Are You Stuck in a Black Rut?

If your closet feels like a sea of black, you’re not alone. Many women default to black because it feels easy, classic, or “slimming.” But here’s the truth: black doesn’t look amazing on everyone. In fact, for many women wearing black over 40 can actually wash you out, highlight under-eye shadows, and make you look more tired than you feel.

Wearing black over 40 is a habit might be holding you back from discovering what really makes you glow. So today, I want to challenge that belief — and offer you a new way forward.

Why We’re Drawn to Black

Let’s be honest: black is a style security blanket. It feels polished, professional, and forgiving. We’ve been told for decades that black is universally flattering. But here’s what I’ve learned after years of doing color analysis for women 40+ — black is not neutral for everyone.

In fact, it can be one of the harshest colors against mature skin, especially as we lose natural contrast in our coloring with age.

So why do we keep wearing it?

• It feels profession and safe.
• It hides a multitude of wardrobe “sins.”
• It’s easy to match.

But none of those are good enough reasons to settle for looking just okay.

The Problem With Wearing Black over 40 (And What to Watch For)

When black isn’t in your color palette, it can:

• Emphasize fine lines, wrinkles, or shadows under your eyes
• Make your skin tone appear dull or sallow
• Clash with your natural warmth or coolness
• Visually weigh you down instead of lifting you up

If you’ve ever put on black and thought, Why do I still look tired? — it might not be you. It might be your color.

What You Wear Really Matters — Just Ask Savannah Guthrie

In these side-by-side shots of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, we can clearly see the impact color has on our appearance. In the all-black outfit, shadows are more pronounced around her face — a common effect as we age. But when she wears colors like red or soft florals, her features appear brighter and more vibrant. This is exactly why finding the right colors matters: the right shades can enhance your natural glow, while the wrong ones can dull it.

If Not Black, Then What?

If you’ve relied on black as your go-to neutral, you’re not alone. But it’s not the only option — and often, it’s not the best one.

In my heart-centered color analysis, I start with you. Your skin tone, your eyes, your hair, your lifestyle. Your inherent coloring guides which neutrals harmonize with you — from soft mushroom to cocoa, deep navy to warm olive. These colors don’t just replace black — they enhance you.

When your wardrobe aligns with your natural palette, your outfits feel cohesive, your features stand out, and dressing becomes easier. Color isn’t about rules. It’s about revealing your best self.

How to Wear Black Over 40 (When You Still Love It)

I’m not here to cancel black. I’m here to help you wear it in a way that works for you — not against you.

Here are 3 style tips for wearing black better:

1. Keep it away from your face — Pair it with a scarf, necklace, or jacket in your better colors.
2. Mix it with texture — Leather, rib knit, velvet — these add dimension and reduce the harshness of solid black.
3. Add contrast — A pop of lipstick, statement earrings, or color near your face can balance out the shadowy effects.

What Should You Wear Instead?

This depends entirely on your unique palette, but here’s a quick look at some beautiful alternatives to black for different undertones:

• Warm palettes: Try espresso, olive, camel, or warm navy.
• Cool palettes: Try charcoal, pewter, deep teal, or true navy.
• Muted palettes: Go for dove gray, cocoa, or soft mushroom taupe.

These shades often do everything black promises to do — slim, flatter, feel chic — but actually work with your natural features, not against them.

A Personal Note

I used to live in black. It was my comfort zone. But once I learned my best colors, I started noticing something wild: people told me I looked happier and younger. And I felt it too.

Letting go of black isn’t about losing confidence — it’s about building more of it.

Ready to Discover Your Best Colors?

If you’ve been wondering what colors actually flatter your skin, make your eyes pop, or help you look more energized — I’ve got something for you.

Book a Virtual Color Analysis — I’ll help you discover your unique palette and give you a digital custom color palette to take shopping with you every time!

Not ready for a full session? Check out the blog and explore my FREE Color Confidence Visual Prompt Guide to start learning how color affects your look, mood, and confidence.

🖤 Still love black? That’s okay! Let’s find the right way to wear it — with intention.

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