Monday Musings on How To Wear Black Without Looking Washed Out or Boring
Black gets a bad rap for being too harsh as we age, but let’s not be too quick to retire a classic. I still wear black. And no, it’s not my most flattering color anymore, but that doesn’t mean I’m ready to let it go. I’ve heard from many of you who feel the same way so if you’ve ever stood in front of your closet wondering, “Can older women still wear black?”, you’re not alone. As we age, our coloring does soften. The contrast that once made black feel chic and striking might now seem a bit too stark. But that doesn’t mean it’s off-limits. It just means we need to be a little more intentional with how we wear it. Here are my favorite style tips for women over 60 who want to keep black in their wardrobe rotation and wear it with confidence.
1. Soften Black Near the Face
It’s true that black can cast shadows if it’s too close to your face. The solution is to add softness. Try a scarf in a flattering shade, a collared shirt layered underneath, or an open neckline that leaves skin between your face and the black. This not only balances your complexion, but it also helps bring the focus back to your face.
2. Choose Black Fabrics That Flatter
Shiny black can be unflattering at any age…in fact, any shiny fabric near your face can accentuate the appearance of lines and make your skin look less than ideal. Instead, opt for textured or matte black fabrics, such as crepe, ponte knit, or a soft cotton blend. They add richness without the glare and are far more forgiving.
3- Tailoring Makes a Difference
Black doesn’t hide a poor fit or tacky fiber content, it just pretends to. A beautifully tailored black blazer or a well-cut pair of black trousers can do more for your style (and confidence) than any trendy item ever could. You don’t need tight, but you do need things that are tailored.
4- Let Your Personality Pop
All black doesn’t mean all boring. Add your style signature with a bold necklace, a colorful shoe, or even a playful handbag. And yes, leopard counts as a neutral. Yes, still. A little personality goes a long way in making black feel lively, not funereal. Black is the perfect backdrop to express your personality so don’t waste it!
5- Use Makeup To Brighten The Look
If you’re wearing black near your face, a little extra brightness can make a big difference. A soft berry lip, a clear blush, and a bit of brow definition can make black look intentional and elegant rather than overpowering.
6- Let Black Be The Canvas
Start with it as the base of your outfit, then add visual interest through accessories, textures, and pops of color. Remember—you’re the star of the show, not the clothes.
Style Wisdom To Keep In Mind
Wearing black over 60 isn’t about following rules, it’s about understanding how to make it serve you. With the right fabrics, a great fit, and a splash of personality, black becomes a versatile tool in your wardrobe, not something to shy away from.
Outfit of the Week
Let’s look at a black item that can be very wearable in a spring or summer wardrobe. Black eyelet skirts have been crossing my radar on a regular basis and have peaked my interest. I’ve never been a fan of wearing eyelet, because it reminds me of the dresses I wore as a little girl. But black tones down the sweetness because I rarely see 5-year-olds wearing black :). Let’s look at a few ways to wear it, because it’s always best to be able to style a new item in multiple ways.
For a hot day of running errands around town and nothing overly dressy, I’d pair this eyelet skirt with a simple black and white striped tee, a comfy bucket hat, a fun straw bag, and red flip-flops. A touch of red lipstick and some shiny, sculptural earrings also zhushes up the look.
P.S. – I tried on these sandals and loved them, but since I have a wide foot, my pinky toe hung off the side, which isn’t a good look, so they had to go back.
This outfit is slightly more elevated with woven slingbacks, a quilted shoulder bag, a bright tank top, a denim jacket, a charm bracelet, polarized sunglasses, and pretty shell motif earrings. You could also swap the denim jacket for a light cotton blazer or a cardigan.
Let’s take this skirt uptown to an art opening, dinner out, or on a cruise. I added a black blouse, quilted cap-toe flats, a soft cashmere & silk wrap, pearl earrings and bracelets, and a beaded clutch.
By this point, I’m fairly certain a black eyelet skirt could be a valuable addition to my spring and summer wardrobe, so I plan to try a few on and see what I think. Here are a few I’ve found:
What are your feelings about wearing black? I’ve love to hear your thoughts.
You may also enjoy How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe that includes versatile black pieces
Hi Jennifer, from NZ
I’m so loving your blogs after following them for a few months. I’m 76 and you’re educating me in upping my game from “that’ll do” to “yep I like that” in many different ways with fresh, ideas.
Hugs of appreciation. And yes our seasons are opposite, but I like a challenge.
Welcome Sheryl! So glad you’ve joined us.
I hope you had a relaxing and healing weekend, and glad to hear that your husband is recovering well. Can’t believe how you’ve been able to keep up your blog through this. Being a care giver is hard; I’ve done it through my husband’s surgeries and now he is helping me through a back fusion surgery. I love black and so far haven’t felt it’s not working for me near my face (68). But I love your tips and outfit suggestions today. After ordering several things through your site in the last week or two and saying “enough”, I still ordered the black eyelet petite skirt today! I’ll chalk it up to post surgery pain meds/foggy brain!
Wishing you a speedy recovery! I think you’ll love the skirt.
Like your looser interpretation of color analysis. I like black and still wear it at 73 but I know it’s not my best near my face. I’ve found a print with black sometimes works in a top rather than solid black. I’m a sucker for black/white prints or stripes. Good suggestions. Thx!
And I’m LOVING the eyelet skirt outfits!
