Snakeskin/Grey - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Shopping

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Snakeskin/Grey

bridgie

Veteran

I am transitioning from natural black to salon redhead to now natural salt and pepper. Doing very well with it, BUT I don't like it.
I think younger people with grey look great as several of you here do. I won't mention names. I may leave out someone. But, you know who you are. And I do intend to keep my natural color, salt and pepper.
I have an item I need to return to Talbots before Sept 30, and I have a $25.00 gift certificate from Talbots (they know when to strike.).
I have looked thru their current catalog several times, also on line and find nothing I need nor really want.
Now after my negativity, they do have a nice selection in snakeskin and grey, which overlaps. Now, while I don't really like snakeskin for me I am somewhat attracted to it, and am looking at a tonal shirt. And then there is a grey ditsy cheetah print in a shirt and most all other items. I add, they do have all items in snakeskin also.
I turn it over to you. Please, any and all suggestion, comments welcome. Please. And Thank you.
PS. I have always worn all shades of blue. My palette is Navy, black, white, all shades of blue, all shades of pink, red, and trying to add grey.
Also trying to phase out, cream, beige, all tones and shades of them.

Shopping

37 replies

Latest reply was from Zaeobi

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

If you’re tiring of your salt & pepper (that contrasty look is one I really like), think of what my mom said about my own uneven greying process: “some people pay money for highlights like those”. I haven’t seen yours, but getting some very dark hair and some stark white, both from a bottle, is absolutely a thing.

bridgie

Veteran

Stagiaire Fash, Thanks for trying (to keep me from crying).
Here is the difference. If you are young enough to have to pay for it that is one thing, and I think it is glamourous on younger people. But, on aged people like me, and I am thankful to be here in this group, it is just what it is, grey hair. Ha, ha, ha.
I really do appreciate your comment. Thanks.

Murph11

Veteran

Bridge, are these the pieces you're considering?

I quite like the idea for you. I'd encourage you to try a piece of two.

I got over my dislike of snake print (snakes freak me out!) by adding a pair of loafers!

Perfect Shirt - Ditsy Cheetah

View Info

Top Pick

1

Snakeskin Print Cotton Turtleneck

View Info

Top Pick

1

Snakeskin Print Diamond Quilted Vest

View Info

Top Pick

1

Naturalizer Collette Loafer

View Info

Top Pick

4

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

May I ask why you are transitioning if you don't like it?

I also don't like the way my hair is graying (I have a white streak at my temple, and I have darker hair, so it stands out in a bad way, IMO), but wasn't wanting to go back to the high maintenance of all over color (plus the second it grows out a bit it looked like I had chalk in my part).

I compromised and started getting small baby highlights, very light and cool toned through the front of my hair. I keep it toned with purple shampoo so it blends well with my "natural highlights".

I do think snakeskin and grey would mix very well with your palette. I have a pair of snakeskin boots and loafers, too, and IMO they look great with dark and light hair.

Lastly, you may want to spend some time browsing photos of older ladies with salt and pepper hair on Pinterest or Instagram. I find that often resets my perspective on what looks good and inspires me.

CarolS

Veteran

I'm sorry you're feeling badly about your hair. I know from experience that it definitely takes time to adjust to the change -- including figuring out which colours no longer flatter us, and which ones suddenly work.

I admire your commitment to sticking with the salt and pepper even though you're having 'a moment' with it. The items you are describing sound like they would be lovely with your salt and pepper hair.

bridgie

Veteran

Murph I got so excited seeing your post and suggesting I go for it, well, I had a total mood change.
And now, I have to run a couple of errands, and get back to looking at this. I think, not sure, have to check, but I think I have snakeskin booties. Thank you for posting the exact pics for others to see.

The Cat

Veteran

Snakeskin and grey will look elegant with salt & pepper hair. Consider to add pink or red items (and lipstick) to the outfit in order to vitalize it.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Bridgie I am sure it’s difficult to adjust to the change. I still find it hard sometimes and I have been going grey for over 15 years now since my mid 40s. I think that this is the age I really am so if I look it that’s OK.
I think those snakeskin or similar items would look perfect with your palette and with your new hair. I think Suz may have some boots or shoes similar which bookend her hair beautifully?

Anonymous

Yes to snake, marled yarns that have black and white, space dye. I'd think iridescent fabrics would work too, like an aurora borealis! Play up the depth and texture

lozz_oz

Veteran

Perhaps you can continue to have your colour palette closest to you face, ie the black, blue, navy, for optimum contrast and add snakeskin in an accessory such as a bag or shoes? (Sounds like if you’re not loving the transition to salt and pepper hair, adding the snakeskin close to the face/hair will just compound the dislike.)

