There's a reason jewel tones are so popular: These vibrant hues have a certain energy about them—when you put them on, they make you feel bold and luxurious. They also work well on every skin tone, as long as you choose the right one (more on that later!), and are readily available at most stores and online shops. Plus, there's no better feeling than walking into a room of blacks and greys and standing out in a cobalt blue or emerald green. If you want some new inspiration for styling the colors in your 60s and beyond, we've got your back. Here, personal stylists share their best tips for wearing jewel-tone colors. They'll motivate you to add more to your closet and to reimagine the items you already own.
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1 | Determine your best jewel tones.
Ground Picture / ShutterstockAlmost all jewel tones are universally flattering, but there are some that will truly feel like "your" color. It all comes down to your skin's undertones, says Michelle Barrett, stylist and founder of Capsule Closet Stylist.
First, you'll need to decide if you have cool or warm tones. If the veins on the inside of your wrist are green, you're likely warm; if they're blue, you're likely cool. "Choose jewel tones accordingly, so red, orange, gold, and yellow for warm toned and blue, green, and purple for cool toned," says Barrett. "Aqua can work for both."
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4 | Go monochrome.
Chekyravaa / ShutterstockGo all in on jewel tones with a monochrome outfit. Barrett suggests pairing pieces with different fabrics to make your outfit look properly styled. "Team cotton with silk, wool with satin, or leather with knitwear," she says. "This way, it looks like you are trying to create a monochromatic look rather than make an outfit look like a set or suit."
A super easy way to create a monochrome jewel-tone look is with a colored dress and matching shoes. You can wear that outfit everywhere, from the office to an errand run to a picnic.
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2 | Put a pop on your handbag.
Artem Beliaikin / ShutterstockDip your toes into the waters of jewel tones by starting with an accessory. "Try a cobalt tote bag for every day, an amethyst envelope clutch and LBD for date night, or a sapphire sequin baguette and white tuxedo suiting for black tie," says Elizabeth Kosich, certified image stylist and founder of Elizabeth Kosich Styling. "For extra panache, tie a contrasting-colored silk scarf to the top handles of your jewel-tone handbag." The purse will act as a focal point for any outfit you pair it with.
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3 | Or on your shoes.
Senyuk Mykola / ShutterstockAnother way to accessorize with jewel tones is with a shoe. "Try magenta Mary Janes, ruby red ballet flats, or sapphire velvet smoking slippers to test drive the palette," says Kosich. "If those colors seem too strong, emerald green is universally flattering to all skin tones, so try it instead." The stylist enjoys pairing these bold shoes with more casual clothes, like denim, camouflage, or flannel. "It keeps them grounded," she says.
5 | Start with jewelry.
Dimj / ShutterstockHey, there's no shame in starting your foray into jewel tones with actual jewels! This is especially true if you're not sure exactly which hues look best on you. "Try sparkly huggies, glamorous teardrops, or dramatic chandelier earrings to draw attention up and toward your face and to brighten it," says Kosich. "If that’s too much bling, accessorize with a single statement cocktail ring that dazzles or an enamel cuff with jewel stones clustered throughout." The more you stack on, the more dramatic the result.
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