Color can be one of your best style allies or your worst enemy. Our styles and color preferences naturally change over the years. We go through hair color changes, many of us choosing to go silver or white after age 60. You have probably also noticed that your skin tone is not the same as it was 20 years ago. These are all natural parts of the aging process. We need to embrace it and learn to work with it, not against it.
As our skin tones and hair color change over time, the trusted colors we wore in our youth may be draining the color from our face and even make us look tired and older than our actual age. Of course, color choices are subjective and personal, and no one should tell you what to wear or what not to wear. But sometimes opening our minds and trying new things can have a big impact. Let’s face it, nobody wants to look tired, especially if we are feeling great. I think that when several fashion experts say the same thing, it’s worth considering.
Let’s review common color mistakes many women over 60 make and the best ways to address them. Even small color tweaks can work wonders.
Common Color Mistakes That Can Make You Look Tired… and What to Do
Skin tones and hair colors vary widely. Not all colors make you look tired in your 60’s if you have a darker complexion. We’ll review a generalised list of colors that make women over 60 look tired that most fashion experts agree on.
Wearing Black Close to Your Face
Black is a classic and is a staple in many of our closets. This one can be a tad controversial, as many women swear by wearing black. I am guilty of this. Today, I find that wearing all black with my silver hair and cooler skin tone is starting to make me look older than I am.
Think of old grannies from decades past who wore all-black dresses. I’m pretty sure we all have the same image in our heads right now. They tended to look older than they actually were.
Not to say we have to stop wearing black after we turn 60. If you enjoy wearing black, try adding a colorful scarf or necklace to break up the black near your face.
Look at the difference a splash of color makes.
Consider changing black to one of these colors instead:
- Navy or indigo
- Dark charcoal
- Deep brown
Read more: 2026 Fashion Trends for Women Over 50.
Pale Beige, Soft Taupe, or Very Light Neutrals
These colors can drain the color from your face, making you look drab and exhausted. It’s not advisable to match the color of our top to our skin tone.
Tip: Look for neutrals with a hint of warmth or textures that add interest.
Cool Pastels
Cool pastels are pretty, but they can easily drain the warmth from your face. Icy pinks, baby blue, and even lavender can reflect gray tones onto your skin, which can emphasize fatigue.
Choose warm pastels instead. Like these:
- Soft coral
- Muted apricot
- Peach
- Warm rose
Cool Grey
Cool grey may look cool on younger women, but not on women over 60, especially if you have grey/silver hair and blueish circles under your eyes. Darker and warmer greys can look good even if you have silver or white hair.
Read more: Best Nail Polish Colors for Over 60s.
One of my favorite YouTube creators, Dominique Sachse, recently asked an AI to perform a color analysis on her, and the results are quite impressive. Check out her video about her experience here:
Would you ask AI for a color analysis? If you do, I would love to hear about it. Let us know in the comments section below.
Quick Color Ideas That Almost Always Work
Here is a quick checklist of color tips to help you choose your daily outfits.
- Bring warmth near the face.
- Avoid matching your top too closely to your skin tone.
- Add contrast if wearing very dark or very pale colors.
- Texture adds interest and matters as much as color.
But what if you love all these colors? Here are some simple tricks to wear your colors:
- Move draining colors away from the face.
- Add scarves, necklaces, earrings, or lipstick for balance.
- Layer lighter tones under warmer ones.
Remember that these are guidelines and not rules. The bottom line is that you choose what colors you want to wear, but it’s never a bad idea to keep an open mind and to try new things.
Read more: 2026 Hair Color Trends for Women Over 50.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
What is your favorite color? Have you noticed that it doesn’t look the same on you as it did before? Are you open to changing your color choices or making adjustments? Tell us about it in the comments below.
