How to wear colours that don’t suit you

how to wear leather over 50

Black and White…

Remember this dress? I Like it a lot, and find it very comfortable. But I find it a bit difficult to style because it’s black and white…

Black and white, the two colours I usually avoid. Of course, I have both black and white clothes. And I wear both of these colours, though not very often. They’re not the most flattering colours for me, and I prefer bright colours anyway.

So, anything black or white is always a bit challenging. To avoid looking like I’m a member of the Addams Family, I need to add some colour around my face. But the thing is, I don’t like the look of black combined with bright colour. I don’t quite know why; something about it just looks a bit harsh, as if the black is draining the brighter colour or something.

how to wear a biker jacket over 50

how to wear a leather jacket over 50

But this is black and white, so a bit softer than all black, and maybe a better match for bright colour. Because in my opinion this outfit (on me at least) definitely needs a dose of colour. Really, black and white may be a classic combination and timelessly elegant and all that, but it definitely does nothing to enhance my best features…

No, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: a face as pale as mine needs colour. Sure, black and white may look fabulous on those olive-skinned, dark-eyed French women, or the tanned Mediterranean types. But a pale Nordic woman with pale blue-green-grey eyes and mousy brown hair needs a more delicate colour palette. Too harsh contrasts will just make her skin look sallow and emphasize every wrinkle. In fact, something a bit softer, say navy and white perhaps, would be so much more flattering…

Unfortunately, this dress is black and white, and the leather jacket is black, but like both of them… So, to make it work I need to add a splash of red. That always works; red is one of the best colours for me, and I can wear both warm and cold reds. So, red saves the day…

over 50 blogger

Outfit details:

dress: Comma / leather jacket: Karen Millen (old) / scarf: Carolina Herrera / 

shoes: Clarks / bag: Lancel (old) / sunglasses: Marc Jacobs

How do you wear colours that don’t really suit you?

Tiina

FOLLOW:

Linking up with:

Not Dead Yet StyleElegantly Dressed and StylishGaray TreasuresHigh Latitude StyleSydney Fashion HunterThe Pleated PoppyStyle ElixirGet Your Pretty OnHappiness at Mid-LifeA Labour of LifeDoused in PinkCurly Crafty MomFashion Should Be FunRachel the HatSincerely Jenna MarieMore Pieces of MeColor and GraceThe Wardrobe StylistNot Dressed As LambStyle NudgeCoco et La Vie en RoseFashionably Employed,The Fabulous JourneyLiving on Cloud NineA Well Styled LifeElegance and MommyhoodPosh Classy MomNancy’s Fashion StyleSheela WritesShelbee on the Edge Over 50 Feeling 40 A Pocketful of Polka Dots Style SplashThe Fashionista MommaTina’s Pink Friday

28 Comments

  1. Suzanne Carillo
    26 March 2017 / 12:50 pm

    I love this on you. I'm kind of the same with white and I also try to wear it on my lower half or put something between myself and the white like you have here. bisousSuzanne

    • Tiina L
      29 March 2017 / 10:12 am

      I know… I envy those women who can wear white, it looks so cool. My solution is stripes: white with another colour.

  2. Shybiker
    26 March 2017 / 5:48 pm

    I agree with everything you say. You found the best solution for b/w outfits: a pop of red. Your fashion sense is admirable.

    • Tiina L
      29 March 2017 / 10:13 am

      Thanks. Red always works for me, I haven't come across a shade of red I couldn't wear.

  3. Patti
    26 March 2017 / 9:33 pm

    I think you handled this perfectly, and the result is a great look that flatters you. Thanks for linking up, xoxPattihttp://notdeadyetstyle.com

    • Tiina L
      29 March 2017 / 10:13 am

      Thanks, Patti.

  4. Nancy's Fashion Style
    27 March 2017 / 6:58 am

    What a beautiful dress and I love the leather jacket on it! The scarf is perfect with the outfit!