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I wonder if our response to greying hair depends on when it starts. I’ve had one streak since my 20s. I thought it was cool & liked that it was like my dad’s. I have a lot more than one streak now (can’t even tell you with certainty which side it was on), but in my mind, it has all spread out from a thing I liked as a young woman. When my son tried to tease me about it, he gave up, because I truly wasn’t bothered, don’t have negative associations with it. So there’s my theory—if it starts when you’re young, it can’t make you feel old later.

JAileen

Veteran

It’s close to ten years since I went grey. I never wore grey until then. Then I might have overdone it, and had virtually nothing but grey. Anyway, I love wearing grey. Try on various shades to see what you like. I have nearly the same color scheme, except olive instead of black.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I’m sorry you’re struggling with this. I am a little bit too, but trying to accept. It helps that my husband is supportive and that you all here and my friends who have commented have also been kind. Fortunately, anyone who thinks otherwise has been thoughtful enough to keep that to themselves!

I do find myself rethinking colors and styles a bit as I adjust. Some clothing styles that seemed ok before now feel a little dowdy or lackluster now, and some muted colors now feel dull rather than soothing. But I’m feeling black and white more than ever, and am reintroducing more grey and red back into my clothing.

I think snake print is a fab idea for you — I like it for myself in moderate quantities. Why not give it a try? See how you feel in it. Do you wear silver jewelry? I think that can help add some spark as well. And of course the red, pink and blue you already favor should play nicely with your new hair.

Try to be patient and kind with yourself during the transition. I’ve been trying to do the same.

bridgie

Veteran

Jenava, Yes, you may ask. I only wish I could reply in as few words as you asked. I don't know if you have noticed or not, but whenever I post or even in person, I am way to wordy, As my comment now has started out. Anyway, the N0. 1 reason I am transitioning is because I can't believe that all my friends and family like grey better for me at this stage of my life are wrong and I am the only one who does not. I went from January 2020 until June 2021 without doing anything except home care, shampoo, conditioner, etc but not much etc. So,in June 2021 when I was ready to go to a salon I made an appointment with the hairdresser who had done my hair for 6 or 7 years. told her I still loved the color,hi lights and low lights (pricey) she had always done. She paused, visibly took a deep breath and said, "I think you should let it go natural now as it is, she even added and it will not be nearly expensive high maintenance as it has been. And that is true..Then I saw several of my family members and friends later at my Great-Granddaughter's 7th birthday party. And for just a few minutes everybody's attention turned to me. All in agreement that this was the way to go. And as I saw other people, they liked my hair. Not one person has disliked it! Only me.!!! Then No 2, the upkeep is easier, will only have to go for cut and styling, I think, and then of course, much less pricey which is a big plus!
I am sorry you aren't happy with yours, but what you are doing sounds very pretty. I hope we both will start to love our new color hair real soon!
I guess I think if I buy enough new clothes that will help. Just kidding there. I have cut way back on shopping and only looking at the grey because of a credit I will have and then the gift certificate from Talbot's. Thank you for your kind comments.

Joy

Veteran

Years ago we had a neighbor whose hair turned grey, then white, in her 20’s. She hated it most when people assumed that her young children were her grandchildren. She had kept her natural color for many years. It looks stunning on her and she wears it shortish.
Grey snake is a great pattern that goes with everything. I have grey snake loafers and booties that were valuable finds. They add texture without screaming.

bridgie

Veteran

Carol, Thanks for your soothing, concerned comments. I have decided I should not return to my way of hair care as before pandemic, and I don't know any other way to go at this time. And I will admit that when I was having all the color done, that at times my skin color did not look good and I used more makeup (I'm 87 now) and had to be more selective with my clothes. I had sworn off black and going with navy. But I am gradually adding more black again, liking it plus still loving the navy.
The Cat, ELEGANT? I love the way you express yourself. I can only hope to look as elegant as you, but I will continue to strive for it. You mentioned the red lipstick, and that is a big concern. I just happened to have three tubes of good , little different shades of red lipstick. I had sworn off red lipstick, just thought it was not right for me. But I have been trying it again, and still can't do it. Before long, if it is safe to get out more,I am going to a cosmetic counter and get a makeover and let the makeup artist select the color. May or may not work. We will see.

rachylou

Veteran

How much ‘salt’ v ‘pepper’ have you got, Bridgie? I feel like that may determine what kind of snakeskin pattern would look best — and I also had the thought like others that a shot of colour could be cool. Like perhaps a cobalt.

