Why we love black and white outfits

First, let’s look at just some of the many reasons to embrace black and white in your outfits.

Moss Rose Wrap Ruana – Alexander McQueen Orchid Print Cotton T-Shirt – Misook Colorblocked Lace Longline Jacket – FINIZO Soft Scarf – MANGO Floral Long Skirt – Alice + Olivia Willa Combo Silk Shirt – Open Edit Imitation Pearl Crystal Pavé Button Drop Earrings – Zavana Bib Necklace – CELINE Monochrome 57mm Rectangular Sunglasses – Zimmermann Tuck Belted Polka Dot Wide-Leg Pant – Veronica Beard Cheshire Striped Cashmere Cardigan – Elie Tahari Ellis Colorblocked V-Neck Sleeveless Jumpsuit – C.Paravano Leather Slingback Flats – Dr. Scholl’s Madison Sneakers – Aimee Kestenberg About Town Leather Drawstring Bucket Bag

You can’t get it wrong

Trust us. It’s tough to go wrong when putting together a black-and-white outfit. Go on, get everything out of your closet that is black or white, or black and white, and lay it out on your bed. You can see that everything goes with everything else.

Dress and blouse Adolpho Dominguiz, shoes Russel & Bromly, Sunglasses Burberry – similar striped tee, shirt (other option here and here), dress (another option here), tights, boots, bag (another option here), earrings, hat and sunglasses

See my outfit in action!

You can wear black and white outfits to suit your body type

We always talk about not following fashion slavishly but using fashion to flatter your figure and accentuate what you love. You can use either black or white to either downplay or highlight a part of your body you like.

For example, if you are a pear shape and have larger hips and thighs, you can wear black on your bottom half and white on the top to balance your silhouette. If you are an inverted triangle, do the opposite.

Dress and blouse Adolpho Dominguiz, shoes Russel & Bromly, Sunglasses Burberry – similar striped tee, shirt (other option here and here), dress (another option here), tights, boots, bag (another option here), earrings, hat and sunglasses

You can switch them up with a pop of color

Black and white go with all of your colors. You can use black and white classic items as the basis for a capsule wardrobe, and then add different colors to create different looks.

Georgette @grownandcurvywoman above (read her style interview here) looks fabulous in her polka dot outfit. Note that she uses a big print for her pants and a smaller print for her top, which is a great way to mix your prints.

Recreate her outfit with this similar top (another option here), pants (plus size option here), coat, booties, clutch and earrings.

Black and white is timeless and sophisticated

Black and white aren’t some faddy colors that won’t be on trend the next season. So, you can be sure that your black and white clothes, shoes and accessories are a good, timeless invesment.

prints tend to be perennial

Black and white prints tend to be very timeless. Think about it. You often get houndstooth, polka dot, and striped clothes in black and white.

Dress and blouse Adolpho Dominguiz, shoes Russel & Bromly, Sunglasses Burberry – similar striped tee, dress (another option here), tights, boots, bag (another option here), earrings, hat and sunglasses

Below, you can see how designers chose to use black and white on the spring runways. We love Victoria Beckham’s big graphic prints, and the timelessness of the polka dots and stripes.

Victoria Beckham – Yohji Yamamoto – Chanel

What if black or white aren’t really our colors?

Black can look quite harsh on many older women. That’s why it often works best to combine black with its counterpart white. It immediately makes the overall look less harsh and more playful.

If you do not need some extra color close to your face, consider wearing brighter lipstick or wearing colorful earrings, (sun)glasses or a scarf.

Dress and blouse Adolpho Dominguiz, shoes Russel & Bromly, Sunglasses Burberry – similar striped tee, shirt (other option here and here), dress (another option here), tights, boots, bag (another option here), earrings, hat and sunglasses

Black and white print capsule

We hope we have inspired you to do some black-and-white print mixing. Let’s create a fabulous capsule wardrobe from items available in shops today featuring only black and white. You’ll see there are lots of ideas for print mixing.

tops

You can get this season’s big floral print trend using only black and white, choose color-blocking, opt for black-and-white stripes, or choose to be subtle with a new take on the classic white t-shirt.

Alexander McQueen Orchid Print Cotton T-Shirt – J.Crew Vintage Contrast Trim Rib Shrunken T-shirt – Splendid Whitney Striped Crop T-Shirt – Alice + Olivia Willa Combo Silk Shirt

Black and white stripes really work as a neutral because they go with everything, so you can wear black and white stripes with a big, bold print.

Splendid Whitney Striped Crop T-Shirt – DIARRABLU Leer Suto Print Palazzo Pants – C.Paravano Leather Slingback Flats – Staud Mini Moon Leather Shoulder Bag – AUGTIGER Stud Earrings

Black and white jackets and cardigans

Moving onto jackets and cardigans, look out for stripes, dots and square designs. Or, add a touch of glamour with black and white sequins.

Veronica Beard Cheshire Striped Cashmere Cardigan – Elie Tahari The Ari Polka Dot Cardigan – Moss Rose Wrap Ruana – Wayf Kennedy Sequined Houndstooth Jacket

Wayf Kennedy Sequined Houndstooth Jacket – Zimmermann Tuck Belted Polka Dot Wide-Leg Pant – Linea Paolo Violeta Halo Strap Wedge Sandal – Boutique De FGG Acrylic Clutch – AUGTIGER Stud Earrings

black and white pants outfits

You may not consider black a color to wear in warmer months. But, when you mix it with white, then black and white palazzo and wide leg pants are perfect for vacations. We also love the minimalist look of the colorblock stripe pants by Reiss.

Zimmermann Tuck Belted Polka Dot Wide-Leg Pant – Reiss May Colorblocked Wide-Leg Pants – Cinq à Sept Coastal Floral Phoebe Pants – DIARRABLU Leer Suto Print Palazzo Pants

Carmen @carmen_gimeno above opts for a pair of stripe pants and adds interest with her embroidered top. She keeps her sunglasses in keeping with the black and white theme and adds color with her bag and lipstick.

Check out this similar top (other options here and here), pants, sandals, handbag, necklace and sunglasses.

Black and white dresses and jumpsuits

If you want to mix black and white, you can also do it super easily. Just buy dresses and jumpsuits that have already done the print-mixing for you. We love the subtle white stitching on the pocket dress by Proenza Schouler, the twist detail on the T-shirt dress, and the slimming effect that the long vertical stripes on the Misook dress and the V-neck jumpsuit create.

Misook Colorblocked Lace Longline Jacket – Proenza Schouler White Label Lucy Sleeveless Tie-Waist Midi-Dress – Tanya Taylor Chandan Striped Midi-Dress – Elie Tahari Ellis Colorblocked V-Neck Sleeveless Jumpsuit

Kim @kimair above (read her style interview here) layers her prints with a larger print under her slip dress. She adds texture with her boots and bag and keeps her coat simple so her look isn’t too ‘busy’.

Get her look with this similar top (another option here), dress (other options here and here), coat, boots, earrings and bag.

Black and white shoes

Adding a pair of black and white shoes is the perfect first step into color mixing with black and white. You can choose a pair that is color blocked like the toe cap shoes or sandals, or look for a print.

C.Paravano Leather Slingback Flats – Allegra K Slingback Block Heel Sandal – Allegra K Tweed Pumps – Dr. Scholl’s Madison Sneakers

Proenza Schouler White Label Lucy Sleeveless Tie-Waist Midi-Dress – Allegra K Slingback Block Heel Sandal – Bao Bao Issey Miyake Lucent Tote Bag – Open Edit Imitation Pearl & Crystal Pavè Collar Necklace – Open Edit Imitation Pearl Crystal Pavé Button Drop Earrings

accessories to go with your elegant black and white outfits

Have some fun with your black and white accessories by choosing different prints and big, statement jewelry.

Aimee Kestenberg About Town Leather Drawstring Bucket Bag – Staud Mini Moon Leather Shoulder Bag – Boutique De FGG Acrylic Clutch – Zavana Bib Necklace – Open Edit Imitation Pearl & Crystal Pavè Collar Necklace – Open Edit Imitation Pearl Crystal Pavé Button Drop Earrings – AUGTIGER Stud Earrings – CELINE Monochrome 57mm Rectangular Sunglasses – L. Erickson Knotted Head Wrap – FINIZO Soft Scarf

Alexander McQueen Orchid Print Cotton T-Shirt – Cinq à Sept Coastal Floral Phoebe Pants – Dr. Scholl’s Madison Sneakers – Aimee Kestenberg About Town Leather Drawstring Bucket Bag – Zavana Bib Necklace

Your black and white outfits together in one capsule

Below you can see lots of ideas for black and white print mixing. If you feel that you have too many prints in any outfit, simply add items that are plain black or plain white into the mix.

Shop the best black and white outfits in stores now:

Don’t forget to tell us about your own black and white outfit ideas in the comments below!

Continue reading:

1. How To Mix Prints And Patterns Like An Expert
2. How To Wear Black Over 40
3. How To Wear Polkadots This Summer – Discover The Best Polka Dot Outfits!

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How to wear orange: Colors that go with orange

As I usually do when I look for inspiration on how to wear a certain color I visited colourlovers.com.

It’s a great site where you can create your own color combinations or get inspired by those of others.

Here is what I found.

The versatility of orange

Can you believe that orange looks so good with so many colors? It’s actually proving to be quite a versatile color.

I have seen orange in the shops in all kinds of shades from very bright to more demure colors, so you can just pick the color orange that suits your complexion and temperament best and mix and match with all these other fine colors.

You don’t even have to buy a garment in this color. Just adding a scarf or a bag will already give you that orange flavor and will add some flair to your outfit.

What skin tone can wear orange?

Orange looks fabulous on all skin tones, if you choose the right shade of orange. Orange tends to be easier to wear if you have a warm skintone. But you can still wear orange if you have a cooler tone. Just choose a bright orange.

How do you wear the color orange?

Surprisingly, orange goes with so many other colors. In this article, we show you lots of ideas for wearing orange, including what colors to wear with it.

Is orange a hard color to wear?

While orange can be tricky to wear, it can also look super stylish. If you want to wear orange but you don’t want to go ‘all-in’, then use orange for your accessories, or choose orange with a print pattern rather than all-over orange.

Does black go with orange?

Of course. Black goes well with everything. You’ll find black and orange outfit ideas if you read on.

Orange outfits 2024 catwalks

There was plenty of orange on the 2024 runways, from peaches to flame orange. The majority of designers who used the shade opted for muted tones or prints. Below is how designers interpreted the trend.

A.P.C. – Balmain – Gucci

Take a look at the perfect orange clothes and accessories for you

Before you can think about what colors go with orange, you will need to find the perfect orange clothes and accessories to provide inspiration for the rest of your outfit.

You’ll see we’ve updated this article with some extra color combinations.

The perfect orange dress

This shirtdress below comes in a soft peach that is perfect to wear on vacation. Team with metallic accessories.

Ginger & Smart Keepsake Cotton Shirtdress

The perfect orange maxi dress

The maxi dress below is ideal for summer events and vacations.

It makes a statement all by itself, meaning you could keep the rest of your accessories to a minimum and still make a big impact.

Bec & Bridge Azalea Floral Wrap Maxi Dress

Boma @mrs.gaf above chooses a floor skimming orange dress worn with white shoes.

Recreate her outfit with this similar dress (another option here), sandals, bag (another option here) and necklace.

orange t-shirt dress

For a more casual choice, you could opt for a T-shirt dress. You could wear day-to-day with sneakers and a denim jacket. Or, you could easily dress it up for evening with a blazer, heels and a statement necklace. The loose-fit dress (below) has good reviews from women who say it is comfortable and flattering. You can alter the silhouette with a belt.

ANRABESS T-Shirt Maxi Dress

printed dress

A print is a great way to wear orange, particularly if you aren’t sure about adding this color to your closet. Wear the chiffon dress (below) as a tunic over your leggings.

Chelsea28 Floral Print Long Sleeve Chiffon Dress

asymmetrical dress

We love the asymmetry of the orange tiered dress (below). Dress casually with flat sandals, or wear with heeled sandals for a summer event.

& Other Stories Ruched Relaxed-Fit Asymmetric Dress

sheath dress

You can wear orange in your smart or casual outfits. The sheath dress (below) has a formal look that would work well if you are a wedding guest, with heels for dinner, or you could add a black blazer and loafers for work.

Dress the Population Amada Sheath Dress

jumpsuit

Or, how about an orange jumpsuit? This Vince Camuto jumpsuit (below) would look beautiful with metallic shoes and accessories, or with a white or black blazer and matching shoes.

Vince Camuto Chiffon Jumpsuit

Jumpsuit from QUARZIA (similar options here and here), sandals from FLY London (similar option here), hat from Brizza (similar option here), similar sunglasses and earrings

The perfect orange shirt

You probably already have a classic white shirt in your closet, but how about an orange shirt in a classic shape?

This shirt from Nordstrom is made from satin, making it perfect to dress up you jeans, or to wear over your leggings.

Nordstrom Satin Shirt

printed shirt

The print shirt (below) would look good tucked into jeans or worn with leggings. Or, you could wear as a swimsuit cover-up.

Melissa Odabash Paige Paisley Buttoned Shirt

orange t-shirt

Looking for an orange T-shirt to go with your jeans? The T-shirt (below) should keep you cool and stylish.

ATM Anthony Thomas Melillo Schoolboy Slub Jersey T-Shirt

orange tank top

For a warm weather top, you may prefer one without sleeves. You could wear with a shirt or lightweight duster jacket over the top.

Veronica Beard Moulin Crewneck Tank Top

The perfect orange top

This top from Chaus has a wrap top, which adds a point of difference.

An orange top would look lovely with white jeans and metallic accessories for summer.

Chaus Textured Faux Wrap Top

Dayle @artfulcitystyle above (read her style interview here) shows how you can team orange with black.

Get her look with this similar top, pants, shoes and necklace and bracelet.

printed top

A print top like the Misook top (below) will look good worn with your jeans or wide-leg pants.

Misook Abstract Print Crêpe de Chine Top

orange blouse

The orange blouse (below) could be worn alone, or would be ideal to wear under a blazer.

Akris punto Silk Sleeveless Blouse

The perfect orange sweater

Orange can be the ideal color to add some flair to even the most casual of outfits.

You could wear an orange sweater with jeans and sneakers or a leather or pleated skirt.

The American Vintage sweater below would look good layered over a white shirt.

American Vintage Damsville Boatneck Sweater

orange blazer

For a smart option, an orange blazer could be a good jacket choice. The orange blazer (below) could be styled simply with a white t-shirt and jeans. Or, you could wear over a black dress.

EFOFEI Slim Fit Blazer

The perfect orange cardigan

A long, draped cardigan can be a lovely way to add interest as well as to hide any parts of your body you aren’t so confident about, and to create nice, long lean lines.

This cardigan (below) will add flattering drama to any of your outfits.

Urban CoCo Open Front Knit Cardigan

Greetje @no_fear_of_fashion above (read her style interview here) shows how you could wear an orange cardigan with your white jeans.

Steal her look with this similar top, cardigan, jeans and espadrille sandals.

The perfect orange jacket

Do you already have a moto jacket or denim jacket in your closet? Instead of traditional black or blue, how about opting for orange?

The luvamia jacket (below) would look stylish worn over a white or black dress for summer. Reviewers say it has the perfect stretch.

luvamia Denim Jean Jacket

the perfect orange jeans

This pair of jeans from GRAPENT (below) is designed with comfortable stretch and could flatter you from day to night. You could wear with a white shirt.

GRAPENT High Waisted Wide Leg Jeans

The perfect orange pants

You could opt for a pair of orange jeans, or choose a more tailored pair of orange pants like these ones below from Akris punto. Either way, these will be the hero piece in your outfit.

Akris punto Chieko Mid-Rise Cropped Pants

printed pants

Printed pants are a great option for casual days, vacations, or summer events.

Figue Charlotte Floral Crop Wide-Leg Pants

The perfect orange skirt

You could wear the skirt below with a white shirt or a camisole and blazer for a dinner date.

Kate Kasin Bow Tie Pencil Skirt

The perfect orange shoes

Shoes can be a stylish way to transform an outfit.

The ballet flat (below) will add a pop of color and an on-trend element to any look.

SARTO by Franco Sarto Flexa Antona Slingback Ballet Flat

Also take a look at arch support shoes for women.

The perfect orange bag

Just as the shoes you wear can make a big difference to the overall look of your outfit, the handbag you opt for can create a refreshing pop of brightness.

AllSaints Ezra Logo Strap Leather Crossbody Bag

Jona @the50plusgirl above chooses an orange floral shirt with her jeans, and matches it to her orange tassel bag.

Check out this similar shirt (other options here and here), jeans, bag, sandals and sunglasses.

orange swimsuit

Do you have a black swimsuit in your wardrobe? Have you thought about an orange swimsuit. It’s unlikely anyone else will have chosen orange, and we love the ruching and tie-detail on the one-piece (below.

You’ll find more inspiration in our article on the best bathing suits for women.

Johanna Ortiz Tarangire One-Piece Swimsuit

So, now that you have chosen your favorite orange item, what color should you wear it with? Below, you will find suggestions.

Let me know in the comments at the bottom which color combination is your favorite.

how to wear orange

Now let’s look at some of the best colors to wear with orange.

1. Pair orange with neutrals – white

A great way to let the bold tones of your orange piece stand out without competing with any other color, is to pair orange with neutrals. From black to nude shades, your look will be cleaner and more refined with the fun and punchy characteristics of orange.

American Vintage Damsville Boatneck Sweater – Akris punto Chiara High-Rise Stretch Wide Jeans – Jessica Simpson Prim Ankle Wrap Pointed Toe Sandal – COACH Dakota Glovetanned Leather Bucket Bag – kate spade new york Precious Delight Hoop Earrings

Shan @teachingonthegc above chooses a great look for summer, with a pair of orange print pants and matching espadrilles.

Check out this similar tank top, pants (another option here), espadrille sandals and crossbody bag.

2. Pair orange with neutrals – black

Is there anything black doesn’t go with? If you aren’t sure what to wear with your orange, black is definitely a safe, and stylish, option.

Chelsea28 Floral Print Long Sleeve Chiffon Dress – Zella Live In High Waist Leggings – Johnston & Murphy Evelyn Open Toe Booties – Madewell The Sydney Zip Top Crossbody Bag – Deepa Gurnani Leesha Crystal Stud Earrings

3. Pair orange with neutrals – beige

Beige is one of those colors which is often seen as “boring”. You may also like to take a look at can you wear beige? One way to make sure that your beige definitely isn’t dull is to wear it with orange.

Cinq à Sept Della Faux Leather Crop Jacket – Vince Camuto Chiffon Jumpsuit – Anne Klein Renatta Sandals – Tory Burch Mini Ella Bio Tote – Kendra Scott Daphne Drop Earrings

Sharryn @thestylishwoman above (read her style interview here) adds a little touch of orange by letting her orange top peek through her outfit.

Steal her look with this similar camisole, poncho, pants, sneakers and earrings.

4. Pair orange with neutrals – gray

Another fantastic way to wear orange is with gray. While gray has an unfair reputation for being dull, wearing with a pop of bright color with definitely liven it up.

AllSaints March Merino Wool Cowl Neck Sweater – Kate Kasin Bow Tie Pencil Skirt – Anne Klein Islander Slingback Pumps – HOBO Jesse Leather Crossbody Bag – Deepa Gurnani Leesha Crystal Stud Earrings

5. Orange and pink

Whether you choose a paler shade of pink or a shocking shade, pink with orange can be an unexpected, yet beautiful combination.

& Other Stories Cropped Knit Cardigan – Favorite Daughter The Taylor Low-Rise Trousers – Stuart Weitzman Pro Sleek Sneaker – COACH Dakota Glovetanned Leather Bucket Bag – kate spade new york Precious Delight Hoop Earrings

Kim @kimair above (read her style interview here) mixes purple with orange and brown.

Check out this similar sweater (another option here), skirt, boots, clutch and sunglasses.

