Clothing Colors That Will Complement Your Gorgeous White Hair

White hair opens a whole new world of possibilities for refreshing your look, marking a great time to explore colors that complement your white tresses, eyes, and complexion. Unlike clothing colors that will complement gray hair, white hair is brighter, and many women find that the colors that work with gray hair don't quite have the same impact with white hair.

Contrary to what many believe, white hair doesn't alter your undertones. In fact, Jeannie Stith, CEO of Color Guru, says this couldn't be further from the truth. "People are always surprised when I tell them that your skin undertone doesn't change when your hair turns white," Stith tells Women exclusively, further clarifying that changes in your hair color cannot biologically alter your skin tone. "What changes is everything around your skin. Your hair is the biggest frame your face has. When it was brown, blond, or red, it added depth and color right next to your skin. White hair removes that depth, so your whole look becomes lighter."

White hair also has a reflective quality that sets it apart from any other hair color. "White hair bounces light right back onto your skin. That can be SO pretty — it brightens your face and gives you a natural glow!" Stith says. However, she warns that this can also make you look pale and washed out. That's why it's worth swapping the clothing colors that once worked for you for others that will make you and your hair glow.

Some colors make the eyes pop and complement different complexions, and there's one shade Stith considers universally flattering for people with white hair. "If you only buy ONE new color, make it navy!" she recommends. Navy is the ultimate color booster, restoring some of the definition around your face that white hair took away. "It gives you back the depth your hair used to provide," she says, adding that navy is the new black. "It's so much softer than black, which can look harsh and draining on all seasonal types except Winters."

If you find that your white hair makes you look pale or emphasizes sallowness, opting for berry-colored clothing can create a natural flush. "Berry puts color right back into your cheeks," Stith says. "It sits between warm and cool, so it flatters almost everyone, and it makes white hair pop in a beautiful way!" Wearing your bright white tresses in a lob or longer — which is also among the perfect hairstyles for showing off your gray hair — creates a lovely contrast against berry's rich rosy hue, giving your overall look a vibrant appearance.

Want to elevate your look further? Reaching for teal can give you a classy, polished finish that beautifully complements your silvery white hair. "The blue and green in teal balance each other, so both warm and cool undertones look great in it," Stith says. "Next to white hair, it looks fresh and polished." The best part is that teal is a versatile, nearly universal color that you can wear year-round. It also pairs well with a range of neutral shades that are likely to fall within your personal color palette.

Looking for a soft color that will brighten your white tresses without overwhelming your complexion? Reach for periwinkle. Stith explains, "Periwinkle's soft violet tint makes white hair look brighter and cleaner." Much like the concept of how purple shampoo gives blond hair a subtle boost by neutralizing unwanted yellow tones, this gentle hue will brighten up your tresses. "It's gentle enough that it never overpowers a softer complexion," Stith continues, which is why cool white hair with subtle violet is among the hair colors that will suit you best if you're older.

If you don't already have some plum in your wardrobe, now's a good time to add it. Plum is a sophisticated color, and creates the opportunity to wear bold shades in a refined way. "Plum is rich without being heavy. It adds depth to a lighter overall look and is so elegant with silver and white hair," Stith explains. She continues that most women won't need to replace their entire wardrobe, saying, "They need their colors adjusted for depth and intensity, so their clothes work with their new face frame instead of fighting it."