How to Create Classy Clothing Color Combinations for Women Over 50

There have been many times my closet looked like a rainbow of colored pieces that were bought or acquired impulsively without any thought.

When I wanted to put an outfit together, it was often challenging because nothing really matched. So, when a fire hit our area, and I tossed eighty percent of my clothing out due to smoke contamination, I decided to get smart and put together a simple capsule wardrobe using a color theme.

Choosing a basic color scheme makes it easier to mix and match outfits, giving you more options without overloading your closet.

Navy, camel, and white

I chose navy as my primary color because I believe it is a lively alternative to standard black and is a neutral color. Navy looks rich and fantastic on almost everyone, and now that I’m in my 70s, I need something that will not make me look washed out.

I’m also planning a trip to Paris, so I wanted my travel wardrobe to look sharp. My complementary colors are white and tones of tan, with pops of color in scarves and other accessories.

Navy and tan tones are a timeless and sophisticated pairing. The combination offers depth and a balance of cool and warm tones. 

Below are some of the outfits I put together using my navy-based color theme. I can wear them anywhere, and they will never go out of style.

Below are links to some of the items I purchased. Nothing is overly expensive, and many are available on Amazon.

• Lands’ End Find Gauge Cotton Button Front Blazer in Navy Sweater
• Diosun Blue White Vertical Stripe Blouse
• NYDJ Marilyn Straight Leg Jeans
• Nautica Polka Dot Rivera Top
• Vonmelli Braided Belt
• Naturalizer Women’s Adiline Slip on Platform Loafers – English Tea and White
• Fonyve 100% Mulberry Silk Scarf
• Befen Genuine Leather Small Sling Bag
• Elleven Linen Blazer in Cream White
• Beige Pashmina
• Grace Karin Button Down Tan Cardigan
• Clarks Women’s Arla Shore Flat Sandal
• The Drop Women’s Zain Elongated Denim Jacket
• London Fog Zip-Front Belted Long-Sleeve Rain Coat
• Mintegra Navy Crossbody Purse
• Saucony Cohesion 17 Sneakers in Pearl/Gum
• Siliteelon White Button Down Shirt
• LilyCoco Striped Shirt
• ETidy Packable Tote Bag
• Befen Genuine Leather Crossbody Bag
• Jasgood 3 Pack Skinny Leather Belts
• Clarks Jenette Ease Ballet Flat
• iChosy Navy High Waist Straight Leg Trousers
• Willit Linen Pants Wide Leg Business Pants in Khaki
• Vavonne Lace Camisole Tank Top in White
• Grace Karin Sweater Blazer in Apricot
• Vionic Uptown Loafer in Camel
• Qualfort Burgundy Cotton V Neck Sweater

I’m an apple shape, with a protruding tummy, so I often wear a monochrome outfit of navy for the top and bottom and accessorize with tan tones or a pop of color. That might include a blazer, cardigan, shawl, shoes, or scarf.

Optional Color Combinations

The clothing color combinations below also offer elegance and style. You may prefer them depending on your coloring and personality.

Just FYI, there is no need to be boring. Choose whichever color combination you love. It is more economical and space-saving, especially if you have storage issues. 

Emerald Green, Tan, and Ivory

Stunning emerald green paired with ivory is a fresh and sophisticated color combination that stands out in a crowd. 

Charcoal Gray and Light Pink

If you prefer a soft, feminine, and refined combination, a charcoal gray and light pink theme exudes coziness and can be worn year-round. 

You can also wear charcoal grey with light blue.

Wine (Burgundy) and Blush

Burgundy can also be used as a neutral color. It is rich and regal. Contrasted with a soft pink or blush, it creates an elegant, soft, and polished look. Burgundy is another color that looks fabulous on most skin tones.

Brown tones and white

White is always crisp, clean, and refreshing. When combined with brown tones, it creates a warm and subtle look. Brown adds warmth, especially if you incorporate textures like cashmere, silk, straw, or linen.

This clothing color combination looks amazing with gold jewelry. A structured handbag, shoes, or a belt in a caramel or chocolate shade is a great way to complete the look.

Other color combination options include:

• Burgundy, black, Charcoal
• Powder Blue, Charcoal, White
• Camel, Black, White
• Oat, Beige, Espresso

Tips for Effortless Elegance

• Focus on pops of color:

Add a single bright or saturated color like red or pink to an otherwise neutral outfit for a modern touch. This could be a dominant color in a scarf, shoes, a belt, or a handbag.

• Embrace Tonal Looks:

Layering different shades of the same color can create a sophisticated, harmonious, and upscale look. 

• Consider Your Undertones:

If a certain color makes you look washed out or sallow, try swapping it with a more complementary color instead. People with blue-looking veins tend to look better in cool colors, while those with a yellow cast look better in warm colors.

I personally look horrid in colors like olive green or mustard yellow, but if you have red hair, for example, you may look incredible in them.

• Accessorize Thoughtfully:

Gold or silver jewelry can enhance the warmth or cool tones of a color combination, adding a final touch of refinement. 

Jewelry is another way you can simplify and refine your wardrobe. Small, delicate pieces are classic, dainty, and understated. But there is nothing wrong with making a statement. Go with pieces that are meaningful to you and match your personality.

Rules are meant to be broken

The purpose of this post is not to force wardrobe rules. It is only to make choosing clothing easier and help to save a little storage space, especially if you are traveling.

Achieving elegance may not be your goal, especially if you prefer a more casual style. You may also prefer color combinations not mentioned above. Be who you are. After 50, 60, or 70, whatever turns you on is perfectly fine.

What are your favorite clothing color combinations for travel or otherwise? Please leave a comment below and give us more ideas.