6. Orange with green

If you love a natural style, you could choose a muted olive or pastel green to wear with your orange such as the tones of the pants and top below.

Or, opt for brighter shades of orange and green together.

Naadam Wool & Cashmere V-Neck Sweater – Akris punto Chieko Mid-Rise Cropped Pants – Jessica Simpson Prim Ankle Wrap Pointed Toe Sandal – HOBO Jesse Leather Crossbody Bag – Deepa Gurnani Leesha Crystal Stud Earrings

7. Orange with shades of blue

Pairing orange with navy blue can bring out the best in both colors. Adding orange accessories to navy blue can make a dark shade look more summery.

Melissa Odabash Paige Paisley Buttoned Shirt – Anne Klein Pull-On Pants – Anne Klein Islander Slingback Pumps – Anne Klein Convertible Minimal Hobo Bag – kate spade new york Precious Delight Hoop Earrings

Tanasha @letsrecreatethelook above shows how beautiful orange and cobalt blue look together.

Get her look with this similar shirt, pants, pumps, handbag and earrings.

8. Embrace the purple-orange clash

Orange and purple are a style favorite when it comes to contrasting combinations. Visually appealing, the two dynamic shades create a bold and chic look when paired together.

The key here is to ensure you add a neutral piece, such as a pair of white shoes, a black bag or a dash of gold jewelry, to the look to keep it from being an overwhelming display of colors.

You could also opt for paler peachy oranges and lilacs together.

& Other Stories Faux Wrap Midi Shirt Dress – SARTO by Franco Sarto Flexa Antona Slingback Ballet Flat – Tory Burch Fleming Soft Metallic Quilt Mini Chain Tote – kate spade new york Precious Delight Hoop Earrings

9. Orange with turquoise

Pairing orange with turquoise can be a beautiful look for summer.

& Other Stories Ruched Relaxed-Fit Asymmetric Dress – Spring Step L’Artiste Icon Sandal – Tory Burch Fleming Soft Metallic Quilt Mini Chain Tote – Kendra Scott Daphne Drop Earrings

Melanie @melanie.rae.miller above opts for an orange tiered dress with turquoise.

Recreate outfit with this similar halter dress, sandals and clutch.

10. Embrace orange prints

Combining bold orange hues with unique prints is a very effortless approach to putting together a visually interesting look, with enough of a bright dimension to lighten up your look.

Liverpool Los Angeles Coral Blaze Ikat Print Knit Top – Cala de la Cruz Sonne Apia Striped Linen Maxi Dress – & Other Stories Cropped Knit Cardigan – MELIFLUOS DESIGNED IN SPAIN Paisley Scarf – HOBO Jesse Leather Crossbody Bag – Jessica Simpson Prim Ankle Wrap Pointed Toe Sandal

11. Accessorize with orange

Not ready for a full bold display of orange?

You can add the punchy color as a highlight to your look by incorporating as an accessory.

Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote – Coiris Statement Necklace and Earrings Set – PAIGE Beaded Choker Necklace – Gossifan Wide Brim Fedora Hat – Ray-Ban Kiliane Gradient Pillow Sunglasses – TZ Promise Cashmere Feel Scarf

The orange color combination ideas from above put together in one capsule

Below, you can see the outfits from above together in one capsule. You can see you could easily change the looks around to create different outfits. For example, the orange print shirt would look good with the white pants, you can wear the moto jacket over the asymmetric dress, or the stripe cardigan with any of the pants.

shop the best orange pieces above here:

Orange outfits inspiration from earlier capsule wardrobes

Below are a few more example of orange inspired outfits. While the items are past season, it should still provide lots of inspiration for your orange outfits.

Want to know how to wear other colors too?

I have created several color guides for popular colors right now:

• How to wear coral
• How to wear red
• How to wear pink
• How to wear gray
• How to wear white
• How to wear (emerald) green
• How to wear yellow
• How to wear florals
• How to wear black and white

Do you plan to wear orange this coming season and which color combination is your favorite?

Continue reading:

1. How To Wear Red – Your Comprehensive Guide On Wearing The Color Of Love!
2. How To Wear Yellow And Brighten Up Your Day!
3. How To Wear Green – Which Of These Color Palettes And Outfits Is Your Favorite?

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Feature image by Tanasha @letsrecreatethelook

The post How to wear orange? 7 color combinations to get you started! appeared first on 40+ Style.

Think about all of the shades of falling leaves when summer turns to Fall and you’ll be on the right track, and put them together with soft, warm neutrals.

Which color season are you? Get the details on spring, summer, autumn and winter

You’re generally looking for colors that have yellow undertones rather than those with a blue base, but you can also look for deep colors like burgundy. This article has the tips you need to decide if you’re an autumn color type, as well as the best colors for you to wear, and an inspirational autumn palette capsule wardrobe.

Why dress for your color type

Perhaps you’ve always simply chosen colors your eye is drawn to, or maybe you already have a good idea of the colors that flatter you most. Either way, gaining a better understanding of your color type, and dressing to suit it can make you look instantly fresher, younger and more vibrant.

Having a color palette in mind can also help you to really hone your wardrobe, creating a capsule closet full of colors that work for you and go with each other.

How to tell if you should wear an autumn color palette

So, how to you tell if an autumn color palette is the one that will work best for you?

1. Your skin will be warm with a golden undertone

And you’re likely to have little constrast between the color of your hair and the color of your skin.

2. Your hair will be brown

Your hair is brown or black, or could be a dark red or auburn, or even a deep golden blonde. You may have natural golden or red highlights.

While black doesn’t tend to work well for autumn color types, Jas @thefashionstylefile above shows how you could use black as the background color for a pattern that does look good on you. She opts for a mix of burgundies and deep reds, which is a great choice for autumn.

Check out this jacket that you can wear with this similar top, jeans, bag, pumps and sunglasses.

3. Your eyes will be green or brown

Your eye color is likely to be hazel, a medium brown shade, or a warm green.

4. You look best in gold jewelry

Because your skin, hair and eye colors are warm, you suit gold jewelry best rather than ‘cool’ silver.

Choose gold ascents for your buttons, buckles, and handbag chains and clasps as well as your jewelry.

Susan @susan_unefemme above (read her style interview here) chooses a set of colors perfect if you have an autumn color type.

Get her look with this similar jacket, top, velvet pants (another option here), booties and necklace.

Celebrities who are an autumn color palette

If you have an autumn color palette, you’re in good company. Celebrities who look great in an autumnal palette include Julia Roberts, Kate Beckinsale, Debra Messing, Jennifer Lopez, Rene Russo, Beyonce, Julianne Moore, and Sarah Ferguson.

Colors that look great on you

Below, you can see some of the colors that look great on the autumn color palette. These are the colors that look best against your skintone, so you should wear these closest to your face. You could always invest in a few scarves in these shades if you don’t already have them in your closet.

You’re looking for deep, rich, muted tones. Mustards, burgundy, olive and forest green will look beautiful on you. But you could also try out some brighter shades such as tomato red, teal, turquoise, and different shades of green.

What neutral should you wear?

You’ve seen the colors to wear so far, and you’ll need some neutrals to go with them. Which ones will look good on you, and which will make you look ‘washed out’?

Starting with what not to choose, both black and white are too harsh for the autumn skin tone, and won’t create a flattering look for you.

Instead, you’re looking for warm neutrals of beige, cream, tan, and tan. Olive greens can also work as a neutral for you.

Capsule wardrobe for the autumn color palette

Now, let’s look at some clothes, shoes and accessories in autumnal colors, and how you can put them together to create lots of different outfits.

Tops

If you’re looking for white t-shirts and shirts as your wardrobe basics, then look for shades of off-white and cream rather than very bright white. You can see that the olive green and mustard colors are also warm and have plenty of depth.

The asymmetric hem mustard top comes in a good variety of colors which would look good on autumn color types, including a good choice of beiges and browns, teal, burgundy, and olive.

M.M.LaFleur The Lagarde Shirt – Vince Cowl Neck Cap Sleeve Silk Blend Blouse – Zella Twist Front T-Shirt – Made By Johnny Swing Tunic Top

Made By Johnny Swing Tunic Top – Nordstrom Pleat Front Wide Leg Pants – Bueno Candice Ankle Strap Sandal – Vince Camuto Barlo Leather Shoulder Bag – BOCAR Resin Layered Necklace – Ross-Simons 1.40 ct. t.w. Multi-Stone Leaf Drop Earrings

Coats and jackets

Onto coats and jackets for the autumn color type. Again, you’re looking for tones from your color palette. Rather than a white blazer, look out for a cream blazer. You’ll get the same effect, but it will be much more flattering.

We’ve also chosen a mustard blazer, which would look great with your favorite jeans. The Urban Coco blazer (below) comes in a choice of other shades that would also look good on you, including camel, dark green, grape wine, khaki, and wine red.

The open-front cardigan also comes in a great range of shades for the autumn color type, most of which will look good on you, including lots of tans and browns. Some warm shades of blue will look great with your coloring. But, rather than a traditional blue denim jacket, you could choose one in color more flattering for you.

Urban Coco Open Front Blazer – ANINE BING Quinn Blazer – ANRABESS Open Front Knit Sweater Jacket – ebossy Denim Jacket

Sandra @lapecosapreciosa above shows off some warm neutrals that work wonderfully for the autumn color type.

Recreate her outfit with this similar T-shirt dress, moto jacket, sneakers and headband.

Pants

Obviously your pants sit further away from your face, so you don’t need to worry about color so much here, so long as everything goes well together. You could simply stick with your favorite pair of jeans or black pants, and wear with the autumn color tops from above.

Or, to create a more cohesive look, choose pants in your autumn colors. Rather than white pants, choose cream. Instead of black, you could choose a neutral shade. But rather than gray, which is a tool ‘cool’ for autumn, choose a warmer color.

Wit & Wisdom ‘Ab’Solution Skyrise Straight Leg Pants – Nordstrom Pleat Front Wide Leg Pants – Wit & Wisdom Sky Rise Wide Leg Pants – DIARRABLU Leer Palazzo Pants

ANINE BING Quinn Blazer – Vince Cowl Neck Cap Sleeve Silk Blend Blouse – Wit & Wisdom ‘Ab’Solution Skyrise Straight Leg Pants – Veronica Beard Champlain Chain Pointed Toe Flat – HOBO Fern Crossbody Messenger Bag – Missoma Zenyu Malachite Drop Earrings – Gelante Pashmina Scarf

Dresses and jumpsuit

Just like your tops, your dresses will be close to your face, so it’s important to choose flattering shades for you. For example, if you love the look of a red dress, choose a deeper shade like wine red or burgundy.

As well as the olive shown here, the wide leg jumpsuit comes in other shades that would look good on you, including khaki and rust.

Fraiche by J Wrap Front Long Sleeve Dress – Connected Apparel Ity Mock Wrap Dress – MOON RIVER Smocked Waist Sundress – Fraiche by J Tie Front Wide Leg Jumpsuit

Suzie @suzie.richetti above opts for a muted green linen dress, and pairs it will gold shoes.

Check out this maxi dress (other options here, here and here) that you can wear with this similar pair of sandals, earrings and necklace.

Shoes

Choose beautiful rich shades to go with your outfits. The palette of olive green, tan, mustard and burgundy below will look stylish with your autumn color palette outfits.

Veronica Beard Champlain Chain Pointed Toe Flat  – Jeffrey Campbell Gratified Pointed Toe d’Orsay Pump – Bueno Candice Ankle Strap Sandal – Journee Signature Hether Sandal

ebossy Denim Jacket – MOON RIVER Smocked Waist Sundress – Journee Signature Hether Sandal – Vince Camuto Barlo Leather Shoulder Bag – Ross-Simons 1.40 ct. t.w. Multi-Stone Leaf Drop Earrings

Accessories

For your accessories, look out for gold jewelry as its warmth will flatter your skintone. Choose scarves and statement necklaces in the shades from the autumn palette to look good against your face.

Rather than black, choose shades of burgundy, tan or deep olive for your handbags.

Vince Camuto Barlo Leather Shoulder Bag – HOBO Fern Crossbody Messenger Bag – Treasure & Bond Packable Straw Panama Hat – Missoma Enamel Haze Paper Clip Chain Necklace – BOCAR Resin Layered Necklace – Missoma Zenyu Malachite Drop Earrings – Ross-Simons 1.40 ct. t.w. Multi-Stone Leaf Drop Earrings – Cindy & Wendy Large Cashmere Silky Pashmina Scarf – Gelante Pashmina Scarf

Patricia @patriciaafricaiglesias above (read her style interview here) wears a color palette perfect for autumn color types.

Check out this similar sweater, coat, pants, pumps, handbag, scarf and sunglasses.

Your autumn color palette outfits together in one capsule

Below, you can see the clothes, shoes and accessories from above, together in one capsule. You can wear the items in different combinations to create different looks.

For example, you could wear the mustard blazer we showed you above with the cream pants, the cream blazer with any of the outfits, the green top with the brown pants or the denim jacket over the jumpsuit.

shop the wardrobe for the autumn color palette here:

Want To Know What Colors Are Right For You? Join One Of Our Courses

There is a lot more to say on color that we can cover in just one article. That is why we created an extensive course just on color: The Advanced Color course.

In the essential color section you will learn about:

• Choosing your best neutral
• The difference between light and deep colors
• The difference between warm and cool
• The difference between warm and muted
• How to wear metallic
• Which colors are right for you?

Then in the advanced color section you will learn about:

• Color contrast
• Value contrast
• The right color and value contrast for you

Even if you have had a color analysis done, you will not have gotten this deep understanding of color.

With more than 2 hours of video training, detailed notes and 2 workbooks, you will truly understand color and how it effects your appearance.

Get immediate access to our advanced color training here.

Continue reading:

1. Which color season are you? Get the details on spring, summer, autumn and winter
2. How To Wear Green – Which Of These Color Palettes And Outfits Is Your Favorite?
3. Can You Wear Beige Over 40?
4. How To Determine Your Body Shape

Like this article on the autumn color palette? Share it on Pinterest!

Feature image by Susan @susan_unefemme

The post how to tell if you are an autumn color palette and the colors that work best for you appeared first on 40+ Style.

If you are a winter color type, you can really have fun with the colors you choose. You’re also one of the few color types that can wear classic black and crisp white without looking drained.

Which color season are you? Get the details on spring, summer, autumn and winter

Take a look below for how to tell if you are a winter color type, and what colors to wear. Plus, we’ve created a capsule wardrobe using only colors from the winter color palette.

Why dress for your color type

We’re big advocates of dressing to suit your unique style, body type and coloring, rather than just slavishly following trends. That’s why we encourage you to understand your body type and get clearer on your style personality. The same goes for color. If you understand the colors that look best on you, you will look healthier, younger and more vibrant. This is even more important as we age, as our skintone can start to look naturally duller.

How to tell if you should wear a winter color palette

How can you tell if the winter color palette is the right one for you?

1. Your skin has cool or olive undertones

There is a high contrast between your hair, skin and eyes. Or, you have deep, overall coloring. Sometimes, the winter skintone is confused with the autumn skintone. What you’re looking for as a winter are cool skintones.

2. You have brown or black hair

Your hair is a mid-brown with ashy undertones (not warm), dark brown or black, with cool undertones.

Winter color types look fabulous in classic neutrals like navy, and bright, cool-based colors. Angela @angelamashelle above (read her style interview here) shows two amazing colors for the winter color type.

Steal her look with this similar dress (other options here and here), bag and booties.

3. Your eye color

Your eyes range from a mid-brown to black-brown, or are gray-blue or cool green.

Boma @mrs.gaf above shows off a perfect outfit for the winter color type, featuring white, black, and shocking pink.

Recreate her outfit with this similar blazer, pants, pumps, earrings and clutch.

4. You suit silver jewelry

Because your skin has cool tones, you suit cool-colored jewelry. So choose silver or platinum.

Celebrities who have a winter color palette

If you have a winter color palette, you’re in great company. Celebrities who look good in a winter color palette include Brooke Shields, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jennifer Connelly, Amal Clooney, Lauren Graham, Janelle Monae, Salma Hayek, Sandra Bullock, Gemma Chan, Demi Moore, Penelope Cruz, Catherine Zeta Jones, Winona Ryder, Viola Davis, Lucy Liu, and Monica Bellucci.

Colors that look great on you

A winter color palette is all about crisp, cool, very clear colors. When it comes to the winter color palette, there’s no confusing what color you’re wearing, unlike some of the other color palettes which suit muddier, more blended colors.

You’re looking for vibrant colors, which usually have more of a blue base rather than being warm or yellow-toned.

Take a look at the colors above for inspiration on what to look for when you’re shopping stores or your closet. If you don’t have these colors in your wardrobe already, a great way to start to incorporate them into your outfits is to add some scarves, statement necklaces or earrings in your best colors.

What neutral should you wear?

Unlike the other color types who find black and white hard to wear, these are actually great neutrals for you. The other classic neutral you look great in is navy.

Capsule wardrobe for the winter color palette

Okay, let’s start to look at some specific clothing choices that we’ve found in the winter color palette.

Tops

First, your tops. The right color top is super important, as this will obviously be closest to your face. So, really concentrate on the right shades for you for your tops, and you can continue to wear your favorite jeans with them. You’ll see we’ve chosen a palette of white, navy, cobalt blue and blue-based pink here.

The puff-sleeve t-shirt also comes in white, black and bright pink, that would all look good on you.

J.Crew Organic Slub Cotton Elbow Sleeve T-Shirt – J.Crew Puff Sleeve crewneck T-Shirt – J.Crew Cap Sleeve Sweater T-Shirt – J.Crew Collection Amber Luster Crepe Top

J.Crew Organic Slub Cotton Elbow Sleeve T-Shirt – J.Crew Astrid Luster Crepe Wide Leg Pants – J.Crew Suede Dylan Block Heel Sandals – Aimee Kestenberg Bali Leather Crossbody Bag – Bocar Multi Layer Statement Collar Beaded Necklace

jackets

Your jackets and coats are also important to your look as these sit against your face and decolletage, so can really brighten up your skintone. You could also add a scarf or camisole in one of your good colors under the blazer.

Rather than a classic blue denim jacket, look for one in your flattering shades, such as crisp white. Wear the jacket-style cardigans (below) with your wide pants or jeans.

J.Crew Devon Bi-Stretch Cotton Blend Blazer – J.Crew Classic Denim Jacket – J.Crew Emilie Patch Pocket Sweater Lady Jacket – J.Crew Odette Cotton Blend Bouclé Sweater Lady Jacket

Alison @wardrobe_oxygen above (read her style interview here) chooses a great palette of neutrals for the winter color type.

Get her look with this similar sweater, moto jacket, pants, sneakers and bag (another option here).

Pants and jeans

Your pants and jeans will, of course, not be close to your face. So you can really choose any color you want. If you prefer to wear other shades that aren’t so flattering for you, then wearing them away from your face is the way to do it.

Or, choose bottoms in your color palette, including white, black, and navy, to keep your look cohesive.

J.Crew Vintage Slim Straight Jeans – J.Crew Drapey Twill Essential Pants – J.Crew Astrid Luster Crepe Wide Leg Pants – Lyssé High Waist Denim Leggings

J.Crew Devon Bi-Stretch Cotton Blend Blazer – J.Crew Cap Sleeve Sweater T-Shirt – J.Crew Drapey Twill Essential Pants – L’Amour des Pieds Odetta Slingback Wedge – Tory Burch Robinson Perforated Convertible Leather Shoulder Bag – TKS MITLAN Leather Drop Earrings – Bocar Statement Acrylic Beads Necklace

Dresses and skirts

A little black dress will be flattering for you, as will white and red. As well as these very classic shades, also look out for clean, bright colors like pink, purple, and cool-based blues and greens.

J.Crew Cupro Blend Slip Dress – Loveappella Maxi Dress – COS Frilled Cap Sleeve Linen Blend Dress – J.Crew Luster Crepe Pull On Maxi Skirt

Kim @kimair above (read her style interview here) opts for a jacket that straddles the purple and brown color spheres. It could be a little on the warm side for true winter color types, but you could always add a camisole and statement necklace in your colors. Her skirt and accessories are ideal for the winter color palette.