The Gap Factory black and white eyelet skirts are $28! That is a steal in today’s prices! I have black pants and one black tee that I wear with red and black flannel plaid bottoms that I sleep in. Black is really bad on me. I look like Dracula’s bride. I will pass. Your ideas are great for someone with winter coloring. I may get that skirt at the Gap in white!
Thank you for the excellent advice on wearing black. When I dressed casually and worked in a business environment I also wore casual black slacks. These were my go-to due to all the duties I had which were not restricted to the office. I love my linen black 3/4 sleeves jacket with a mandarin collar to dress up a summer blouse that after 15 years and a pricey investment it’s just perfect. I also have other black dress jackets of different styles for anytime of the year when I need to look trimmed and finished. Investing in good quality black clothing pieces can take you very far when used wisely.
I’ve always worn a lot of black but recently I’ve been buying tops in soft greens, blues, navy, and red. It was my outspoken daughter who noticed the obvious lack of colour in my closet and encouraged me to delve into colour. I now realize colour close to my face is more flattering.
I still feel a black dress is more elegant and formal than other colours so I won’t be replacing them and black pants/jeans are still my go to, other than blue jeans.
Cute little eyelet skirt. I look forward to seeing a try on of some to see how they look.
Most of the items in my closet are black. I didn’t intend that to happen but every time I go shopping I laughingly tell my husband, “look, I bought another black top”! I have recently branched out to some brighter colors but still default to black when I am getting dressed. I do add some bright jewelry and upgrade my lipstick to avoid looking funereal.
When I was young, I remember the widows in my family only wearing black for extended periods of time after their husbands died. I think of this when I put on an all black outfit. However, this doesn’t stop me from wearing black as I love it. I have silver hair and think it complements me to wear black. I do usually add a colorful scarf as it makes me feel more joyful. I wear black more in fall and winter but rarely in summer. I like the black eyelet skirt and would consider wearing that in summer.
I’m wearing black pants and a jacket to a couple events this week, and now I will plan to add a scarf to bring in some color around my face. Thank you for the timely tip on ways to soften up wearing black!
I absolutely still wear black. I always think it feels classic. I really like your eyelet skirt outfits 🌼
I need high contrast and love that black remains in my closet. Jennifer I’m fascinated by the reactions to color analysis. For me this process has been clarifying as well as reducing clothing stress. Must admit I initially mourned not wearing soft neutrals (cream, camel, brown, etc) then realized I wasn’t wearing those neutrals anyway once purchased and in my closet. Now I just have to think about how to elevate “my” complimentary neutrals.
I choose to use color analysis as a tool, not a rule. As the saying goes, “understand the rules, so you can break them”. Life is too short for me to not squeeze every bit of joy and delight out of things I own and love.
My daughter works in a store that sells dresses for the Mother and grandmother of the bride and groom; the majority of the dresses sold are black.
Interesting!
Thanks for the tips. I like to wear black too, so this really helps.
Hah, old goth here (if you all know what that is, it involved black, black and more black). I’m dark winter, the season that can wear black, and I absolutely still do. I have also branched out and added a lot of navy. I instinctively knew and now educatedly know I’m best with contrast, so I wear my black with white or a pop of one of my jewel tones and I almost always wear a brighter lip because it wakes up my whole face. If black isn’t your color, Jennifer’s tips are spot on. I love this week’s outfits, some of the best you have done!
lol, I know the goth esthetic well. It’s quite dramatic and expressive. I love the way you describe your style
I seem to have gone back to my pre goth preppy roots lately! (While continuing to listen to the Cure…)
I never wore black when I was younger. Black used to be for funerals only in the 60’s and maybe 70’s. Times have changed. I am 77, and the only black I will wear is below the waist, pants or skirt. Maybe a black cardigan, or short black jacket. Everyone loves wearing black these days. Especially coats. Sometimes that is all I see, so to be different, I purchased a white coat. lol
It’s not gone from my closet, but very limited. In part because of the harshness issue, but also because I wore a lot of black in the 90’s and 00’s and I just got tired of it. Navy and chocolate brown have taken over black’s place in my wardrobe. The transition was mostly quite easy, but I struggled a bit with looking “dressed up” without using black. It’s a mindset change. I don’t buy black any more but do occasionally wear the pieces I have left.
On Easter Sunday, my husband commented that I looked very nice in a tailored pink blouse worn under a pink sweater from Talbots with a loose weave. This duo was worn with my favorite crepe black slacks. I have noticed that brighter colors are more flattering as I age (67) but black is so versatile, especially when worn as a bottom. I have many little black dresses that are fun to accessorize. And a knee-length A-line black skirt with a lace overlay that I have had for years for dressier occasions.
I adore black and pink together. It’s such a great combo.
Such good advice about just not wearing black near your face. I’ve never understood why wearing pants that are not “your colour” is a problem so long as it goes with your top which does flatter you. I always enjoy your blog. You are fun and approachable and give such good advice. Thank you.
Strict color theorists would argue that if it’s not in your palette you should avoid it everywhere in your wardrobe. I prefer to have a looser interpretation of seasonal color analysis because I prefer to look at them as gentle guides not a strict rule book.
I like wearing black. Love your style picks.
Me too♥️
I typically don’t wear a lot of black but I have to say this eyelet skirt is exquisite. I would definitely wear all 3 of the outfits! Love a piece that can be dressed up or down !