Like everyone else is saying, Silver looks older, more badass (a very common word here xD),
and... curvaceous? xD Well, subtle changes in Elm's appearance make the character much better overall. No idea what they were thinking with that yellow stripe...
Well, I also hope they keep those old badass boots that Silver had before. Not sure if they'd really fit in the new design, but I don't care!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Although, his face reminds me of one of the Elite 4...I dunno who...lol
You're probably thinking of Lucian.
As for the resemblance between Silver's and Mars's hair, it's probably inconsequential. Pokémon designers like to copy that kind of thing, like with Saturn and Purugly. It makes you feel like the whole Pokémon world is one...
If you ask me, I say Maylene goes to the same store as Whitney. Pink, white, and blue color pallet in their clothing... And they both have pinkish hair?
Lol. Only difference is personality, I guess. I freakin' love Maylene. I won't be a man if I don't admit right now that she's hot. Whitney's just a whiney little b****. Lol, whiney with a 't' xD I bet that's on purpose!
"Hi! I'm Whitney! Everyone was into Pokémon, so I got into it too! Pokémon are super-cute! You want to battle? I'm warning you--I'm good!"
"Sob... ...Waaaaaaah! You're mean! You shouldn't be so serious! You...you child, you! Waaaaah! Waaaaah! Snivel, hic...You meanie!"
"...Sniff... What? What do you want? A badge? Oh, right. I forgot. Here's Plain Badge."
If you can't take losing, don't battle in the first place! Ugh, some people....