Five Ways to Wear “Youthful” Spring Colors
Many of us are itching to shed our heavy and darker “sophisticated” neutral clothes that we have been wearing and don something in bright and cheerful spring colors. Not that there’s anything wrong with neutrals or with looking sophisticated. And just because a color is bright and cheerful doesn’t mean it’s unsophisticated.
Still, those lighter and brighter colors can read as “youthful.” Maybe that’s because they are so often shown in skimpy outfits on very young women.
Now, fortunately, the fashion world is getting the memo (albeit slowly!). We love wearing color! Modern senior women are not the stereotypical “nanas” of yore, relegated to voluminous black tent-like dresses. We may be over 60, 70, or even 80! But we still embrace the joy and exuberance of spring colors.
So if you’ve been eyeing some of those lovely spring colors, here are some ways to introduce them into your wardrobe in a fun and yes, sophisticated way.
Two Keys to Wearing Color: Detail and Contrast
First, there are specific details that immediately identify a garment as having youthful style elements: bows, ruffles, tiny buttons, frou-frou of any kind. Very few of us feel comfortable wearing those elements at this stage. So, if you are shopping for spring colors, just check out the details carefully.
Secondly, in all my research on color what I’ve come to conclude is that there is one rule of thumb that can easily help you determine whether you can wear a color or not. The rule is: pay attention to the level of contrast between the garment and your own coloring.
What that means is that any color or combination of colors you wear should reflect the same amount of intensity and color saturation that is inherent in your own coloring.
This is important for us as we age because spring fashions are often very bright and/or light in color saturation. If your coloring is, for example, muted and softened some of those brighter colors might really stand out against your skin and make you disappear.
So simply pay attention to how much you show up (instead of just the color showing up) when trying on an item. If the color of the item shows up first, the saturation level is likely too great for you. If it dulls you down, it’s likely too pale or whitened.
Florals
Spring is about flowers, so you’ll see them everywhere in fashion. The key to wearing florals is to choose the right scale that suits your body. Those with more volume in their body, or who have larger bone structure, or who are taller than average, can wear florals on a bigger scale. The more petite or small-boned one’s frame is, the more likely a smaller scale print will work better.
This one reflects the smaller scale and works for someone with mid-level contrast in their coloring.
Jasmine Chiffon Button-Up Shirt
Also, consider all the colors in the floral pattern. One of the colors may look terrific on you, but if the background color is too saturated, that can throw off the harmony between you and the item.
Cotton Button Front Shirt – Charming Floral
We’re seeing two primary types of florals this year: Stylized or abstract flowers and representational botanical prints. This one is a more muted version of spring florals in a botanical print.
This one is more muted but in a playful floral print.
Something more like this graphic botanical print would suit someone with higher contrast levels in their coloring and, because of the size of the print, a taller frame.
Head to Toe
This is a concept we looked at in detail in my last post, Tips for Looking Taller and Slimmer. The idea was to create a “column” of color. And fortunately, right now we’re seeing a lot of summer “sets,” solid color matching tops and bottoms.
These are really versatile pieces that are both fun and sophisticated in that they are free from the extraneous details that often define youthful looking fashion. Many of them are in heavier linens, a textile that a lot of us will be wearing in the warmer months.
Gamivast Matching Pantsuit Set
Linen Tie Hem Button Front Top – Cross Dye
Two-Piece Linen Pant Suit for Women
Relaxed Linen Straight Leg Pant Suit
Now, if instead you wear a one-piece in a bright color, keep all the accessories and anything you wear with it more subtle. The matching belt with this dress is a lovely complement, as are the yellow sandals.
But the nice thing about sets is that you can break them apart and create entirely new outfits by matching them with other pieces. Which leads us to the next topic.
A Pop of Color
Take one of your neutrals as a base and add a blouse or top in a brighter color. For example, if you have a lot of black in your wardrobe and a high level of contrast in your coloring, a pair of black linen slacks paired with the pink top in the previous matched set could be a great combination.
Or, for example, someone with warmer, more complex coloring could pair olive slacks with a blouse or top in a coral or orange range. That is a fun and cheerful look for mid-level contrast color types with yellow undertones.
But make sure to wear the more colorful garment closest to your face. You will know that it works when it makes your skin look healthier and your eyes look brighter.
Lilac has been a huge trend this year. An art student told me that everyone can wear lilac. I have found that to be true for people, if in the right saturation level.
Linen Blend Band Collar 3/4-Sleeve Shirt
There are versions of yellow for nearly every color type, with the exception of those who have very “quiet” neutral, blue-leaning undertones. This one works stunningly for a high contrast type.
This one really “pops” like the yellow blouse above but could possibly work for some mid-level contrast types who are tanned. It would definitely work for high level contrast types.
Diosun Womens Casual Button Down Shirt
This is for a mid-level contrast type with warmer coloring. It’s very playful and resort-y.
Other Patterns
Speaking of resort wear, abstracts in brighter colors are a “resort” type look that can be very cheerful and fun.
Emory Blouse – South Beach by Olivia James
Watercolor abstract prints are also lovely for resort and special occasion events for the warmer seasons.
Women’s Long Sleeve Printed V-Neck Blouse
No Iron™ Stretch Abstract Mix Shirt
Stripes are popular year round, but especially for spring and summer. The size of the width of the stripes should echo your features and height.
This one combines the idea of a matched set with a striped pattern in a subtle color that works best for low-intensity color types.
Accessories
The easiest way to bring spring and summer colors to your wardrobe is to add an accessory in a brighter color. Wearing a bright color accessory is a wonderful way to punch up a neutral outfit.
Hats
Since you will likely be outdoors more, wearing a straw hat in a color that is flattering to your skin tone will bring glow and brightness to your face.