Check out this similar blazer, skirt (another option here), pumps, handbag (another option here), earrings and sunglasses.

Shoes

Your shoes, of course, aren’t against your face. But they can make your skintone on your legs look great. Look out for shoes that match your palette. So choose very bright shades that can add interest to your outfits, or opt for black, white and navy as your neutrals.

J.Crew Suede Dylan Block Heel Sandals – Calvin Klein Jerody Ankle Strap Sandal – Franco Sarto Vana Flat – L’Amour des Pieds Odetta Slingback Wedge

J.Crew Classic Denim Jacket – Loveappella Maxi Dress – Calvin Klein Jerody Ankle Strap Sandal – Tory Burch Small Ever-Ready Zip Tote – ANDANTINO Mulberry Silk Scarf

Silver shoes would also be a good choice for you – there’s plenty of inspiration in our article on the best silver shoes to go with everything.

Accessories

Opt for bags in classic, crisp neutrals. Or, choose very bright shades. Also look out for scarves, necklaces and earrings in your best colors as these will brighten up your face.

The chunky chain necklace (below) is from Amazon and comes in a huge choice of shades, so you’ll definitely find your favorite winter colors.

Tory Burch Small Ever-Ready Zip Tote – Aimee Kestenberg Bali Leather Crossbody Bag – Nina Pacey Crystal Minaudière – Tory Burch Robinson Perforated Convertible Leather Shoulder Bag – TKS MITLAN Leather Drop Earrings – Bocar Multi Layer Statement Collar Beaded Necklace – Bocar Statement Acrylic Beads Necklace – ANDANTINO Mulberry Silk Scarf

Beth @styleatacertainage above (read her style interview here) wears a perfect pink for the winter color palette.

She is wearing a tweed jacket, tee and pumps from Ann Taylor. Check out this similar pair of jeans, bag, necklace and sunglasses to complete the look.

Your winter color palette outfits together in one capsule

Below, you can see many of the clothes, shoes and accessories featured above together in one clothing capsule.

You can see you can easily mix and match the items to create lots of different outfits. For example, the white denim jacket would look good with the pink dress, the navy blazer would go over the white dress or create the look of a dress by wearing the cobalt blue skirt and top together.

shop the wardrobe for the winter color palette here:

Want To Know What Colors Are Right For You? Join One Of Our Courses

There is a lot more to say on color that we can cover in just one article. That is why we created an extensive course just on color: The Advanced Color course.

In the essential color section you will learn about:

• Choosing your best neutral
• The difference between light and deep colors
• The difference between warm and cool
• The difference between warm and muted
• How to wear metallic
• Which colors are right for you?

Then in the advanced color section you will learn about:

• Color contrast
• Value contrast
• The right color and value contrast for you

Even if you have had a color analysis done, you will not have gotten this deep understanding of color.

With more than 2 hours of video training, detailed notes and 2 workbooks, you will truly understand color and how it effects your appearance.

It may just change your style game forever.

Get immediate access to our advanced color training here.

Continue reading:

1. Which color season are you? Get the details on spring, summer, autumn and winter
2. How to tell you have a spring color palette
3. How To Wear Navy: Color Palettes And Styles For You To Choose From

Like this article on the winter color palette? Share it on Pinterest

Feature image by Beth @styleatacertainage

The post how to tell if you’re a winter color palette and the most flattering colors for you appeared first on 40+ Style.

Spring as a season is all about nature coming back to life after the cold of winter. And the colors for the spring color palette are just as cheerful as the season itself. Think about bright, vibrant shades that will get you noticed for all the right reasons.

Which color season are you? Get the details on spring, summer, autumn and winter

You’re looking for vivid shades like bright reds, cobalt blues, lime greens and shocking pinks, rather than muted colors. While these could wash out other color types, they will look great on you. But don’t forget your neutrals. Warm, chic neutrals will also suit spring color types, so don’t feel as if every outfit needs to feature primary colors.

Just as with everything else style-related, there’s no one-size (or one color) suits all. Spring color types can vary, so it’s best to try out different versions of the same color against your face to see which one brings your complexion to life.

Why dress for your color type

Taking into account your color season when dressing was popular in previous decades and is back in vogue again. For older women, it’s a great way to help to “defeat” some of the signs of aging, making your skin look healthier and more vibrant.

Creating a wardrobe that features the best colors for you can also really help you to concentrate on what will look great on you when you’re adding to your closet, and ensure you can create plenty of different outfits because many clothes you have will go with each other.

How to tell if you should wear a spring color palette

So, now that you’re considering the advantages of delving deeper into the colors that work best for you, how do you tell if you are a spring color type.

1.Your skin will be light

That doesn’t mean that you have pale skin. But, it’s likely that, for your ethnicity, your skin is light.

2.Your hair has golden or red undertones

You will have light blonde to medium brown hair, or strawberry blonde. Whatever the shade, you will have golden or red undertones.

Susanne @textelle above (read her style interview here) wears red and cream, two colors that are great choices for the spring color type.

Check out this top (others options here and here) that you can wear with this similar pair of wide pants, sandals, handbag and earrings.

3.Clear eyes

Your eyes will be clear blue, turquoise, green, hazel or a pale brown shade. They will be a very definite shade rather than a more muted color like gray. They’re not dark or deep shades.

4.Medium contrast

You will have a medium contrast level between your skin, hair and eyes. If you aren’t sure about this, taking a black and white selfie of yourself without other filters can help you to determine your contrast levels.

5.You look best in gold jewelry

Because your overall look is one of warmth – your skin and hair feature warm tones, gold jewelry will harmonize with you.

Also carry the gold features through to the hardware on your accessories and clothes. Choose gold buttons, buckles and zips rather than silver.

Celebrities with a spring color palette

If you have a spring color palette, you’re in great company. Celebrities including Nicole Kidman, Vanessa Williams, Rosamund Pike, Milla Jovovich, Emma Stone, Kim Cattrall, Rebel Wilson, Rachel Weisz, Heather Graham, Kerry Washington and Jennifer Hudson.

Colors that look great on you

A Spring seasonal color palette features warm, bright colors like bright red, yellow, teal, peach, and orange. The colors in the spring palette below are the ones you should be wearing closest to your face to bring out the best in your skintone.

You’re looking for very obvious, vibrant shades, rather than muted, blended colors.

If you don’t already have a lot of these shades in your closet, you can slowly invest in them. In the meantime, you could add scarves and statement necklaces in your flattering colors. That way, you can still wear colors that don’t work so well for you, but wear a scarf or necklace on top.

Red looks great on the spring color type. Kimba @kimbalikes above chooses a vibrant shade, and adds warm neutrals.

Recreate her outfit with this similar dress (another option here), sandals, bag and necklace.

Neutrals to wear with your colors

The spring palette isn’t just about bright colors. You’ll need some neutrals to go with them.

First, what not to choose? Black and white aren’t good choices for you as they’re too harsh and too cool respectively, and will overpower your complexion.

Instead, think about warmth when you choose your neutrals. Rather than bright white, choose creams, warm beiges, and browns. Brighter navys, rather than really dark shades or those that look like they are mixed with gray, will also work for you.

Capsule wardrobe for the spring color palette

Now, let’s look at some specific clothes, shows and accessories that will be flattering for the spring color type. Read on and you’ll find a capsule wardrobe that puts them together to give you outfit inspiration.

Tops for the spring color palette

Your tops are the most important element of your outfit, along with anything else that sits close to your face, such as scarves and statement jewelry. Shirts in cream and beige shades will be hard-working neutrals that will go with everything in your closet. Choose your favorite bright shades too.

ANINE BING Tio Shirt – ANINE BING Mylah Shirt – Loveappella Off the Shoulder Top – Treasure & Bond Button-Up Linen Blend Camisole

ANINE BING Tio Shirt – BOSS Tikela Wide Leg Pants – Linea Paolo Matissa Pointed Toe Flat – TAKEASY Genuine Leather Italian Tote Bag – Karine Sultan Alice Statement Necklace – Kendra Scott Large Kendall Drop Earrings

jackets

Now for jackets and coats to go with your outfits. As these also sit close to your face, choosing the right colors has the ability to really liven up your skintone. Look for bright coats to add some vibrancy to even the dullest days. Rather than black or white blazers, choose warm shades.

Even if you’re wearing a top that isn’t in one of your best shades, adding a cardigan, blazer or coat that is in one of the spring colors is a great way to add a flattering look.

Halogen Darted One-Button Blazer – ANINE BING Quinn Blazer – Nordstrom Crewneck Cardigan – Misook Embroidered Duster

Nora @juststylela above (read her style interview here) shows off a vibrant top and scarf that feature bright blues and reds ideal for the spring color type. Note that she accessorizes with gold, which is perfect for the warm tones of a spring.

Steal her look with this similar poncho, jeans, sandals, clutch, scarf and sunglasses.

Jeans and pants

Your jeans and pants aren’t as vital to creating a flattering look as your tops and dresses, as they will obviously not be sitting against your face. But that’s not to say you can’t look for bottoms that are in your best colors to create a harmonious look.

Wit & Wisdom ‘Ab’Solution Frayed High Waist Ankle Flare Jeans – Halogen Pleated Crop Wide Leg Trousers – BOSS Tikela Wide Leg Pants – DIARRABLU Leer Blossom Print Palazzo Pants

ANINE BING Quinn Blazer – Treasure & Bond Button-Up Linen Blend Camisole – Wit & Wisdom ‘Ab’Solution Frayed High Waist Ankle Flare Jeans – Journee Signature Meggs Sandal – Tory Burch Mini Fleming Soft Crescent Shoulder Bag – Kurt Geiger London Fabric Link Chain Necklace

Dresses, skirts and jumpsuits

The dresses or jumpsuits you choose are important as they have the ability to make your skintone look much more vibrant – because their neckline will frame your face. Look for bright or warm shades.

If you’re choosing a neutral, such as the jumpsuit below, then add gold jewelry, or a statement necklace in one of the spring color palette choices.

Karen Millen Soft Tailored Waist Detail Midi Dress – Boden Halterneck Linen Midi Dress – AllSaints Gia Asymmetrical Ribbed Midi Dress – TAHARI ASL Side Knot Crop Wide Leg Jumpsuit

Tanasha @letsrecreatethelook above shows off a bright, vibrant look that is perfect to bring out the best for the spring color type complexion.

Get her look with this similar jacket, jumpsuit (another option here), bag and earrings.

Shoes

Your shoes, of course, are furthest away from your face, so you don’t have to worry too much about following the color guidelines with these. But opting for bright shades or the same warm neutrals as in the rest of your outfit can really pull your look together.

Linea Paolo Matissa Pointed Toe Flat – Journee Signature Meggs Sandal – Eileen Fisher Willow Espadrille Wedge Sandal – SOREL Kinetic^™ Y-Strap High Sandal

Loveappella Off the Shoulder Top – DIARRABLU Leer Blossom Print Palazzo Pants – Eileen Fisher Willow Espadrille Wedge Sandal – FashionPuzzle Triple Zipper Pocket Crossbody Bag – SELFWIMG Raffia Hoop Earrings

Accessories

For your accessories, choose your spring colors to go close to your face, in a chunky necklace or scarf. Rather than black or gray bags, choose warm tan, vibrant navy or cream. Look for gold jewelry and gold hardware on your bags.

TAKEASY Genuine Leather Italian Tote Bag – Tory Burch Mini Fleming Soft Crescent Shoulder Bag – FashionPuzzle Triple Zipper Pocket Crossbody Bag – Bocar Multi Layer Seed Beads Collar Necklace – Karine Sultan Alice Statement Necklace – Kurt Geiger London Fabric Link Chain Necklace – Kendra Scott Large Kendall Drop Earrings – Kendra Scott Jovie Imitation Pearl Hoop Earrings – SELFWIMG Raffia Hoop Earrings – Ted & Jack Silk Blend Scarf

Greetje @no_fear_of_fashion above (read her style interview here) chooses a look of cream, blue and orange that would go beautifully against the complexion of your spring color type.

Check out this printed kaftan (another option here) that you can wear with this similar pair of sandals, bag and earrings.

Your spring color palette together in one capsule

Below, you can see the clothes, shoes and accessories from above together in one capsule to give you plenty of outfit inspiration. There are plenty of different ways you could wear the looks. For example, you could wear the peach jacket and pants as a full suit, any of the tops will go with any of the pants, and the blazers will liven up your favorite jeans.

shop the wardrobe for the spring color palette below:

Not just colors

Of course, your outfits aren’t just about color. Make sure they’re working for you in every way by choosing your looks according to color and your body type. This will enable you to create the best capsule wardrobe that is truly personal to you.

Want To Know What Colors Are Right For You? Join One Of Our Courses

There is a lot more to say on color that we can cover in just one article. That is why we created an extensive course just on color: The Advanced Color course.

In the essential color section you will learn about:

• Choosing your best neutral
• The difference between light and deep colors
• The difference between warm and cool
• The difference between warm and muted
• How to wear metallic
• Which colors are right for you?

Then in the advanced color section you will learn about:

• Color contrast
• Value contrast
• The right color and value contrast for you

Even if you have had a color analysis done, you will not have gotten this deep understanding of color.

With more than 2 hours of video training, detailed notes and 2 workbooks, you will truly understand color and how it effects your appearance.

It may just change your style game forever.

Get immediate access to our advanced color training here.

Continue reading:

1. How To Determine Your Body Shape
2. How To Wear Red – Your Comprehensive Guide On Wearing The Color Of Love!
3. Can You Wear Beige Over 40?
4. Which color season are you? Get the details on spring, summer, autumn and winter

Like this article on the spring color palette? Share it on Pinterest!

Feature image by Greetje @no_fear_of_fashion

The post how to tell if you are a spring color palette and the colors that work for you appeared first on 40+ Style.

When you think of summer as a season, you might think of warmth and brightness. However, the summer color palette is actually the opposite of that. It’s all about cool skin tones and muted colors.

Which color season are you? Get the details on spring, summer, autumn and winter

Think about soft pastels and colors that are more of a blend of shades rather than the primary colors you get in your art box.

Having said that, summer color types range through soft, true and light summers, where the colors that suit you best will slightly vary, so it’s definitely worth experimenting with paler and brighter shades of the same color.

Why dress for your color type?

Dressing according to your color type is very much back in favor, and with good reason. As we get older, our skin can start to look paler and washed out, but the right colors against your face can make you look younger and more vibrant.

First off, you’ll look healthier and better.

Knowing which colors suit you can also really help you hone your wardrobe, so everything in your closet goes with everything else. it’s also easier to put together day-to-day outfits.

How to tell if you should wear a summer color palette?

Now that you’re thinking about dressing according to your color type, how can you tell if summer colors are right for you?

1.Your skin has a cool undertone

And it’s likely there is a low contrast between your hair and skintone. If you aren’t sure about the contrast levels, then taking a black and white photo can really help you to see whether there’s a big difference between the tones in your hair and skin.

As you will see from our colors charts below, soft blues and pale yellows can work beautifully for the summer color palette. Carmen @carmen_gimeno above wears a beautiful warm-weather outfit that combines the two.

Note that if you are worried about any colors washing you out as a summer, you could take a tip out of Carmen’s book and wear a pair of glasses or sunglasses that suit your skintone, and a bright lipstick.

Get her look with this similar shirt, skirt (plain option here), sandals, tote, belt and sunglasses.

2.Your eyes will be cool

Your eyes are blue, gray-blue, cool green, a gray-brown shade, or gray. They will be a muted shade, rather than being warm or bright.

3.Your hair has ashy undertones

You are likely to have light blond to medium brown hair, with cool, ashy undertones rather than it being warm and golden or auburn.

Jona @the50plusgirl above opts for bright shades that could wash a summer color type out, but her tan and bright lipstick keep the look super flattering.

Steal her look with this similar camisole, shirt, skirt, sneakers, woven bag and sunglasses.

4.You look best in silver or platinum jewelry

Because summers have cool undertones in their skin, eyes and hair, cool colored jewelry like silver, white gold and platinum will work in harmony with you.

As well as your jewelry, choose silver shades for the hardware on your outfits, such as your buckles, zips, buttons, and bag handles.

Celebrities who have a summer color palette

If you look good in a summer color palette, you’re in great company. Celebrities with a summer color palette include Olivia Wilde, Emily Blunt, Claire Foy, Anna Kendrick, Jennifer Garner, the Princess of Wales, Margot Robbie, Rihanna, and Michelle Pfieffer.

Colors that look great on you

Below, you can see some of the colors that will look great against your skintone. These are the colors you should wear closest to your face, either with your top, jacket, dress. if you don’t want to invest in a whole new wardrobe and you don’t already have these shades in your closet, treat yourself to some scarves or statement necklaces in these colors.

What you are looking for are colors that are a blend of shades. So, rather than a very bright red, for example, look for paler pinks and purples. Or, rather than bright blues, you’re looking for blue with a touch of gray.

Think not about the bright shades of summer in the sunshine, but the more muted shades of nature in misty weather or after the rain.

Georgette @grownandcurvywoman above (read her style interview here) looks stunning in her draped maxi dress. You can see that you can choose the most flattering color for you at the top of your dress.

Check out this ombre dress (other options here and here) that you can wear with this similar pair of earrings.

Neutrals to wear if you have a summer skin tone

Of course, you won’t just wear top to toe color in most outfits. You’ll want to add some neutrals. But which ones to wear, and which ones to avoid?

Well, let’s start with what to avoid first.

Black or white won’t work well for you because they’re very high contrast colors, but your color type is low contrast, so they will drain you. If you do want to wear these, wear them at the bottom of your outfit rather than beside your face.

Instead, look for softer neutrals. Specifically, choose those with some grays and blues in them. So, choose whites that are toned down with gray, gray itself, and navy. You can opt for some beiges and browns, but they should be on the cooler side, rather than warm shades.

A capsule wardrobe for the summer color palette

Now let’s look at some specific clothes, shoes and accessories we’ve found which meet the summer color type guidelines. And, read on for a capsule where we put them together into different outfits.

Tops

Below, we’ve chosen a neutral top that gives you the same look as a white t-shirt – but note, it’s not a bright white, as that would wash you out. It’s off-white. Each of the other tops chosen here has a little gray mixed into their color palette, so it tones down the shades. You can see we’ve chosen a gray-blue, lilac, and minty green.

Equipment Willow Tie Waist Silk Camisole – M.MLaFLeur The Nora Top – COS Ribbed Tank Top – COS Oversized Shirt

M.MLaFleur The Frederick Cardigan – M.MLaFLeur The Nora Top – Wit & Wisdom Ab’Solution High Waist Ankle Skinny Pants – Sam Edelman Tarra Slingback Pump – btb Los Angeles Opal Pompom Tote – Bocar Layer Seed Beads Cluster Collar Necklace  

Coats, jackets and cardigans

On to jackets and coats to go with your outfits. Again look out for more muted tones for the most flattering effect.Rather than choosing the obvious black blazer or black moto jacket, for example, choose paler shades. That way, you could easily wear black, and it will still be flattering. For example a pair of black jeans with the blazer, or a black dress with the moto jacket on top.

The blazer (below) comes in a good choice of colors that would work for the summer type, including the mint shown, as well as greyish blue, dusty rose, lake blue, light gray, and navy. The faux suede jacket also comes in a dusty rose shade that would look good on you.

Urban Coco Open Front Blazer – danibe 3/4 Sleeve Open Front Cropped Cardigan – BLANKNYC Faux Suede Moto Jacket – M.MLaFleur The Frederick Cardigan

Shan @teachingonthegc above shows off some of the pastel shades which look beautiful on summer types.

Check out this similar top, denim jacket, skirt (another option here), sneakers, crossbody bag and necklace.

