Wearing These 5 Colors Can Age You, Stylists Say
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Your wardrobe can help you express your personality—and this shouldn’t stop as you get older. In fact, you should ideally feel that as you mature, your sense of personal style becomes more fully realized. And choosing the right colors can go a long way in nailing your look with confidence. However, stylists say that the wrong colors can have the opposite effect. Rather than highlighting your best features, these shades can actually age you beyond your years and distract from your other sartorial choices. Here are the five colors experts recommend avoiding.
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Black and gray are both considered classic, must-have colors for your wardrobe, says Yenia Hernández Fonseca , a stylist, luxury fashion expert, and contributor to Margo Paige . However, she warns that relying too heavily on these shades can age you.
“Even though they’re very versatile colors, overusing blacks and grays cast sharp shadows around the face and can accentuate fine lines,” she explains
However, Fonseca notes that this doesn’t mean you have to strike these color staples from your wardrobe entirely. “Instead of avoiding these colors altogether, opt for softening the contrast with a creamy off-white scarf, a rich camel top, or deep-toned jewelry to bring warmth to your complexion,” she recommends.
Brenda Cooper , a fashion stylist , Emmy-winning costume designer, and color expert, says picking the right shade can also make a world of difference: “The key to rocking black lies in finding the right tone. For those with fair hair and skin , a soft charcoal black can work wonders, giving your complexion a radiant glow. Say goodbye to harsh shadows and hello to a flawless, vibrant look.”
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Fonseca warns that wearing soft pastel colors can also age you prematurely by highlighting changes to your skin and eyes.
“While beautiful and fresh, soft pastels can make your eyes look sunken,” she tells Best Life . “Older adults naturally develop a less white sclera, or ‘the white part’ of the eye, as they age. Eyelids become pigmented and melasma may appear. Pastels can enhance hyperpigmentation so it’s best to avoid them.”
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Neutral colors can lend a sophisticated and classic look to your wardrobe, but Fonseca says they can also backfire by making you look drab and older than your true age.
“Colors such as nude and blush can wash you out and make you look matronly,” she says. Instead of relying solely on these powdery shades, she suggests balancing out the look with darker colors.
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While you may refine your look or color palette as you get older, this doesn’t mean you have to banish bold colors from your closet. However, Cooper notes that there’s one bold color that can commonly go wrong: salmon pink.
“While salmon pink may be visually pleasing, wearing it can have its pitfalls. This vibrant hue can cast a fluorescent glow on your skin, accentuating any redness or imperfections,” says the stylist and color expert. “Beware of its potential to add weight to your face and opt for more flattering tones to enhance your natural radiance.”
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Cooper says that some colors are harder to nail than others, and that purple is notoriously difficult to get right. For example, if you opt for a purple top with gray undertones, this can leave your skin looking dull and lifeless.
“Purple, when chosen right, can exude elegance and sophistication,” the fashion expert says. “However, the wrong shade can cast unflattering shadows, leaving you looking fatigued and lackluster. Avoid hues that turn your skin and lips purple, drawing attention to imperfections. Opt for purples that enhance your features and breathe life into your look.”
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.
