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4 Color Mistakes That Can Make You Look Older (& How to Fix Them)

When you wake up and get dressed in the morning, the last thing you want to do is make yourself look older. Yet, certain colors have a way of adding years to our appearance without us even realizing it.

While some shades can enhance natural beauty and give you a vibrant glow, others might just make you appear more mature.

Here are the colors that may be aging you so you can steer clear (and have an excuse to give your closet a refresh).


Scroll to find out which colors are actually making you look much older!

1. Neutral Beige

older woman wearing beige

Askar Abayev

Open up TikTok, and you'll find that neutral colors, especially beige, are totally "in" among younger generations. From camel wool coats to tan accessories, these warm hues are considered classic and refined.

However, they also have the potential to make you look older than you are. Shades like beige can wash out your complexion, giving you a flat or lifeless appearance.

To avoid getting bogged down by your own clothing, try mixing beige with bolder and richer tones, like navy or deep jewel shades.

2. Too Much Gray & Black

older woman wearing all black

RF._.studio

We all know that black is generally considered the most flattering clothing color. Its darkness helps smooth out our silhouettes and hide imperfections that lighter colors, like white, would immediately call attention to.

But even though both black and gray are extremely versatile and easy to mix and match, wearing too many dark hues can create harsh contrasts and cast sharp shadows on your face that inadvertently highlight fine lines and wrinkles.

The key is to soften your outfits whenever you can by incorporating warmer tones. If you're wearing a black or gray blouse, for instance, layer a brighter cardigan or blazer on top.

Also, the type of black hue you choose does matter. Those with fairer skin tones should opt for a softer charcoal black, which results in a less jarring contrast.

3. Soft Pastels

older woman wearing pastel purple

SHVETS production

Now that we're rounding the corner on spring, you may have plenty of pastel garments in your closet just waiting to be worn. Unfortunately, you might want to think again.

Even though pastels give off a fresh aesthetic, they're not always the best choice if you're going for a youthful look. The lighter tones can emphasize eye changes as you get older– such as pigmentation of the eyelids and a duller appearance of the sclera or the white part of your eye– and make your eyes appear sunken.

That's why it's advised that you stick with slightly deeper or richer tones to complement your complexion.

4. Monochromatic Outfits

older woman in a monochromatic white outfit

Polina Tankilevitch

Finally, monochromatic outfits are also back in style, but wearing the same color from head to toe might make you look more mature.

The key to appearing youthful is being thoughtful about contrast. You can still look sleek while mixing in different shades. Pairing a cream sweater with deeper tones, like a mocha skirt or boots, will add a lot more depth.

And if you ever feel like your outfits are falling flat, remember that accessories are your best friend. A bold scarf, baseball cap, fun purse, or statement necklace will instantly help your look feel more dynamic and lively.

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