When midlife hits, you might find yourself worrying about wrinkles, greying hair and outfits that make you look older than your years.
But one commonly overlooked factor is jewellery – and how it can sneakily add years to your appearance with the wrong choice.
Although it’s just the finishing touch to an outfit, it can be just as ageing as wearing dated jeans or neglecting your roots, according to award-winning personal stylist Lisa Talbot.
While the right jewellery can make you look elevated and youthful, the wrong accessories can harden features and even highlight the lines you’ve spent a fortune on banishing with expensive skincare.
‘Jewellery should frame your face like lighting,’ she explained. ‘When chosen well, it brightens and lifts. When chosen poorly, it can emphasise exactly what you’re trying to soften.
Read on for the ultimate guide to anti-ageing your jewellery box and taking years off your look.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, award-winning personal stylist Lisa Talbot has shared her tips and tricks for how best to style a new piece of jewellery – and the common mistakes people make. Pictured: US actress Zendaya wears layered jewellery at the 2021 Oscars
In Your 20s
‘Your 20s are often when you experiment, which is wonderful. But piling on multiple chains, mixed metals and statement earrings all at once can overwhelm your natural freshness,’ Lisa said.
She explained that this can age you for the following reasons: ‘Too many competing finishes, gold, silver, resin, beads can look visually chaotic. Instead of appearing playful, the effect can feel heavy and dull, dragging down the skin’s natural glow.’
‘There have been moments on red carpets where younger stars such as Hailey Bieber have layered multiple chunky chains with bold earrings and the jewellery ends up wearing them rather than the other way around,’ she added.
Instead, Lisa recommends ‘intentional layering’.
She added: ‘Choose two fine chains of similar tone rather than five competing ones. Keep earrings clean if your neckline is busy.’
Who gets it right: ‘Zendaya is a masterclass in balance. When she layers, she keeps tones cohesive, often sticking to one metal family – allowing her skin and outfit to shine.’
In Your 30s:
Lisa said that Lily James (pictured) often ‘gets it right’ by opting for ‘softer, curved gold pieces that frame rather than dominate her features’
Lisa said that ‘there have been appearances where Margot Robbie has worn very structured, heavy gold pieces that slightly harden her softness’
‘In your thirties, jewellery often becomes more “investment-led”. But oversized cuffs, thick chokers or very heavy hoops can sharpen the face in ways that emphasise hollowness,’ said the stylist.
She added that ‘extremely chunky pieces’ can age you as they ‘make the face look more angular or gaunt, particularly if cheekbones are already defined’.
Offering an example of where it can go wrong, Lisa said: ‘There have been appearances where Margot Robbie has worn very structured, heavy gold pieces that slightly harden her softness, particularly when paired with slicked-back hair.’
Instead, she suggests swapping ‘solid heavy chokers for mid-length pendants or fluid chain designs. This season’s sculptural but hollow gold pieces give impact without visual weight.’
Who gets it right: ‘Lily James often opts for softer, curved gold pieces that frame rather than dominate her features.’
In Your 40s:
Even style icons like Reese Witherspoon (pictured) have had moments where classic pearls styled traditionally felt slightly ageing against contemporary outfits, Lisa explained
Lisa added that Victoria Beckham (pictured) succeeds in wearing jewellery ‘sparingly’. She added: ‘It feels current and powerful’
‘This is the decade where many women fall into the “timeless equals safe” trap,’ Lisa warned.
She added that these looks have the potential to age you as ‘traditional pearl strands, matchy-matchy sets and overly conservative stud earrings can unintentionally feel corporate and dated, particularly with modern tailoring’.
‘Even style icons like Reese Witherspoon have had moments where classic pearls styled traditionally felt slightly ageing against contemporary outfits,’ she explained.
Instead, she suggested that while pearls are ‘still in’, one should opt for ‘baroque shapes, asymmetry or mixed-metal settings’ and ‘avoid full matching sets’.
Who gets it right: ‘Victoria Beckham wears jewellery sparingly, often one modern statement earring or a sleek cuff, keeping everything else minimal. It feels current and powerful.’
In Your 50s:
Lisa warned that at this age, ‘many women scale back too much, fearing statement pieces will feel “too much”.’ However, she suggests that Cate Blanchett (pictured) has understood the assignment
There have been red carpet moments where stars like Nicole Kidman (pictured in February 2025) have chosen jewellery so delicate it almost disappears against pale gowns, Lisa said
At this age, Lisa suggested that ‘many women scale back too much, fearing statement pieces will feel “too much”‘.
She noted this can age you for the following reasons: ‘Ultra-fine, barely-there pieces can fade into the skin, especially as contrast in colouring softens over time.’
‘This can make your overall look feel flat,’ she added.
‘There have been red carpet moments where stars like Nicole Kidman have chosen jewellery so delicate it almost disappears against pale gowns.’
Instead, she advised women not to fear scale, but opt for ‘pieces with light’.
‘This season’s polished gold cuffs, sculptural earrings and gemstone accents reflect light and brighten the face,’ she said.
Who gets it right: ‘Cate Blanchett understands proportion beautifully. She chooses bold yet refined earrings that lift her jawline and add structure.’
60s and Beyond:
Lisa praises Helen Mirren (pictured) for often ‘mixing modern statement earrings with sleek gowns’
‘Matching necklace, earrings and bracelet sets can instantly date a look,’ Lisa warned.
Trying to achieve ‘perfect co-ordination can feel formal and old-fashioned,’ she said and added: ‘Modern style is about contrast.’
‘At some formal events, highly co-ordinated diamond suites on older stars can feel more regal than contemporary.’
Instead, the stylist suggested considering ‘breaking up sets’ or ‘wearing the earrings alone’.
‘Pair heirloom diamonds with something modern and sculptural,’ she advised.
Who gets it right: ‘Helen Mirren often mixes modern statement earrings with sleek gowns, proving contrast is key.’
Ultimately, Lisa advised that the key thing to remember when purchasing or wearing jewellery is that it should ‘lift’, rather than ‘drag’.
She added that it is crucial one seeks to ‘match scale to your bone structure’.
The acclaimed stylist also advised: ‘Keep metals cohesive unless intentionally styling contrast, avoid overly tight chokers – they shorten the neck – and update classics with modern twists’.
