Not only can florals and white jeans make a comeback in your spring wardrobe, pastels are also a classic choice for this time of year. But as we get older, it can be tempting to steer clear of these paler, apparently less forgiving hues. Style gurus advise trying pastels if you’ve been hesitant to do so after the age of 60.
“Aging is a natural process, but accepting it can feel unnatural—especially when it comes to physical appearance,” says Elizabeth Kosich, the creator of Elizabeth Kosich Styling and a professional image stylist located in New York City. “As we mature, pigmentation diminishes making our key features—skin, hair, eyes—soften, reducing our overall contrast and intensity.”
In an attempt to make up for that, Kosich explains that many wind up choosing brighter hues, but it just makes the skin look dull in contrast. “It’s much better to lighten your color palette as you age, which is where pastels can help,” she claims. “While it seems counter-intuitive, light colors can give your appearance the oomph it needs after age 60.”
Although Kosich affirms that these gentle colors go well together, you might not know where to begin when it comes to adding or switching up pastels in your wardrobe. Fortunately, stylists can also take care of you there. Continue reading for five fashion advice for over-60-year-olds wearing pastels.
Table of Contents
5 Tips for Wearing Pastels If You’re Over 60
1. Choose the Right Pastel for Your Complexion
Dispelling the myth that pastels wash out mature skin tones, style coach Angela Foster emphasizes the importance of selecting the right shade and depth of color. Foster suggests considering contrast to enhance the effect of pastels on different skin tones. Fair skin tones can opt for saturated pastels like orchid or azalea, while medium skin tones complement sherbet shades such as mint green or peach. Deeper skin tones can experiment with both bright and subdued pastels for a flattering look.
2. Start with Neutrals
Style influencer Isabella Thorp recommends incorporating neutral pieces when wearing pastels, starting with a neutral base like white, black, or grey and adding a pastel statement piece on top. Neutrals help pastel colors stand out, with options such as taupe, tan, or medium grey suggested by experts to create contrast. Foster advises choosing white or grey for a sophisticated touch to pastel outfits.
3. Add a Bold Color
Pairing pastels with bold colors adds depth and contrast to your ensemble. Foster suggests combining pastel tops with darker bottoms in jewel tones for a chic look. You can also elevate your outfit with accessories in deeper shades, such as a pashmina scarf or silk accessory, to create a striking color combination.
4. Introduce Accessories
Metallic accessories can enhance a pastel-forward look, warming up the color palette. Consider adding shiny silver or gold accessories to complement pastel clothing. Accessories offer an easy way to incorporate pastel hues, especially if you’re unsure about wearing pastel-colored clothing directly. Vibrant accessories like colorful shoes or statement earrings can provide a seasonal update to your wardrobe.
5. Keep It Simple
Pastels are a versatile choice for women in their 60s, offering a soft and youthful appearance that complements various skin tones. Thorp suggests sticking to one pastel pattern or print and balancing it with muted or neutral-toned pieces for a well-rounded look. Ultimately, pastels transition seamlessly from day to night and suit all occasions, providing a timeless and elegant style option.
