Grey hair has changed the colours I wear…
Photos: Claire Pepper
Coiffeur to the silver-haired stars (and many more) Josh Wood once told me that, ‘Grey has to be a statement, it’s got to look striking. Never middle of the road. I think you can either turn up the volume and wear brighter lipstick and so on, or go the other direction for that incredibly natural Scandi vibe.’ And though I love bold lipstick and brilliant colour on other women, such as Linda Rodin, Caroline Issa and Tracee Ellis Ross, I’m definitely in the natural camp. I’d much rather tone it down than turn on the neon. But every woman is different and what works for you, works for you.
Once I’d grown in the grey (and grown out the blonde dye), I noticed the many different colours in my hair: a dandelion clock of white around the face, a mixture of dirty blonde, mousy brown, silver grey and random reddish streaks throughout. Over the course of a few years, my natural hair revealed itself and I liked the new Scandi-licious look. I may not be blessed with gorgeous, pewter locks but it feels authentic, suits my complexion and saves me money. There’s definitely no going back. And, I haven’t felt the need for a technicoloured revamp, why bother with a major wardrobe overhaul when I’m happy with my favourite shades of navy, indigo blue and olive green…
As with the slow process of growing in the grey hair, I decided to let nature take its course and see what happened in the wardrobe department. Allowing new colours to gradually enter my closet I have found that I am drawn to shades of caramel, rust and camel – hues that reflect the natural streaks in my hair. And I’ve surprised myself with a lovely pink blazer and a mustard yellow raincoat. Recently, I swapped my pale khaki utility jacket for a darker bottle green number (all the new shades blend in with my regulation blue/ green backdrop). You would think that grey hair is not a far cry from blonde; and these are relatively small tweaks. I’m not going bold but I’m definitely choosing warmer tones and expanding my repertoire.
Grey hair has changed the colours I wear.
STYLE NOTES: Poplin PJ Shirt was a gift from Toast (still available but not in this colourway). All other clothes and accessories are my own. The silk skirt I bought from The Outnet. My velcro strap sandals from Suicoke are still available at matchesfashion.com HERE. The Packable Tote bag is Arket. The wooden bangle is from Branch Jewellery. My rings are by Claire Stratton.
For a similar silk maxi skirt try Jigsaw, and at the more expensive end Ralph Lauren (available HERE (US), HERE (EU) and HERE (UK)).
*Please note: That’s Not My Age uses affiliate links to gain a small commission on items purchased through the site
Discussion (29 Comments)
Oh yes, I can wear black again! Though tend to go for off-white rather than brilliant tones.
Gillian says:
Yes, I have noticed Alyson, that you look really lovely in some of your caramel colours ( as well as the blues, pinks etc.!) I have similar colouring to yours being a fellow northerner and so I found this article particularly inspiring, thank you.
Jennie Banfield says:
So true! Love wearing monochrome and bright colours. A white shirt looks great but white mix is draining. Always wear bright lipstick too.
Scandi blonde says:
Its fantastic being able to wear black with my white hair which feels like an accessory in itself. I too don’t feel comfortable in bright lipstick but I finally have the natural hair colour I have spent a lot of money trying to achieve…it makes me laugh…I am finally Scandi blonde.
Hilary says:
Hi Alyson,I so agree with you. I’m 73 and have been grey for about 4 years.
I’ve thrown out everything brown,beige,neutral and pastel and stick to grey,navy and black but with bright scarves (I have about 90 collected over the years) and jewellery. I look good in fuchsia pink but not red ,and am venturing into yellow…..
I love my grey hair!
Moira Naulty says:
I’m with you Alyson, since ditching the dye I’m definitely in the Scandi camp, I’ve rediscovered my love of neutrals coupled with bright whites, and enjoying mixing natural textures. Trying to master layering, now that the menopausal temperature swings have settled down!
JHale says:
Graying out has emboldened me to wear brighter colors. Black has always been my base color. And I still love pairing it with olive, deep teal, purple, leopard print, and such. But lately I’ve added hot pink, coral, turquoise, and metallics to the mix.
Graying out has also given me greater comfort in wearing ‘younger’ styles – styles I avoided with my former chestnut brown dye job. The shocking gray voids any appearance of desperately clinging to youth when I pair my oversized blazers with shorts or minis, instead of trousers or jeggings.
Jane Atkinson says:
Absolutely agree about wearing more youthful styles now I’m grey because I don’t now look as if I’m trying too hard ( I hope…)
Sandra Marshall says:
Thanks so much for this. My hair is very similar colours, and I have been trying to wear the clear bright colours recommended for grey haired, pale people, but I’ve been drawn to khaki, brown and navy, alongside a slightly dirty pale grey blue. I don’t like cobalt, in my head I think of it as boys bedroom, although I recognise that’s my issue. I feel free to follow my instincts now.
Ali says:
Yes definitely a wardrobe revamp here. My hair has gone very silver. Burnt orange, strong pink, dark grey & pear green worn with a bit of navy or black to tone it down suit me now. These are colours that I would never wear before! Pale yellow, blue & grey completely wash me out however!
