I'm about your age (the big 2-6!), and I think that people might mistake you for older (vs. me for younger), because your style is much more refined than mine! I like cartoony prints and air balloons and cats and cars all over my dresses, but you have elegant lady-like prints and cuts! I dont' think it's particularly a bad thing to be older than one's age, and I think if you like the way you dress, then you shouldn't let it bother you

I think Lynne makes a great point, which is unfortunately because it has become rare to see a 20-25-year-old with this much poise, defined style, confidence and un-trendiness. I also think Shannon is on to something about the lack of jeans and T-shirt! I think in many countries, a skirt automatically gets read as more 'mature' than pants, and pants more 'mature' than jeans --- it could be a generational thing.

But I don't see YOU as looking older than your years. As for frumpy---fuhgeddaboutit! I love your whimsical, quirky, individualistic, retro style --- and the confidence and care your outfits all reveal. (That's part of it too, perhaps --- the 'uncertainty' or 'wide-eyedness' of what we have come to parse as 'youth' is missing, and that's NO bad thing!)

If you do want to edge towards 'younger' without sacrificing the integrity of your look, a few more playful elements or just a bit more of the 'It' colour of the season, especially in your accessories --- as those are easiest to update (as Rae said, the quality of your clothing also stands out) --- might be the way to go. Of course, you already do whimsy, but in a more retro or ironic way, as others have pointed out; so maybe something a little more OTT or exaggerated is the way to go --- again, only IF you're comfortable going there. You seem comfortable in your fashion skin, and you shouldn't have to change that! I actually don't find your hairstyle prim at all, but did wonder if changing the shape of your specs to more of an uptilted one might help.

Ladies, you are fabulous! Truly. Thank you all for your answers! You gave a great boost to my confidence and finally pointed me towards the things I need to change. I'm worried about my looks because while looking mature is a good thing, looking far older than my age isn't and I'm not comfortable with being mistaken for a woman of the same age as my mother, haha Also, I don't exactly have a youthful face - it's a family thing, my mum looks at least 10 years older than she really is and I want to avoid the same fate. I don't usually mind other people's comments on my style, but this has been preoccupying me for quite some time.

Some of you asked if I'm happy with what I see in the mirror. Well, I'm happy about my clothes, but it's true that I don't love my hair right now - I've been meaning to go to my hairdresser's for ages, but because I can't decide if I want my hair long or short, I just let it grow and of course it looks untidy. Caro suggested a flapper bob which caught my attention. I was thinking maybe something like this: http://pinterest.com/pin/49610033365366765/ - what do you think?

Also, I'm in a desperate need of a new pair of glasses - my eyesight has got worse, so I think it's high time. I've been toying with the idea of cat shaped glasses like these: http://www.framesdirect.com/fr.....rhr/r.html, but I guess I need something not quite so retro, right? Do you have any suggestions? I think I might also try contact lenses to see if I can wear them - that would solve the problem

Also, I will definitely try to mix some trendy elements with my wardrobe. I must admit I don't like body-con anything, but I might try to sport some deep necklines and I'm more than OK with short skirts, so I hope this might help me...

Krys, thank you for pointing out the handbags - I love vintage handbags but I've never thought that they might contribute to the frumpy look! I'll try to find some trendy handbags to go with my vintage-style clothes and I'll try to use vintage handbags with more trendy clothes.

Jules, the other website is very similar to this one, but the blogger who founded it built its popularity on public flogging of fashion crimes - sarcastic, but true. The community is wonderful, but I wanted a second opinion. I'm not concerned about fitting in - I've never been, even as a child As to meeting men - I've been in a happy relationship for quite some time, but of course, I don't want to look asexual (which is another attribute I've been given several times).

Thank you so much once again and please, feel free to add more comments, this is a very interesting debate and it's helping me a lot! <3

There have been some great comments here. I just wanted to add, you look beautiful and your outfits are stunning. To me you look youngest in #7, in the short dress. Your other outfits are quite polished, this reads as more serious/professional and therefore potentially older. But this is not a bad thing. I also agree with the others' comments that the angular nature of the glasses might be adding to the serious vibe, and therefore reading as older.