Pants and jeans

Moving onto pants and jeans, it’s much easier to wear any color at all on your bottom half, because the shades close to your face are most important. However, when choosing your jeans, keep your flattering colors in mind. Rather than black or white, look out for blue or gray jeans, or pastel colors.

The Wit & Wisdom skinny pants (below) come in a few colors that would be good for summers, including shadow, dove gray and smokey twilight.

Hudson Jeans Holly High Waist Flare Jeans – Wit & Wisdom Ab’Solution High Waist Ankle Skinny Pants – COS Plissé Pants – BP. Textured Wide Leg Pants

BLANKNYC Faux Suede Moto Jacket – Equipment Willow Tie Waist Silk Camisole – Hudson Jeans Holly High Waist Flare Jeans – GENTLE SOULS by KENNETH COLE Cody Espadrille Wedge Sandal – Tory Burch Ella Nylon Tote – Lana Blake Layered Y-Necklace – Jenny Bird Nouveaux Puff Earrings

Dresses

When you’re choosing your dresses, it’s like choosing tops, because they will sit close to your face. If you’re really confident about your color choice, then choose necklines that end close to your face. Otherwise, you can choose lower necklines for shades that don’t quite liven up your skintone as much. Or, if you have dresses that aren’t within the color chart we’ve shown you, choose necklaces that are, or silver necklaces.

The wrap dress comes in other colors that would suit you, including navy.

COS Gathered Linen Midi Dress – FLORET STUDIOS Tonal Midi Dress – Fraiche by J Flutter Sleeve Faux Wrap Maxi Dress – Cinq à Sept Jacey Tie Waist Silk Shirtdress

Eileen @eileenternullo above always looks beautiful in purples and pastel shades.

Recreate her outfit with this similar dress (another option here), flats, handbag, earrings and necklace.

Shoes

Obviously, your shoes are the part of your outfit that won’t be next to your face, so choose any color you want. But, below, you can see some shades that would match the tones in your palette.

Linea Paolo Newry Ballet Flat – GENTLE SOULS by KENNETH COLE Cody Espadrille Wedge Sandal – Jeffrey Campbell Ready 2 Go Ankle Wrap Wedge Sandal – Sam Edelman Tarra Slingback Pump

danibe 3/4 Sleeve Open Front Cropped Cardigan – COS Gathered Linen Midi Dress – Jeffrey Campbell Ready 2 Go Ankle Wrap Wedge Sandal – Tory Burch Ella Nylon Tote – Panacea Mint Crystal Oval Hoop Earrings

Accessories

For your accessories, matching your colors to your outfit can look super stylish, and different. Choose silver or white gold jewelry. If you want classic shades for your handbags, choose navy or gray.

Plus, look out for scarves and statement necklaces in your color pathways.

Tory Burch Ella Nylon Tote – btb Los Angeles Opal Pompom Tote – J.Crew Weave Tote – Lana Blake Layered Y-Necklace – Bocar Layer Seed Beads Cluster Collar Necklace – Panacea Mint Crystal Oval Hoop Earrings – Jenny Bird Nouveaux Puff Earrings – Cindy & WendyCashmere Silky Pashmina Scarf 

Natalia @odin.stylish.me above actually has a lot of contrast in her hair and skintone, so isn’t necessarily a summer, but she is wearing some of the colors that look great on summer palettes.

Steal her look with this similar shirt, shorts, sandals, tote, belt, necklace and sunglasses.

Colors to avoid if you are a summer color type

Because you are “cool”, you will want to avoid colors that suit “warm” color types. Generally, that includes autumnal shades like mustard and terracotta, and bright primary shades. To see what to avoid, take a look at our articles on the autumn color type and spring color type.

Your summer palette outfits together in one capsule

Below, you can see the clothes, shoes and accessories from above together in one capsule. You can mix and match to create different looks. For example, wear the moto jacket over anything – the blue is mixed with gray so it reads as a neutral.

You could wear the cardigan over the drawstring pants for a comfy loungewear look, the off-white top with any of the pants, or the blue shirt with the slim jeans.

shop the wardrobe for the summer color palette here:

Everything in harmony

To create outfits that really work for you, you’ll want to pick colors that liven up your skin tone, as well as clothes that work in harmony with your body type. Knowing what suits you makes it much easier to put together a capsule wardrobe that works every day.

Want to know what colors are right for you? Join one of our courses

There is a lot more to say on color that we can cover in just one article. That is why we created an extensive course just on color: the Advanced Color course.

In the essential color section you will learn about:

• Choosing your best neutral
• The difference between light and deep colors
• The difference between warm and cool
• The difference between warm and muted
• How to wear metallic
• Which colors are right for you?

Then in the advanced color section you will learn about:

• Color contrast
• Value contrast
• The right color and value contrast for you

Even if you have had a color analysis done, you will not have gotten this deep understanding of color.

With more than 2 hours of video training, detailed notes and 2 workbooks, you will truly understand color and how it effects your appearance.

It may just change your style game forever.

Get immediate access to our advanced color training here.

Continue reading:

1. How To Determine Your Body Shape
2. How To Wear Navy: Color Palettes And Styles For You To Choose From
3. How To Wear Gray: Color Palettes And Ensembles For You To Choose From!
4. Which color season are you? Get the details on spring, summer, autumn and winter

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Feature image by Eileen @eileenternullo

The post How to tell if you are a summer color palette and the colors that work best for you appeared first on 40+ Style.

Below are some ideas for you on how to wear navy, including color palettes for you to choose from.

Reasons navy blue is such a fabulous color to wear

Here are just some of the things we love about navy:

Navy is a universal color

Unlike black, which can be harsh, it flatters the vast majority of skin tones.

It looks stylish year-round

While it’s not always in stores in great quantities all year, it looks fabulous at any time of year, whether you opt for a navy party dress at Christmas, or you wear a striped navy tee during summer.

Similar cropped top (here and here), pants, sneakers, bag, earrings and sunglasses

It can be formal or casual

You could wear navy as a mother-of-the-bride in lovely lace, or you could choose a chunky navy sweater. It’s one of the most versatile colors out there!

Navy goes with every other color in your closet

If you are having one of those I-have-nothing-to-wear moments, adding more neutrals to your closet can help you get the most out of the clothes you already have.

Because it’s a classic shade, you can afford to think about navy clothes and accessories as an investment that you will keep for years.

Designers showcasing navy blue color palettes

Every season, designers always opt for at least some navy blue outfits, and this winter and fall are no exception. You’ll see that many designers this season decided to go top-to-toe navy.

Courrèges – Loewe – Carolina Herrera

Exactly what is navy blue?

Before moving onto some of the best navy clothes and accessories and navy outfits, let’s consider exactly what we mean by navy blue.

Navy blue was first used as a term for the specific shade of dark blue worn by the British Royal Navy.

Now, it is still used to refer to a blue color which is almost black, but you will find there are variations in shade. Some are so close to black that you would think they actually were black from a distance, while others have more blue in them.

Navy Outfits For Women: The Best Navy Pieces In Stores Now

Next time you think about adding more black to your closet, how about some navy instead?

If you don’t have any – or enough – navy in your closet, below are some of my favorite navy clothes and accessories in stores now.

Navy top

A tunic top is one of the handiest items of clothing to have in your closet as you can wear it with your leggings and skinny jeans.

LARACE V-Neck Tunic Top

Claudia @glamupyourlifestyle above (read her style interview here) tucks her navy top into khaki pants. She adds a pop of color with her lipstick.

Recreate her outfit with this similar polo shirt, jeans, sneakers, bag and necklace.

navy shirt

A navy shirt is great to wear over your leggings or skinny jeans, or to tuck into your wide pants and pencil skirts.

Lyssé Schiffer Shirt

navy t-shirt

The twist front on the Zella T-shirt (below) adds a point of difference to an otherwise simple style. Wear with your leggings for exercise, or your shorts or jeans for casual days.

Zella Twist Front T-Shirt

Navy blue dress

Rather than a little black dress, you could opt for a little navy dress. The COS shirt dress (below) is a versatile choice to dress up or down, and has sleeves long enough to cover your upper arms.

COS Belted Linen Shirt Dress

Sharryn @thestylishwoman (read her style interview here) wears her tiered navy dres with black shoes and accessories.

Get her look with this similar maxi dress (another option here), sandals, clutch, earrings and headband.

navy blazer

Everyone should have a blazer in their closet, and this navy blue style is an absolute classic.

J.Crew Willa Italian City Wool Blend Blazer

Navy coat

A trench coat is one of those wardrobe essentials that will always be a good investment. Rather than classic beige, you could opt for navy.

Wantdo Waterproof Double Breasted Trench Coat

Kylie @kylish_aus above opts for a classic outfit that will look stylish year after year.

Get her look with this similar top, trench coat, jeans, sneakers, crossbody bag, earrings and sunglasses.

Cardigan

A long cardigan is great for adding not just warmth but also long, lean, flattering lines.

ANRABESS Open Front Knit Cardigan

Navy pants

Rather than opting for black pants next time you choose a pair, how about navy blue? They’re just as versatile.

Massimo Dutti Straight Satin Trousers

Similar printed top (plain option), pants, jacket, sneakers and sunglasses

Navy skirt

You could team the navy blue skirt (below) with a t-shirt and sneakers or wear for a more formal dinner or event with a silk shirt and heeled sandals.

Massimo Dutti Waffle-Knit Wrap Midi Skirt

navy swimsuit

While a black swimsuit is a true classic, you could also choose navy blue. You’ll also find more swimsuit inspiration in this article on the best bathing suits for women over 40.

J.Crew High Support One-Piece

Navy shoes

A pair of navy sandals would look beautiful for summer, or for a night out. Or how about a pair of ankle booties as summer turns to fall. You can also think about navy loafers and classic pumps.

Lucky Brand Saimy Block Heel Sandal – Naturalizer Vera Ankle Strap Sandal – Franco Sarto Racer Pointed Toe Pump – Franco Sarto Carolynn Tassel Loafer

Navy handbag

A navy bag should go with all the things in your wardrobe that a black bag could be worn with.

Tory Burch Ella Nylon Tote

Other navy blue accessories

As well as a classic navy handbag, you could think about adding other beautiful navy accessories to your closet.

Longchamp Mini Le Pliage Cuir Leather Top Handle Bag – Nina Ophelia Frame Clutch – Bocar Multi Layer Seed Beaded Necklace – ZENZII Beaded Hoop Earrings – Nine West Teardrop Earrings – rag & bone Floppy Brim Felted Wool Fedora – Tory Burch 53mm Rectangular Sunglasses – Tanpie Leather Waist Belt

Fly London sandals, similar jumpsuit (another option here), hat and sunglasses

Colors that go with navy

So now that I’ve extolled the virtues of navy, what should you wear with your navy?

What are the colors that go with navy? What matches with navy blue.

Scroll down for some of my favorite navy color combinations.

How to choose the best navy outfits

With all the versatility offered by navy blue comes choice.

So, just how do you go about narrowing down what you will wear with your navy?

You could take a look at color palettes such as those below and then create an outfit based on your favorite. Or, just choose one of the colors you like to wear – it’s hard to get it wrong when matching colors with navy.

navy with green

Wearing navy with green is a particularly modern way to wear your dark blue right now, given that this shade of green is so on trend. Choose a shade of emerald or lime green that will contrast well with your navy.

If you already have a navy dress, you could update your outfit with green accessories. Or you could add a green jacket or sweater to navy pants.

Outfit 1: COS Asymmetric Gathered Midi Dress – Naturalizer Vera Ankle Strap Sandal – Nina Ophelia Frame Clutch – Nine West Teardrop Earrings

Outfit 2: Zella Twist Front T-Shirt – COS Wide Leg Pants – Franco Sarto Carolynn Tassel Loafer – Tory Burch Ella Nylon Tote – ZENZII Beaded Hoop Earrings

Outfit 3: COS Oversized Shirt – Massimo Dutti Straight Satin Trousers – Lucky Brand Saimy Block Heel Sandal – Longchamp Mini Le Pliage Cuir Leather Top Handle Bag – Bocar Multi Layer Seed Beaded Necklace

Boma @mrs.gaf above shows how well navy blue goes with lime green.

Steal her look with this similar blazer, jeans, pumps, handbag and earrings.

How to wear navy blue: with cream or beige

Another timeless way to wear navy is to pair the color with neutrals like cream or beige. These colors can also provide a great base if you want to add a pop of another color.

Navy and neutrals can be a great combination whether you are looking for a casual look or something more formal.

You could, for example, wear a beige pencil skirt and navy blouse for work, or you could look at beige or navy chinos for a casual weekend vibe. Or, you can add a beige blazer to your navy pants.

Outfit 1: Caslon Knot Detail Cotton Blend Tank – COS Pleated Tailored Culottes – DREAM PAIRS Espadrille Wedge Sandal – Tory Burch Ella Nylon Tote – ZENZII Beaded Hoop Earrings

Outfit 2: Zella Twist Front T-Shirt – COS Linen Shorts – Tory Burch Miller Leather Sandal – Longchamp Mini Le Pliage Cuir Leather Top Handle Bag – ZENZII Beaded Hoop Earrings

Outfit 3: Urban Coco Open Front Office Blazer – Caslon Knot Detail Cotton Blend Tank – MANGO High Waist Culotte Wide Leg Jeans – Franco Sarto Racer Pointed Toe Pump – Tory Burch Ella Nylon Tote – Nine West Teardrop Earrings

navy and black

The old adage that you shouldn’t wear navy with black is just one of those outdated rules like not wearing white shoes after Labor Day!

It can actually be a very chic combination.

It’s often a very Parisian combination to wear! To stop the two colors from looking as if they are bleeding together, use different textures, or use black as an accessory to your navy.

Outfit1: COS Asymmetric T-Shirt Dress – Naturalizer Vera Ankle Strap Sandal – Nina Ophelia Frame Clutch – Bocar Multi Layer Seed Beaded Necklace

Outfit 2: Lyssé Schiffer Shirt – MANGO High Waist Culotte Wide Leg Jeans – Franco Sarto Racer Pointed Toe Pump – Nina Ophelia Frame Clutch – Nine West Teardrop Earrings

Outfit 3: Eliza J Lace Bodice Jumpsuit – Steve Madden Loreli Ankle Strap Sandal – Olga Berg Cece Straw Woven Box Clutch – Kate Spade New York Pearl Raffia Hoop Drop Earrings

Deborah @deborahgates_ above shows how you could update a black outfit with blue outerwear.

Get her look with this similar top, pants, topper, sandals, earrings and necklace.

navy and silver

If you want to add a touch of glamour to your navy, then silver will go beautifully. You could add silver shoes and accessories to your navy dress, wear a navy crop jacket over a silver dress, or add a sequin top to your navy blazer.

Outfit 1: GRACE KARIN 3/4 Sleeve Cropped Cardigan – Massimo Dutti Satin Camisole Dress – Naturalizer Vera Ankle Strap Sandal – Nina Ophelia Frame Clutch – Nine West Teardrop Earrings

Outfit 2: COS Belted Linen Shirt Dress – Massimo Dutti Vinyl Flat Slider Sandals – Massimo Dutti Leather Bag – Karine Sultan Alice Statement Necklace

Outfit 3: J.Crew Willa Italian City Wool Blend Blazer – L’AGENCE Vida Metallic Tank – Massimo Dutti Straight Satin Trousers – Naturalizer Vera Ankle Strap Sandal – Massimo Dutti Leather Bag – Karine Sultan Medallion Drop Earrings

Navy blue and white

Crisp and clean, navy and white is an incredibly chic combination.

It was, for example, chosen by many of the guests at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s 2018 wedding.

There are plenty of beautiful navy and white options on the high street. This combination can also go beautifully with other neutrals such as tan and taupe.

Outfit 1: Elan Long Sleeve Shirtdress – J.Crew High Support One-Piece – Tory Burch Miller Leather Sandal – Tory Burch Ella Nylon Tote – KLFrogPond Tassel Drop Earrings

Outfit 2: COS The Clean Cut T-Shirt – Massimo Dutti Waffle-Knit Wrap Midi Skirt – Sam Edelman Ethyl Low Top Sneaker – Longchamp Mini Le Pliage Cuir Leather Top Handle Bag – Bocar Multi Layer Seed Beaded Necklace

Outfit 3: Cara Cara Asbury Tie Waist Shirt – MANGO High Waist Culotte Wide Leg Jeans – Lucky Brand Saimy Block Heel Sandal – Nina Ophelia Frame Clutch – Nine West Teardrop Earrings

Emms @beautifuleveryday_uk above chooses a navy outfit and metallic shoes.

Check out this similar top, pants (another option here), sandals, bag and hoop earrings.

Navy blue and orange

Of course, navy doesn’t have to be worn just with neutrals like black, white and taupe. It can go beautifully with so many colors. For major impact, try wearing with orange, red or yellow.

This can be an unexpected color combination but yet a classic one.

Outfit 1: COS T-Shirt – Massimo Dutti Straight Satin Trousers – Franco Sarto Carolynn Tassel Loafer – Tory Burch Ella Nylon Tote – Bocar Multi Layer Seed Beaded Necklace

Outfit 2: Lyssé Schiffer Shirt – COS Pleated Midi Skirt – Naturalizer Vera Ankle Strap Sandal – Nina Ophelia Frame Clutch – Nine West Teardrop Earrings

Outfit 3: COS Belted Puff Sleeve Dress – Tory Burch Miller Leather Sandal – Tory Burch Ella Nylon Tote – ZENZII Beaded Hoop Earrings

Navy with blue

Wearing navy blue with pale blue tends to be something you associate with men’s fashion.

There’s a classic combination of navy chinos and a pale blue shirt that never dates.

But, navy and pastel blue aren’t just for men to wear to work! It’s a combination that looks equally classy for women too!

Outfit 1: COS Belted Linen Shirt Dress – Lucky Brand Saimy Block Heel Sandal – Longchamp Mini Le Pliage Cuir Leather Top Handle Bag – Bocar Multi Layer Seed Beaded Necklace

Outfit 2: COS Oversized Shirt – Zella Strength Run Hike High Waist 7/8 Leggings – Franco Sarto Carolynn Tassel Loafer – Tory Burch Ella Nylon Tote – KLFrogPond Tassel Drop Earrings

Outfit 3: Lyssé Schiffer Shirt – Wit & Wisdom ‘Ab’Solution High Waist Flare Jeans – Lucky Brand Saimy Block Heel Sandal – Longchamp Mini Le Pliage Cuir Leather Top Handle Bag – FANCY SHINY Raffia Earrings

Eileen @eileenternullo above wears a pale blue top and scarf with her navy suit.

Steal her look with this similar blazer, trousers, shoes, scarf, bag, earrings and sunglasses.

Your navy looks together in one capsule

Below, you can see some of the looks from above together in one capsule. You could definitely mix the clothes, shoes and accessories up to create different looks.

shop THE items above here:

Read our ultimate guide to creating a capsule wardrobe that works best for you.

More navy capsule inspiration

The below capsule is past season but should still give you plenty of navy outfit inspiration.

Do you know how to wear navy blue? What are your favorite navy blue combinations?

Continue reading:

1. The Ultimate Checklist Of Wardrobe Essentials: Which 28 Essential Pieces Do You Need In Your Closet?
2. A Capsule Wardrobe For The Classic Style Personality
3. How To Wear Gray: Color Palettes And Ensembles For You To Choose From!

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If you don’t already have green in your closet, our ideas may well convert you…

So how can you add a touch of green to your own wardrobes?

Which shade of green is for you?

First of all, what color do you think of when you consider how to wear green?

There are so many different shades of green. You only have to look at the catwalks for 2023 to see that every hue of green you can think of is on trend.

Models walked down the runways in everything from mint to olive, sea green to emerald. Below are just a few of the greens that are on trend this year.

Which is your favorite? You can see green is very much on trend for the 2023 season.

Green outfits on the catwalks

Elie Saab – Victoria Beckham – Lela Rose

Another source of inspiration is colourlovers where you can simply type in a color and see which your favorite combinations are.

Here are some color combinations you could choose from. You could choose from these to wear with your green, or keep reading for more ideas.

