Happy Tuesday Everyone. Have any of you gotten your vaccine yet? I am waiting not very patiently. We haven’t seen Summer (our granddaughter in over a month). Today, Jennifer (A Well Styled Life) and I are back with our monthly Fashion Edit. Today we are talking about how to wear all black over 50. I have to be honest the pandemic has made me reach for color in my home and my Spring wardrobe but my closet is filled with black, and nothing hides the covid pounds better than black. Black done right makes everyone look good. It’s classic, simple, cool, and timeless. It can be totally versatile and works no matter what your style is. If we are going to dress in one color we need to put extra emphasis on the way our clothes fit, their texture, and cut in order to add some creativity to an outfit. Come with me let’s talk about this.
I know many of you feel like you can’t pull off the all-black style even if you love it on other women. This misconception is completely wrong. Anyone can do it with style. It’s all about which pieces you wear and how you put them together. I don’t know about you but everything I put on right now does not look very good. I am really wanting color, but until I lose the covid pounds black it is!! Let’s take a look at how to wear all black over 50.
Rely on Classics
A great blazer, a cashmere sweater or a beautiful pair of pants.
The Peruvian Connection Blazer (no longer available) is so flattering (longer to cover the bum) has become a staple in my wardrobe. The blazer and boots are broken up by a simple leather skirt and a belt. I added a vintage brooch for interest.
Add a crisp white shirt under a classic cashmere sweater, then add unexpected rhinestone accessories. Faux leather leggings give the look additional texture.
Add a Pop of Color
In this look I am wearing black pants from Banana Republic, a simple turtleneck, and I added a vintage Kantha scarf easily found on Etsy or Ebay, but linked below. I love my Artemis mules. Yes, they are an investment but add a welcome pop of color with all black. I completed the look with my gathered native American bracelets, and a pair of cross earrings.
Here I am wearing the Peruvian Blazer in a more traditional way, with an old Madewell block print shirt and a necklace that was a gift from my husband by Ojai artist Love Heals. Comfy Birdies, and the same BP pants complete the look.
Let Your Accessories be the Star
Velvet leggings from Eileen Fisher, a favorite J Crew Sweater, and Bed Stu boots allow the turquoise jewelry that I have owned for years take center stage. Yep, I am wearing my trusty comfy Bed Stu boots that you have seen a million times.
A free people cashmere tunic, and faux leather leggings allow the Native American Jewelry and the Artemis Mules to hold center court.
Try Something Edgy
Like combat boots, a moto jacket, or faux leather leggings.
Here I am wearing my worn moto jacket with a simple turtleneck and another necklace from my collection. I am wearing it with a long suede skirt that I inherited from my sister.
Notice how I look so nice and thin from a distance thanks to the black. I am still hanging in there with WW, but still more pounds to lose. I am also wearing the Anthro stretch suede boots with a slight heel. I would not be able to trudge around all day in these but they are comfy enough for lunch out. They stretch ladies (so the bunion can breathe).
This outfit is accentuated by the turquoise accessories (a pop of color) and the edginess of the combat like boots. I have been wanting to purchase a pair but found these old Gentle Souls boots in my closet would do. I haven’t worn them in several years. I almost gave them away. They are comfortable. I linked a similar pair below. The boiled wool poncho I have had for several years but I have linked a better Eileen Fisher one that you can now find on Ebay.
I wish this picture were better. I would never spend a ton of money on a puffer coat that I would not wear much. This H&M puffer is super stylish, fun reasonable and warm! It would be flattering on any figure type. I am wearing a small. It runs large. I wish I had picked up an extra small.
ADD TEXTURE & CUT FOR INTEREST
Add unusual textures and cuts to keep the outfit from becoming boring.
This Peruvian Connection sweater has a bit of color and tons of texture. It keeps the all-black column from becoming boring.
This tapestry-esque vest adds just a bit of color and a whole lot of texture to the simple outfit of leggings and boots. I have owned this vest for years.
The leopard scarf adds textural interest as well as the horn and bone accessories.
