9 Style Tips for Babyfaced Men to Look Older and Serious

“I was recently hired to be a manager. Problem: I am 36 years old and have a babyface. Even when I do wear a suit occasionally, I still look like an intern at an investment bank. To reflect my new job, I want to appear older and more masculine. Do you have any advice?”

I feel your pain. I am also “cursed” by the forever-young gene. While having a babyface is great for most situations, I can understand the desire to appear older and more authoritative, especially in your career.

Good and bad first impressions are important. They will be fine if you like them on the first meeting. They aren’t so great if the first meeting is negative. Positive first impressions are the best for social cohesion. Negative first impressions can lead to social prejudice and biases.

Imagine you go to a restaurant that you have heard great things about and are met with rude waiters, dirty tables and broken chairs. For you to forget your initial bad impression, the food will need to be at least Michelin-level.

That’s exactly what happens to you when you interact with people. It’s easy to control the initial vibe that we project by utilizing our style.

Here are some steps to help you look more mature and professional if your babyface is a curse.

1. DIAL IN YOUR FIT

Here, my number one style rule applies even further. It’s all about being more mature and older. A man who can’t afford the right size clothes is a sign that he doesn’t know what he’s doing.

2. REFINE YOUR GROOMING

My first task when working with a new client is to get his grooming in place. This is a simple fix that can make a big difference in your mood. Untidy hair is like baggy clothes. If you want to be taken seriously, improve your hair care.

Avoid popular styles that are too short or bright, as they can be a distraction for children. Choose classic, clean styles.

I recommend that guys cut their hair longer, especially the top.

Do what I do, and plan your haircuts well in advance. This will ensure that you look great. Because my hair grows quickly and is thick, I schedule a touch up every two weeks. Make a note of any time your hair looks sloppy after a haircut and follow up.

3. AVOID GRAPHICS, LOGOS AND WILD PRINTS

To look more mature, you just need to avoid the typical college student’s mistakes. Avoid graphic tees with logos, wild prints, and other trends when it comes down to clothes.

You will look more sophisticated and mature if you wear solid colors instead of graphic/logo-less clothing.

4. BUILD THE MAJORITY OF YOUR LOOKS ABOUT MEN’S COLORS

Avoid bright colors and instead focus on creating looks that use navy, black, grey and white. What I call “Men’s Core Colors”

You can see how professional and refined outfits made with core colors look as opposed to the bright, often silly outfits on right. Core colors don’t have to be overpowering. You can use them in infinite combinations. They’re self-working!

5. BUILD YOUR WARDROBE ABOUT TIMELESS CLASSICS, IMPORTANT TRADES

Trends can be a great way for you to inject some excitement into your style but you need to tread carefully.

Most men make the mistake of putting together a closet that is filled with trendy items. Most magazines and shops promote trends because people love new and exciting items!

Be careful with trends. You should think of it as a sauce. You don’t want to overpower the meat or sides with too much sauce. It should have enough flavor to give it the right kick.

6. SWAP YOUR TEE TO A COLLARED TOP

You can swap your t-shirt for a collared shirt, such as a polo or button-up, right away.

Collared tops such as henleys or tees are often associated with casual outfits. People perceive reaching for collared tops as a sign that you are trying to dress up a bit more.

A button-up shirt in casual or business-casual fabric such as chambray can be a great option if you don’t want an oxford shirt. This is a classic style that’s masculine and can be paired with anything from chinos to chinos to chinos.

7. SWAP YOUR SNEAKERS TO DRESSIER LEATHER SOLES

Although I think minimal white sneakers are a good option for modern men, you can make your look more sophisticated with refined dress shoes.

You don’t need to wear something more formal than oxfords. You can instantly upgrade to grown man status with a classic lace-up boot, or desert boots.

8. REFINE YOUR ACCESSORY GAMES

Accessory shopping can help you age gracefully. My first point of contact with clients is to upgrade their work bags.

Men’s style tip: A casual backpack instead of a briefcase. This smart messenger/briefcase is the perfect upgrade to your college backpack.

If you are looking to take things to the next level, consider purchasing an all-leather briefcase. You don’t need a long bracelet if you enjoy wearing jewelry on your wrist. Instead, opt for a simple cord.

Watches should be classic and not flashy. Todd Snyder’s Timex collection is a great place for beginners to watch watches.

Many of my clients love the Apple watch, and are wondering if they should get a “proper watch.” Apple watches are fine by me. I suggest you save any sport bands for the gym and invest in a leather or metal band.

9. GROW SOME FACIAL HEAVEN (IF POSSIBLE)

Avoid being neatly shaven as it only emphasizes babyfaces. Do your best to grow some facial hair.

I use a beard trimmer to achieve the 5’oclock shadow look. It’s up to you to adjust the settings, but I find it to be between 1 and 2mm. To highlight your jawline, shape your shadow and shave any facial hairs on your neck (sorry no neckbeards!)

You should maintain your beard if you have one or are planning to grow one. It should be trimmed, shaped, and groomed to avoid it looking wild.

BONUS: 10. GET IN BETTER SHAPE: PUT ON SOME MUSCLE / DROP YOUR BODY FAT

These 9 tips can be applied in less than one month to transform your vibe and make you feel like a boss.

Let’s now talk about something longer: fitness. To make yourself look older, more masculine and more mature, there are two things you can do to improve your physical appearance: Lose body fat and increase muscle mass.

Although genetics is a factor in babyface cheeks, losing bodyfat will help you improve your face shape. This can be done by reducing your cheeks or chiseling out your jawline. You can get rid of your frail, boyish frame by adding muscle.

This will take effort. Yes, it will take some effort, but if you have significant muscle mass gains and lost 50+ pounds before, you can see substantial improvements in three months.

It is difficult to know what diet and programs you should be following when trying to transform your body. There seem to be billions of opinions on the internet. Get expert assistance to cut through the noise.

Hire someone to help you adjust your program for a few weeks. Even if you don’t have the budget to hire someone full-time, paying a few hundred dollars for someone to design a diet and train you will save you hundreds of dollars and months of frustration.