How to wear green: The perfect green clothes and accessories

Before you start to put together an outfit featuring green you will, of course, need the perfect green top, skirt, pants or dress – whatever your choice may be – to act as a base for the rest of your colors.

The perfect green top

This green shirt from COS (below) is a modern way to wear lace, and would look beautiful worn with white pants or your favorite jeans.

COS Eyelet Shirt

green shirt

If you’re looking for a longer length shirt to wear with your leggings, the oversized kelly green shirt (below) could be perfect.

COS Oversized Shirt

Greetje @no_fear_of_fashion above (read her style interview here) teams her green shirt with blue pants, and adds a touch of yellow with her shoes and earrings.

Get her look with this similar shirt, pants, pumps, bag and earrings.

t-shirt

Every wardrobe needs a classic t-shirt, and it doesn’t have to be white. You could opt for a green t-shirt with your jeans and sneakers.

COS The Clean Cut T-Shirt

The perfect green jacket outfit 

If you choose a green in a more muted shade, it can be perfect to add to your casual outfit. Try this J.Crew with your jeans and t-shirt, or with a black or white dress.

J.Crew Limited Edition Drapey Long Parke Blazer

green cardigan

In a flattering balloon-sleeved style, the COS cardigan below would look good worn over a t-shirt or camisole with your jeans.

COS Voluminous Sleeve Knitted Cardigan

The perfect green dress outfits

If you’re looking for an alternative to your little black dress, how about a little green dress. It’s an unexpected choice that is sure to get you noticed. The asymmetry and ruching on the green dress (below) add a point of difference.

COS Asymmetric Gathered Midi Dress

Angela @angelamashelle above (read her style interview here) opts for an all green outfit by matching her dress to her bag.

Steal her look with this similar puff sleeve dress (other options here and here), sandals, bag and earrings.

Green jumpsuit

As an alternative to a dress, you could try a green jumpsuit. The style (below) would look lovely worn with white accessories for summer.

Pink Queen Wide Leg Jumpsuit

Green SHORTS

Is the weather good where you are? A pair of green shorts could look stylish as part of your summer wardrobe, or for your vacation wear.

The Drop Brighter Green Shorts

The perfect green pants outfit

Wide leg pants are very on-trend right now. Rather than a classic black pair, you could choose green. You could wear with a neutral white shirt, or with an equally bright color.

COS Wide Leg Pants

Claudia @glamupyourlifestyle above (read her style interview here) teams her green pants wth a terracotta color shirt, and matching sandals.

Recreate her outfit with this similar blouse, trousers, sandals and bag.

The perfect green skirt

A green skirt can add drama to your outfit, particularly if you choose a skirt with some volume. The green midi skirt (below) would look good worn with white.

COS Broderie Anglaise Midi Skirt

Green handbag

Another great idea to add a new color to your closet is to do so with your accessories. Just adding a green handbag can give a new look to existing outfits.

Rebecca Minkoff Large Megan Soft Croc Embossed Leather Tote

Green shoes

If you aren’t sure you want to fully embrace the green trend, you could choose a pair of green shoes to wear with your existing outfits.

J. Reneé Belamie Slingback Pointed Toe Pump

Colors that go with green

So, now that you’ve chosen your favorite piece of green clothing, what are the most stylish colors to wear with it?

Here are some of my favorite ideas, but I’d love to know what you love to wear with green.

White and green

White and green can look clean, fresh and very stylish.

Outfit 1: COS The High Line T-Shirt – Madewell The Harlow Wide Leg Jeans – Fttpdeaus Block Heel Strappy Sandals – AllSaints Leather Crossbody Bag – Kurt Geiger London Crystal Huggie Hoop Earrings

Outfit 2: Massimo Dutti Linen Blend Shirtdress – Open Edit Lilah Knot Slide Sandal – J.Crew Cadiz Hand-Knotted Rope Tote – FIFATA Drop Tassel Earrings

Outfit 3: Alice + Olivia Macey Linen Blend Blazer – COS Asymmetric Gathered Midi Dress – Naturalizer Vera Ankle Strap Sandal – Nina Pacey Crystal Minaudière – Karine Sultan Irregular Discs Clip-On Earrings

Nora @juststylela above (read her style interview here) shows how you could wear green and white for the warmer months.

Get her look with this similar top, kimono, pants, sandals, clutch and necklace.

Pink and green

Pink and green goes wonderfully together. And, that’s hardly a surprise when you consider that pink flowers and green foliage exist side-by-side in nature.

Choose accessories in pink to create a strong contrasting color to wear with a bold green.

There are three pink and green ideas for you below, whether you are looking for a casual, or dressier, outfit.

According to the old saying, pink and green are fit for a queen, and it’s easy to see why.

Outfit 1: COS Belted Linen Shirtdress – DREAM PAIRS Platform Sandal – Longchamp Medium Le Pliage Nylon Shoulder Tote – Betsey Johnson Mixed Stone Flower Stud Earrings

Outfit 2: COS Oversized Shirt – COS Wide Leg Pants – Munro Mel Metallic T-Strap Sandal – Marc Jacobs The Studded Snapshot Shoulder Bag – Karine Sultan Irregular Discs Clip-On Earrings

Outfit 3: COS Printed Maxi Shirtdress – COACH Swinger Glovetanned Leather Shoulder Bag – Fttpdeaus Block Heel Strappy Sandals – FIFATA Drop Tassel Earrings

Natalia @odin.stylish.me above teams her all-green outfit with a pink blazer and matching shoes.

Check out this similar top, tweed blazer, pants (another option here), pumps (lower option here), bag, necklace and earrings.

Blue and green

Whoever said blue and green should never be seen clearly needed to break a few style “rules” once in a while.

You could also try an emerald green with your navy.

Outfit 1: J.Crew Cashmere Sweater – Wit & Wisdom Ab-Solution High Waist Itty Bitty Bootcut Jeans – Nike Waffle Debut Sneaker – Rebecca Minkoff Large Megan Soft Croc Embossed Leather Tote – Karine Sultan Irregular Discs Clip-On Earrings

Outfit 2: COS Draped Asymmetric Dress – Fttpdeaus Block Heel Strappy Sandals – CHARMING TAILOR Suede Clutch – Coiris Tortoise Shell Acrylic Set

Outfit 3: Alice + Olivia Macey Linen Blend Blazer – COS Eyelet Shirt – Boden Bi-Stretch Crop Flare Trousers – J. Reneé Belamie Slingback Pointed Toe Pump – COACH Swinger Glovetanned Leather Shoulder Bag – Kurt Geiger London Crystal Huggie Hoop Earrings

Tanasha @letsrecreatethelook above shows how you could combine green and blue for an evening look.

Recreate her outfit with this similar silk camisole (another option here), skirt, sandals, handbag and earrings.

Green outfits capsule

Below you can see the outfits from above together in one capsule. You can see you can mix and match. The green shirt would go with the white pants, you could wear the shirt dress open as a duster jacket, the white blazer over any of the outfits, or the stripe t-shirt with the pink pants, for example.

shop SOME OF THE items above here:

More how to wear green inspiration for you

Green is perfect for every season. Below are some older capsules we created. Although these items are no longer available in stores, they will give you inspiration for your next outfit featuring green!

Other colors that go with green

Of course, these aren’t the only options. You’ll find that green is an incredibly versatile shade. Below are more ideas for you.

Beige and green

Beige is often seen as a so-called “boring” color. But it definitely doesn’t have to be. You can team with any shade of green.

Green and purple

If you want a really striking option, how about wearing green with purple?

Kim @kimair above (read her style interview here) teams green with purple.

Steal her look with this similar sweater, pants (another option here), clutch, pumps and earrings.

Red and green

As it’s on the same color spectrum, you will find that red and green goes just as well as pink and green.

Olive green outfits: Gray and green

As gray is one of the best neutrals you can have in your closet, you’ll find you can wear gray with any color you choose.

If you aren’t sure, pair with a neutral

An easy way to wear green is to pair this strong color with a neutral.

I went shopping in Lisbon in a green linen dress from Massimo Dutti which is perfect for summer and matched it with my favorite pair Fly London sandals. Here are some more green linen dress options from Massimo Dutti, Tommy Bahama, Eileen Fisher and The Drop.

Linda Fargo is looking as fabulous as ever during the New York Fashion week. Note the gorgeous color green she is wearing and that fabulous striped sweater (Photo by Denton Taylor).

How do you like to wear green? What colors do you wear with your green?

Continue reading:

1. A Capsule Wardrobe And Style Guide For The NATURAL Style Personality
2. Can You Wear Beige Over 40?
3. How To Wear Pink – A Comprehensive Guide With Lots Of Ideas And Color Combinations

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Feature image by Angela @angelamashelle

The post How to wear green – which of these color palettes and outfits is your favorite? appeared first on 40+ Style.

How to create a monochrome outfit

Using separates in the same color will create more drama, but you can always “cheat” with a dress or jumpsuit. If you really want to get the monochrome look, you’ll want to carry the color through to your shoes and accessories too.

Boma @mrs.gaf above chooses an all black outfit. She even carries the shade down to her toe nails! Black can be a tricky color to wear as it can be draining, but you could choose a white collar, and still achieve a monochrome look.

Get her outfit with this similar top, wide pants, sandals, bag, belt and earrings.

Tips for creating monochrome outfits

1. Choose your favorite, flattering color

You can create a monochrome outfit in any color at all. Choose your favorite – the color that lifts your mood and flatters your skintone.

Natalia @odin.stylish.me above chooses similar shades of blue from her shoes to her shirt, and adds a pop of green.

Recreate her outfit with this similar shirt, skirt, sandals, handbag, necklace and sunglasses.

2. You could rearrange your closet

If you feel that you never have anything to wear, you can shop your own closet by arranging it in a different way. Why not arrange everything by color, and then see if you can create outfits using the same color pathways.

Abi @stealmystyle40 above shows how you can create an outfit of whites and creams.

Steal her look with this similar T-shirt, jogger pants, sneakers, sweater and earrings.

Also look at how to rearrange your closet for lots of new outfit ideas.

3. Use different textures for your monochrome clothes

To make sure that your outfit of all one color doesn’t get boring, one tip is to use lots of different textures.

Jess @elegantlydressedandstylish above (read her style interview here) opts for an outfit of dark green, with the textures of lace, wool and her padded handbag.

Get her look with this similar cardigan, lace skirt, sandals, bag, earrings and brooch.

4. You can use different shades in your monochromatic outfit

All-one-color doesn’t necessarily mean the same shade. You can use the same color pathway but in different shades. For example, you can opt for black, white and gray. Or you can choose pale blues and navy.

Patricia @madamechicbcn above (read her style interview here) chooses different shades of brown and beige. She adds interest with the fluffy texture of her cardigan, and the print on her hat.

Check out this similar top, cardigan, pants, sneakers, beret and sunglasses.

5. Suits will always work for monochrome style

If you aren’t sure how to put together a monochrome outfit, then a suit will always work, and suits are very much on trend this season. Choose a suit in a color that you wouldn’t necessarily wear to the office.

Melissa @melissabultburns above chooses a bold, pink look, and matches her suit to the stripes in her blouse.

Recreate her outfit with this similar blouse, blazer, trousers (similar suit set) and sneakers.

Monochrome outfits for you to try

Now, let’s take a look at some stylish monochrome examples:

A bright suit

J.Crew is a good place to look for bright suits, like the orange jacket and pants (below). You can keep the look casual with a t-shirt and sneakers. Or, you can dress up the look with heels and a silk blouse or camisole.

J.Crew Willa Blazer – J.Crew Essential Pant – Liverpool Stripe Slim Fit T-Shirt – New Balance® 327 Sneakers – ALDO Drinna Faux Leather Crossbody Bag – Madewell Tangled Huggie Earrings

Also look at our article on color combinations to wear with orange.

Emerald green

Green is very much on trend at the moment, and looks lovely for summer. If you have events or parties coming up, you could opt for a green dress.

Fraiche by J Puff Sleeve Faux Wrap Maxi Dress – Sanctuary Admire Asymmetric Strappy Sandal – Kurt Geiger London Small Shoreditch Convertible Crossbody Bag – Nadri Omega Collar Necklace – Monica Vinader Siren Bezel Set Drop Earrings

There are more tips here in this article on how to wear green.

Bright red

Red will always get you noticed for all the right reasons and is flattering for all skintones. A red maxi dress is a glamorous, but easy way to get a red monochrome look for summer.

If red isn’t your thing, the Loveappella maxi dress (below) comes in 10 different shades, so you can choose your favorite color.

Loveappella V-Neck Jersey Maxi Dress – Sam Edelman Bay Cutout Slide Sandal – L.L.Bean Zip Top Boat & Tote Bag – MapofBeauty Braided Rope Tornado Necklace

You’ll find more tips and red outfits in this article on how to wear red – a comprehensive guide which also includes a video on choosing your best shade of red.

A blue dress to dress up or down

Cos is a good go-to if you want timeless clothes with a bit of an edge that you can dress up or down, depending on the occasion. You could easily wear the ruched dress (below) for day or night.

COS Gathered Midi Dress – TOMS Marisela Wedge Sandal – HOBO Sheila Crossbody – Stella + Ruby Stone Drop Earrings

Shades of beige

Beige has an unfair reputation for being boring. But, it definitely doesn’t have to be. Choose different shades and textures to put together a neutral outfit. Plus, you can keep your look hip with a moto jacket.

AllSaints Dalby Leather Biker Jacket – Reiss Haley Silk Button-Up Shirt – Nordstrom High Waist Wide Leg Pants – Nine West Milday Ankle Strap Sandal – Solene Foldover Clutch – BaubleBar Klara Necklace

You might also want to look at our article on how to wear beige over 40.

Light and dark blue

As you will have a pair of blue jeans in your closet, they can be an easy starting point for a monochrome blue outfit. You could choose a similar blue to your jeans or a paler shade.

J.Crew Willa Blazer – Cinq à Sept Lorainne Ruched Dolman Sleeve Silk Top – Nili Lotan Corette High Waist Wide Leg Jeans – Mettesally Kitten Heels Suede Pump – Kate Spade New York Morgan Saffiano Double Leather Crossbody Bag – J.Crew Faceted Stone Necklace

For more tips, check our article on how to wear jeans over 40.

Black and white

Mixing black with white is always a classic color palette. To make sure the black doesn’t drain your skintone, you could keep the white towards your face.

Cinq à Sept Ayala Braided Cotton Blend Jacket – Massimo Dutti Cotton T-Shirt – Vince Camuto Wide Leg Trousers – Massimo Dutti Leather Flats – Proenza Schouler White Label Small Accordian Flap Leather Shoulder Bag – Jane Stone Teardrop Bib Bubble Necklace

Also look at our articles on how to wear black and white.

Monochrome made for you

An easy way to get a monochrome look is to choose a ready-made outfit. The AllSaints dress (below) comes with a matching sweater.

AllSaints Sassi Strappy Sain Slipdress with Crop Sweater – Schutz Binky Strappy Slingback Sandal – Dasein Suede Evening Clutch – Open Edit Hoop Drop Earrings

Shades of gray

Mixing shades of gray can give you a professional look. Or, for evening, you could always mix gray with silver.

Cole Haan Classic Belted Trench Coat – Veronica Beard Keora Poplin Button-Up Shirt – ANINE BING Classic Pant – David Tate Colette Cap Toe Pump – ANINE BING Colette Bag – Tory Burch Eleanor Small Hoop Earrings

Read our guide on how to wear gray over 40.

Monochrome capsule

Below, you can see the monochrome outfits from above together in one capsule. On days when you want to mix things up a little, you could always wear the colors with each other to create more looks.

Shop the monochrome outfits below

Continue reading:

1. How To Wear Red – Your Comprehensive Guide On Wearing The Color Of Love!
2. How To Wear Green – Which Of These Color Palettes And Outfits Is Your Favorite?
3. My Secrets On How To Color Block Your Outfits Effortlessly

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Feature image by Natalia @odin.stylish.me

The post these monochrome outfits show that all-one-color is super stylish appeared first on 40+ Style.

Why black is popular

So, why are we so drawn to black? Below are a few reasons:

Black is perceived as flattering

Black minimises and downplays which is why it is a popular option to downplay certain parts of your body.

While this is certainly true, it does not work when you wear all over black without paying attention to color, print or texture. Instead it can look aging and dowdy.

Black goes with everything

Yes, black is an easy color to wear and combine. It can also be boring and let you look like everybody else and let you disappear into the background.

Black is certainly a great wardrobe essential but you will need to learn how to wear black the right way.

One idea is to wear your black as a print, as shown below.

similar blouse (another option here), skirt and silver shoes

Black is always on trend

No matter which other colors are on trend, black is always super stylish.

After all, who could forget Audrey Hepburn in her black Givenchy dress and long black gloves, or black cigarette pants and turtle neck. But don’t forget, she had youth on her side and great design to beat!

COS Gathered Midi Dress – COS Belted Midi Shirt Dress – Karen Millen Structured Crepe Forever Pleat Belted Midi Dress – Eliza J Long Sleeve Tuxedo Gown

For more stylish dresses, check out our article on the best black dresses in stores now.

Black is edgy

If you are keen on an ‘edgy’ look then black is often the preferred choice.

You can achieve any look you want with black. Souri @fabfemme_australia above (read her style interview here) opts for retro style.

Get her look with this similar dress, bolero, pumps, beret, handbag and neck scarf.

Black seems to fit the colder days and temperatures

Black is especially popular when temperatures start to drop and days become shorter.

More and more woman begin to resort to wearing all black and black-dominated looks. While your natural inclination might be to take this route, it’s not always the best option for women as they age.

How to wear black over 40?

Even though black has many advantages, it has its disadvantages too. One of the main ones is that black can be rather boring and does nothing for our complexion.

This becomes an even bigger factor as you get older.

As our complexion changes and often becomes paler, black (especially too close to the face) can be jarring, harsh, and wash out your complexion. In other words, the most comfortable option for winter might not be the most flattering.

Although I like wearing black, I seldom wear all-over black any more.

If I do wear all black, I also prefer an all black look when I can keep my legs bare. Bare legs provide a nice contrast for the black and make the look a bit softer.

Let’s have a look at how to wear black in stylish and flattering ways

These tips below will help you to wear black in style, whether you like all black outfits for women or you like to add color or print.

1. Wear it in classic cuts and styles

To keep an all black look or piece from appearing too frumpy, select classic cuts and styles that are perfectly tailored.

The perfectly tailored aspect of the piece is key, as anything that is ill fitting will become eve more pronounced if you select a black piece. A common misconception is that black is always sliming. This is not always the case and any piece that is ill fitting can actually become more pronounced in black.

You could choose classic wrap or trench coats, blazers, pencil skirts, tuxedos, tote bags and pumps. All are completely timeless options.

Cole Haan Signature Slick Belted Long Wool Blend Coat – COS Slim-Fi Waisted Blazer – COS Tapered Pants – Kate Kasin Wrap Front Pencil Skirt – Tory Burch Perry Triple Compartment Leather Tote – Naturalizer Everly Pump

If these styles appeal, you will also want to take a look at this capsule wardrobe for the classic style personality.

Yvonne @funkyforty above (read her style interview here) wears a black suit, and adds a contemporary flair with her lug sole loafers.

Steal her look with this similar top, vest, blazer, pants, loafers, sunglasses and necklace.

2. Don’t wear black too near to your face

If you have a piece with very little texture or embellishments, wearing black too close to your face can actually make you look washed out and do very little to brighten your tone.

A way to get past this challenge is by wearing a piece that has a contrasting color close to your face (such as the dresses below), or selecting a piece such as a bright scarf or necklace to warm the look closer to your face (more on that later).

One great trick to prevent black from being too close to your face is to add a necklace to break the severity and have a kinder color close to your face.

Accessories can give a simple black dress a real wow factor. A matching statement necklace and earrings provide oomph to a summer outfit.

Below, you can see some dresses, tops and coats designed with the black towards the bottom of your outfit.

