of putting your hair up, if your hair is too short add different clips or DIY it.^{[11]
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Research source} You can also try looks like:
- Flat ironing your hair for a smooth, polished look.
- Wispy, 70s-inspired bangs instead of short, blunt bangs.^{[12]
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- Edgy, spiky styles or deep side parts for short hair.^{[13]
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Method 9

Method 9 of 10:
Experiment with makeup looks.

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Natural-looking makeup looks more youthful than heavy makeup. For example, darker lashes that contrast a bit with your hair color can make you look slightly older, so try applying a thin coat of brown or black mascara to your your top lashes only. ^{[14]
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Research source} You can also:
- Curl your lashes if you’re not ready to wear mascara yet (or if your parents won’t allow it). Your lashes will look way longer, which emphasizes your eyes.^{[15]
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- Skip heavy foundation and use a tinted moisturizer instead. Just spread it all over your face with your fingers like regular lotion!
- Swipe on a little clear or tinted lip gloss. A pretty rose tint can enhance your features.^{[16]
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Method 10

Method 10 of 10:
Stand tall and sit up straight.

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Good posture makes you look confident and mature. Lift your chin a bit, roll your shoulder back slightly, and keep your back straight so you look confident and strong. When you’re standing and sitting, try to remind yourself not to slump or hunch your shoulders.^{[17]
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Community Q&A
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Question

How do you do old lady stage makeup?

Nini Efia Yang
Makeup Artist
Nini Efia Yang is the Owner of Nini's Epiphany, a San Francisco Bay Area makeup and hair studio. Specializing in bridal makeup with almost 10 years of experience, her work has been featured in Ceremony Magazine, They So Loved, and Wedding Window.

Nini Efia Yang

Makeup Artist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

If you would like to create wrinkles, I recommend using liquid latex. This will help you create a different skin texture that you can then apply foundation over. It's a great way to age your face.
Question

How can I look my age (14) without being told by people younger than me that I look eight years old?

Community Answer

Dress according to your age and be confident in who you are. Your personality also can be a big factor as to how people perceive you. If you act young, people will think you are young. If you act mature, people will think you're older.
Question

I'm nearly 14, but people often think I'm 11 or 12 because I'm small and have a baby face. Does anyone know what I can do about this?

Community Answer

You could try to emphasize your eyebrows, as this is usually what many people take into account when they look at your face, whether they realize it or not. Try getting them tweezed or threaded into a shape that you like, and practice filling them in. However, make sure that the color of the eyebrow product you're using matches your hair color. Filling in eyebrows can be difficult at times, but the end result is well worth it! Make sure not to overdo it with the makeup. Often, people want to look older because they feel they look too young, but end up wearing loads and loads of makeup in an attempt to make up for that.
Question

How do I change my hairdo to look older?

Community Answer

Like it said in the article, side bangs are a great choice. Also, cutting your hair shorter can make you look older.
Question

With African American hair, what can I do with it to look older?

Community Answer

If you have really thick hair, try using a strong hold gel to put it up in a bun.
Question

What age range would you define preteen to be?

Community Answer

It depends on who you ask, but generally the range is ages 10-12.
Question

What kind hair will make a 10 year old look older?

Polly B

Community Answer

Try high ponytails, and don't wear plaits or pigtails. Your face will be shown more and you will look older and more grown up!
Question

I am 11. My class says I am the ugliest girl in the class. How should i look pretty to impress my class.

Community Answer

The whole class is saying something this mean? That's nuts and it's bullying. And you shouldn't feel that way, you are beautiful inside and out, and you shouldn't feel the need to "look pretty" for your class. If you are really concerned about it however, wear clothes that fit your body shape well, and wear light makeup. I personally think you shouldn't do that, but it's up to you.
Question

How do I fix my hair in a messy bun?

Community Answer

You just have to start with a high ponytail where you want your bun, and then wrap it around the foundation of the bun and bobby pin it.
Question

I have good posture, I take care of my hygiene, and act mature, but my family still treats me like a little kid! Is there anything else I can do?

Community Answer

Try talking to them about this. Let them know that you're trying really hard to be a mature and responsible preteen, and you don't like the fact that they're treating you like a child. Don't whine, just calmly explain your feelings and ask to be treated a little more grown-up. I'm sure they'll try to respect your wishes.