The one thing about going grey, I do think, is that sometimes… I don’t know how to put this… people all start looking like … Ladybird Johnson. They sometimes lose their visual personality. I’m not entirely sure what is at the root of that. Vera Wang is still herself, who UmmLila made a post about today. Helen Mirren is. Deborah Harry is. Iman. Jane Seymour. I guess I maybe feel this happens with my local newscasters most often. Maybe it’s the video taping (v film), always wearing *those* sheath dresses, and the heavy makeup for live-television. I don’t know, perhaps tho one has to revisit one’s makeup as well as clothing…

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Rachylou, I had to Google her! I found this pic of her, her hair looked the same style grey as it did brown to me. As for Vera Wang in today’s article, the thing about her hair is that it’s not grey at all! Very clearly dyed. So I don’t get what you’re trying to say…

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Anonymous

VWs hair isn't necesarily dyed. I have a Japanese Hawaaian friend who is near her age and still has black hair. She's never even worn makeup so it's not likely she colors.
I'm guessing the transition is easier if your hair is light to begin with. It's much more dramatic on us dark haired people.
I wouldn't altogether change wardrobe colors though. My mom is now all grey but Much better in her original strong Winter colors than lights.

Minaminu

Veteran

Bridgie, I think you received lots of good suggestions. I'd also suggest trying purple shampoo, my mum found it very helpful. It took her a long time to embrace her greys too but she rocks it - and I am sure so you do

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Oh thanks Suntiger I stand corrected, perhaps!

Anonymous

Possibly Jenni I was really surprised to see my friend still had no grey, hadn't seen her in a few years. VW would be more likely to dye than my friend though!

rachylou

Veteran

Ok. That’s funny, Jenni. You are right! Actual hair colour totally escaped me. Dyed or not. And it’s true, Ladybird Johnson’s hair totally does look the same. But I sorta mean some people start to look like her to me either way, when their hair *should* be grey, whatever their hair colour is, whatever her colour was. I suppose what I’m trying to say is, the impression one gets may not have to do with hair colour alone.

rachylou

Veteran

…My dad didn’t start getting grey hair until he was in his 60s. My hair is still black. I suspect maybe it will be for me like my dad. But, you know, anyways, somehow as I get older, I feel the balance between my hair and complexion has really changed. I don’t think I’m as a true a winter as I once was and I’d probably look like Ladybird Johnson to myself if I thought about myself

Star

Veteran

I am currently transitioning to my natural grey, which is more silver. I have found light grey in clothing is suddenly very flattering where before it was not. It is a good idea to look at grey hair transitions on Pinterest, it has definitely changed my perspective. I love my new color and cannot wait for it to be in in full. I have not had many compliments because where I live hair dye is a thing everyone does but I have always been an individual thinker and not a follower. I hear you about grey hair looking great on younger people, but I think it can look intentional on older people too; a sharp cut, light make-up, edgier accessories make up a bigger picture.

DonnaF

Veteran

I own enough gray that my daughter teases me about it, and I own a fair amount of snakeskin as well. I have concluded that black’n’white patterns and prints flatter me much more because they are more dynamic meaning it feels like they have more energy and bookend my hair. Charcoal gray tweed feels the same way.

So now, I am trying to avoid large swaths of solid gray, at least next to my face. Same with snakeskin patterns. But on the bottom half and in accessories? I’m all in.

My magpie gene draws me to silver footwear, bags, and clothing—so that’s another thing to think about.

FWIW, I stopped coloring my hair in my late 50s. I decided that no one realistically expects a person to have all black hair at that age and I wasn’t willing to spend the time or money to get low lights. My hair grows ridiculously fast (probably 9”/year) so the transition was quick. I am impatiently waiting for the day when my hair turns completely silver, but recognize that I may never get there.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Actually Bridgie I was wondering if “everyone” tells you the grey looks good because no-one would think that a woman in her 80s would be likely to have naturally red hair? And I presume it had somewhat grown out over the 18 months of the pandemic? (I am thinking you mean Jan 2020 to June 2021 not Jan 2000 to June 2021 in your original post?) Maybe the hairdresser didn’t want you to lose the 18 months of change?

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Hmm, this is tricky. Because I totally get the feeling of not seeing what everyone else is seeing. But it does take some time to get used to seeing yourself with grey hair. It really was a good couple of years before I wasn't startled by an accidental glimpse in the mirror. But I do think dyed hair is beginning to look a bit out of touch and less current (maybe I have just decided this myself ). I know of at least two women in their 70s and 80s I see occasionally that suddenly went from dark and dyed to white and in each case I think they looked better.
Anyway, more to your question, I love snakeskin and other black and white prints. Actually I have begun to like most greys less and less. So I do not think there is a blanket rule for grey hair colors. Blue and burgundy are my current focuses .

bridgie

Veteran

Hey, Jenni, always happy to get your opinion. I think Suz was one of the first to get on the snakeskin bandwagon, and we know she always gets it right! Next, I have corrected the 2000. You are correct I did mean 2020.
And the hairdresser did express that she didn't want me to mess with the year and one half of salt and pepper in my hair now. And I am sure, now that you mention it, friends and family did think I was past the red hair stage of my life. I must say the red hair was prettier than my salt and pepper. LOL Laughing at my self now, but I intend to see this project thru. Thank you.
suntiger, that's a rather tall order in your suggestions for ME, but they are worth a try. Thank you.

12