Evolving Wardrobe Palettes

The thing about aging is that we outgrow strong colors just as much as waistlines. Over time our contrast lessens, features fade and hair grays, making bold colors suddenly overpowering where they used to be flattering. Who knew our faces would be the greatest disappearing act of all time? Yes, makeup helps, but a color palette overhaul helps more. After 50 consider swapping these 6 colors for any wardrobe colors that have become, well, just too much anymore:

1. Navy blue
   Black is the harshest color of all as we age, so consider replacing it with navy blue as your new power neutral. You won’t miss black since navy is still an authoritative color, but communicates trust, loyalty and confidence with a velvet glove. It’s particularly gorgeous on blondes after 50.

2. Charcoal gray
   If black is too hard to give up, test charcoal gray and see how it goes. It’s still deep, serious and strong, but not as confronting as black. Charcoal pairs beautifully with pastels like lavender, mint and baby blue, as well as jewel tones like fuchsia, emerald and cobalt. If you’re leaning into your natural gray hair, this is definitely your new power neutral!

3. Olive green
   Olive green is a kinder, gentler neutral green that comes in a range of light, dark, warm and cool hues. Find one that supports your undertone, hair and eyes best and pair with a splashy accent color like true red to raise the vibration. If you have hazel eyes, wear a red statement lip to really make your iris’ green flecks pop.

4. Emerald green
   Adjusting your color palette doesn’t mean eliminating exciting ones. Every closet needs a high-impact pop, so try emerald green for a statement hue. It flatters most undertones and contrasts well with all hair colors — black, brown, blonde, red and gray. Wear it as the main event (dress, jacket, silk blouse) or as an accent color (cocktail ring, velvet smoking slippers, silk scarf) and watch how it elevates your style and complements your complexion at once.

5. Teal
   If emerald feels too bold, try teal. The softer blue-green hue is deep but not dark, which complements any skin tone. It’s also a popular color at retail and therefore easy to find and shop. Teal pairs beautifully with neutrals dove gray, chocolate brown and taupe, as well as analogous colors aqua, turquoise and robin egg’s blue. It’s a versatile, highly-serviceable accent color that is superb after 50.

6. Pantone’s Color of the Year
   Infuse your color palette with a splash of trend with Pantone’s Color of the Year. It shows you’re still relevant, in touch and on-trend, plus it’s a great conversation starter. Viva Magenta is Pantone’s 2023 pick: A vibrant, high-vibration hue ideal for an accent color — think socks, grosgrain belt, rhinestone huggies, statement shoelaces or a power lip. Have fun with it and telegraph to the world 50 is not old. Please.

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