Jessica Carroll, a stylist for YOU Magazine’s Ageless Style makeover page, has published a set of practical tips aimed at helping women over 60 wear colour in ways that flatter their skin and boost confidence. Carroll, who describes having worked with thousands of women in this age group, said the right hues and combinations can brighten complexions, soften features and create a more energised appearance.
In a piece published by the magazine on Sept. 16, 2025, Carroll set out six accessible rules for choosing and wearing colour, illustrated with makeovers of women in their 60s and 70s. The guidance ranges from identifying undertones to pairing bold pieces with neutrals and adapting palettes by season.
Carroll recommends beginning with an assessment of skin undertone to find the most complementary shades. She suggested a simple jewellery test: if silver looks best, the undertone is likely cool; if gold is more flattering, it is likely warm; if both suit, the undertone is neutral. Carroll said cool undertones tend to work well with jewel tones such as red, purple and blue, while warm undertones suit earthy colours such as greens, burgundy and orange.
When introducing a bold colour, Carroll advised considering what it is paired with. Bright hues can clash, she wrote, so pairing a single strong colour with neutrals is a safe way to let that piece stand out. In one example, a burgundy jacket was worn over a white co-ord to keep the look cohesive and prevent colour conflict. Carroll also recommended keeping multiple bold colours within the same family — pastels with pastels, neons with neons, jewel tones with jewel tones — to maintain visual harmony.
For outfits that include prints, Carroll advised picking out a colour within the print to guide the rest of the outfit. She noted an example in which a green waistcoat was selected to match the green leaves in a pair of printed trousers, and suggested that other colours present in the print, such as yellow or pink, could also be used as accents.
Carroll encouraged those who feel overwhelmed by head-to-toe colour to start with small additions. Accessories such as jewellery or bags, she said, are low-commitment ways to introduce colour; she highlighted cobalt earrings as a way to accentuate blue eyes without committing to a fully coloured ensemble.
She also recommended adjusting colour choices with the seasons. Carroll presented a seasonal palette: reds, greens and icy blues for winter; khaki green, browns and oranges for autumn; yellows, light green and pink for spring; and muted pinks, powder blue and burgundy for summer. For evening events, Carroll suggested that wearing one bold colour with neutral accessories can differentiate an occasion look from daytime wardrobe and help the wearer stand out.
The guidance is framed around visual effects and wearer confidence rather than fashion trends. Carroll described the aim as helping women choose colours that enhance their natural colouring and make them feel more confident when dressing. The article includes photographic makeovers of women aged in their 60s and 70s to illustrate the tips.
The piece also directs readers to YOU Magazine’s social channels for more styling content. Carroll’s guidance adds to a wider conversation in fashion and lifestyle coverage about inclusive styling and practical advice for older adults, emphasising fit, colour and confidence as key components of a considered wardrobe.