Do Certain Colors Make You Look Older? Here’s What to Avoid After 40
We’ve all learned a thing or two about what not to wear after 40—frumpy fits, orthopedic-looking shoes, anything that screams “I’ve given up.” But here’s something that might be sneaking under the radar: color.
The shades you wear can have a big impact on how fresh and modern you look. The right color can brighten your face, make your skin look glowing and healthy, and give you that pulled-together vibe. The wrong one? It can make you look washed out, tired, or older than you are (and who wants that?).
The good news is you don’t need to ditch color—you just need to get a little more strategic about it. It’s all about choosing shades that complement your mature skin tone, not clash with it.
Not sure where to start? Scroll on for the colors that might be aging you—and what to wear instead.
And if you’re craving a little seasonal inspo, don’t miss this post on Spring and Summer 2025 color trends.
Colors That Can Make You Look Older (And What to Wear Instead)
1. Harsh Black
Black is classic, slimming, and elegant, but the truth is that we age, and it can be incredibly harsh against our skin. Black absorbs light, so it emphasizes dark circles, fine lines, and any sallowness in the face. Suppose you love black (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), wear charcoal black, which is softer, or try breaking up all black with a colorful scarf, a statement necklace, or layering it under a flattering jacket in either a brighter or softer shade. I like to wear all black (like a black top and pants) with a colorful jacket or sweater in a pop of pink, red, or bright blue.
2. Muted Pastels
Powdery pinks, pale blues, and washed-out lavenders are pretty but can make mature skin look dull rather than fresh. These soft, washed-out “Golden Girls” colors lack vibrancy and can make us look old, outdated, and frumpy. The solution? More saturated pastels (which happen to be very much in style right now). Think rose pink, periwinkle, or a perky lavender—to add a healthy, youthful glow. I wear a lot of these colors. They’re soft but perky, energetic but not glaringly bright.
3. Beige and Taupe
Neutrals can be chic, but certain shades of beige, taupe, and even some grays can sap the life from your skin, making you look tired or even sickly. If you love neutrals, opt for warm ivories, rich camel tones, or creamy off-whites, which are warmer and add contrast without washing you out.
4. Neon Brights
Super-bright colors like electric blue, neon green, or hot pink can appear intense against mature skin. They’re like a spotlight emphasizing fine lines and wrinkles. Instead of neon, go for jewel tones like sapphire, emerald, or deep raspberry, which are vibrant but more refined and flattering.
5. Acidic Yellows and Greens
Shades like lime green, chartreuse, and lemon yellow can be tricky colors to wear at any age, as they tend to accentuate sallowness in the skin, especially in older individuals. Instead, warm golden yellows, olive greens, and deep forest tones can give you a more radiant, youthful look.
The Colors That Make You Look Fresh and Vibrant
Now that we’ve covered what to avoid, let’s talk about what makes you look fabulous!
1. Jewel Tones
Rich, deep colors like emerald green, burgundy, royal blue, and amethyst are incredibly flattering on women over 40. They add warmth and dimension to the skin without overwhelming it.
2. Soft Whites and Creams
Bright, icy white can often be too stark, but warm ivories, creamy off-whites, and soft vanilla shades brighten your complexion without looking harsh. These soft hues are perfect for blouses, sweaters, and even outerwear. Lively, warmer beiges and Taupes are lovely too.
Mixed Cable Knit Polo Cardigan
3. Navy Blue
If you love black but find it a little too harsh, navy blue is a perfect alternative. It’s the modern alternative to bland, perfect girls of our age who want a polished, sophisticated look that doesn’t drain the color from their face. A warmer blue is always a little friendlier than a cold navy blue with black undertones.
4. Rosy Pinks and Corals
A touch of pink works wonders for a mature complexion. Shades like rose pink, warm peach, and soft coral add warmth and life to mature skin, giving you an instant glow-up. I’ve always loved these colors but find myself wearing them more now than ever!
5. Earthy Reds and Oranges
I love red and orange, but I’ve noticed that some of the bolder, clearer shades tend to accentuate wrinkles and age spots. So, I’ve started experimenting with softer, richer versions, such as brick red, terracotta, and cinnamon. These desert shades are a little easier to pair with mature skin tones and bring out a warm, healthy glow.
6. Olives, warm yellows, Deep Forest Greens
Green is trending this fall, and it’s the perfect color for gals our age. It’s rich, sophisticated, and thoughtful.
How to Tell If a Color Is Aging You
Not sure if a color is working for you? Here are a few easy ways to tell:
- Stand in Natural Light – If your skin looks dull or tired next to a certain shade, it’s not doing you any favors.
- Check Your Reflection – Does the color emphasize dark circles, wrinkles, or make your skin look uneven? Time to swap it out.
- Ask for a Second Opinion – A stylish friend or a store associate can help you determine whether a shade is enhancing your look or washing you out.
- Try the Lipstick Test – If a color makes your lips look pale and lifeless, it’s probably not a great choice for your wardrobe either.
Ultimately, there are no hard and fast rules about what colors work or don’t work after the age of 40, 50, or 60. Everyone is unique when it comes to the colors that suit them, and we all age differently. Try out these guidelines and see for yourself if these suggested colors make a difference for you. These slight changes in the way I wear color have helped me to continue to look and feel my best at any age!
Hi Deborah, what a great article! It is far better to wear what flatters us than to wear what is trending. And you are so right, what worked for us in our younger years doesn’t always work well for us as we mature. I have a friend who is a personal stylist, who told me that if you have to cake on the makeup to avoid looking washed out, you’re wearing the wrong colors.
Hi Carolyn! That’s a great way of putting it and so true. I have to cake it on with black and even then, it’s just too high contrast. In one hour I’m back to pasty face!