Women’s Hot Pink 5 inch Brim Floppy Straw Hat
Earrings
For a light touch that still has a spring-like feeling, a colorful or playful pair of earrings can also be a way to brighten up a more neutral outfit.
No Droop™ Orange Linear Earrings
Bead & Raffia Linear Drop Earrings
Bags
And then of course, there are shoes and bags. The days of matching shoes to our handbags are long gone. But if you wear colorful shoes, keep the bag more neutral, and vice versa.
Now, this is one area where you can go a little bit off the recommendation for matching contrast level. But just wear or carry any item that is more saturated than your coloring away from your face. Also, if you want to incorporate some of the “youthful elements” like bows and do-dads, this is where to do it. Those can be fun in the spring and summer.
As for the materials, large leather totes are extremely popular right now. But consider something in woven leather. That has a somewhat lighter, more spring-type feel to it, and warmer months invite lighter textiles.
Flexible materials, such as canvas, straw and woven textiles are great for adding color to your warm weather neutrals.
Kelly and Katie ring straw tote
Sandals
And then there are the shoes. Sandals are the perfect pairing with straw, canvas, or woven bags. And nothing says summer like espadrilles.
Pamela bow citrus sateen espadrille wedges
Women’s Emelie Wide Width Espadrille Sandals
Mariella Espadrille Wedge Sandals
Women’s Meza Casual Strappy Espadrille Wedges Sandal
Slides continue in popularity because they are simply so easy to wear to slip on and off and are comfortable for the warmer months.
Sorel Women’s Roaming Easy Slide Sandal
Cherie Logo Slip-On Espadrille Platform Slide Sandals
Vionic Women’s Poppy Braided Vio-Motion Insole Slide Sandal
ATHMILE Braided Womens Slide Sandals
Metallics are always stylish for summer and a metallic sandal can make the simplest outfit look very elegant, whether you opt for a color, or in silver or gold.
Slides at HM
Scarves
Lastly, a lovely wrap in a spring color can be a lovely complement to an outfit and create a more complete look. Heavier textiles like rayon and pashmina will also keep you warm in air-conditioned rooms.
Plum Feathers Pashmina Scarf with Ethnic Tapestry Style Paisley Pattern
GEARONIC TM Women’s Soft Pashmina Scarf
Jeelow Lightweight Summer Scarf
Hopefully, these ideas will free you of any color phobia you might be harboring, thinking they might be too “youthful.” We all need color in our lives. It brings us joy and upliftment and reminds us of the beauty in the natural world.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
How are you bringing color into your outfits now? Do you wear neutrals with a pop of color? How do you feel about “youthful” details like ruffles and bows?
I am envious, seeing these stylish/comfortable linen pantsuits. I have just returned from a month in Australia, Indonesia, and Singapore and my humid pants stuck to me like hot glue! I couldn’t get them down and I couldn’t get them up!!
And I must also mention -not easy trying to use floor toilets as well. I see now why the locals were flowing dresses.
I’m from the Pacific Northwest and an inexperienced 70 year old.
Ha! Yes, I’ve seen those pottys too. Btw-just also saw that Quince has some matched sets and lots of other things in linen. But I imagine that in the Pacific northwest you might not have as much occasion for summer linens. I’m in Berkeley and we get a lot of fog in the summer…ugh. Thanks for writing.
Andrea
Synthetic fabrics are NOT comfy here in the humidity! Just like Sandy says, they stick & will make you feel hotter. That’s why cotton is so great to wear here, it breathes & doesn’t stick to you. The only downside—cotton clothes usually need ironing, which can be a bit of a chore if travelling. Unless you like the crushed cotton look……Jen 🇦🇺
Hi Jensy. I agree, frankly. It’s one reason I don’t wear synthetics myself. Thanks for commenting Btw-Where are you located?
I really don’t like anything that has fussy ruffles, frills, lace or bows. Personal choice but those fashions are just not me, neither are tiered skirts and dresses.
My preference is for simple and comfortable casuals in summery weather, like palazzo pants, kaftan style tops or silky tunics. I love to jazz basics up with great ethnic style jewellery and plain pieces up with scarves in interesting patterns. I have a bunion on one foot, but for daywear there are now loads of comfortable and supportive sneakers around in sporty but pretty styles and colours.
I do like a nice top or blouse with a pattern or stripe too.
Same here. Just not a frou frou person either. I wish I lived where i could wear more of those summery things – (kaftans, palazzo pants, etc.) but yes, I just bought a floral blouse and a striped top from Sezane. Love them. Thanks for writing.
Andrea
Lovely ideas.
However none of the models have white or grey hair.
Hi D, and thank you for commenting!
What you said about the models is true, but please keep in mind all images come from the respective stores, not from Sixty and Me. We do not have our own models or clothes shop. So, if you’d like to see more models in the 60+ age range, the best thing to do is reach out to brands you like, and let them know you don’t feel represented. We’re seeing more older models on websites, but it’s not nearly enough.
I hope this helps.
I enjoy this blog very much but wonder if it is your job to find the representative models to match the title of your essay?
Hi and thanks for writing. I do try to find older models but it’s a never ending challenge.
Andrea
Great information! However, I’m from Texas and although my Mother was quite strict back in the day about clothing “rules” like no white until after Easter, I’ve never heard that bright colors are not appropriate for older women. I wear lots of pinks, reds, and yellows and get much-appreciated compliments all the time. I guess sometimes ignorance is bliss!
Frankly it all depends on one’s own coloring. I’ll bet you’ve always looked beautiful in those brighter colors! Then there is the geographical consideration. Most women I know who grew up in the south US or Mediterranean love color! The long warm season invites it! Thanks for writing.
Andrea
Thank you for all these tips. I can always use help selecting colors and accessories. This was very helpful.
You’re very welcome, Robin. Glad they help.