Do you wear a lot of black? Is it a staple in your wardrobe or do you prefer more color? I would love to hear your thoughts. Thank you for reading How to Wear Black over 50 and for your continued support. I so appreciate it. You might also enjoy How to Style a Maxi After 50. Now pop over and see how Jennifer is styling black. I will be back on Thursday with Annie, Mary Ann and some blogging pals. We are going to talk about kitchen styling.
A WELL STYLED LIFE
Hello Cindy – This is a wonderful post – thank you for showing so many great options! I’ve been worried my penchant for b&w was too boring but you’ve given me some great ideas. I loved the drama of your turquoise jewelry – are your pieces vintage and have you written about them elsewhere?
Hi Jen
Funny you should ask. I have written a bit but next Thursday Sarah (Sarah London Style) and I will be talking about neck pieces
(as she calls them) so I will talk about them. I guess you could say the two large American Indian pieces that I have shown are vintage because I am. Be sure to tune in next Thursday, it should be a really fun post.
I’ve got 12 pounds to lose and my black jeans are the only pair that somewhat fit…so it is a good thing that I like wearing black, lol! Cindy, I love all of your outfits…you’ve inspired me to add more accessories! Here in Contra Costa County (registered through the health department) my husband age 67 scored the vaccine last week as did my 80+ yr old folks. We all feel very grateful!
Hi Renee
I hear you! I need to quit drinking two glasses of wine at night and get more excercise to lose my extra pounds! I am getting my vaccine tomorrow hip hip hooray in Concord! I cannot wait! Dying to take care of my granddaughter again! Thanks for your support. I appreciate it so much.
You look stunning, and so thin! You don’t need to lose any more weight! Thank you for sharing your outfits. Could you share what plants are in your large pots? I need to find plants and would appreciate some suggestions. Thank you!
Hi Teri
They are Rosemary. I bought them at Christmas time many years ago. I have tried a million plants there and nothing has done as well as these guys. We just have to rotate them on occasion for the sun! I look thin in black nothing else sadly, but I am working on it.
Cindy – love all your posts….especially enjoyed this one with the black. I’m always drawn to it when I’m shopping. My hair is the color of yours although very short. I particularly love your glasses in the two photos with the blue tapestry vest and boiled wool poncho. I’d love to know the brand as I’m just preparing to buy a new pair of prescription glasses.
Hi Julianne
Those glasses are by L.A.M.B (aka gwen stefani). They were the first pair ofglasses I purchased and I do still like them. You can find them in other colors but the only place I found my particular color was on eyeglasses.com. The model is LA020. Good Luck!
You really do wear black so well! It suits you. All these looks are styled to perfection with the interesting CH twist you are so well known for. Loved it!
Hi Pal!
I wish I could pull off those lovely block print dresses that you wear so well. Anything that even hints ruffle just doesn’t work on me. I am crazy about those dresses on everyone but me. I am still trying but so far no luck! I think it’s my tomboy background.
Cindy,
I love every single outfit in this post. I confess, only recently I saw a woman “our” age wearing black leggings with a tuxedo strip down the side and combat boots and a great leather jacket over a sweater. She was stunning and it was all black. It gave me a new perspective about black on my age women.
This post gives me further inspiration. Thank you.
xo,
Karen
Hi Karen
Sometimes it takes seeing someone else wear something we thought of but weren’t sure we could pull off a look, doesn’t it? Sue Burpee did the combat look well. She didn’t look like a cartoon character…just chic…
Another reader mentioned the bloggers who push wearing one’s seasonal colors and now avoid wearing black -Ugh, I’m so tired of hearing all that – I’ve stopped reading those blogs! You look amazing, You wear what makes you happy, and it shows.
Hi Audrey
I think we all just need to wear what we love. That is the beauty of being our age (sorry if I am putting you in my age group) we don’t need to follow any rules!
I’m totally in your age group!! I began growing my natural gray nearly a year ago. Not as gorgeous as your silvers but I am loving the way my skin and eyes look with my silver sparkles. I’m looking forward to more of your gray hair tips!
