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There’s absolutely nothing wrong with classic, easy, elegant, versatile black. We’ll never really leave it behind; it’s just too good in too many style situations. But if you feel like your wardrobe has turned into a bit of a “black hole” of dark clothing, you’re not alone. In fact, many women over 50 find themselves going back to black time and again, out of habit rather than joy, maybe defaulting to “safe” when they could be reaching for something far more interesting and powerful.
But there’s a caveat: as our skin and hair colour evolve with age, wearing black can become less flattering than it once was. Casting shadows near the face, dulling our complexion rather than enhancing it, and even bringing out dark circles under our eyes. That’s not to say we should ditch the dark altogether, as black will always have a place in our hearts and wardrobes.
It’s just not necessarily the safe choice it used to be. And what might be a lot safer, as counterintuitive as it might sound, is a pop of beautiful, well-styled colour. So whether you’re ready for a full wardrobe refresh or just want to dip your toe into something new, here are eight colours that women over 50 are loving right now…and ways to wear them beautifully.
1. Rich burgundy
Burgundy is one of those colours that feels both dramatic and deeply wearable, which can be a rare combination. In fact, it has the same depth and versatility as black, but burgundy brings warmth to the skin rather than draining it, making it especially flattering for those of us with lighter or greying hair. And while it’s having a big moment right now, it also happens to be perennially on trend, appearing season after season in everything from tailored blazers and leather bags to flowing midi dresses and chunky knits.
If you’re new to the shade, a burgundy knit or a longline blazer is a wonderful entry point, as are accessories like bags, belts, and shoes. But burgundy really is a versatile and easy-to-wear colour, with even head-to-toe monochrome looking elegant and dramatic. Not sure? Just look at how beautifully Louise Redknapp rocks a full burgundy look (above); full colour but still so chic, and not overstated.
Because it’s so on trend right now, you’re spoiled for choice as far as finding the right piece or pieces for you, but if you’re looking for some inspiration, we especially love this safari jacket in a rich burgundy from Zara.
2. Warm camel or toffee
If the idea of going full colour still feels like a step too far, camel and its richer cousin toffee are the perfect choice. These aren’t dull, blend-in neutrals – they’re warm, bold, luxurious shades that look chic on virtually everyone, illuminate and warm up your complexion, and photograph beautifully. Everyone from Meryl Streep to Elle McPherson and over-50s style blogger and interior designer, Cindy Hattersley, loves the colour.
The key to wearing these tones well is in the texture. A camel coat in a good wool blend, a toffee-coloured brushed suede jacket, or a butter-soft ribbed knit in this family of shades will elevate your entire outfit; it simply makes things a little luxurious.
Camel also pairs brilliantly with other colours on our list – burgundy, cobalt, and forest green all shine alongside it – meaning that a few good pieces will be real workhorses for your wardrobe, and you’ll get real value from them.
A classic camel coat is one of the best fashion investments you can make at any age, and it will serve you for years. Cos and Reiss regularly offer beautifully cut options, or this stunning, richly toned single-breasted camel coat from Karen Millen is great value.
3. Cobalt blue
Cobalt is having a massive moment (just look at this article in Vogue), and for good reason. It’s one of those rare strong shades that genuinely suits almost all skin tones despite being as bold as it is. It looks expensive, makes a statement without shouting, and can work just as well for a lunch as for an evening occasion.
Nikki Garnett – who runs the much-loved blog Midlifechic and is one of the UK’s most trusted style voices for women over 40 – has long preached the power of a strong blue, whether worn casually or as a showstopper. It’s a colour that can really anchor an outfit; a striking scarf, a well-cut blazer or a pair of striking cobalt shoes will take an everyday look to a new level.
Cobalt is a fantastic summer colour, too, and wears beautifully as a light, summery dress like this comfortable, stretch-waist cobalt dress from Debenhams – perfect with some white tennis shoes or, to dress it up a little, some pretty wedge sandals.
4. Forest green
Deep, rich forest green has become an earthy rival to navy as the chicest dark alternative to black. It works across all seasons, looking wonderful in heavier fabrics like wool and velvet in autumn and winter, but equally, elegantly gorgeous in lighter linens or satin-finish fabrics in spring and summer.
The green family is broad, so the trick is to find the depth of green that suits your colouring. If you have a warmer skin tone, you might find that you suit richer, more earthy greens, while those with cooler complexions can go slightly deeper and even cooler, towards a bluer or greyer shade.
A forest green midi dress like this one from Boden, or a chic blazer like this oversized one from Next might be totally different shades, but the elegance of each demonstrates just how wearable this beautiful colour is.
