Hello!
This is just something I've been pondering lately. I'm 21, but am often mistaken for appearing much younger than I actually am (sometimes up to 7 years younger in fact)! Recently I have been beginning to wonder if this is due to the way that I dress? I tend to dress in a laid-back, street, creative style. I like my bright colours and 'cute' influences; and often, due to my rather small frame and petite figure, buy my skirts and trousers from 'teen' departments (as its really difficult to find my size in the 'grown up' sections!).

Anyway, my question is, when do you think is about the right time to start dressing in a way that appears more mature?

I'm still a student right now, and really can't imagine myself trading in my purple Converse trainers for a pair of high-heeled boots! I prefer to dress for comfort than anything else, and the thought of dressing like some 21 year olds I've seen would feel so impractical to me!

I still feel so young....but wonder if I'll ever reach that point of no return where I suddenly realise that I need to dress my age!

meh, just wear what you like innit.

You wont consciously make that decision, one day you'll just find yourself wearing sensible shoes

With age your tastes change and it will be a gradual change, don't worry just yet.

I'm 30 and still wear what the hell I want, including brights and cons. I have a petite figure (size 6) and pretty much get ID'd every time I buy fags or booze. I hate the idea of conservative dress. Wear what you want and to hell with those Daily Mail type women who look down on you, just jealous.

Remember Age is a state of mind

This makes me feel uplifted! Thanks for the positive replies!
Its reassuring to hear that peoples' fashions develop slowly. I was so worried that I would one day just look myself in the mirror and wonder what the hell I was thinking!

Forever shall I be a 16 year old.....!! (Until perhaps the wrinkles kick in!!)

Same age as you and same mentality, but not every day is the same - I dress for the occassion and the convenience but if I'm doing something down tempo etc.. you won't get me out of my sneakers and jeans combos, equally if it's a night event I like to dress up, but in my terms, not in something samey and obvious - I love retro and vintage for example and that's worked well for me as I've got older in not compromising my style but also not looking *too* muttony!

People often mistake me for younger and I honestly don't think it's my clothes - it's the behaviour I believe!

I've also actively sought out work and pursuits that don't involve me wearing a droney uniform of whatever kind - life should not be about bad fitting suits and ugly heeled boots!

I agree, obviously at office I don't wear hotpants and neon pink tights or sequined leggings, but I do like to push boundries. Today I am wearing Comme boiled wool pants, simone shailes loop jumper and marc jacobs deconstructed shoes. I look professional but directional. Tomorrow I will wear Westwood or luella. I think there is something so sad about those girls in ill fitting suits wearing trainers to swap for heels.

Nothing is going to drive me out of Topshop in hurry

i am almost 31 and i dress as thouh im in my 20s, I look young for my age and dressing younger for my age doesnt help people thinking I am just around 21. I am not really into what people think a 31 year old should wear, e.g. many i know wear smart trousers, high heel boots, blouses and this not just for work but on weekends etc.. I just like my jeans, fancy trendy 20 something tops and flat comfortable boots, pumps etc.. I wear bubble style coats and others my age I see wearing belted coats etc.. I just think I am me and thats what I like, I have always been a casual person, smart 24 7 doesnt suit me in terms of trousers, boots and blouses.