Hi Audrey
Great! I will do it in the next couple weeks!
Cindy, you would look chic wearing a paper sack! I love every one of your black styles, you shouldn’t hesitate to wear all black ever again. I just wish I had somewhere to go to wear some wonderful outfits like these, my clothes are just collecting dust in my closet. But thank you for the fashion show, you look beautiful. I adore your hair, color and style, I’m soon to be 71 and have long hair just like my high school senior photo and I love it
Hi Gail
Don’t believe everything you see on the internet. It is very difficult to get decent pictures that don’t show all the imperfections. The light has to be just right. That is why you often see me in the same place. That being said thank you so much Gail and Hooray for our high school haircuts!
As a former natural brunette with green eyes, black was never flattering on me. After choosing to go grey during the benefit of isolation last year, shades of grey are my new wardrobe base. Black drains all color from my face now, no matter how I accessorize. My edgy pixie-cut grey hair style really makes my green eyes more vivid, which I did not expect. I never wore grey in my life prior, but combined with pale green and lavender tones, I am amazed how much my eyes are directing this transformation!
What color are your eyes, Cindy? You look fantastic in black! Your hair color/style balance out your black outfits so well.
Hi Nan
You are spot on about gray and lavender. I wish I could wear an edgy pixie cut. I would love that simplicity. My eyes are brown. My hair was almost black. It has been so long since my hair color was “natural” probably when my kids were little that I have forgotten. Fighting the gray all those years my hair took on odd hues. My daughter finally said mom your hair looks like a “frizzball” why don’t you let it go gray. My husband agreed. My son and daughter in law were not on board at first but I think they would agree it was the right decision. We will see if Lauren (she comments here sometimes) will chime in for team gray!
Hi Cindy- Your natural original black hair color and brown eyes explain why you look so great in black! Your new natural hair color is simply beautiful. At our age, embracing our albeit new natural shades of grey hair color turns out far better than we expect, doesn’t it? If we update our wardrobe to enhance this new look, it shows in positive ways. Go Team Grey!
Judging by the comments, this was a good topic! I’m getting in a bit late but agree with everyone that says YES to you in black. One remark that was spot on is that your hair acts as an accessory also. If your hair was a mousy brown, it wouldn’t pop against your black backdrop. Your gray is so striking and as I’ve told you, you were my inspiration to go gray also. I hope mine is as lovely a shade of (I prefer to call it) platinum.
I do like color but am a bit worried that my colors might need to change with the hair. I hope not! Some of my favs seem to be in a cycle that doesn’t come around very often. Color is so trend-driven and seasonal that one just has to wait, I guess.
Hi Wren
You will like my Ageless Style guest this month! Mum’s the word. I do wear more gray now, lavendar & purple (which I never wore) but I have also gravitated back to my favorites like mustard and chartreusy green. I am careful to use the “purple” products because my hair does tend to want to yellow. As long as I am on top of that I think I am okay. You will figure it out, and who cares anyway…wear what you like unless it looks absolutely awful. I guess my answer is I am wearing colors I didn’t before gray, but not abandoning the colors I am drawn to. However, I am no color or fashion expert. I just wear what I like and don’t follow any rules.
Wink wink!
(thanks for you personal response)
Yes!!!
Cindy, you look so darling in every outfit. My closet is a sea of black and grey. Years ago, I had a 5-year-old neighbor who told me I looked like a nun. That poor kid got the cheap candy when she showed up the following Halloween. Have a wonderful week, dear Cindy.
Oh Katie you always make me smile!! I used to wear overalls when my daughter was in Kindergarten and one of the kids (also a five-year-old) asked why I always dressed like a farmer! Out of the mouths of babes. She also thought macaroni and cheese only came out of a box! Tell the mister that one!
I think you do black very well as it goes very nicely with your silver hair. I do wear black but always include a pop of colour: fuchsia, red or turquoise being my favourite. In general though, my closet is like an explosion of colour as I find it cheers me up a lot. I love your outfits and the velvet leggings sound very comfy.
