Need to look older, more executive

[bumblebee]

I look young. Really young... I'm mid-30s, but routinely get told I look like I'm in my mid-20s.
I'm interviewing for an executive level job later in the month. My boss is encouraging me to do this and I know I'm qualified, but it's definitely a much bigger job, and I know my competition will all be in their 40s and 50s.
Any advice or suggestions on what I should wear, do with my hair or make-up? I know it's hard to give advice without looking at me in person, but hoping you have some general suggestions or ideas.
I'm really trying to minimize the age issue when meeting with the different interviewers.
Thanks!

[thedutchgirl]

What's your hairstyle, and do you generally wear makeup?

Do your suits fit really well, or do they look like you are wearing your mother's clothes?

[takeonyou]

Can you pip? It would be helpful.

[bumblebee]

I'm 5'2", 120 pounds. Shoulder length brown/blond hair. I always wear it straight and down, although slightly turned up at the end. Well, I've been wearing it this way for the past few months. For the last 10 years or so, my hair had always been a few inches past my shoulders.
I don't have a "styled" haircut, but I do make it look nice before leaving in the morning.
I wear business suits 3-4 days a week and business casual 1-2 days a week. My suits are a mix of skirts and pants and in a variety of colors. My typical business casual look is black pants with a top.
Because of my height, I try to wear heals as much as possible, but it can be a challenge because of all the walking I do around town at our different locations.
I recognize that I really need the height that heals give me so I'm willing to sacrifice some comfort to achieve a more professional look.

[thedutchgirl]

I think crackhabit has an excellent point about hair, particularly if you say you don't really have a style. You need one. One-length long hair does make a person look younger. Get some layers, or bangs, or cut it into a bob and keep it maintained. How often do you have it cut? I'd go to a salon--a nice one where you can get a good cut--and discuss what to do to have a more polished hairstyle.

[bumblebee]

Can someone quickly remind me how to PIP and I'll post a recent picture for a limited time.

[bumblebee]

Sept 15, 2012 11:00:20 GMT -5 thedutchgirl said:

I think crackhabit has an excellent point about hair, particularly if you say you don't really have a style. You need one. One-length long hair does make a person look younger. Get some layers, or bangs, or cut it into a bob and keep it maintained. How often do you have it cut? I'd go to a salon--a nice one where you can get a good cut--and discuss what to do to have a more polished hairstyle.

I go every six weeks for a cut and color. I think I have nice hair, but I'm not sure how to make it look more professional without it being super high maintenance.

[heygrey]

if you have straight/nearly straight hair i'd go for an angled bob. super low maintenance - wash, dry, run a straightener through it if needed, done. even if you have curly hair there are some really cute bob styles that would work where you wash, use curl shaping product, scrunch and go.

i just did a big hair chop yesterday because i need to step up my game fashion/looks-wise. mine was below my bra line with something that resembled layers, but it was a mess. totally beachy girl blonde waves which i loved, but was doing me no favors at work. we'll see if the new do changes things or if the sacrifice was in vain :-)

[thedutchgirl]

It might be something that you could discuss with your stylist. It could be just a matter of a different cut. It doesn't have to be more high maintenance.

[rosiedozie]

I think the key to looking professional is being polished. It doesn't have to be fancy or high-maintenance, but make sure that you look put together. Well fitting clothes, nice shoes, modern makeup and hairstyle. Good luck with the interview!

[Here]

I have the same issue. Ditto to what other people said...tailored suit, styled hair, and makeup. Also carry yourself tall and confident.
Regarding the hair, talk to your stylist about a good cut. I have a chin length bob with long layers and it is really easy. For makeup, you can get someone at a store to do your makeup and make product recommendations.

[Deleted]

You need a go to hairstyle. I agree with the others that a bob could look nice without being high maintenance. That said, I love my long layered hair and I'll never go with a bob. I usually wear low chignons and things of that nature. I like the two shorter cuts on this page though: hairdohairstyles.com/Hairstyle_News/hairstyles_young_professional.html Also make sure you have no streaky highlights, bright blond highlights on dark brown hair and stuff like that.

For your make-up keep in natural, no bright colors, no spider lashes, no heavy black eyeliner, make sure your eyebrows are well groomed. Use neutral eye shadow in warm tones, a sheer blush, and line the eye just enough to define them, use a lighter lipstick that is closer to the color of your own lips, and no sparkles, anywhere.

And don't forget to show some confidence.

[Deleted]

Ditto the angled bob, which should make a big difference. Also maybe go a bit darker with your hair. Wear neutral colored makeup like brown shadow and don't wear a lipstick or blush that is too pink. Wear a solid black suit with classic and simple jewelry like diamond stud earrings. Paint your nails a nude color like OPI Bubble Bath.

[Deleted]

I would do a bob definitely. If your stylist thinks it will lay nicely, I definitely think that is best.

How do executive women at your company dress? At mine, they almost all wear black skirt suits.

[bumblebee]

Sounds like a shorter haircut is needed! My hair is the shortest it ever been in my life (At or just below my shoulders), but I probably could go an inch or too shorter and a few shades darker. My hair is incredibly thick and nasty frizzy when not thoroughly blow dried with 15 minutes of hot iron straightening afterward, so I'm really hesistant to go much shorter or get too many layers.
I wear suits most days, but think I could stand to put more thought into my outfits including incorporating the right accessories, and adding the right shoes and accessories.
You ladies are great!

[gt7301b]

I'd also go to Nordstrom's and have them help you pick out a couple of nice suits.

[Deleted]

Heels.

It's "heels."

Not "heals."

Best of luck with your quest for an executive position.

[lys]

If you do not want to cut your hair, wear it pulled back (low pony tail style) with a sophisticated large barette holder.

I am your size and do not generally wear heels, but when necessary keep them no higher than 2 1/2 inches -- for comfort and practicality of being on my feet. I would kill myself in a really high height.

See a GOOD hairstylist concerning your hair,

[greekypie]

Hmmm. What do you do for accessories? This tells me right away whether someone is serious about their appearance or not.

Jewelry, handbag, manicured nails, etc.

If you get that + the hair figured out, you should be okay. The clothing sounds appropriate from what you've described.

[neko]

I definately agree with those who said maybe a professional, polished cut and makeup. Also, a suit with accessories. People are always telling me that I look super young too and as I've noticed when I make an effort with my hair, etc. people do notice.
It's not exactly what you asked for but your question did remind me of this blog post.
www.extrapetite.com/2010/05/reader-request-how-to-look-older-in.html

[daringmiss]

Is there a woman that you have worked with whose style you really admired as professional? Or a mentor whose opinion you really valued? I would give them a call and ask if they had any suggestions about your style and how to convey your competence? They might have noticed things that you aren't aware of and give you better feedback than we can here.

[ellipses84]

Just a couple more tips. I am short and look young for my age. I am also the youngest person in upper management at my company in a male dominated industry. I try not to wear anything that looks too feminine. Pink or frilly clothes make me look even younger. I may lean towards boring or classic style, rather than trendy, if I think the trend will make me look younger. I wear a lot of slacks, fitted/collared/button down dress shirts and suit separates in black, gray, beige, blues and red. Once you've established your position, it won't matter as much, except when you are meeting new people.