Getting dressed after 50 should never mean following a strict list of fashion rules. Personal style is always more important than age, and any color can look beautiful when it works with your complexion, hair color, and personal taste. However, some shades can sometimes make mature skin appear more tired, washed out, or dull, especially when worn directly next to the face.
As skin tone and hair color naturally change with age, colors that looked flattering in your 30s or 40s may not always create the same effect later in life. The good news is that you don’t have to completely eliminate these colors from your wardrobe. Choosing better shades, combining them with flattering neutrals, and adding accessories near the face can make a significant difference.
One of the first colors that some women find difficult to wear is very harsh black. Black is timeless, elegant, slimming, and extremely versatile, so there is no reason to remove it completely from your wardrobe. The issue is that solid black positioned directly beneath the face can sometimes emphasize shadows, fine lines, or uneven skin tone.
Instead of abandoning black, try wearing it farther away from your face. A black skirt, trousers, handbag, shoes, or jacket can still look sophisticated. If you love black tops, consider adding a lighter scarf, necklace, cardigan, or jacket between the black fabric and your face.
Another shade that can sometimes be challenging is dull gray. Gray can be incredibly elegant, but certain flat or dusty shades may make the complexion appear less vibrant. This is particularly noticeable when the gray closely resembles the natural undertone of the skin.
Rather than choosing a very dull gray, experiment with charcoal, silver, warm gray, slate, or a more sophisticated blue-gray. These variations can provide the elegance of gray while creating more contrast around the face.
Very pale beige can also be tricky. Beige is one of the most useful colors in a mature wardrobe, but a shade that is almost identical to your skin tone may make your outfit and complexion visually blend together.
If you enjoy neutral clothing, choose shades that provide a little contrast. Camel, caramel, taupe, mocha, cream, warm ivory, and richer beige tones can create a more polished appearance without becoming overly dramatic.
Another color that may sometimes make the complexion look tired is an extremely yellowish olive or muddy green. Green itself can be incredibly flattering, but undertones matter. A green with too much yellow or gray may not complement every complexion.
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