I love black and it is a staple for me. I do many of the things you show like jewelry, animal print, colored accessories or sweaters or jackets with subtle color or prints. I dress a bit on the edgier side so its easier to make my look casual, funky or formal. I have blond hair and my coloring is such that black looks good. I appreciate color on other women but can’t do lots of color on me. 🤪 BTW you frequently mention your bunion, have you shopped Bliss shoes? They are a little pricey but they accommodate many problems and have some cute ones! Anyway great post. Arizona is still only scheduling front line and over 75 for shots. We have a real problem here
with getting things moving thanks to a governor who didn’t let the right experts get it organized. Probably will still be a couple months before over 60 or others get theirs so still mask up and social distance and staying home or being extra careful. My husband got a serious case of Covid and was in the hospital for 6 days with treatments for breathing. He went back to the gym which had protocols in place but people still careless with mask not covering noses and breathing heavy! Scary so we are hyper vigilant, good luck hope California can do better.I know how much you miss that cute granddaughter!
Hi Char
I am going to check out Bliss shoes thanks for the recommendation. I wouldn’t say California is doing very well with vaccine distribution. Last I checked we.were the 9th worst in the country. For the most part people here are very good about wearing masks however. I keep trying everywhere. I guess we all just need to be patient. Thanks for weighing in. I always enjoy your comments.
Although many bloggers are relaunching themselves based on their “colors”, I prefer the sophistication of black. Your post is very helpful as I transition from more of an urban lifestyle to my new mid-coast Maine home. Black can be tricky but you have mastered it! Thanks for the helpful examples – I will study them and adapt.
Hi Christina
I will always love black (obviously I didn’t have to dig too deep to find pictures) but I love color as well. I am particularly drawn to color in the home and clothing this year because it has been such a gloomy year. We love Maine, one of our favorite places. We used to travel there twice a year on antique buying trips!
As always you look fabulous in all black. Your beautiful white hair is the light that shines with all black. You do it beautifully my friend. If I wear black I like to gave a white collar next to my face. I do find that when I want to look professional I would wear black. However, my closet is full of color, I gravitate towards colors in my wardrobe 💙💛💗💚 at my go-to colors. I’m all about Spring! Love your post keep doing YOU!!
Kathy
You are so right about the white shirt next to the face. I never used to wear white but I think white does wonders for aging skin, and white hair for that matter. You are the color girl and you know exactly how to rock it. Love your new decorating plans!
Great column today! Agree, agree, agree! Your styling choices run alongside my own; a little left-over hippy/bohemian from high school, a bit edgy, nice tailoring, scarves, accessories – styled head to toe.. I’ve saved the link to the Artemis mules, a definite soon-to-be splurge for me!
I love all black. Black this always matches with black that; not so with reds and grays. With pearls, black is elegant. A black blazer with a pushed-up/stand-up collar (as you show) is face and neck flattering. Everything comes in black. Sparkly fabrics are refined and chic done in black. Black is timeless, easy to mix with trendy accessories to stay current. If an item comes in any color other than black and looks as good or better, I buy the other color because I can always find black items to suit me.
Great tips Christine. You are spot on! I love anything with a stand up collar. I think it draws the eye from the neck folds and frames the face. Black is a staple that we will always enjoy. I love gray (now that my hair is gray) and it is sometimes harder to find! Thanks for sharing your wisdom as always!
I had a color analysis 36 or so years ago and shied away from black for a verrrry long time as a result. Now I’m adding it back a bit; it’s so classic and timeless (not to mention ubiquitous), it’s hard to resist. With a bright lipstick and a scarf I can make it work. Your outfits are the best inspiration! Just wish I had your edginess. Baby steps!
I also have to tell you, you inspired me to grow my hair longer. I’ve always thought your current hairstyle is the “perfect” classic look but just felt my hair was meant for the eternal chin-length bob. You (and, well, the Covid shut-down) motivated me to try something new. My hair is now shoulder-length and I’m having the best time with it! Not sure this is my forever look, but it has been fun to have different options. Also stopped coloring, although my transition to gray looks to be a very slow process.
Thanks for the fun you bring!
