5 Tips for Wearing Jewel-Tone Colors Over 60, Stylists Say

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There’s a reason jewel tones are so popular: These vibrant hues have a certain energy about them—when you put them on, they make you feel bold and luxurious. They also work well on every skin tone, as long as you choose the right one (more on that later!), and are readily available at most stores and online shops. Plus, there’s no better feeling than walking into a room of blacks and greys and standing out in a cobalt blue or emerald green. If you want some new inspiration for styling the colors in your 60s and beyond, we’ve got your back. Here, personal stylists share their best tips for wearing jewel-tone colors. They’ll motivate you to add more to your closet and to reimagine the items you already own.

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Almost all jewel tones are universally flattering, but there are some that will truly feel like “your” color. It all comes down to your skin’s undertones, says Michelle Barrett , stylist and founder of Capsule Closet Stylist .

First, you’ll need to decide if you have cool or warm tones. If the veins on the inside of your wrist are green, you’re likely warm; if they’re blue, you’re likely cool. “Choose jewel tones accordingly, so red, orange, gold, and yellow for warm toned and blue, green, and purple for cool toned,” says Barrett. “Aqua can work for both.”

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Go all in on jewel tones with a monochrome outfit. Barrett suggests pairing pieces with different fabrics to make your outfit look properly styled. “Team cotton with silk, wool with satin, or leather with knitwear,” she says. “This way, it looks like you are trying to create a monochromatic look rather than make an outfit look like a set or suit.”

A super easy way to create a monochrome jewel-tone look is with a colored dress and matching shoes. You can wear that outfit everywhere, from the office to an errand run to a picnic.

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Dip your toes into the waters of jewel tones by starting with an accessory. “Try a cobalt tote bag for every day, an amethyst envelope clutch and LBD for date night, or a sapphire sequin baguette and white tuxedo suiting for black tie,” says Elizabeth Kosich , certified image stylist and founder of Elizabeth Kosich Styling . “For extra panache, tie a contrasting-colored silk scarf to the top handles of your jewel-tone handbag.” The purse will act as a focal point for any outfit you pair it with.

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Another way to accessorize with jewel tones is with a shoe. “Try magenta Mary Janes, ruby red ballet flats, or sapphire velvet smoking slippers to test drive the palette,” says Kosich. “If those colors seem too strong, emerald green is universally flattering to all skin tones, so try it instead.” The stylist enjoys pairing these bold shoes with more casual clothes, like denim, camouflage, or flannel. “It keeps them grounded,” she says.

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Hey, there’s no shame in starting your foray into jewel tones with actual jewels! This is especially true if you’re not sure exactly which hues look best on you. “Try sparkly huggies, glamorous teardrops, or dramatic chandelier earrings to draw attention up and toward your face and to brighten it,” says Kosich. “If that’s too much bling, accessorize with a single statement cocktail ring that dazzles or an enamel cuff with jewel stones clustered throughout.” The more you stack on, the more dramatic the result.

6 Prints You Need in Your Wardrobe as You Get Older, Stylists Say

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If you’re anything like us, you’ve probably started many sentences with the phrase: “My wardrobe would be complete, if I only had”—and then ended it with a closet essential like trousers , a button-down, straight-leg denim, or a leather jacket . Without these core pieces, it’s difficult to put together cohesive outfits, and you might often feel like you have nothing to wear. But staples don’t only apply to clothing items and silhouettes. There are also core prints you should own, especially as you get older. Here, personal stylists spill their favorite clothing prints that create the backbone of a mature, sophisticated wardrobe. With these in your closet, you’ll be able to create interesting, layered looks that truly shine.

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There’s no way around it: Stripes are a classic .

“Pairing a chic striped top or bottom with a basic [bottom or] top will balance a look well and give it an effortless Parisian vibe,” says Sahra Schukraft Brandt , personal stylist and founder of Shop the City . “If your style errs maximalist and bold, pair it with another print like a floral or an alternating stripe!”

If you opt for a second stripe, choose one in a different size. If you match your stripes with a second print, choose one in a similar size as the stripe.

You’ll also want to pair the color of your stripes to your outfit properly. “Use the color in the pattern, not the background of the pattern, to match other garments or accessories,” says Michelle Barrett , stylist and founder of Capsule Closet Stylist . “This way, the block color of other garments or accessories will lift and link the colors in the pattern.”

So, if you have a cream sweater with a black stripe, you’ll want to pair it with black pants, as opposed to cream ones. It’ll make the pattern pop.

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Polka dots have been on-trend for ages, and you can expect them to retain that status. Add them to your wardrobe for an easy way to make any outfit more fun.

“Remember that the larger the dots, the bigger the trend statement, so go smaller the older you get,” says Elizabeth Kosich , certified image stylist and founder of Elizabeth Kosich Styling .

She also says it’s important to consider the dots’ contrast in comparison to your own. If you have a low contrast between your complexion and other features (say, if you have dark skin and dark eyes), you’ll want to avoid dots that have a high contrast (like black and white). It’ll take your entire look to the next level—even if people can’t quite put a finger on why.

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This print doesn’t have to be scary. In fact, Schukraft Brandt says it can be timelessly chic.

“I think going small with leopard print can help it feel more approachable—think a leopard-print shoe, neckerchief, or hair scarf,” she shares. “Pairing it with other basics and using it as a neutral ensures that it isn’t too statement-making but just enough of fun.”

If you want to try something bold, team a leopard midi skirt with a streamlined black heel or boot.

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Add some grooviness to your wardrobe with a funky swirl print piece. “A cool psychedelic print can really be a statement item that can help you feel bold and young,” says Schukraft Brandt. “I love a bright ’70s print paired with a bold solid color dress or pants and top for a monochromatic look, paired with a more tame shoe.”

If you go big on this print, you’ll want to keep things fairly minimalist elsewhere.

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It wouldn’t be a list of essential prints without a floral. “The key is to complement your skin tone,” says Barrett. “As a general rule, if you have pale skin and hair, choose pastels ; if you have dark hair and medium to dark skin, you can choose brighter tones; and if you have dark skin and hair, choose medium to dark or bright tones.”

No matter what, you’ll be able to style florals year-round. Barrett is particularly fond of wearing them on a silk scarf that’s paired with a Breton striped top.

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Similar to florals, there’s paisley. “It’s a classic, traditional motif that—depending upon color palette—can skew either fresh and youthful or stately and mature,” says Kosich. “Shop paisleys in summer brights like turquoise, teal, orange, and coral to project a light-hearted, spunky mood, or choose a quieter palette in earthy tones like mustard, burgundy, and forest green to send a conservative, quiet message.”

It’s a fun pattern for a scarf, dress, or shirt. Try a paisley tank top under a solid-color blazer to dip your toes in the trend.