GloryStar Contrast Collared Shirt – Karen Millen Leather Signature Moto Jacket – Karen Millen Contrast Twill Trimmed Midi Shirt Dress – Vince Camuto Mock Neck Long Sleeve Fit & Flare Dress – Karen Kane Colorblock Long Sleeve Jersey Dress

If you like these, you might also want to take a look at this article on how to colorblock.

3. Go with print and patterns

Another way to wear black without giving in to an all black look is by selecting pieces with a black hue dominated pattern.

You still get the edge of a black tone, however, the monotonous black is broken up with a visually engaging print or pattern. You can go with a subtle pinstripe look or bolder prints.

Nandashe Scoop Neck Tunic Top – Romwe Beted Peplum Blouse – DIARRABLU Leer Hera Print Palazzo Pants – DIARRABLU Mailys Hera Print Convertible Dress

Kim @kimair above (read her style interview here) opts for a beautiful polka dot dress, and keeps her look monochrome with black shoes and a white handbag.

Check out this polka dot dress (more options here and here) that you can wear with these similar heels, handbag, sunglasses and earrings.

4. Play with texture

Texture is another way to add more definition to black pieces.

Whether you opt for an all black look or select a one piece, texture is known for adding a color-like dimension to your look. Pleats are an easy way to achieve this look, as is jacquard. Feathers are also another great option.

You could look out for faux fur, lace and velvet for evening, or quilted jackets and coats for a casual look.

The Drop Natalie V-Neck Lace Trimmed Camisole – COS The Chenille Bolero Jacket – Open Edit Relaxed Velvet Blazer – Karen Millen Leather Multi Stitch Cuff Shearling Lined Coat – COS Short Padded Hooded Cape – Zella Faux Fur Puffer Jacket – COS Faux Shearling Coat

5. Think about your silhouette

Another way to add interest to your black outfits is to add structure to the clothes you choose. For example, you could look out for handkerchief styles and draping, or peplum jackets. You could choose asymmetry, or you could opt for dresses that show off your waist.

LARACE Tunic Top – GRACE KARIN Wrap Lantern Sleeve Peplum Top – Hybrid & Company Notch Lapel Sharp Shoulder Blazer – Halogen Asymmetric Midi Dress – YMDUCH Peplum Pencil Dress

Wendy @fashionoverfifty.wendy above chooses a very structured jacket, and adds interest to her outfit with her contemporary jewelry and the print of her pants.

Recreate her outfit with this similar coat, pants, high boots, clutch and sunglasses.

6. Embellish it

Much like texture, selecting an embellished black piece gives you the permission to go with all black pieces if your heart desires.

Look for pearls and crystals for instant glamour. All you need to add is a clutch bag, and you’re good to go.

Karen Millen Feather Embellishment Mesh Detail Sweater – Karen Millen Embellished Ruffle Figure Form Crepe Midi Dress – Karen Millen All Over Baroque Hot Fix Halter Neck Neck Midi Dress – Badgley Mischka Collection Carrie Crystal Embellished Pump – BESTOYARD Pearl Wool Beret

7. Invest in black accessories

If you want to think about creating a stylish all black outfit, then you’ll need some stylish black accessories. You can see how wearing a number of accessories will create texture and interest for the black clothes you already have in your closet.

Steve Madden Hayle Platform Chelsea Boot – Nanushka Jen Vegan Leather Top Handle Bag – COACH Wyn Crossgrain Leather Crossbody Bag – Cindy & Wendy Large Pashmina Scarf – Rosantica Carbone Collar Necklace – Gucci GG Running Drop Earrings – C.C Pom Cable Knit Beanie

Tamera @tamerabeardsley (read her style interview here) shows off a beautiful way to wear black, by wearing statement necklaces beside your face.

Check out this similar long sleeve top, pants, booties, backpack, fedora, necklace and sunglasses.

8. Go Sheer

When you add a sheer element to a black piece, it transforms even the most basic pieces into a highly valued wardrobe piece.

The key to wearing this look is to follow the philosophy of keeping it simple and not adding too many other embellishments to your look. You can also add pops of color to come through the sheer fabric for a multi-dimensional look that can also warm the complexion. If you opt for a sheer top, you can wear a black camisole underneath.

Open Edit Sheer Button-Up Shirt – Karen Millen All Over Sequin Jersey Mesh Top – Anne Klein Embroidered Long Sleeve Dress – Anne Klein Solid Ity Knot Front Three-Quarter Sleeve Dress – Karen Millen Hot Fix Diamante Power Mesh Jersey Midi Dress

9. Pair it with denim

One of the most timeless pairings for a very effortless and chic look is the pairing of black and denim.

While many tend to shy away from too much of a black and blue pairing, the composition of black or blue denim with black or blue pieces creates very clean and almost minimalist looks.

Omoone Denim Tie Knot Top – 1822 Denim Re:Denim Recycled Denim Trucker Jacket – PAIGE Manhattan High Waist Bootcut Jeans – Calvin Klein Gayle Pump

Sylvia @sylviacolella above (read her style interview here) wears a very classic outfit of blue jeans and a black sweater and jacket.

Recreate her outfit with this similar sweater, jacket, jeans, booties, shoulder bag, sunglasses and earrings.

10. Go monochromatic

Black and white is always a stylish combination. You could wear an all monochromatic look, or you could add a pop of color. Red would look beautiful.

Karen Millen Cotton Stripe Slash Neck 3/4 Sleeve Top – Karen Millen Mirror Paisley Jacquard Knit Belted Cardigan – Karen Millen Soft Tailored Pleat Panelled Midi Dress – Karen Millen Abstract Viscose Crepe Slip Dress

11. Add pops of color to your all black outfits for women

Choose your favorite color, and use it to brighten up your black. A bright color like red will really make an impact.

J. Reneé Miara Pointed Toe Pump – Cole Haan Viola Skimmer Loafers – COACH Willow Bucket Bag – Off-White Edvard 57mm Cat Eye Sunglasses

Susanne @textelle (read her style interview here) wears black, white and red.

Check out this printed dress (other options here and here) that you can wear with these similar tights, boots, crossbody bag, beret and necklace.

12. add accessories

Adding accessories is key to creating a polished, vibrant, interesting look for any outfit. You can opt for black accessories, as you’ve already seen, or you could choose colorful options.

Jerollin Multilayer Seed Bead Necklace – ZENZII Flower Dangle Earrings – Nordstrom Eyelash Trim Print Cashmere & Silk Wrap – Lisianthus Belt Buckle Fedora Hat

Your black outfits together in one capsule

Below, you can see some of the black clothes, shoes and accessories featured above together in one capsule. You can see how you can add interest to all black outfits for women, or choose to add a little color to your black outfits.

shop some of the black outfits above here:

More black outfits for women

Want more ideas? Take inspiration from these (mostly) black outfits photographed on the streets of New York by Denton Taylor.

The pears, scarf and hat make the black outfit a lot softer. Also notice all the other accessories.

This outfit work because of the large amount of visible skin but at the top and the bottom which makes the all-black outfit less harsh.

The woman above uses different textures to make her all black outfit more interesting.

This is an edgier all-black look where a unique design and textures makes for a great black outfit.

Want to learn how to wear other colors? Check our color guides on:

• How to wear gray
• How to wear white
• How to wear red
• How to wear beige
• How to wear orange
• How to wear green
• How to wear purple
• How to wear navy

How do you like to wear black? Which of these black outfits is your favorite?

Continue reading:

1. How To Choose The Perfect Little Black Dress For Your Body Type
2. A Capsule Wardrobe For The Classic Style Personality
3. What To Wear With A Black Skirt: 9 Black Skirt Outfits To Inspire You

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Photos by Denton Taylor

Do you wear all-black outfits? Which of these black outfits and all black outfits for women is your favorite look?

Feature image by Tamera @tamerabeardsley

The post How to wear black over 40 appeared first on 40+ Style.

All the more reason to wear it wholeheartedly. As the world is going through some tough times right now, anything to bring some cheer can only be a good thing. Below are plenty of tips and tricks to help you to put together flattering yellow outfits. 

First, you may like to discover which hue of yellow is right for you

How to wear yellow outfits?

If you’re going to wear yellow, you will need the perfect yellow clothing and accessories.

yellow shirt

Carmen @carmen_gimeno above looks beautiful in her yellow shirt and floral pants.

Check out these printed wide leg pants from ba&sh, Karen M

illen, Molly Bracken and ECOWISH. Here is a similar shirt (another option here), clutch, sandals and sunglasses.

COS Oversized Printed Silk-Blend Shirt

The perfect yellow top outfit

Yellow can be easily worn as a top. Fabulous with neutral bottoms like blue jeans, white or black.

If solid yellow is too bright for you, then choose a striped one. You can minimize the effect of the yellow by combining your yellow top (like a tank) with a blazer in a more neutral color.

This will still give you the hip vibrancy of yellow without the yellow overpowering you too much.

I love the draped style of this soft yellow tunic (below) which would be ideal if you’re looking for a top to wear with leggings or skinny jeans.

LARACE Swing Tunic Top

For a more fitted option, you could choose a yellow wrap top.

Made by Johnny Wrap Front Dolman Top

There are more tops to wear with your leggings in this article on how to wear leggings over 40.

The perfect yellow blouse

Of course, yellow doesn’t have to be very bright and “in-your-face”. You can go for a much more subtle approach with either a mustard or lemony or pastel yellows.

Look out for options in linen or cotton to keep you cool in the warmer months or go for a beautiful silk shirt in a deeper yellow to create a high-end feel.

Or how about the mustard tie-waist top from Amazon (below) which would look great worn with leggings or skinny jeans.

Romwe Belted Peplum Blouse

The perfect yellow dress outfit

COS Printed Maxi Dress – Fly London Ankle Strap Sandal – YYW Straw Bag – HEIDKRUEGER Woven Rattan Earrings

If you want to make a statement with your yellow, then wearing a yellow dress can be the perfect way to do so.

I’d keep it relatively simple and team with neutrals like blacks, whites, metallics or browns. But, you could, of course, decide to opt for a contrast and wear a color like blue or a pattern like leopard print to bring a touch of the unexpected to your outfit.

A yellow dress could be the perfect option to keep you cool and stylish in summer.

COS Printed Maxi Dress

The perfect yellow blazer

Everyone from No Doubt singer Gwen Stefani to Desperate Housewives actress Eva Longoria has been rocking the yellow blazer trend! It looks great teamed with Breton stripes, blues and whites.

If you already have a striped top and a pair of jeans in your wardrobe, this could be the perfect way to update them.

Many of the blazers I’ve seen in stores recently have been double-breasted, which can be a tricky style to wear as they can add unwanted width.

However, if you opt for a blazer with nice, clean lines, this can be universally flattering as well as versatile. You can wear over jeans, pants or a dress for a more formal event.

Michel Open Front Blazer

Yellow jackets

To add a pop of color to any outfit, how about choosing a yellow denim jacket rather than the usual blue? Or a yellow moto jacket rather than black?

Tanasha @prettytallstyle above pairs yellow with purple to put together a striking, stylish outfit.

Recreate her outfit with this similar moto jacket, pants, sandals, handbag and earrings.

LifeShe Denim Jacket – Club Monaco Side Button Linen Blend Sundress – DREAM PAIRS Espadrille Sandal – Kate Spade New York Market Stripe Fabric Medium Tote – Stella + Ruby Ava Drop Earrings

LifeShe Denim Jacket

Bellivera Faux Leather Moto Jacket

Yellow sweater

A yellow sweater could be perfect for staying warm on cool summer nights. Simply team with jeans and sneakers or boots.

EDSTAR Batwing Sleeves Sweater

Yellow cardigan

You could also add a yellow cardigan as a cover-up. A longer style will create nice long, lean lines.

LALABEE Open Front Draped Cardigan

The perfect yellow coat

Lauren Ralph Lauren Short Trench Coat – COS Oversized T-Shirt – PAIGE Laurel Canyon High Waist Bootcut Jeans – Fly London Ankle Strap Sandal – Salvatore Ferragamo Travel Leather Tote – Open Edit Geo Link Collar Necklace

If you are not afraid of the color, yellow can look fabulous on a coat.

It will brighten up any darker days in fall and winter and add a ray of sunshine in summer. Yellow looks fabulous with a black and white outfit and makes the overall look really chic!

If you have a summer wedding or event to attend, you could team a monochrome dress with a yellow coat.

A great way to wear a yellow coat can be to opt for a truly classic style like a trench, a leather biker or a duster and to update this through your use of bright, sunny yellow.

Lauren Ralph Lauren Short Trench Coat

The perfect yellow pants outfit

Yellow pants can be a great way to make a casual style statement.

If you don’t like yellow too close to your face you may opt for a yellow pair of pants instead. I like to combine mine with neutral colors like white and black, so the color does not overpower me too much.

It you have a black and white top, this would be perfect to match with yellow pants.

A pair of tailored pants could be a good addition to your summer wardrobe. I can see these going with a casual striped or plain tee, or with a silk shirt or blouse for lunch out with friends and family.

Above, I am wearing wearing a linen jacket (another option here) and a pair of pants (another option here) from Massimo Dutti and a shirt from COS (another option here). Check out this similar sneakers, bag, earrings and sunglasses.

Burband Bootcut Dress Pants

The perfect yellow jeans

For a more casual approach to yellow pants, you could always opt for jeans instead.

A crop or skinny style would be perfect for summer. As these will be the hero piece in your outfit, you can keep the rest of your look clean and simple, perhaps pairing with a white shirt or tee, or a striped sweater.

A pale pastel shade of yellow adds subtle color to your outfit. Or could choose a bright yellow like the jeggings (below).

YELETE Basic Five Pocket Stretch Jeggings

The perfect yellow skirt outfit

You could opt for a yellow skirt. I wear my own yellow skirt frequently, either dressed up or down, and take it on most of my vacations.

A yellow skirt looks good teamed with most striped, polka dot or patterned tops.

You can opt for an a-line or fuller style in linen or cotton for a more casual summer look which would be ideal for vacations. Or, look for a piece in satin or silk which would be lovely for more formal events.

Ted Baker London Jaune Asymmetric Twist Skirt

The perfect yellow shoes outfit

I love the sense of fun that wearing brightly colored shoes can bring to an outfit.

Plus, this is such an easy way to update your closet and add a talking point to pieces you already wear.

Shoes can make a big impact to your outfit and adding a bit of yellow here is very hip. Yellow shoes look perfect with neutral outfits or any other outfit that has just a little bit of yellow in it.

You could wear an all navy outfit and add a pop of yellow with your shoes, or add yellow to a monochrome dress for a formal event or a lunch out with friends and family.

Or, you could opt for a pair of yellow sneakers to wear with your jeans.

A pair of yellow sandals with a relatively low block heel could be a good buy for summer as they will be easy to wear and walk in, while adding oomph to your existing closet.

Natalia @odin.stylish.me above wears a neutral outfit and then adds pops of yellow with her shoes and bag.

Steal her look with this similar top (another option here), skirt, sandals, tote, belt and sunglasses.

There are more stylish yellow shoes options for you below.

Tory Burch Minnie Travel Ballet Flat

J. Adams Daisy Block Heel Sandal

SHCRTK Low Top Canvas Sneaker

The perfect yellow accessories to wear with neutrals or your yellow clothing

Genhoo Open Front Blazer – Lafayette 148 New York Perla Reversible Silk Blouse – Mavi Jeans Barcelona High Waist Raw Hem Wide Leg Jeans – BOSTANTEN Leather Bucket Bag – AMARANTOS Kitten Heel Pump – BOCAR Beaded Necklace

If you are not too keen on wearing color but still like to liven up your outfit with a bit of sunshine, then accessorizing is the way to go. It is an excellent way to add color to your outfit and take it to the next level.

You can see yellow is very nice with an all-white outfit or a black and white combination. Just add a yellow bag, belt, scarf or necklace and you’re good to go.

This is by far the easiest way to add a bit of yellow to your wardrobe and still get the benefits.

The bag below will elevate any look. It can fit all of your essentials and its design and shape are very classic so you can wear for season after season.

BOSTANTEN Leather Bucket Bag

Or you could opt for a yellow scarf to brighten up your outfits.

Plum Feathers Pashmina Shawl

Colors that go with yellow

So, now that you have your yellow basics sorted, what other colors are you going to wear with them? What are your favorite colors to wear with your yellow? Below are some of my own favorites. Let me know what you think.

Black and yellow outfits

Jamie @moreturquoise above (read her style interview here) shows how you can make your favorite black dress look totally different just by choosing bright shoes and accessories. She adds yellow and red to her look.

Get her look with this similar dress, sandals, belt, bag, sunglasses and earrings.

Outfit 1: COS Printed Maxi Dress – Fly London Ankle Strap Sandal – YYW Straw Bag – HEIDKRUEGER Woven Rattan Earrings

Outfit 2: Breezy Lane Kimono – Hilor One Piece Front Crossover Swimsuit – Sam Edelman Bay Flat Sandal – HEIDKRUEGER Woven Rattan Earrings

Outfit 3: AllSaints Mira Side Ruched Cotton T-Shirt – 7 For All Mankind High Waist Crop Straight Leg Jeans – Fly London Ankle Strap Sandal – Salvatore Ferragamo Travel Leather Tote – Open Edit Geo Link Collar Necklace

Yellow and white outfits

Outfit 1: COS Oversized Printed Silk-Blend Shirt – Wit & Wisdom ‘Ab’Solution High Waist Ankle Skinny Pants – DREAM PAIRS Espadrille Sandal – Charming Tailor PU Clutch – Lorsoilyn Raffia Earrings 

Outfit 2: LifeShe Denim Jacket – Club Monaco Side Button Linen Blend Sundress – DREAM PAIRS Espadrille Sandal – Kate Spade New York Market Stripe Fabric Medium Tote – Stella + Ruby Ava Drop Earrings

Outfit 3: Beninos 3/4 Sleeve Blazer – Lafayette 148 New York Perla Reversible Silk Blouse – Ted Baker London Jaune Asymmetric Twist Skirt – Fly London Ankle Strap Sandal – Tory Burch Kira Small Chevron Camera Bag – Stella + Ruby Ava Drop Earrings

Blue and yellow outfit

Wearing yellow and blue is a classic combination. Opting for a navy shade is an easy way to get this look. But you could also choose cobalt or paler shade of blue.

Dayle @artfulcitystyle above (read her style interview here) teams teal with yellow. You can choose any shade of blue to go with your yellow.

Recreate her look with this similar top, jeans, sandals (another option here), necklace and bracelets.

Outfit 1: COS Belted T-Shirt Dress – Wit & Wisdom Jeggings – AMARANTOS Kitten Heel Pump – Tory Burch Kira Small Chevron Camera Bag – BOCAR Beaded Necklace

Outfit 2: Genhoo Open Front Blazer – Lafayette 148 New York Perla Reversible Silk Blouse – Mavi Jeans Barcelona High Waist Raw Hem Wide Leg Jeans – BOSTANTEN Leather Bucket Bag – AMARANTOS Kitten Heel Pump – BOCAR Beaded Necklace

Outfit 3: EDSTAR Batwing Sleeves Sweater – Modegal Satin Midi Skirt – DREAM PAIRS Ballet Flat – FashionPuzzle Envelope Clutch Bag – HEIDKRUEGER Woven Rattan Earrings

With an unexpected bright pop of color

Of course, you could always team your yellow with other bright colors.

Outfit 1: LifeShe Denim Jacket – COS Racer-Neck Midi Dress – DREAM PAIRS Ballet Flat – BOSTANTEN Leather Bucket Bag – HEIDKRUEGER Woven Rattan Earrings

Outfit 2: EDSTAR Batwing Sleeves Sweater – BOSS Talengo Wide Leg Linen Blend Trousers – Fly London Ankle Strap Sandal – Salvatore Ferragamo Travel Leather Tote – HEIDKRUEGER Woven Rattan Earrings

Outfit 3: Lauren Ralph Lauren Short Trench Coat – COS Oversized T-Shirt – PAIGE Laurel Canyon High Waist Bootcut Jeans – Fly London Ankle Strap Sandal – Salvatore Ferragamo Travel Leather Tote – Open Edit Geo Link Collar Necklace

A capsule wardrobe featuring yellow

Below is a capsule wardrobe featuring yellow, which puts together many of the clothes and accessories used above. There are 9 outfits here, but you could easily mix and match to create plenty of different combinations.

shop some of the items above here:

Read our ultimate guide to creating a capsule wardrobe that works best for you.

