Fashion Mistakes to Avoid: Colors Combinations That Age You!!

Heather Anderson
by Heather Anderson

In this lookbook, I’m going to share some fashion mistakes that could be making you look up to ten years older.


But don’t worry, along with these fashion mistakes that age you, I’ll also show you some color combinations that will help you look younger, more youthful, and feel like the best version of yourself. 


Whether you're navigating fashion over 40 or just looking for some fashion hacks, these tips will help you avoid clothes that age you and embrace styles that enhance your natural beauty.

All-black outfit

1. Avoid stark black

The first color combination to avoid when you want to look and feel more youthful is wearing all black, especially stark black-on-black outfits.


The reason to steer clear of harsh black is that it can cast shadows on your face, making fine lines and wrinkles more noticeable.


While I’m not saying you should never wear black — because I still love an all-black look — when I’m aiming for a more youthful appearance, I’ll choose softer options.


For example, a sheer black top is a great alternative. It’s still black but feels gentler on the skin and doesn’t create the harsh contrast of true black.

Leather jacket outfit

2. Go for chocolate brown with black

I recommend pairing chocolate brown with black.


Chocolate brown is a softer, lighter color compared to black, making it gentler on the skin and less harsh.


This beautiful chocolate brown leather jacket is perfectly oversized yet slightly cropped and I’ve paired the jacket with a simple strapless top, and my favorite faded black jeans, which are both slimming and comfortable. 

Yellow and red outfit

3. Avoid neon bright colors

Neon bright colors should be avoided, as they can age you.


The intensity of these colors can draw attention to wrinkles and fine lines by casting harsh shadows on your face.


Additionally, neon colors can make you appear larger than you really are. 

Emerald green dress
Silver pants with a beige jacket

4. Go for jeweled tones

Instead of neon colors, opt for jeweled tones. These rich, vibrant colors — like emerald green and deep purple — are flattering on almost everyone, whether you have warm or cool undertones.


This emerald green dress is perfect. The color brightens and enhances my face and features. I’ve paired it with a simple black cropped blazer to complete the look.


5. Avoid stark white

The third color to avoid if you want to look younger is stark white. Stark white can be too harsh against the skin, making you look older than you are.

6. Go for neutral colors

Instead, opt for softer, neutral colors like ivory, beige, tan, or camel. These shades have a much gentler effect on the skin, giving you a more youthful appearance.


This light beige blazer looks much more youthful than a harsh white one because of its soft, neutral tone. I’ve paired it with these fabulous silver metallic pants.

Casual outfit

Camel is another beautiful, youthful color. It’s classic and elegant, and it always adds a sophisticated touch. Here, I'm wearing a cozy camel teddy coat, perfect for fall and winter. 


7. Avoid the wrong color for your skin tone

To avoid wearing the wrong colors for your skin tone, you first need to determine whether you have a cool or warm skin tone.


The easiest way to figure this out is by looking at the veins on your wrist:

  • If your veins appear more blue, you likely have a cool skin tone.
  • If your veins look more green, you likely have a warm skin tone.


I’m actually somewhere in the middle, but that’s unusual — most people tend to lean more toward either cool or warm tones.

Denim blouse with a skirt

Whenever I wear blue, I always get the most compliments, so maybe I lean a bit more toward a cool skin tone. This denim jacket is a great example — it really brings out my blue eyes. 



Fuzzy jacket outfit

If I were to go with a warm color, I’d choose this camel teddy coat. 

Red jacket

8. Avoid harsh, bright red

If you want to avoid looking older, steer clear of harsh, bright red. This color can cast shadows on your face, which can make you look more tired or older.

Wine red dress

9. Go for brick or burgundy red

Instead, opt for a richer red like brick red or burgundy. These hues are much more flattering and youthful than a stark, bright red.


This fabulous brick red dress is slightly sheer, so I added a black slip underneath, which also made the red a bit darker.

Leather jacket

Another brick red piece I’m loving right now is this dark red leather jacket. The color is a gorgeous brick red, and I’ve paired it with a simple black top, and my favorite faded black jeans.


Fashion mistakes that age you

With these fashion hacks, you can easily avoid fashion mistakes that age you and instead embrace looks that help you feel confident and vibrant.


Whether you're over 40 or simply want to refresh your wardrobe, making the right fashion choices will ensure you always look and feel your best.


Do you agree with these tips? Comment down below.

The author may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page.

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  • KarenLyman KarenLyman on Dec 10, 2024
    I look terrible in burgundy but look great in bright red. It really depends on your skin color. Nancy Reagan pulled off bright red at her age and looked classy and amazing - did not age her. It actually made her look youthful.
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