Clothing Colors That Will Complement Your Gorgeous Gray Hair

Embracing your gray hair can be empowering; it gives you the agency to define your own beauty standards and move toward a deep sense of authenticity. But when you embrace your gorgeous gray hair, you may also need to overhaul your style. To talk about the influence certain colors have on gray hair, Women spoke exclusively with Jeannie Stith, CEO of Color Guru, for her expert take on dressing to complement gray hair. Stith discusses how going gray can impact one's seasonal color palette. "One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is that going gray automatically changes your season type or makes you cooler," Stith explains. "It does not automatically do either of these things. Your best colors depend on your skin's undertone, eye color, and overall contrast — not just your hair color. Hair color plays a role, but is just one piece of the larger puzzle."

What does change with gray hair is the level of contrast. Stith explains that some people may need to wear lighter or brighter versions of their go-to colors after going gray. However, in other cases, what worked before will still work well with gray hair. "That's why I never recommend choosing colors based on your hair alone. The goal is always to create harmony with your entire look — hair, skin, and eyes — which is unique to each person," Stith adds. With this in mind, let's take a look at some of the best colors to complement gray hair, per Stith's exclusive, expert advice.

Cobalt blue is a gorgeous color choice to pair with gray hair. "Cobalt creates beautiful contrast with gray hair, making silver tones look brighter and more vibrant," Stith shares. "It's especially flattering on people with cool or neutral undertones in their skin." Stith also stresses that there isn't one set list of ideal colors for gray hair, because not all gray hair is the same. For those with neutral and cool undertones, she notes, cobalt blue adds richness to one's color palette.

Blush pink, when worn close to the face, can warm up gray hair beautifully. "Blush pink brings a softness to gray hair that feels elegant and effortless," Stith explains. This is because the pink shade, much like a pink blush worn on the face, adds a healthy glow. She notes that cooler undertones look best with a blush pink with a bit of blue to it, while warmer tones look great with a peachier hue. After all, wearing complementary colors is part of the strategy for rocking your gray hair with confidence.

Berry shades, like raspberry and cranberry, complement gray hair very well. "[These] shades bring life and warmth to the face, which can be especially flattering if your complexion has softened over time," Stith explains. Lively berry colors can be especially complementary for those who feel like their gray hair washes them out. In fact, dressing in brighter colors can make a big difference on one's gray journey. And with celebrities embracing their natural gray, it's a journey many women are taking together.

Neutrals still deserve a place in your wardrobe when you go gray, as crisp white and ivory tones look beautiful in tandem with gray locks. "The right light neutral can make gray hair look polished and luminous," Stith remarks. "Cooler complexions shine in crisp white, while warmer complexions look healthier in ivory or cream." Much like the variations in white and ivory, gray hair comes in different shades. Someone might have bright white hair, while someone else may have salt-and-pepper strands, meaning different shades will work with different hair tones.

Teal is another color that works beautifully next to gray hair. "Teal is one of my favorite colors because it balances blue and green so beautifully," Stith shares. "Depending on the exact shade, it can work across several seasonal palettes and tends to make gray hair look vibrant rather than dull." However, gray hair isn't the only deciding factor in a person's seasonal palette; skin complexion and eye color also play big roles, so the key is choosing the right shade of teal that works with your own coloring.

Plum is similar to berry, but a richer shade of purple, and looks great against gray hair. "Plum creates a sophisticated look with gray hair without feeling harsh like black sometimes can," Stith notes. "It's especially beautiful on warmer complexions and can really make green, hazel, or blue eyes pop." Gray hair doesn't have to totally alter your style; it's just a new component to your look. By inviting bright colors into your wardrobe, you can enhance your complexion and highlight your natural beauty, grays and all.