I am tired of looking like a 16-18 year old.  I pass completely, but lack the build and the facial hair.  I just have a small
fail-stashe.

I'm 21 years old, and I am an old soul, I don't like most teenagers/young people and I hate that I look like one.

Should I dress differently?  I typically just wear casual button downs and cargo/khaki pants, that or my motorcycle jacket.

I'm 5'7, which is short for an adult guy, but not crazy short, I guess its just my baby face, I dunno.

Clothes speak volumes I've found. Casual button downs and cargo pants are still worn by a lot of younger guys (and of course older guys, but they have the beard, etc on their side).

Rock a blazer or a tie and watch people NOT think you're 16 anymore! Instead of a backpack, get a suave leather messenger bag. Instead of sneakers all the time, get some nice boots or other shoes. Wear a nicer quality wrist watch. Wear cardigans or sweaters instead of something like a hoodie.

I definitely have my share of sneakers, jeans and t-shirts but if I really want to make an impression on people I grab some of the aforementioned items and people take me a lot more seriously and usually take me for older than a teenager

Buy a Rolex?

I actually love blazers, but have never bought one before.  I saw a cool one at target, but it was 30 bucks, any ideas of other places to get them?

unfortunately, I think its a bit harder to look older in the summer, because all of the cool add-ons get really hot.

I love ties too, but is it weird to wear them just out and about?

thanks for your help.

I find that not smiling makes me look older.  Some of it is probably in the walk too.

I'm bad with fashion so I can't say clothes wise.  Maybe tuck in your shirts?

People usually think I'm ten years older than I actually am. 
It's definitely in the clothes. Look professional and calm. Wear dressy trousers (I prefer Dickies work pants), button-up shirts (don't forget a white undershirt and tucking all this in), and nice black or brown shoes/boots. It's also in the attitude, don't overreact and try not to over-do the social laughing. You probably shouldn't have a problem with that though, being an old soul. Oh, and certainly do not let people walk over you.

I was watching four young college guys while eating today, they came off the age they were because of the clothes. Sports shorts and white t-shirts. Just try to observe differences between the older folk and young folk.

Quote from: Elijah on June 08, 2012, 11:18:39 PM
I actually love blazers, but have never bought one before.  I saw a cool one at target, but it was 30 bucks, any ideas of other places to get them?

Maybe a thrift store?  The ones in my area are crap, but in April I went to a few in Illinois and they had tons of jackets, suits, and such.

Word to the wise...

Enjoy your youthful looks while you have them     You'll spend the other half of your life trying to regain them

Quote from: V M on June 09, 2012, 01:43:49 AM
Word to the wise...

Enjoy your youthful looks while you have them     You'll spend the other half of your life trying to regain them

Its different for men, when men are older they are more respected, when women age they are told all the crazy ways to cover their wrinkles, stomach, hair.

As for me, I would rather look older then I am, then to be 21 but treated like a young teen

Quote from Elijah:
Its different for men, when men are older they are more respected, when women age they are told all the crazy ways to cover their wrinkles, stomach, hair.

As for me, I would rather look older then I am, then to be 21 but treated like a young teen

I don't agree. Respect is something that is earned and it is based on character. Age and wrinkles are not signs of respect. I've spent most of my life presenting as male and I interact in a professional manner with many males and females of all ages. What has become obvious to me is that the people who are respected carry themselves with confidence, but not false confidence, with dignity and courtesy, and with knowledge. Remember also that the older you get the younger everyone else looks anyway.

I've been on T literally five days less than you and I have the same problem. It's due to my facial structure - high cheek bones and a weaker jawline. I'm probably making myself sound worse than I am, but the point is I look 16-17 when I'm 19.

I've found that working out the upper body (shoulder-neck area) gives the appearance of a more masculine face for me. No clue why/how this works, but apparently it does. I also recently got my dose increased and that has caused so many visible changes in the past month. Maybe try that if yours isn't as high as it could be.

Quote from: Cindy James on June 09, 2012, 02:11:58 AM
I don't agree. Respect is something that is earned and it is based on character. Age and wrinkles are not signs of respect. I've spent most of my life presenting as male and I interact in a professional manner with many males and females of all ages. What has become obvious to me is that the people who are respected carry themselves with confidence, but not false confidence, with dignity and courtesy, and with knowledge. Remember also that the older you get the younger everyone else looks anyway.

That's the way it should be, but that's not the way life actually is. The fact is that someone who looks 21 will be treated with more respect than someone who looks 16, who would get talked down to in a condescending manner by adults. It's also just part of the outside reflecting what's on the inside. He's not 16, and who would want to look like something they're not? It leads to being misunderstood.

Quote from: poptart on June 09, 2012, 04:29:33 AM



That's the way it should be, but that's not the way life actually is. The fact is that someone who looks 21 will be treated with more respect than someone who looks 16, who would get talked down to in a condescending manner by adults. It's also just part of the outside reflecting what's on the inside. He's not 16, and who would want to look like something they're not? It leads to being misunderstood.

exactly

Quote from: Cindy James on June 09, 2012, 02:11:58 AM
Quote from Elijah:
Its different for men, when men are older they are more respected, when women age they are told all the crazy ways to cover their wrinkles, stomach, hair.

As for me, I would rather look older then I am, then to be 21 but treated like a young teen

I don't agree. Respect is something that is earned and it is based on character. Age and wrinkles are not signs of respect. I've spent most of my life presenting as male and I interact in a professional manner with many males and females of all ages. What has become obvious to me is that the people who are respected carry themselves with confidence, but not false confidence, with dignity and courtesy, and with knowledge. Remember also that the older you get the younger everyone else looks anyway.

Nailed it!

What is your haircut like, Elijah?  I agree that wardrobe and confidence play a role, but the first thing that shouts "teenager" to me is an Emo/Justin Bieber haircut (no offense to those who dig it).

Quote from: Elijah on June 09, 2012, 11:56:25 AM
Yeah, I agree.  I just have a semi short/messy hairstyle.

I actually took some pics of the tucked/dress shirt last night

I think if you compare this one to the ones you posted in the badass thread, in this one you definitely look older and the only thing that's changed is the clothes.

Quote from: Elijah on June 09, 2012, 11:56:25 AM
Yeah, I agree.  I just have a semi short/messy hairstyle.

I actually took some pics of the tucked/dress shirt last night

Awwwww yeah, now I can jump your bones without anyone thinking I'm jumping a kid. Whoo!

Quote from: Frank on June 09, 2012, 01:16:41 PM
Awwwww yeah, now I can jump your bones without anyone thinking I'm jumping a kid. Whoo!

haha, do I really look that much older in the shirt?

Quote from: Kreuzfidel on June 09, 2012, 11:35:05 AM
What is your haircut like, Elijah?  I agree that wardrobe and confidence play a role, but the first thing that shouts "teenager" to me is an Emo/Justin Bieber haircut (no offense to those who dig it).

I was about to ask...you beat me to it.

I have a good and experienced barber who knows a lot about how hair reflects your age AND your gender. I would find a similar barber and ask about the hair. It might be a little too casual/young.

BTW, you look great in the photo.

Quote from: Elijah on June 09, 2012, 04:03:25 PM
haha, do I really look that much older in the shirt?

On the street I'd guess you in your twenties or at the very very youngest, 19. You look like you can take things seriously though, so I wouldn't be thinking about dumbing things down for a teenager. (Or you know, automatic condescension and all that.)

i thibk the clothing does tge trick. but ive learned, i wont look older, till i am older and alot of women find the "baby face" attractive. the shirt works though brother!