Hi Sarah
So funny that is exactly how my hair ended up this length, and my hairstylist said I think you should keep it that way. I too was reluctant. I always felt that if one’s hairstyle looks like their high school year book it was time for a change. Well here I am in my 60’s and have my hair that length again. I am not sure it is my forever style (who needs that anyway) either but I sure enjoy the option of pulling it back in a ponytail. Hang in there with the transition. I don’t think you will be sorry.
I have a long journey from a pixie to your hair length, but i’m Inspired by you. I love your edgy style, my favorite too. I have always heard one looks larger in photographs, and you sure don’t look like you have weight problems. Enjoy you r blog very much!
Hi Pat
I am only 5’4 and black is slimming. I don’t need to lose a ton but I am not comfortable at the weight I am at. Healthier and happier a little lighter, but thank you!
I love black…and wear it a lot. The reason? It’s slimming, is a great background color, and perfectly shows off scarfs ( of which I have a lot!), turquoise/silver jewelry (of which I have a lot!!!) and blazers, shawls, and colorful shoes. I hope it never goes out of style! You look fabulous in all of your outfits…love your blog and your fashion and design ideas!
Hi Beverly
We sound like two peas in a pod. Black is the perfect backdrop, and I am a scarfaholic as well. I enjoy the accessories more than the clothes. I love a collected look on me as much as in my home! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I have always worn black. When I let my hair go grey I was told that I would look pale and would have to add lots of color to my wardrobe. That wasn’t true! I’m a winter (remember when we had our colors done) and black looks great on me. I do wear other colors but black will always be my staple. I’m going to use your search bar to read about hair products for grey hair as I stoped coloring a year ago. Thank you for that info.
Hi Karen
I have tried every gray product out there I think. I plan to do an update soon even though I basically use the same products that I have from the start. I have tried one that is flat out horrible and I want to let people know before they try it. Good Luck with your gray hair. I never regretted it for a second!
Love the vintage pins with your shirt collar
turned up, and the fabulous scarf.
I forget to pull out my scarf collection both of these ideas
help with the neck issue .
You have such a great suggestion love your posts
Hi Alexis
These fashion posts force me to think outside of the box for you all. It makes me dress better. I have sweats on most of the time (albeit stylish sweats!)
Thank you Cindy for the inspiration, wonderful looks. I am on the search for a classic leather jacket like the one Monica Bellucci wore in “Call my Agent”-fab show-I have large boobs so something too fitted would not look right. One day I am going to treat myself to those embroidered shoes you style so well! Happy week!
Hi Francesca
Believe it or not I have big boobs too, but I know what you mean. I have not started Call My Agent yet, but have heard great reviews and have it on my list. Ebay is a great resource for leather jackets. That black one I have had for years but my other one came from ebay! I do love the Artemis Mules. I give them a lot of free advertising, don’t you think they should send me a pair!!
You wear black well. It shows off your amazing collection of jewelry and jackets. I wear a lot of black. I love a column of black with a red coat or at least a bright scarf and gold jewelry. In the spring/summer I add more colour to my outfits.
Hi Joanna
I do too! And I too wear much more color in Summer. Those bright coats that were so popular this year were so tempting, but I rarely wear anything more than a jacket so couldn’t justify the splurge! Thanks for weighing in!
Hi Cindy! Love the looks! I am a big fan of American Native jewelry. Great inspiration using black rather than denims and white. Think I need to clean out the closet and rethink outfits. Looking forward to future posts! Stay safe
You look fabulous in black!! I loved this Cindy. Such great tips and as always you look amazing!!
Well we always have fun burning the midnight oil don’t we?!!
Great suggestions….and they look so cute on you!
Hi Old Friend!
Hope all is well with you and your family. Thank you so much for reading! Hopefully we will see you this summer at the reunion!!
Love the looks here Cindy and I am going to copy the white shirt under the black sweater with my jeans today! It’s cold up here with the Polar Vortex air.
I too am on WW counting my points…Covid cooking had its effect on me. Am down about 7 pounds and still need to shed more !
Stay safe!
