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
Black actually looks better on me now than it did when I was younger! I think it’s because my hair has changed from a medium brown to lighter gray. But it’s still not my best color. Your tips were great! I tend to wear black with flattering brights, especially fuchsia and emerald green. But I also find it looks great (and sophisticated) with slate blue and denim blue.
I love black with denim too
I would so wear that second outfit with the pink tank and denim jacket. Absolutely my style!!
Dear Jennifer,
I purchased a black eyelet skirt years ago because of my of love of eyelet and black. Come summer, I add a red top along with red and pearl shaped shell earrings. Now, I’m eyeing the bright pink tank for a cheerful change up!
Happy Eastertide,
Diney on Mercer Island
How fun!!
I burned out on black in the 90s. I’ve moved on to navy and brown to replace it.
Black has never been my favorite color, I always loved blue. I was analyzed as a bright winter, so I can use it, but I still prefer color, especially blue. I’d be happy in navy in the winter, and light blue in the summer.
My next favorite is fushia, I have pinkish skin , so it works.
I use black for travel, accessories are bright. That works .