How to Look Older At Work?

Question

I am 32, but everyone at work always thinks I am 21....obviously I am flattered (and not complaining!), but it's really holding me back in the workplace. I have a real "babyface" and I don't know what to do to be taken seriously. I just missed out on a pay-rise because they didn't realize I have 11 years of work experience when moving to a new role, the bosses just presumed I was in my first or second job! I can't wear suits because work is very casual, most people wear jeans etc., so I can't suddenly over-dress, but would you have any suggestions? It's more about my "baby-face" too....I do have wrinkles etc but I just have the appearance of someone younger and I know it's really holding back my career. Help!

Answer 1

I'm sure you're tired of people telling you how lucky you are, so I won't. :) A couple of ideas:

1) Navy blue is a "power" color. Wearing more of it, even in a casual wardrobe, lends an air of authority. Dress "up" a little bit - if everyone wears jeans, wear chinos or a jean skirt. Try a twinset or tucked in shirt instead of a sweatshirt. Keep your work wardrobe frree of "young" clothes - no hearts and flowers, no midriff surfer tees, no pink and purple, that sort of thing.
2) A lot of women with young looking faces tend not to do much in the hair of makeup depatment because they don't have to. Try getting a shorter haircut or wearing your hair up if you have long hair. Take a makeup lesson (many department stores give freebies in their cosmetics areas) to learn how to give yourself a more sophisticated look.
3) Glasses also make people perceive you as more intelligent (there are scientific studies on this.) You can always get a non-prescription pair with an anti-glare coating that you "need" for working on the computer. Kind of an investment but desperate times call for desperate measures. :)
4) Wear shoes with a bit of a heel to make yourself look taller. Taller folks earn more than their shorter counterparts, sad to say, because they are perceived as being more executive in appearance.

Good luck!

Answer 2

It has lots to do with the eating ordinary that persons consume, their atmosphere and evolution. over the years 12 300 and sixty 5 days olds and stuff slowly began finding older and older and in my opinion i think of this is because of the nutrition. We consume rapid nutrition the place we don't understand have the climate, drink milk with extra hormones (not all and sundry does this yet i'm speaking majority) and the hormones could make you pass with the aid of puberty till now, that's why 7 300 and sixty 5 days olds are beginning as much as get their era and ****. Society is ****** up huh?

Answer 3

First question - are you dressing your age? If you are dressing in t-shirts and jeans that a 21 year old would wear, dressing older would help. I'm not saying frumpy. But try to think of friends of yours who dress trendy but look older and what their casual look is. That might help.

Second, is there any other thing about your personal style that makes you look particular young? Do you have wild color streaks in your hair or wear daring makeup or jewelry? Maybe tone it down a bit, and if you are willing get a "older" hair style.

Third, maybe it is something about your demeanor. I don't know quite how to suggest you "act older" but however that can happen, don't be afraid to mention past experiences that might age you.

Lastly, the fact that your bosses didn't recognize your experience is a problem. One that can't be blamed entirely on your age. I think it's hard for women to sell their abilities and experiences to a new employer. But you can't expect that employer to keep up with your present or your past. Best to casually remind them that you have over a decade of work experience when it seems appropriate to bring this up. I know it will seem silly to keep mentioning your accomplishments but if you don't they will forget all about it. You are getting to a point in your career where you really need to let your ambition shine.

Answer 4

Conversate differenty. Dress differenty. I don't know.