    • Tiina L
      29 March 2017 / 10:16 am

      Thanks, Nancy. It's one of my favourite scarves, it has many shades of red (and pink and even some purple), and it goes with so many of my clothes and several colour combinations.

  5. señora Allnut
    27 March 2017 / 12:17 pm

    Great outfit!, I like that you decided to wear your black&white dress adding color, sometimes a scarf makes everything better!, I think you look fabulous, funky and elegant!, love your jacket particularly!besos

    • Tiina L
      29 March 2017 / 10:19 am

      Thanks. I need to add some colour, black and white on me is a bit blah, draining all colour from my face.I've had this leather jacket for years, and I still like it. It's really soft leather, too, so very comfortable to wear.

  6. Petite Silver Vixen
    27 March 2017 / 3:51 pm

    You're so right. On us pale types black and white can look really harsh but your scarf is just the perfect softening touch, especially in those colours. I can absolutely see why you like that dress. Looks great on you, Tiina.http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/

    • Tiina L
      29 March 2017 / 10:21 am

      Thanks. But I have to say that sometimes I'm a bit envious of women who can wear a bit more dramatic black and white outfits…

  7. Ritu B
    28 March 2017 / 2:57 pm

    Great <3https://outfitsandmakeupblog.wordpress.com/2017/03/24/7-spring-wardrobe-essentials/

  8. Elegance and Mommyhood
    28 March 2017 / 3:14 pm

    A striped dress like this is seasonless and classic. I love how you spruced it up for Spring with the pretty floral scarf. Great look Tiina. =)Do stop by my blog pretty, and linkup with me on Thursdays. Come share your lovely style with me and my readers. Thanks, Ada. =)

    • Tiina L
      29 March 2017 / 10:22 am

      Thanks, Ada.

  9. Laura Uao
    29 March 2017 / 9:02 am

    First of all,I was very hesitant to buy online and was skeptical after purchasing as I had read positive reviews online.But when I received this dress lace dress, it did not let me disappointed.

  10. Jessica Jannenga
    29 March 2017 / 3:36 pm

    I can relate! I love the jacket you have on and the whole outfit is very becoming, that scarf is so pretty and brightens your face. I try and do the same with a pop of color. Thanks for linking with Turning Heads Tuesday!jess xxwww.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

    • Tiina L
      3 April 2017 / 6:10 pm

      Yes, black (or white) is such a tricky colour to wear, if you are pale. But a pop of colour goes a long way, doesn't it?

  11. Nicole Mölders
    31 March 2017 / 4:15 am

    Thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style. What a great way to wear this summer dress already.

    • Tiina L
      3 April 2017 / 6:11 pm

      Thanks. Yes, it's a knit dress but it has short sleeves, so I often wear it with a cardigan when it's colder.

    • Tiina L
      3 April 2017 / 6:11 pm

      Thank you.

  12. Emma Peach
    31 March 2017 / 12:57 pm

    The striped dress and leather jacket look great together. The pop of red is the perfect finishing touch. I like to work a bit of red into a black and white or navy and white outfit, usually with a bag or jewellery. Thanks for linking up to Style With a Smile, hope you have a great weekend :-)Emma xxxwww.style-splash.com

    • Tiina L
      3 April 2017 / 6:13 pm

      I like wearing a leather jacket with a dress, more so not as I'm getting older. But it still gives the outfit a bit of attitude.

  13. Daily Style Finds
    31 March 2017 / 2:27 pm

    Thanks so much for joining the Fabulous Friday Link Up. I love the pop of the red scarf to the look.LisaDaily Style Finds

    • Tiina L
      3 April 2017 / 6:13 pm

      Thank you.

  14. mummabstylish
    31 March 2017 / 5:16 pm

    I really like this idea, the pop of red scarf looks so good. I'll be remembering this in the future. Jacquiwww.mummabstylish.com

    • Tiina L
      3 April 2017 / 6:14 pm

      Thanks, Jacqui. Yes, red always works…

Leave a Reply