There is a stereotyped 20s look -- long, messy hair, jeans; provocative poses, bodycon or skin baring. I imagine you do not want this look. Your look falls more into a polished and professional category that people, at least in the US, think of more as an age 30s look.

This was not always the case. I think in the 50s and before, young women dressed in a much more ladylike, polished way in the US.

Rabbit Heart, as a matter of fact, I was actually thinking of cats-eye shapes when I wrote 'uptilted'! But I didn't want to restrict your options to the one style. Basically, I think showing off your lovely taut cheekbones is something worth aiming for.

RH --- If you can afford it, I'd suggest, perhaps over time, acquiring 2 or 3 pairs of glasses to alternate as a way of changing up your style -- using eyewear as your primary jewelry. Angie does this, and there are posts in the archives where she addresses this. During the week, you could post a facial close up photo and title the post something "Ask Angie about eyewear."

As for hair -- I think texture and shaping is more important than long vs. short when it comes to a more modern style. Something a little more "piecey" perhaps? I have the same issues with hair, since mine tends to be a little thick, which is great for 80's hot-rolled look, which, at 49, makes me look like I'm reliving my high-school years.

I really like Beth Ann's suggestions regarding both eyewear and hair style. I wear a fair bit of retro/vintage and my glasses are a slight cat's eye shape but not totally the 1950's version - they are like a modern cat's eye. Angie is unbelievably helpful when it comes to choosing specs so definitely seek advice.

As someone who has tried styles WAY outside her comfort zone, may I just caution you to not "lose yourself" in trying to be more trendy or dress younger. Do remember to stay true to you and dress in a way that makes YOU happy, not somebody else

Rabbit Heart, how adventurous are you? I would find some one whose hair style you like and book with their stylist. Then tell the stylist exactly what you told us here, and let them decide what will work for you. I find that I end up with the best cut (and color) this way. Its always fresh, and suited for me.

I really like that hairstyle you have pinned and just repinned it for myself! The asymmetry does feel fun and youthful to me.

I think you look whimsical and tongue-in-cheek in terms of the grandma look, but sometimes the outfit doesn't have enough whimsy to cue the viewer that it's kind of ironic. And that's probably when people say you look old. Like everyone said, don't change unless it bothers you more than your style is worth. And if you do change, just adding some whimsy to each outfit - an unexpected color, or accessory, or shape - so that it isn't a full-on "grandma" outfit would be enough.

I also dress a little more conservatively and way less trendily than most people my age, but I have a baby face (I'm 23, but people think I'm in my teens) and would never be taken for 30+. A more modern, or less stern, hairstyle would probably cue the viewer to the irony -- but do you want that? Seems like you embrace the Jane Eyre vibe.

I love those frames! I think they'd be great. I also think you should try on some lighter-colored ones; either wire-framed or clear framed or something. Just to see if that opens up your face.

I like the idea of a very short cut for you. Growing ones hair can be a pain, though, so do make sure you're up for it before you chop it off!

You've already gotten lots of great feedback so I'll just address your hair. I agree with Geneva - I think something really short and piecey would up the youth factor in your look.

I think your "oldest" outfits are 3, 4, and 5. There is nothing wrong with any of them but I think they lack the whimsy that your other outfits have. Perhaps in 3 if you ditched the scarf and went with some trendier accessories. I love the jacket in 4 but again, perhaps trendier accessories and more contrast on the bottom would make a younger look. In 5 the dress is fairly literal in its retro look with the big print, low hemline and high neckline. Your hair is up and you are wearing pretty classic earrings and lady-like shoes. I don't know if I'm in love with this dress but perhaps with some boots or other edgier accessories you could give it a more current look.

Anyway, I love your style! I bet a hairstyle change, new glasses and some fun accessories would do a lot to "young-up" your look.

ETA - okay I lied. More than hair comments.

No fashion advice here. Just wanted to say: ditch the other website and move here. They don't deserve you.