More yellow fashion inspiration for you

We created different yellow capsule wardrobes in the past which we still like to share with you.

Although these exact items are no longer available in stores, these capsule wardrobes will still give you lots of ideas on how to add yellow to your wardrobe.

You may even be able to recreate these looks with items already in your wardrobe.

Do you already have some yellow outfits in your wardrobe? How would you style the color yellow? I’d love to know in the comments below.

Continue reading:

1. How To Wear Red – Your Comprehensive Guide On Wearing The Color Of Love!
2. How To Wear Orange? 7 Color Combinations To Get You Started!
3. Can You Wear Beige Over 40?

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Feature image by Carmen @carmen_gimeno

The post How to wear yellow and brighten up your day! appeared first on 40+ Style.

Let’s have a look at the best colors to complement gray hair.

If you’re still wondering if gray hair is for you, you may like to enjoy the article and comments in our article to gray or not to gray.

The best colors to complement gray hair

Once you have chosen to go gray, the question that I often get asked is “what colors look good with grey hair?”. Let’s explore the best color palettes for gray hair in this article.

Gray hair is the lack of pigment that naturally occurs as we age, as does a softening of our skin tones and even our eye color.

Not all gray is the same

50 shades of grey? Not quite, but there are many variations depending how much grey is in your hair and what your natural color was. Grey ranges from salt & pepper, steel grey, champagne, silver, platinum and all the way to pure white.

And the percentage of hair that is gray compared to that which is still pigmented also changes the look of your grey and will change over time as more pigment is lost.

The color grey is naturally a “cool” color, so depending on the amount of gray in your hair, you may look “cooler” even if you have a warm complexion and eye color.

With all these changes you may not suit some colors that you wore when younger. Let’s discuss the best color pallets to complement your gray hair.

In this article, you will find the colors to complement your gray best – depending on what your original natural color was.

I’ve also included some beautiful clothes in the colors that suit you best. I’ve concentrated on tops, coats and scarves as these will be what you wear against your face and hair.

Pastels may wash you out now as there is less contrast between your hair and complexion. Avoid muddy colors as these may dull your complexion.

Dark colors may be too harsh.

So what can you wear? Exactly what are the colors to complement gray hair?

Mid value colors to bright and jewel tones will be more complementary. Now let’s explore that in more detail. I was trained in the color analysis concept and believe that your skin undertone remains the same as you age.

That means if you have a cool undertone, you will always have that, so I will review the color pallets for warm and cool.

Which colors complement cool complexions

If you had naturally dark brunette or black hair you will look best in these colors:

Purple

FRAME Femme Tieneck Silk Sleeveless Blouse

Royal blue

Chiara Boni La Petite Robe Pieranna Sleeveless Peplum Top

Dayle @artfulcitystyle above (read her style interview here) looks great in her tonal blues.

Recreate her outfit with this similar tunic top, pants, flats and necklace.

Cobalt

LookbookStore Notched Lapel Blazer

Fuchsia

LARACE V-Neck Tunic Top

Red

J.Crew Cashmere Shrunken Cardigan Sweater

Mel @bagandaberet above (read her style interview here) teams a red outfit, complete with red lipstick, with her gray hair.

Get her look with this similar sweater, pants and booties.

Emerald green

Boden Sienna Linen Shirt

Icy colors

LCRRRN Blazer

All greys from silver to charcoal

Neineiwu 3/4 Sleeve Chiffon Blouse

Eileen @eileenternullo above shows how wearing grays and whites can look beautiful with gray hair.

Steal her look with this similar sweater, pants, espadrilles and earrings.

What you may wish to avoid

Browns in your pallet may not work as well next to your face but would be fine as neutrals for trousers, skirts and jackets.

You may find black a bit too harsh, so you may want to substitute with navy.

White may be too draining next to your face especially if you have a high percentage of grey in your hair

Those who had blonde or lighter brown hair will look best in these:

Deep lavender

Lock and Love Dolman Top

Magenta

Trina Turk Concourse Satin-Back Crepe Top

Raspberry

Equipment Slim Signature Shirt

Bright pinks

Harshman Finch Cap-Sleeve Blouse

Jospehine @chicatanyage above (read her style interview here) opts for a look that would be perfect for summer with a pair of white pants and bright pink top.

Recreate her outfit with this similar top (another option here), necklace and pants.

Denim blue

rag & bone Maxine Denim Shirt

French blue

Boden Cotton Flutter Top

Cornflower blue

Saks Fifth Avenue Scalloped Button-Shoulder T-Shirt

Periwinkle blue

Dokotoo Chiffon Top

Jade green

Lock and Love Drape Front Open Cardigan

Rose red

Ramy Brook Lori Silk Halter Top

Off-white

CHICWISH Ruched Long Sleeves Knit Top

Misja @misjabeijers above (read her style interview here) shows how creams can look great with gray hair. She adds interest to her outfit with her funky accessories.

Recreate her outfit with this similar top, pants and bracelet.

Pale greys

Made By Johnny Swing Tunic Top

The browns and taupe in your palette may not work as well next to your face but would be fine as neutrals for trousers, skirts and jackets.

You may want to avoid soft pastels as these may wash you out.

Which colors complement warm complexions?

Those who had warm brown, strawberry or golden blonde hair will look best in these:

Corals

Sharryn @thestylishwoman above (read her style interview here) opts for a coral tunic that looks good with slim pants or leggings.

Check out this similar tunic dress (another option here), pants, sandals, head wrap, earrings and necklace.

LEIYEE Wrap Top

Watermelon

Tahari ASL Side Ruched Flutter Sleeve Dress

Kelly Green

Angashion Loose Fit Drape Blouse

Royal blue

Loveappella Godet Maxi Dress

Bright aqua

Made By Johnny Sleeveless Draped Open Cardigan

Turquoise

WIHOLL Square Neck Puff Sleeve Shirt

Terrie @glammas.closet above (read here style interview here) teams a turquoise cardigan with her black dress.

Check out this similar cardigan (another option here), top, skirt, sandals, belt, sunglasses, handbag and earrings.

Warm pinks

MBJ Wrap Front Drape Dolman Top

Lilac

WAYF Sterling Wrap Sweater

Warm cinnamon browns will be better than a tan or buff colour next to your face.

Beiges would be fine as neutrals for trousers, skirts and jackets. Ivory may be too pale for you now, so wear it with an accent color.

Those who had auburn or red hair will look best in these:

Burnt orange

Zeagoo Cross-Front Ruched Blouse

Terracotta

Caslon Gingham Textured A-Line Shirtdress

Tomato red

Levi’s Shrunken Faux Leather Moto Jacket

Judith @stylecrone above (read her style interview here) opts for a matching hat and dress with a statement necklace.

Recreate her outfit with this similar tunic, earrings, necklace and hat.

Teal

Made By Johnny Kimono Style Dolman Cardigan

Plums

FRAME Ruched Sleeve Recycled Cashmere Blend Sweater

Aubergine

Dokotoo Smocked Chiffon Top

Deep coral

Liverpool Los Angeles Smocked Shoulder T-Shirt

Forest green

Boden Empire Ruched Waist Dress

Goldenrod

Connected Apparel Ity Mock Wrap Dress

Choose the warmer and richer colors in your pallet as the paler colors may wash you out.

Neutrals in the richer warm browns and camel will be better next to your face than olive or khaki.

Make-up to complement gray hair

Wear make-up colours that complement your skin tone.

You may feel you look paler now as your skin and hair color are a lower contrast, so you may want to try a brighter lip color. Lip and blush colors should be clear and slightly bright.

Warm complexions would use corals and warm pinks and cool complexions pinks and berries. Red lipstick is another great option, but perhaps go a bit lighter or with a sheer red.

Quick Tips for wearing color with gray hair

• Wear your most flattering colors next to your face.
• If you wear mostly neutrals, add color with scarves and accessories.
• Play up your eye color with your clothing choices. Blue eyes will really pop with turquoise and cobalt blue and hazel and green eyes with greens and purples.
• Try on clothes in colors you may never have worn before.
• Try on different lipstick colors. Do a lipstick swap with friends and try new shades.

Keep in mind everyone is unique, so now is a perfect time to experiment and try something different. What colors are you loving with your grey hair?

Continue reading:

1. How To Dye Your Hair Roots Yourself
2. To Grey Or Not To Grey?
3. How To Transition To Grey Hair: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

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Feature image by Jospehine @chicatanyage

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No wonder there are differences of opinion about purple when there are so many shades of it.

The only definition of purple is that it is a color somewhere between red and blue. But then when you start to maybe add a bit of white, some black or a little yellow into the mix, you can create so many shades. But, no matter what shade you choose you’ll find some purple outfits to inspire you below.

Why wear purple outfits?

Purple is a color often associated with royalty and nobility. So, why not treat yourself like the queen you undoubtedly are and add some purple to your closet? Below are some great color combinations to get you started if you are thinking about how to wear purple.

At one point, purple seemed to have fallen out of favor. But, designers have now been embracing it and there were plenty of purple outfits seen on the runways of many of the big-name fashion houses for the new winter and fall season.

Givenchy – Adeam – Salvatore Ferragamo

Ulla Johnson, Alberta Ferretti and Richard Malone all gave us shades of deep purple for winter and fall 2020.

While purple can often be polarizing, with people either loving it or hating it, there are so many different shades that you’re sure to find one that you love.

You could opt for anything from the palest lavender through to the brightest violet or the deepest plum.

The color lovers site is a good tool if you are not sure which colors go together, or you are looking for different combinations. You can find palettes, which I’ve used in the combinations below, to help you to shop your closet.

Here are some fabulous choices to wear with purple to get you started. Don’t forget to let me know how you wear purple in the comments.

Purples clothes and accessories to choose in stores now

Before taking a look at what colors to wear with purple, let’s take a look at some of the most stylish purple clothes to choose from.

Purple blouse

A purple blouse can create a real statement with a simple pair of black or white pants, or a pair of jeans.

Psyche @economyofstyle above opts for a casual yet stylish purple outfit.

Check out this top that you can wear with this similar pair of purple joggers, sneakers, crossbody bag and earrings.

Dokotoo chiffon blouse

Purple t-shirt

How about a purple t-shirt rather than the usual black, white or gray? LARACE swing tunic top (below) features flattering draping around the belly area if you would like to hide a tummy.

It also has a v-neck, which is useful for creating an elongating effect, and the sleeves will cover the upper arms if this is an area you prefer to cover.

LARACE swing tunic top

Purple sweater

If you are treating yourself to a new sweater as the weather turns colder, purple knitwear could be a stylish addition to your closet.

OmicGot off the shoulder sweater

Purple cardigan

Rather than a sweater, you could also look at a flattering cardigan, like the drape front option (below) which has very good reviews on Amazon with one wearer saying it is the best cardigan she has ever owned!

Lock and Love draped open frsont cardigan

Purple jacket

You could always opt for a smart purple blazer.

Melissa @melissabultburns above wears or purple blazer with jeans.

Get her look with this similar printed blouse, blazer, bootcut jeans, shoes and a bag from Chanel.

Or, you could choose a more casual moto style.

Allegra K suede moto jacket

Purple coat

Are you investing in a new winter coat this year? Rather than opting for a neutral shade, you could choose purple to add a big impact to any outfit.

Aprsfn mid-length wool blend coat

Purple dress

Mel @bagandaberet above (read her style interview here) pairs her purple maxi dress with leather boots.

Recreate her outfit with this similar maxi dress and boots.

JASAMBAC tie waist pencil dress 

Purple skirt

For a more formal option, you could choose a purple skirt.

Lock and Love flare midi pull-on skirt

Purple pants

Of course, you don’t have to stick to purple only on the top of your outfit. You could add impact with a pair of purple pants and keep your top half neutral.

Cemi Ceri high waist dress pants

Purple jeans

If you’re more of a jeans person than a smart pants person, you could choose a pair of purple jeans to update your jeans-and-sweaters outfits for the winter season.

Laura @ljcstyling above opts for an outfit of neutrals and accessorizes with black.

Check out this similar sweater, jeans, boots, backpack and wear it with belt from Gucci.

LOVER BRAND FASHION high waisted skinny jeans

Purple leggings

With many of you at home more than usual right now, you may prefer to think about purple loungewear rather than anything too formal. A pair of leggings are perfect for days at home or for getting out for some exercise.

Heathyoga high waisted leggings

There’s plenty of inspiration on what to wear your leggings with in this extensive guide to how to wear leggings over 40.

Purple shoes

If you don’t want to add purple to your outfit with your clothing, a pair of purple shoes or boots would be a stylish, and unexpected choice.

HEAWISH suede flats

Akk tennis shoes

Purple accessories

If you aren’t keen on wearing purple in your outfits, then a great way to add a touch of purple is with your accessories. You could, for example, wear a crisp white shirt and your favorite jeans along with a lavender handbag or shoes.

BOSTANTEN leather bucket bag – C.C cable knit beanie – Achillea pashmina scarf – Akola drop earrings

How to wear purple

Now, let’s take a look at some ways to way your purple clothes and the colors that go with them.

Purple with white

Sheree @shesheshow opts for purple and white, adding a touch of green with her sunglasses.

Steal her look with this similar shirt, pants, sandals, bag, scarf and sunglasses.

Outfit 1: Beyond Yoga hoodie – Sweaty Betty long cardigan – Girlfriend Collective high waist leggings – PUMA Carina sneaker – Gaiam Essentials yoga mat

Outfit 2: Urban CoCo open front blazer – Curves 360 by NYDJ sleeveless blouse – Karen Kane ankle pants – HEAWISH suede flats – Nordstrom pendant necklace – Brahmin satchel

Outfit 3: Design by Olivia moto jacket – Club Monaco mesh stripe sweater – Amy Lynn bias cut satin slip skirt – STANTEN leather bucket bag – PUMA Carina sneaker

Purple and black

I always think a pale purple is one of those tricky colors to get right. It can end up looking too “little girl”. But, this shade has definitely been a favorite on the catwalks recently.

And, I think if you “ground it” with darker shades, then it can stop it from looking too sickly sweet. Black is always a safe and stylish choice.

Outfit 1: Karen Millen biker jacket – Karen Millen asymmetric wide leg jumpsuit – IDIFU block heel sandals – Nina satin beaded clutch – Kendra Scott drop earrings

Outfit 2: LARACE swing tunic top – Beyond Yoga high waist leggings – adidas running shoe – Dreubea faux leather tote

Outfit 3: Nordstrom notch collar textured coat – Boden silk shirt – NYDJ wide leg pants – CL by Chinese Laundry peep toe bootie – BOSTANTEN leather bucket bag – Nordstrom pendant necklace

Purple and green

Purple looks fabulous teamed with neutrals but it can also be worn with other strong colors. Kim @kimair above (read her style interview here) opts for an unexpected color choice which works wonderfully by pairing her lilac shirt with green combats and bright shoes.

Check out this similar blouse, pants, pumps, handbag, hoop earrings and sunglasses.

Outfit 1: Beauhuty front surplice wrap top – Karen Millen tailored wide leg trousers – CL by Chinese Laundry peep toe bootie – Dreubea faux leather tote

Outfit 2: Karen Millen short pleated trench – Boden silk shirt – Lock and Love flare midi pull-on skirt – DREAM PAIRS over the knee boot – BOSTANTEN leather bucket bag – vxsvxm plaid scarf

Outfit 3: ODCOCD suede jacket – AG asymmetrical midi slipdress – DREAM PAIRS over the knee boot – Brahmin satchel

Purple outfits with neutrals

Wearing purple with neutrals gives an earthier, slightly more bohemian vibe.

It can give a relaxed, casual feel to a color which can otherwise be associated with royalty and evening wear. A purple dress and tan sandals would work well for summer vacations.

You can find purple clothes which mix in shades of tan, gray and yellows to create a softer, very subtle purple.

Outfit 1: Club Monaco cashmere sweater – Milly jacquard silk blend pants – J. Reneé slingback pump – Nina satin beaded clutch

Outfit 2: BP. crop sweater – Nordstrom wide leg flannel pants – BOSTANTEN leather bucket bag – Reebok sneaker

Outfit 3: Barefoot Dreams long cardigan – LARACE swing tunic top – Beyond Yoga high waist leggings – Reebok sneaker – Dreubea faux leather tote

Purple with red

Another combination you perhaps don’t see very often, but purple and red can work well together.

You could either opt for a deep shade of purple and an equally deep red, or team your reds and burgundies with violet.

You could team red with a vibrant purple, or with a more subtle hue like mauve or lavender.

Claudia @beafitmom.nl above teams a red top with a suit featuring shades of purple and she co-ordinates with purple booties.

Recreate her outfit with this similar top, pants, booties and fedora.

Outfit 1: JASAMBAC tie waist pencil dress – DREAM PAIRS kitten heel pump – JNB suede clutch – Akola drop earrings

Outfit 2: GRACE KARIN V-neck sweater – Karen Millen wide leg trousers – CL by Chinese Laundry peep toe bootie – Dreubea faux leather tote

Outfit 3: Karen Millen cotton tweed biker jacket – Halogen crossover wrap dress – HEAWISH suede flats – FashionPuzzle tassel zip crossbody bag

Purple outfits together in one capsule

Take a look below at some of the outfits featured in this article together in a capsule wardrobe for winter. You could easily switch around many of these items to create countless different looks for the upcoming season.

shop the items above here:

Which of these purple outfits is your favorite? Do you already have a purple dress or orther purple clothes in your closet?

Continue reading:

1. How To Wear Red – Your Comprehensive Guide On Wearing The Color Of Love!
2. How To Wear Pink – A Comprehensive Guide With Lots Of Ideas And Color Combinations!
3. The Best Winter Coats For Women This Season And How To Choose A Coat

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Feature image by Sheree @shesheshow

The post 50 Shades of Purple: How to wear purple outfits in every shade from lilac to violet appeared first on 40+ Style.

It is an incredibly versatile color that you can wear in many different ways in both summer and winter and I have embraced it for each season.

Here is an updated guide on how to wear gray in both winter and summer!

Think gray really is boring? Here is why you might want to re-consider

Before taking a look at the colors which go with gray, maybe you’re not convinced at all about wearing gray at all.

Gray is, after all, often considered to be a boring, conservative option. But, it really doesn’t have to be. Here are some of the reasons you may want to wear gray.

Gray can be very sophisticated

Often seen as a mature choice, gray can also be sexy and sophisticated. While it is associated with workwear or men’s gray suits, I think wearing gray in an unexpected way or unexpected materials can give your outfit a real wow factor.

Gray is the perfect base for a capsule wardrobe

If you want to create a capsule wardrobe to make sure everything you have goes with plenty of other items in your closet, gray can be a perfect neutral to choose as a base.

Eugenia @theageofgrace above (read her style interview here) opts for gray lounge separates and dresses them up with a leather blazer.

Get her look with this similar ribbed top, pants, blazer, booties, tote and sunglasses.

It is less harsh than black

Black is often considered to be a flattering option, and it can be slimming. However, black against your face can also be aging. Gray offers a softer option and you can choose the gray which best flatters your skin tone.

It goes with everything

As you’re about to see below, gray really does go with pretty much every color you can think of.

Diane @fashiononthe4thfloor above (read her style interview here) shows that gray can look beautiful with silver.

Recreate her outfit with this similar sweater, pants, sneakers and tote.

Colors that go with gray – Take a pick from these color palettes

A great way to get some inspiration for your outfits is to use a tool like Colorlovers. In just 5 minutes I got all these great color palettes (above) just by typing in the keyword gray.

