Accepting Imogen’s assertion that wearing black is aging has taken some thinking. But not only do I see the light now (stealth pun!), I also see an exception to the rule, and perhaps a corollary.
For the person who wears black well – one with coloring cool, deep, and bright – heather gray may be that dangerously aging neutral.
Some pictures to illustrate (but I really wish I could have used pictures with 60 year old models):
On the other hand, it strikes me that alot of the reason for young ladies preferring black is the aging effect. It makes them feel sophisticated.
In which of these pairs of pictures does the model look younger to you in the black?
one – looks alot older in the black, as well as pale and washed out
two – looks good in both, but older in the black
three – looks bad in both
four – still looks young in the gray, but not special.
Okay, this didn’t show what I wanted. But I still think I’m on to something …
I think #3 in grey looks just awful. And #2 grey not much better. I think #3 black and white is fine, clean looking and chipper. 🙂
Here’s what I think about all this, in line with what you said about looking more sophisticated.
While that’s not the quality that comes to mind for me, I do think it’s more about the psychology of the color. Don’t mean all that stuff about what colors “mean” but what the popular perception is.
#4 in the grey looks young because that’s a young person’s look, that athletic grey. Done right it would look young on an old person, too, because athleticism, fitness, flexibility is associated with youthfulness.
Black often looks hip, therefore contemporary, modern, young. A severe style in black can look young on the young but the old won’t look young in black, even if arty and mannered: Louise Nevelson. Black with some sprinkling of snappy contrast detail might work: energetic. .
On second thought, I think black in a casual simple style might work for the old. I have a black wool hooded jacket, absolutely simple, slightly shaped through waist. Neighbor’s boyfriend was standing in their doorway, guy in his 30’s, was kinda hitting on me. Hadn’t seen me before and asked how long I’d lived there. Said 22 years. Thought I meant it was my mother’s house and I grew up there. Nope, my house. Then, you hafta be…. reallly old! Yup, I’m 60.
Does this mean that people need merely to stick to their natural style in order to get away with gray or black? I like the second picture of the first model because she looks more comfortable and I like the last model in black for the same reason.The colors themselves only seem to have much effect on the blonde–who looks like she’s dressing like an old lady when she isn’t one. Black+white is not her thing, but she’d be fine if that were a blue camisole.
I don’t like any of the outfits. They all look kind of blah to me. Where the heck is the color?! Rebecca, you should check out academichic.com, it is an awesome blog put together by these 3 super cool P.h. D. candidates who have awesome style. They also have this easy color wheel thing that is blowing my mind (and giving me inspiration for cute color combos!) I thought you might find it interesting. 🙂
Problem with pictures of models is that all effects of the colours has been airbrushed out if they are not flattering.
It’s also about the style – some of these clothes are down the dowdy path, so the model looks older in them.
THere are a few people who have cool deep colouring who look great in black, but it’s hard to wear for many.
I am having a hard time figuring out what part of the “aging” effect in these photos is due to the colour on the model and what is due to the style of the garment. Perhaps showing pictures of the same top in different colours would better illustrate your point?
Chrs – everybody picked up on the same thing – the styles. You are right that someone will look better, if in a color that isn’t flattering, if they feel comfortable.
What I really need here is a picture of someone’s Middle Eastern or Hispanic grandma (not to be racist) wearing black and then wearing charcoal heather. 🙂
Medium gray is not flattering to most people; it’s a sad, flat colour without a bit of lavender in it. Even taupe, not the most thrilling shade, is more interesting than medium gray.
Dye quality (and therefore, quality fabric) is essential to gray not looking blah,
After 45 years of buying clothes I;d say you have to look to the Italians and Japanese to do grays well, with depth and subtle threads that life the monochromatic flatness.
These clothes, styled as they are here, are “Never Cool” regardless of age, and remind me of a book I highly recommend to anyone over 40, “Forever Cool” by Sherrie Mathieson.
I’m bringing this comment over from facebook:
“Heather gray does make me look older – just like gray hair does.:)”
– a very nice-looking great grandma, with “winter” coloring