Many of us have gone through style transformations or refinement of all sorts, but none has *ever* been put down in any way. The feedback here is constructive and thorough, as you have already had a chance to read in this thread alone. If you'll be left thinking about something, it will be positive and happy style thoughts - that's a guarantee.

You have a great style! I do agree about updating your glasses and haircut. That will go a long way to keeping your look modern and out of costume territory. You are definitely in the right place -- Angie is the Eyeglass Whisperer! I recently got new glasses, and I had to post three batches of potential frames before I found The Ones. But now every time I wear my glasses, I get compliments. It's worth putting the time into finding the right pair.

So glad you're here! I'm looking forward to seeing more of your killer style.

Chiming back in to say I love that haircut & the glasses.

All such great comments on your unique style. If you're really interested in more intentional style tweaking, read Angie's posts that are in the vein of titles like ( forgive my lack of accuracy) modern classic, updating classics, refreshing your style & similar. I think those are somewhat translatable to adding just a b it of the trendy or maybe more accurately, the unexpected, to an outfit. The suggestions for specs and hairstyle are on point for that, and clothing/ related ideas that can be used for a younger vibe are along the lines of playing one style against another in things like accessories , or wearing a classic item ( say cashmere sweater) in candy pink or fun polka dots. Being actually 25, you have lots of options for adding the " young" aspects, whereas I have to interpret with much more care in my outfits!

I read through most of the front page and your most recent reply, but skimmed everything else so apologies if I missed something important!

I LOVE your style-- you look fabulous! I will say that to me, you do read older, somewhere in the late 20s-early 30s range. It is definitely not because of your skin, face, etc. because you have fabulous glowy skin and are gorgeous! I think to my eye, what is doing the aging is that everything in your look is the vintage/retro style. It looks a bit costume-y which I think can read older. I think if you change up the hair, glasses, handbags, shoes, etc. like others have mentioned, that will change the way your outfits read!

Not much that others haven't said, just wanted to throw in my two cents! Hope it helps!

Ladies, thank you once again, I'm gonna repeat myself, but you truly ARE fabulous! I'm so grateful that you all took the trouble to analyze my style and give me some really useful advice. <3

CocoLion, you are right, I don't want to fall into that stereotype

ManidipaM - cool! I'm gonna try some of those then

Beth Ann - I can't afford to buy several pairs at once, but I'm definitely going to do it gradually. And thank you for the suggestion, if you say Angie is an expert, I'm gonna ask her.

Transcona Shannon - I'll try my best not to go overboard!

kkards - I am VERY adventurous I have a great hairdresser and I know that when I go there, sit in the chair and say "do whatever you want", it'll turn out great - it always have! Problem is I can't bring myself to book an appointment with her because I'm soooo indecisive!

rae - thanks! I also think the asymmetry might help to "unfrump" me

Ann Boleyn - Jane Eyre, hehe, sometimes I've been called that by my boyfriend I will try to bear in mind the element of surprise. Seems I need to go shopping for some new accessories... Lucky I've got a plethora of tights in all imaginable colours

Jenava - thanks for the suggestion, I will try them! Truth is I've always been inclined towards dark frames, so this might give my look a completely different twist! About hair - I used to wear short hair - something like Angie or a bit longer - and I've got tired of it, plus I really like hats and they look better on people with some hair, IMO. That's why I decided to let it grow long, but still not sure....

Andrea - nice to meet you, my name's Andrea too Thank you for the comments, both hair and non-hair. I was thinking about buying a cropped leather jacket and pairing it with the dress in #5. Also, originally I wanted to have the hemline shortened, but then decided to leave it as it is because it's more interesting that way... But boots sound good, I'll try that!

Ornella - I think I'll stay both here and there But you're right that this community is very positive and the critique is always constructive, well-founded and to the point. Hmm, I need to think about it...

Alicat - it's great that you're getting such positive feedback! I'll make sure to ask Angie too - buying a wrong type of eyewear can do more harm than good and that's not what I need right now

caro - thank you!

unfrumped - cool nickname, I should have thought of it first When I get some free time, I'll try to find the posts you mention and see what's applicable to my situation, thanks for the tip!

Jyoti - thanks for looking! Every new comment helps point me in the right direction