You can see how versatile the color is.

It looks great with soft pastels like baby blue and pink, is great to combine with white and a pop of color and looks fresh and modern with brighter colors.

You can now go through these color palettes and see which one speaks to you.

Then head on over to your wardrobe and see which colors are already there and start creating some outfits.

This can be a fantastic way to revive your wardrobe if you feel you’ve become stuck in a bit of a rut in terms of how you wear your clothes.

The perfect gray basics

If you want to put together some stylish gray outfits, you will first need some stylish gray essentials to add the rest of your colors to. Here are some of the best gray essentials in stores now.

How to wear gray: The perfect gray top

This layered top will enable you to create many outfits. You can easily layer it with a shirt underneath or a moto jacket on top, but it can also be worn very stylishly on its own.

The advantage of this top from Topdress is that it drapes nicely over your belly and hides it perfectly. It’s not too long so will not cut your body in half and has an asymmetrical hem which makes it extra flattering!

Topdress swing tunic top

Also take a look at how to hide your belly with the right clothes.

The perfect gray coat

40+style photographer Denton Taylor captured this lady on the streets of New York and it’s a great example of how stylish gray can be.

It seems like this outfit is almost head to toe designer with the bag by Miu Miu, coat and skirt by Prada and Mulberry, sunglasses by Prada and scarf by Mulberry.

However, you don’t have to choose designer to get a similar look. Below is a gray coat you can try.

Romwe waterfall wrap coat 

The perfect gray jacket

A gray jacket can make many casual looks just a bit more chic.

I’m loving this gray moto jacket from BLANKNYC, which is a great alternative to a classic black leather jacket.

Wear it with your dresses, skirts or jeans. It would look beautiful paired with white, red or black.

BANKNYC faux suede moto bomber

The perfect long gray cardigan

A long open cardigan is flattering for most.

It can help hide your belly or you it will lengthen you and make your slimmer and can work really well if you are petite.

This cardigan is extra flattering as it has a longer line.

Nordstrom open front cardigan

The perfect gray dress

There are more than 50 shades of gray, so you can choose one you prefer. You might like to opt for a dress that is a darker shade of gray that is almost, but not quite, black.

Deborah @stylishmurmurs above (read her style interview here) chooses a mid gray dress and wears with sneakers.

Recreate her outfit with this similar dress, sneakers and necklace.

PAIGE midi tank dress

The perfect gray skirt

An asymmetrical hem adds interest to your gray outfit. The handkerchief hem skirt (below) would look fabulous worn with a sweater for a transitional outfit moving into cooler months or with a t-shirt and sandals for summer.

DJT handkerchief hem midi skirt

The perfect gray pants

These pants are super versatile. They look chic for work or more formal events, but you can easily dress them down for casual too if you combine them with a light shirt and jean jacket.

Club Monaco tie waist pants

The perfect gray jeans

When it comes to jeans, it’s easy to think in terms of black, blue or white. But gray can also be a very versatile option, going with all of the tops you have in your closet.

Sam Edelman high waist skinny jeans

The perfect gray sandals

As many of you will be heading into summer, how about a pair of gray sandals? The Söfft sandals (below) have a contoured footbed so they should keep you comfy no matter how much walking you do.

Söfft sandal

gray sneakers

Sneakers are still very much on trend and I love these platform sneakers (below). They will look good worn with pants or skirts!

Superga platform sneaker

gray boots

A pair of black boots can look too dark for spring and summer, depending on how you style them. A pair of gray boots, on the other hand, can be just the right shade to go with all of your summer outfits.

Marc Fisher LTD bootie

gray accessories

Yes, a black handbag is a classic, but so too is a gray bag. A gray tote will go with everything.

Vince Camuto leather tote

Creating ensembles with gray

I used the color palettes as the starting base of the ensembles I have created. Read on for plenty of suggestions on how to wear gray with different color palettes.

Combine gray with white

Gray and white is the perfect color palette for summer.

Beth @styleatacertainage above (read her style interview here) teams gray with her white jeans.

Check out this similar sweater, blazer, jeans, slip-on sneakers and shoulder bag.

Topdress swing tunic top – Wit & Wisdom denim shorts – Söfft sandal – JNB raffia clutch – Lixin Yiqing fringe tassel earrings

Combine gray with blue

Another stunning look is to combine cobalt blue with gray. The gray is the perfect way to let the brighter blue take center stage in your outfit.

Ted Baker London silk blouse – Wit & Wisdom cargo pants – Marc Fisher LTD bootie – Vince Camuto leather tote – Stella + Ruby stone drop earrings –

Melting Sigh – combining gray with soft pink

I started off with Melting Sigh as I love the dreamy soft combination of gray and pink.

Gray and pink create a soft romantic and classical look. Pink is a great color for a knitted sweater that you could combine with both your pants and skirts.

But also consider pink as the color of your coat which looks beautiful with your gray pants.

Although I strictly kept to a pink and gray palette here, it’s actually really nice to throw white into the mix as well. You can also add darker shades of gray.

For extra color or to highlight your romantic look, add a colorful scarf. featuring these colors.

Levi’s leather moto jacket – rag & bone tank dress – Superga platform sneaker – COACH quilted leather crossbody bag – Napier swarovski crystal drop earrings

Combining gray with shocking pink

Patricia @madamechicbcn above (read her style interview here) beautifully combines pink, gray and black.

Steal her look with this similar top, jacket, pants, heels, handbag, beret and gloves.

Halogen crewneck cardigan – Boden linen shirtdress – Söfft wedge sandal – COACH quilted leather crossbody bag – Lixin Yiqing fringe tassel earrings

Beautiful Freak – Combining gray with green

Another inspirational palette is Beautiful Freak. It combines two fashionable colors together: gray and dark green.

It’s especially beautiful when you add white to the mix or play with different kinds of gray.  Finish your look with silver or gray brogues or booties.

You could also wear a lighter shade of green, as below, with your gray.

BANKNYC faux suede moto bomber – Nordstrom V-neck shirt – GRACE KARIN pleated skirt – Superga platform sneaker – Steve Madden croc embossed crossbody bag

Combine gray with black

Sometimes a minimal outfit is all you need. What makes this outfit special is the edge the moto jacket and booties give to the dress.

Kim @kimair above (read her style interview here) adds an on-trend gray tie-dye top to her black pants.

Steal her look with this similar sleeveless top, pants, sandals and hoop earrings.

DJT handkerchief hem tunic top – Vuori leggings – L’Amour Des Pieds slingback sandal – HOBO convertible crossbody bag – Lixin Yiqing fringe tassel earrings

Combining gray with red

Gray can also be used as the perfect neutral with primary colors, such as red. This is an especially good combination in winter and in the festive season.

Or you could put together a chic look for work.

Vince Camuto cold shoulder tie front top – Club Monaco tie waist pants – Marc Fisher LTD bootie – HOBO convertible crossbody bag – BaubleBar huggie earrings

yellow and gray

Sunny yellow is the perfect way to bring a cheerful pop of color to your gray oufit.

Vince Camuto front button blouse – Wit & Wisdom cargo pants – AGL slide sandal – Lixin Yiqing fringe tassel earrings

more gray

Why not wear your gray with more gray? An all neutral outfit can look very sophisticated.

Eileen @eileenternullo looks fabulous in all gray.

Get her look with this similar trench coat, pants, sneakers and handbag.

BANKNYC faux suede moto bomber – rag & bone tank dress – Söfft wedge sandal – River Island shopper – Open Edit petal earrings

Shop all items above here:

More gray inspiration for you

Take a look below at a past season, but totally timeless, capsule which will give you more inspiration when it comes to putting together your gray outfits.

Read our ultimate guide to creating a capsule wardrobe that works best for you.

How I have previously worn gray

I love wearing gray with a winter white base.

Here is how I have worn gray in the summer, with my wide-legged white pants.

With wide leg pants and a grey top.

Mixing prints with an old silk blouse and dotted skirts.

How Debra Rapoport wears gray

Turn your gray pieces into artful ensembles like Debra Rapoport.

What is your favorite way to wear gray? Which of these color combinations is your favorite?

Continue reading:

1. The Ultimate Guide To Creating A Capsule Wardrobe That Works For You
2. The Best Colors To Complement Gray Hair
3. Can You Wear Beige Over 40?

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Feature image by Diane @fashiononthe4thfloor

The post How to wear gray: color palettes and ensembles for you to choose from! appeared first on 40+ Style.

Red, the color of love, looks fabulous year round – whether heading towards the festive season, wearing for a date, or pairing with fresh colors for a vacation (if you’re lucky enough to manage one this year!)

You’ll find plenty of my own outfit ideas and also how you can find your right shade of red.

How to wear red

The color red is especially good for women with a warm skin tone like myself, as it brightens up your complexion and makes you shine even more.

However, even if you have a cooler skin tone, you can still wear this color and look amazing. No matter what your skin tone, there’s the perfect shade of red.

Red makes an impact. When you wear red, people will notice you. Red is also a very versatile color. Easy to combine with black, white, blue, camel and so many other colors.

I’m growing ever more fond of red and have learned to embrace the color for myself.

You can can wear red in a subtle way by wearing a red accessory or you can make a bolder statement with the color. Whatever your comfort zone with the color red, there is a way to add this color to your wardrobe for everyone.

Let’s explore all the different ways on how you can wear red!

Wearing a bold color like red with just one other color is your easiest option and one of the nicest and easiest options by far is to pair it with white. It’s also one of my favorite combinations.

Red outfit ideas from the runways

Red is always on trend no matter what the season. For winter and fall 2020, there was plenty of red on the runways. You can see more color trends in this article.

Alexander McQueen – Rodarte – Valentino

Red clothes to choose in stores now

Take a look below at some of the most stylish red clothes to choose. Continue reading for red outfit ideas, including colors that compliment red.

The perfect red top

Wearing a red top is my most used choice for wearing red. Nothing brightens my face and makes me come more alive than wearing red close to my face. I have several red tops in several colors that I wear with both pants and skirts.

You could easily wear the red top below with your white or blue jeans.

Made By Johnny dolman top

Red sweater

As the weather starts to cool, a cozy sweater is one of life’s essentials. Red adds a pop of color even on the dreariest of days.

Emma (above) matches her sweater to her booties.

Check out this similar sweater, jacket, jeans, booties, handbag and sunglasses.

Halogen crewneck sweater

Red jacket

A red blazer is a great option for adding style and color to even the simplest of outfits. Opt for an open, single-breasted or a belted style.

Caslon belted linen blended jacket

Red coat

Have you chosen a new coat yet for winter? Rather than choosing a neutral shade, why not make a big impact with your outerwear this year?

Bernardo belted long coat

Also, take a look at how to wear a coat.

Red pants

Often you may wear a brighter color on top and a neutral shade on the bottom. However, a pair of red pants can really elevate your style.

Petra (above) opts for burgundy pants and pairs with pink.

Get her look with this similar blouse, pants, heels, bag, bracelet and sunglasses.

Alice + Olivia high waist zip cuff pants

Red dress

A red dress makes a statement on its own. You could choose a red dress rather than a little black dress if you have a dinner or event to attend.

Harper Rose envelope collar crepe sheath dress

Red skirt

You could wear a red skirt with so many things you already have in your closet, such as your winter sweaters, t-shirts or shirts.

Jo (above) wears a fabulous red asymmetrical skirt and adds lots more red to her outfit.

Check out this similar jacket, skirt, pumps, bag, scarf, belt and earrings.

Chelsea28 bias jacquard skirt

Red shoes

If you’d like to include red as part of your style but want to do it in a subtle way, red accessories are the way to go.

Red add a bit of polish to your look and red shoes can each outfit a lift. These shoes are stylish and comfortable.

Tory Burch square toe ballet flat

Red accessories

A red bag can give an otherwise monochrome or neutral outfit a lift. Or you could opt for a red scarf, necklace or earrings.

Kim (above) teams her burgundy dress and boots with a red box bag.

Check out this dress that you can wear with this similar pair of booties, handbag and sunglasses.

Kate Spade New York leather crossbody bag

Halogen diagonal rib cashmere scarf

Knotty crystal statement collar necklace

Tory Burch circle stud earrings

Colors that go with red

Now that you’re thinking about how to add red to your outfit, what colors should you wear with it?

Alison (above) chooses red and pink.

Recreate her outfit with this similar top, pants, sandals and necklace.

If I like to get more ideas on how to combine a certain color and create really interesting combinations, I go to colourlovers. This tool allows you to see many color palettes immediately and will give you lots of ideas. Just search for red in the colour palettes search box and you will instantly get lots of different options.

Below are some great color combinations I found.

These color palettes have inspired me to create the looks below:

Red and white

Red and white looks chic and understated. If you don’t want too much red close to your face, combine it with a white top.

Renata (above) creates a flattering, elongating effect by wearing white and then adding a long, red cardigan over the top.

Check out this similar blouse, pants, cardigan, loafers, belt and sunglasses.

Outfit 1: Eliza J high/low fit & flare dress – Club Monaco moto jacket – Bella Vita cage sandal – Kate Spade New York leather crossbody bag – Jenny Bird hoop earrings – Madewell jacquard dot scarf

Outfit 2: Madewell pocket tee – Nordstrom Signature blazer – Alice + Olivia high waist zip cuff pants – Naturalizer pointed toe pump Nordstrom hobo bag – Set & Stones station necklace –

Outfit 3: GIBSONLOOK blouson sleeve blouse – Lyssé asymmetrical crop denim leggings – Naturalizer ankle strap sandal – Kate Spade New York leather crossbody bag – BaubleBar chain collar necklace

Red and black

Many of you prefer black to white and that is a great easy option too.

Nadine (above) wears her red dress with black boots and accessories.

Check out this similar dress, boots, handbag, wrap, beanie and sunglasses.

Outfit 1: Fraiche by J wrap dress – SPANX faux leather leggings – Børn bootie – Kate Spade New York leather crossbody bag – BaubleBar chain collar necklace

Outfit 2: BLANKNYC fringe trim suede moto jacket – BB Dakota belted jersey midi dress – Børn knee high boot – Nordstrom leather minaudière – Jenny Bird hoop earrings

Outfit 3: Julia Jordan puff sleeve jumpsuit – Coconuts by Matisse slide sandal – Nordstrom leather minaudière – Tory Burch hoop earrings

Red and gray

Gray is a softer option to black and you may find it more flattering. It’s the perfect neutral to wear with red.

Erika (above) wears a red blouse with her gray skirt.

Steal her look with this similar blouse, skirt, pumps, bag, belt and sunglasses.

Outfit 1: Eileen Fisher midi shirtdress – Kork-Ease slingback sandal – Ted Baker London shopper – DESIMTION layered tassel earrings

Outfit 2: Madewell pocket tee – Romwe waterfall cardigan – Wit & Wisdom crop skinny pants – Naturalizer sneaker – Longchamp top handle bag – Jenny Bird hoop earrings

Outfit 3: Topshop crop funnel neck sweater – Chelsea28 bias jacquard skirt – Munro bootie – Nordstrom leather crossbody bag – Jenny Bird hoop earrings

Red and shocking pink: Red dress outfit

Once considered a fashion faux pas, wearing red and pink together is now a modern pairing.

Shanna (above) wears a red and pink print dress with red heeled sandals (and red nail varnish).

Check out this red and pink dress that you can wear with this similar pair of sandals and hoop earrings.

Outfit 1: Harlyn floral dress – Zella high waist leggings – Sanctuary sandal – Thacker crossbody bag – DESIMTION layered tassel earrings

Outfit 2: VERO MODA wrap top – Alice + Olivia high waist zip cuff pants – Tory Burch square toe ballet flat – Kate Spade New York leather crossbody bag – Tory Burch hoop earrings

Outfit 3: BLANKNYC fringe trim suede moto jacket – Halogen crewneck sweater – Boden pleated skirt – Sanctuary sandal – Kate Spade New York leather crossbody bag – Jenny Bird hoop earrings

What color compliments red: Red and burgundy

If you prefer your red to be more muted you can also opt for a darker red like burgundy or marsala (which is actually the color of the year!). Here are some color palettes for wearing burgundy. Team with a brighter shade for an on-trend look.

Psyche (above) wears her burgundy with tan shoes and gold accessories.

Get her look with this similar sweater, moto jacket, trousers, mules and scarf.

Outfit 1: Bernardo belted long coat – Caslon dolman sweater – Zella high waist leggings – Kate Spade New York leather crossbody bag – Tory Burch mule – Jenny Bird hoop earrings

Outfit 2: Halogen crewneck sweater – Halogen sweater skirt – Sanctuary sandal – Longchamp top handle bag – Tory Burch hoop earrings

Outfit 3: Treasure & Bond tie high/low shirt – Zella high waist leggings – BCBGeneration knee high boot – Kate Spade New York leather crossbody bag – Tory Burch hoop earrings

Red outfits for women: A capsule wardrobe for you

Below, you can see the red outfits together in one capsule wardrobe, which you can easily adapt to the weather where you are.

Red outfits for women: More examples on how to wear red

Below you will find even more inspiration on how to wear red with lots of my own outfits, including suggestions on the colors that go best with red:

Colors that compliment red: Red and white

A loose cropped red top from Stella Carakasi (similar here) which you can layer with tops underneath.

A refreshing red and white look for spring and summer.

You can also wear this color combination during transitional weather.

This is one of my favorite skirts and it combines with a lot of my tops like this white top from CK Calvin Klein.

You can do the reverse if you do like to have red close to your face as I do as it brightens up my complexion. Same sophistication, just slightly different.

White and red works well in a print too.

Red is the perfect color to make a white dress more interesting and vibrant.

Colors that match with red: Red and gold

For more glamour add a bit of gold into the mix!

Red skirt outfit

All red outfits

Sometimes you just want to stand out and nothing shows more confidence to the world than an all-red outfit.

Red and brown

I love red with brown and (animal) print.

Red and blue

Red and blue is another versatile combination. Instead of a skirt, opt for some great blue jeans! A very traditional and always chic combination is red with blue and white. It creates a marine look that is always in style.

Red blouse outfit

A chic color twist on my favorite asymmetric pieces.

Red and purple

More unusual is red with purple, but it is actually a really good combination as this look shows.

Red, white and black/gray

Black and white always works well with red and creates a more graphical look.

Red, fuchsia and gray

A more unusual combination for an arty look.

Burgundy with orange

A beautiful color combination with the colors of fall.

Add a print into the mix!

Adding a third color will often make your outfit more interesting and dynamic. This will be further enhance if you add some print as well. You can do that within your clothing or with an accessory or shoe.

A chic floral jacket with jeans.

Do you find it hard to wear red? Try accessories!

If red is normally not your color or you are afraid to stand out, then opt for a red accessory. It often really brightens up your outfit and adds extra interest.

Wear red sunglasses

Comfortable and chic.

Add a red hat or some red lipstick

Add a red bag as a color accent

Soft green with red.

Look how much more fun and interesting this outfit is with the addition of a red bag!

Adding red accessories is also a great tactic when you want to wear clothes that are not necessarily the best color for you. Wearing the gray without the red would be too bland for me.

Add a necklace with a red color accent

Sometimes all you need is a red necklace or pendant.

Add a red scarf

Add some red shoes

I wear my red shoes a LOT. It’s so easy to make a neutral outfit more interesting by adding some red shoes!

I hope this guide on how to wear red has given you some inspiration to wear this color! Perhaps you like to give it a go if you don’t normally wear it. Or you may try to wear it in a different combination from what you normally do.

Below is a really helpful video from 40+Style stylist Ruth on how to find the best shade of red for you.

More interested in another color, I also have guides on

• Gray
• Orange
• White
• Yellow
• Pastels
• Orchid
• Green
• Pink
• Black
• Navy
• Beige

Do you like to wear red? What is your preferred way of wearing it?

Like this article on how to wear red? Save it on Pinterest!

Feature image by Nikki

Photos from Denton Taylor

The post How to wear red – your comprehensive guide on wearing the color of love! appeared first on 40+ Style.