Getting older doesn’t mean you need to stop wearing certain colors.

But many people notice that colors they loved in their 20s, 30s, or 40s don’t always look the same on them later in life. Changes in skin tone, hair color, contrast, and even personal style can affect how a particular shade looks next to your face.

That is why the viral claim that there are “5 colors you should never wear after 50” is a little too absolute.

There are no universal colors that everyone over 50 must avoid. Instead, some shades can make certain complexions appear more washed out, tired, or dull when worn directly around the face.

The good news is that you don’t have to give up those colors completely. You can often change the shade, adjust the contrast, or move the color farther away from your face.

Here are five colors that are sometimes less flattering—and how to wear them beautifully.

1. Dull Beige

Beige can be elegant, sophisticated, and timeless.

The problem occurs when the beige is extremely close to your natural skin tone.

When the color of your top blends too closely with your complexion, it can reduce the visual contrast around your face. Instead of making your features stand out, the entire look can appear flat.

This can be especially noticeable with very pale beige, yellowish beige, or dusty nude shades.

Try this instead

You don’t have to abandon neutrals.

Experiment with:

Camel
Warm tan
Caramel
Chocolate brown
Cream
Ivory
Rich taupe

A slightly deeper or more defined neutral can provide more contrast while maintaining an elegant appearance.

A simple trick

If you love beige, wear it as trousers, a skirt, shoes, or a handbag rather than directly underneath your face.

A colorful scarf, necklace, or jacket can also create separation between the beige and your complexion.

2. Very Pale Gray

Gray is another classic color that can be incredibly stylish.

But extremely pale gray can sometimes make the face appear less vibrant, particularly when someone already has a naturally low-contrast complexion.

A cool gray sweater placed directly against the face may emphasize shadows or make the skin appear less warm.

That doesn’t mean gray is “aging.”

It’s simply a question of which gray works with your coloring.

Try these alternatives

Instead of a very washed-out gray, experiment with:

Charcoal
Slate gray
Medium gray
Blue-gray
Warm gray
Silver

Dark charcoal can actually create beautiful contrast and look extremely sophisticated.

3. Mustard Yellow

Mustard is a strong fashion color.

For some people, it looks warm, rich and sophisticated. For others, particularly depending on their undertone and the exact shade, mustard can make the complexion appear yellowish or tired.

This is one of those colors where the specific shade matters enormously.

A warm golden yellow may look completely different from a dark mustard or greenish-yellow.

Try brighter or clearer versions

If mustard doesn’t seem to flatter your face, experiment with:

Golden yellow
Warm honey
Soft butter yellow
Clear yellow
Terracotta
Warm coral

You can also keep mustard away from your face by wearing it in pants, skirts, bags or shoes.

4. Olive or Muddy Green

Green can be gorgeous after 50.

However, certain muddy olive shades can have a similar effect to beige or mustard: they can blend with or emphasize yellow, gray or uneven tones in the complexion.

This doesn’t mean olive green is forbidden.

It simply means that some olive shades can be more difficult to wear near the face.