Help to look older!

fifomania

Bit of a funny one this but I don't know how to make myself look older! Not a common complaint obviously but it's getting beyond ridiculous for me!
I'm 27 and I don't look any more than 20. Not a bad thing until you try to get served drink, buy drink or get by the bouncers! I've been asked for ID countless times and never think to carry it because I'm 27!! Last night I was stopped from entering a club. Infront of my friends it's a bit embarassing!
I don't wear makeup unless I'm going out and even then i'm still getting asked for ID! I don't wear 'youngish' clothes. I don't know what to do to look my age or older! Some people I know who are 21 look older than I do! Anything I can do?? Thanks!

lainey316

Happened me til I was 30. From nightclubs to supermarkets, regularly asked for ID. I never found anything I could do except actually age.

squeakyduck

OP, personally I wouldn't worry about this. The only thing I think you should do is get an age card and find a little place for it in your purse where it can be easily found. You wont find the answer to your problems in the bottom of a makeup bottle or the end of a rack of clothes!

I'm 22 and I've been told I look way younger. I take it as a compliment. It's better to be 27 and mistaken for 20 than 27 being mistaken for 40! Don't plaster your face in makeup just so you don't get ID'd. Embrace your natural youthfulness!

Shmatter

I'm only 23 but I get it pretty bad too, it's always embarrassing when I'm out with my boyfriend and his friends as they're all a good bit older then me, and I always get asked, the more makeup I wear the more likely I am to get asked I find.

I'm trying to dress a little older too, wouldn't mind a few tips!!

Posy

I have trouble walking in heels and would wear flats on a night out and noticed that a lot of the girls getting IDed were in flat shoes. Dunno why, unless the bouncers think you're young because you can't walk in heels or if it makes you shorter than your friends.

The only suggestion I can think of is make sure you always have a garda ID card. I had to get one when I was 25 because I kept getting asked for ID.. when you have the ID to shove in their face and watch their amazement as they realise how old you actually are it's great. Plus, when you always have ID, you're not looking worried in clubs/bars and coming across as someone nervous and underage.

ams

I dont think there is a lot you can do to make you look older and theres no point trying to change your style totally. Agree with other poster about the age card - its not a bad complaint!

Shmatter

ams wrote: »

I dont think there is a lot you can do to make you look older and theres no point trying to change your style totally. Agree with other poster about the age card - its not a bad complaint!

I don't really agree, I guess unless you know what it's like to look 16 well into your twenties you can't really understand. Updating our wardrobe to be more age appropriate isn't changing your style more then it naturally should, I dunno, that's just how I see it

ams

Shmatter wrote: »

I don't really agree, I guess unless you know what it's like to look 16 well into your twenties you can't really understand. Updating our wardrobe to be more age appropriate isn't changing your style more then it naturally should, I dunno, that's just how I see it

hey there, Im guessing the OP dresses for her age as she said she doesn't wear youngish clothes and I dont feel she should have to start wearing makeup if thats not comfortable for her.:)

If you are dressing in a way you feel isn't age appropriate maybe going for a more polished overall look might help you though e.g. wearing a nice fitted jacket instead of a big puffy jacket or something. I find looking at fashion blogs and magazines gives me really good ideas on how to put outfits together. I'm not sure what your style is though so not sure what advice to give!

odonopenmic

I've a similar problem but instead of trying to look older or carry id (I point blank refuse to carry a passport/DL and on principal I'm not spending money to get an age card), I think it's all in the reaction.

I pleasantly tell anyone who asks for it that I don't have ID to give them. 9/10 either they leave it at that and give me whatever it is / let me in, and the one other time, they'll say "ok, you're 18 right?" and I'll say, "darlin, I'm pushing 30".

A couple of years ago it used to wind me up no end to constantly be asked. It's a pain in the @ss but I think the more wound up you get, the younger you'll appear.

I'm often in the same boat as you OP. I'm older than you (and married with kids!) and still get asked for ID regularly. I personally take it as a compliment, although I did have a guy in tripod one night ask me what school I go to which was pushing it a little far!.

If you're happy with your style/make up etc, just get yourself some ID. Now the only thing is, I read on another forum today (can't remember which one) that someone went to get an age card form from the gardai to be told they have stopped doing them so driving licence might be the only option.

ams

its well and good not carrying an ID but Ive been in situations where theres no way Id be let in without one - its easier in the long run to carry one.

Fiii

I'm in exactly the same boat! I'm 27 (will actually be 28 in a few weeks) and I ALWAYS get asked for ID. Doesn't help that I am 5'4" also :rolleyes:
Bouncers/ Bar staff always seem pretty shocked when they see my actual age! haha

It used to really annoy me, but there's not a lot I can do about it.
I just carry ID everywhere (I have a drivers licence, so it's not too much trouble).
Embrace it OP. Sure won't it be grand when we're 40 and look 25?

CK2010

maybe look at changing your hairstyle?
i had quite long hair for a while and i looked about twelve! but when i got it cut recently i kept being told i look older or more sophisticated. i only took a few inches off it so maybe it was just because i looked more groomed!

maybe not even a haircut, just the way its styled.
for example, instead of using coloured accessories get some plain black/silver ones.
instead of just tying it in a ponytail, backcomb it a bit first to add some volume and use some serum to sleek it up a bit.
simple things make a big difference.

other than that, i havent a clue, let me know when you know!!