The aging journey brings a spectrum of changes, not only in how we feel, but in how we’re perceived. As spring 2025 blooms around us, fashion choices become more important than ever for those over 70. Let’s uncover the surprising truth about one particular color that might be adding years to your appearance—and what experts recommend instead.
The surprising color that ages you after 70
When it comes to color choices that can make you appear more severe after 70, navy blue tops the list. This formal, traditional color can create harsh shadows on aging skin, particularly as our perception of colors shifts with age.
“As we age, we still ‘see’ white paper as white; our visual system recalibrates for it. However, this doesn’t apply to all colors,” explains Dr. Marilyn Schneck, Ph.D., a leading researcher in age-related vision changes. “The navy blue that once looked sophisticated in your 50s can appear particularly harsh and aging after 70.”
How aging changes our color perception
By the time we reach 70, significant vision changes affect how we perceive colors. “The color seen by the elderly would be more yellowish, and there would be a certain loss of color perception,” notes vision researcher Hassan. This natural aging process transforms how colors appear on and around us.
Many seniors have discovered this the hard way, similar to finding colors that unexpectedly aged them at 73. Our eyes’ lenses yellow over time, functioning like a filter that distorts the colors we see.
The science behind the severity
“Many people lose their ability to clearly distinguish certain colors as they age, with losses typically starting around age 70,” states color specialist Max Ruthven. This phenomenon explains why some colors—like navy—can appear flatter and more severe than intended.
Think of your eyes as windows that gradually tint with time—like sunglasses you can never remove. This permanent filter affects how every color appears, with dark blues suffering most dramatically.
Better color choices for spring 2025
Instead of navy blue, consider these age-flattering alternatives for this spring:
- Soft coral tones that bring warmth to aging skin
- Medium-toned teals that brighten the complexion
- Warmer blues with a hint of purple (periwinkle)
- Saturated emerald green for elegance without severity
Many have discovered that pale colors can be particularly aging after 60, making medium-toned options much more flattering.
Expert advice for choosing colors after 70
“When designing with the aging eye in mind, pay careful attention to lighting and light levels,” recommends designer Carolyn Noble. “The same applies to selecting clothing—colors appear different in varying light conditions.”
“If you took a healthy young person and dimmed the lights enough, they would start producing the same blue-green errors as an older person does under bright light,” Dr. Schneck explains.
This insight suggests that trying clothes in natural daylight gives the most accurate representation of how colors will look on you.
How to test if navy is aging you
A simple self-assessment can reveal if navy is working against you:
- Take a selfie wearing navy next to your face
- Take another in a brighter medium blue
- Compare which creates more shadows under your eyes
- Notice which enhances rather than drains your complexion
Many discover what worked in their 60s no longer flatters them in their 70s, similar to those who found certain colors made them look 7 years older after 60.
Beyond clothing: Color impact on wellness
Color choices affect more than appearance—they influence mood and wellbeing. Marilyn E. Schneck notes, “Tasks that rely on color vision can include distinguishing among pill colors, finding a car in a parking lot and even matching clothes colors.”
While addressing appearance is important, don’t overlook skin hydration after 70, which dramatically affects how colors appear against your complexion.
Is it time to reassess your color palette this spring? Try swapping just one navy piece for a more flattering medium hue—you might be surprised how this small change brightens not just your appearance, but your outlook as well.