5. Yellow
Yellow might be the last colour many would reach for, regularly showing up among the least popular colours for clothing. But that’s mostly because tone is so important. The wrong shade of yellow can clash with different skin tones…yet the right shade can be transformatively flattering for women with silver, white, or greying hair.
The contrast really does work, and a soft warm yellow – think marigold, butter, or mustard rather than anything neon or primary – brings an energy and radiance to the complexion that very few other colours can match. Just look at Cate Blanchett’s iconic Oscars look, or Pamela Anderson’s beautiful, casual, butter-yellow drenched outfit.
But you don’t need to go head-to-toe like Pamela – a yellow silk scarf with a white tee, a warm mustard knit with jeans, or a marigold linen shirt worn open over a white top is all it takes to let the colour work for you. Something lovely and low-key like his beautiful butter-yellow alpaca cardigan from Sézane is the perfect pick if you want a cosy, butter-soft way to ease yourself into yellow.
6. Lavender and lilac
Don’t dismiss lavender as a pastel afterthought – in its more sophisticated, greyish iterations, it’s one of the most elegant colours you can wear. Lilac and lavender sit beautifully near the face, feel wonderfully fresh, and look stunning next to silver hair and cool skin tones. They also layer beautifully with white, cream, grey, denim, and even cobalt blue for a colour-blocking effect that feels polished and stylish.
There’s a reason these are Helen Mirren’s favourite tones, and her many purple outfits are the perfect inspiration if you’re trying to get inspired. But if you’re not quite looking for a red carpet showstopper, but something chic and casual for every day, we can certainly help with a suggestion. This simple, cool-toned lilac cardigan or patterned knit short-sleeve top from New Look, or even a more dramatic statement sweater like this one from Iro, are easy ways to incorporate the colour into your everyday wardrobe.
7. Chocolate brown
Brown is unequivocally the new black – yes, I know we’ve been hearing this since the 90s, but it remains true. And while the phrase still stands, the trick to keep it current is to be on trend; at the moment, it’s all about deep, rich, intensely satisfying chocolate and mahogany tones that look and feel like pure luxury.
Brown has the same slimming, grounding effect as black but brings a warmth and earthiness that can feel far more inviting. It also combines brilliantly with so many of the other colours on our list; particularly camel and toffee tones for a warm palette that looks effortlessly put together.
Alyson Walsh of That’s Not My Age (@thatsnotmyage), one of the UK’s most respected and widely read fashion voices for midlife women, has been championing the chocolate brown moment by putting together looks that prove how sophisticated and versatile the shade can be when you commit to the right pieces and the right fit.
If you’re tempted to put together a look like this, you’ll find lots of great chocolate browns in Marks & Spencer right now, like these bitter chocolate barrel leg trousers.
8. Burnt orange
Burnt orange may feel a little intimidating to some – yes, it’s a bold shade – but it’s also surprisingly flattering on women with silver, white, or salt-and-pepper hair. And again it’s a colour of many shades; in its deeper, more muted iterations it feels far more sophisticated and less “loud” or bold than its name might suggest.
The trick is to keep everything else simple. A burnt orange coat over a neutral outfit will look effortlessly stylish, and command attention without demanding it. You can certainly start small if you need to – a burnt orange bag or shoes is a wonderful way to test the temperature before going bigger. But with the right shade, you can easily go big, too.
H&M have a beautiful selection of rusty, burnt oranges at the moment, and with shades like this it’s easy to go head to toe – we love this kaftan dress, for example. And this chiffon kaftan and pants set is to die for, and super easy to dress up or down.
Final thoughts…
Switching away from black doesn’t mean you have to abandon the comfort of familiar, reliable dressing. It’s more about exploring what actually makes you feel brilliant, maybe even finding a new familiar. And as you’ve seen from this article, more and more women over 50 are showing us every day on platforms like Instagram that the most stylish thing you can wear is confidence in a colour you love.
Expanding your colour palette can be a bit of a journey – it takes time to figure out your tones – but it’s a fun one, and once you get your key pieces, you’ll find the rest all starts to come together. If you’re not sure where to start, try just one piece – one cobalt blazer, one forest green knit, one butter yellow shirt – and practice styling it in different ways to see how it feels.
You’ll find your skills and your confidence will soon start to build, and in no time, black will be at the back of your wardrobe as you confidently choose colour.
For more inspiration, check out our article: 10 tips for dressing with colour and confidence.
Have you made the switch away from black? Tell us what colour has transformed your wardrobe in the comments below.
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