Stacia Vigneri says:
I’ve found that wearing your hair color is so complimentary and gives cohesion to your overall look. When my mom went to her natural hair color, she gradually switched her wardrobe colors over to match her hair color, and reflect her new, lower contrast personal coloring. My dad called her wardrobe “50 Shades of Grey”. 😉 It made her look so striking from head to toe.
Great article!
I’ve trended towards blue – the brighter and richer, the better. Also a sharp navy, terra cotta (sometimes) and even yellow – a color I avoided in a past life – I only wear it if it’s bold. (NOT mustard!) My skin tone allows for a red lip – with blue tones for some outfits, warmer tones for others. No pastels for me!Sara says:
Oh dear, Alyson your gorgeous jewellery had me going straight to the Branch website…… There are far too many lovely things that are putting paid to my best intentions of shopping my jewellery wardrobe. Only excuse: I have wanted a white bangle for years, without success and here there are great choices. It is so often you write about one thing, only for your dedicated followers to latch onto something incidental to the main story. I think it’s one of the additional pleasures! Thank you for the inspiration.
Thank you, for following Sara. So pleased when readers find additional pleasures! I have a couple of pieces of Branch Jewellery and they are lovely, I can highly recommend.
bev says:
Oh no – me too – just overhauled my too extensive jewellery collection and given loads to the charity shop. Now what happens? Alyson features Branch jewellery and I am back to square one and drooling over their website. Thanks a ‘branch’, Alyson!!!
Mrs Tonia says:
I do like the terracotta shirt in the picture worn with the long bias skirt.
My hair colour is grown out and like yours Alyson a mixture of shades with paler bits around the face. I don’t think it will ever be white.
I do wear all colours with greens as my neutrals. For spring and summer I’ve enjoyed wearing lilac, pistachio, aqua and greens. I’ve always liked these colours which are flattering with a light tan and piebald greyish hair.
For autumn I shall wear teal, dark green, grey and black with coloured scarves as an accent. I also like all oranges and red and rust colours. And for the past two years I’ve worn sunflower yellow both linen, cotton and wool tops. Works a treat with khaki and dark denim.
I’ve added a brighter lip even under masks of a coral hue.
I used to wear a lot of black. Black coats, black trousers, black knitwear and black dresses. So much less in the past year or two. But it will be a novelty to start wearing black separates with smart black handbags and shoes again.
In my opinion anything goes now. I spent the past year in quilted outerwear so am quite looking forward to wearing real coats this autumn and winter something I scarcely put on for so long.carole b says:
At 63, I haven’t left all the grey behind yet – I still home dye a mid-blonde which then fades to a light blond/grey, with new growth dark hair around my face (how/why has that happened?), but I’m fascinated to hear the conversation… I was particularly interested in JHale’s comment that ‘going’ grey allows her to wear ‘younger’ styles – the minis etc, as she obviously isn’t trying for a younger look – just wearing what she wants. All power to us all!
Fran B says:
Yes, that comment struck me too! And it does chime with me. There are clothes I like wearing and clothes I don’t – their ‘age appropriateness’ never feels very helpful in the choices I make. I go by body shape, body proportions and colouring – and I went grey very early and have always been fine with it. Also I do think personality is hugely important – I do not, and never have, liked makeup. The classic look is not for me at all. But I do love clothes and it has taken me a long time to realise that just because I don’t dye my hair or wear makeup, that there aren’t style options out there for me too!
The terracotta and khaki looks gorgeous on you. I have always worn those colours as I have (had) dark brown hair and olive green eyes but now that I am streaked with muddy grey (about 25%)I need some brighter shades to jolly up my face. Trouble is I cannot discover what those colours might be – all pinks and blues look ghastly on me as does black and brown. I think maybe some new colours should be invented!!
Your colouring sounds similar to mine. I had dark brown hair and have green eyes. I suggest you try shades of oranges and reds. And some yellows. I also like chartreuse and olives. All the bluey greens in the dark turquoise and teal range are flattering too. Experiment.
Love my grey hair, much like my mothers, with all sorts of colors and wispy silver bits around my face. I tend to like brighter colors than I used to as it seems to go with my hair. Some people say they love how I have streaked my hair. My response is a simple thank you.
Sarah S says:
Finding the same completely Alyson though have always loved khaki greens and caramel shades. Now I find I can wear more blue shades which I used to avoid. So happy I decided to let the grey grown in. Love that bangle you’re wearing.
Cheryl says:
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed seeing what colors suit me now that I am no longer coloring my hair. It’s been an easy transition. So far the only hard no is a cream with a heavy yellow undertone. Other than that, I can make most colors work, which is such fun.
Helen Rees says:
Funnily enough, greens and earthy tones and creams are the colours I can no longer wear now I’ve gone grey. Gutted really as greens were my favourite colours to wear. I can manage emerald and bluey greens but nothing with a hint of yellow or brown.
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Interesting. I find with my graying hair I am finally able to move from just earthy colours to including basic black and brighter whites, for the very first time.