Right, let’s talk colour.
Because spring has sprung, the daffodils are out, and suddenly every shop window is screaming “BUY SOMETHING BRIGHT, DARLING!” But if you’re anything like me, a grown woman with bills, baggage, and a strong opinion on heel height—you might hesitate before diving headfirst into a rainbow wardrobe.
I get it. Colour can feel a bit… extra. Especially when you’ve spent the last few months wrapped in fifty shades of neutrals, secretly proud of your capsule wardrobe and your ability to match everything to taupe.
But here’s the truth bomb: colour wants to play with you. And you don’t have to look like a walking piñata to embrace it. So, if you’re over 40 and wondering how to wear colour without feeling like a midlife crisis wrapped in fuchsia—buckle up. I’ve got you.
🌸 1. Start Where You Feel Safe… Then Sashay Out
Let’s be honest—unless you’re Iris Apfel (legend), you probably don’t want to go full technicolour dreamcoat. And that’s fine. Colour confidence doesn’t mean diving into a neon explosion on day one.
Start small:
- A bright handbag.
- A bold lipstick.
- A colourful trainer (yes, they exist, and yes, they’re fabulous).
Dip a toe. See how it feels. Then slowly sashay into bolder choices, like a chartreuse blazer (trust me—surprisingly wearable) or a magenta dress that makes you feel like your best, bossiest self.
☕ 2. Know Your Colour Love Language
Listen, not every colour is your friend. Some make you glow like you’ve just come back from a spa retreat. Others make you look like you’ve been mildly unwell for a week.
The secret? Undertones.
- If gold jewellery looks better on you, you’re probably warm-toned. Think terracotta, mustard, olive, coral.
- If silver makes you sparkle, cool tones are your jam. Try sapphire, raspberry, emerald, icy blues.
Still unsure? Try holding different coloured fabrics up to your face in natural light. If one makes your skin go “ahhh” and your eyes pop—congrats, you’ve found a winner.
🌈 3. The 60/30/10 Rule (AKA Colour Without Chaos)
You know how some people wear colour and just look… put together? Not like they rolled through a charity shop blindfolded?
That’s the 60/30/10 rule at work:
- 60%: your base colour (neutral)
- 30%: your secondary colour (a soft or deeper tone)
- 10%: your pop! (this is where the juicy brights come in)
Example: Cream trousers (60), sage green blouse (30), hot pink sandals or clutch (10). Boom. Effortless. Chic. Slightly smug but in a good way.
👠 4. Prints Count Too (and They’re So Forgiving)
Afraid of head-to-toe colour? Go print instead.
Florals, stripes, abstract blobs—whatever floats your boat. A printed blouse or midi skirt is a sneaky way to wear several colours at once without looking like a toddler’s crayon drawing.
Top tip: Choose a print with at least one colour that already exists in your wardrobe. It’ll instantly feel more wearable and less like “new-clothes panic purchase”.
👗 5. Balance Is Your Best Friend
Rocking colour doesn’t mean going loud everywhere. If you’ve got a bright top, keep the bottom simple. If your trousers are making a statement (hello, tomato red wide-legs), pair them with a classic white shirt.
This keeps things feeling elevated—not overwhelming. Think “confident woman who knows her style” rather than “accidental children’s entertainer”.
💄 6. Makeup = The Gateway Drug to Colour
Don’t underestimate the power of a red lip. Or coral blush. Or lilac eyeliner if you’re feeling playful.
Makeup is low-commitment, high-impact colour. It washes off. It doesn’t take up wardrobe space. And it can completely transform your mood in less than five minutes.
Bonus: it makes you look like you’ve made an effort even if you’re just wearing jeans and a tee. (Which, let’s face it, is half the goal most days.)
💬 7. Ignore the Fashion Police—They’re Boring Anyway
Somewhere along the line, someone decided women over 40 should fade into beige. To which I say: absolutely not.
You’ve lived, you’ve learned, and if colour brings you joy—you wear it. Wear it to the shops, to brunch, to your kitchen just because it’s Tuesday. You don’t need an excuse to feel fabulous.
🧡 Final Thoughts: Your Colour, Your Rules
The best thing about wearing colour over 40? You know yourself now. You’re not dressing for approval. You’re dressing for you—your mood, your energy, your story.
So go ahead. Rock that bold shade. Let your wardrobe reflect your spark.
Spring is for blooming. And you, my friend, are in full technicolour.
Take care, stay safe.
Becks xo
My life and style over 40 