Yeah Leslie!
You are inspiring me! I am stuck at 6 but need to get with it! I think I need to cut out the evening wine and exercise more! Have a great week!
You look darling! I like black too but almost always add something with color so it doesn’t look like I’m heading to a funeral! LOL
Your hair looks great too. Are you trimming or do you have a stylist who helps out? I haven’t gotten a hair cut since the 4th of July and it shows. xxoo. Kelley
Hi Kel
Oh god no! Me cut my hair. I can’t even cut my bangs. My hair went for a stint with no salon but she is back at work thank god. I am about due for a keratin treatment. I feel the frizz coming back. I love how you mix pops of color in your wardrobe. You are my fashion and design idol!
Love the suggestions!!
You really rocked the navy. There was a time in the late 90’s that I had a lot of navy in my wardrobe, It was the alternative black. But it is hard to find now.
Hi Patricia
That is actually black but I noticed in that light that it sure looks navy. I can’t wear navy or don’t, I am not sure which. I think we are all going to embrace color for spring after this long winter! Thanks for joining the conversation!
I love all those outfits, especially the bold jewelry! I am short and have always felt that I could not wear heavy pieces but you have proven me wrong.
Hi Harriet
I am only 5’4. The key is to not wear everything big, I think. I am also not a small person. My frame is actually large so tiny little things don’t work on me either. There is a fine line though! I agree!
You are gorgeous!!!
Emmylou Harris!!
Hi Carolyn
You are very sweet. Emylou is my idol. I wish I had her beautiful skin!!
I love and wear TONS of black. I was told by a makeup artist once though that it accents dark circles if you have bad ones, so I try to add color and white whenever possible!
Hi Gray
Yes I have read that and Jennifer alluded to it as well. Strangely enough I don’t have dark circles. Hooded eyes, acne scars, sun damage…everything else but not that one!!
You accentuate your basics so beautifully! I’m envious. I need to work on getting a more edgy look. So attractive and interesting.
Hi Cherie
I think one of the benefits of gray hair is one can do a little edgier look without looking like we are trying too hard. Sue Burpee mentioned that in my interview with her. Thanks for weighing in!
You make it look so effortless.
Style plus attitude.
Hi Pam
Oh my gosh I wish I did have attitude! I hate being photographed, it has been a journey let me tell you. I so appreciate your kind comment though!
I love your bold style…could not pick a favorite!
You truly aced these looks, every one of them edgy yet classic . The skirt with the leather jacket and boots is my favourite but love them all. Your hair is amazing and I am so glad to have found your blog just now. I will look forward to exploring past posts. I’m wondering if you’ve done one on sunglasses. Those boots you almost gave away…amazingly chic. Funnily enough I ordered a dress from H&M at Christmas time and instead they sent me a pair of black combat boots with platform soles no less. Oddly they were my size. Now that I’ve seen your pics I’ll try them. Sorry for the novel.
Stunning as always, Cindy! I love all black but often shy away from it because it feels so ‘formal’, however, I love your styling of it, so I’m going to put some of these ideas to use!
Hi Sharon
Interesting comment about it coming off as too formal. I never really thought about that. Definitely food for thought. Have a great week!!
Great post!
So glad you enjoyed it Sherry! Thanks for joining us!
Good morning, I’m wondering how did you like your hair go gray? Did you use highlights? I am blonde, I want to transition into gray. Thanks for your tips!
Hi Jodi
I am 66 years old and I let my hair go “natural” about eight or nine years ago and have never regretted it for a second. If you type in gray hair in the search box there are several articles about my process. I did do highlights and low lights it was pretty easy. Hairdressers told me for years that I wouldn’t like my hair gray, it wouldn’t be a pretty gray etc. I was coloring my hair constantly. It was a nightmare! Email me anytime you have any questions. I have tried all the products and I know which ones work! I plan to do an update in the next few weeks. Stay tuned and welcome!
Your hair should also be considered an accessory because of its style and color. Like some of your suggestions .Stay safe!
Thank you so much Susan I appreciate it !! Have a great week!