Choosing the right lipstick to complement an outfit can seem daunting. With so many lipstick shades and clothing colors to choose from, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, matching your lipstick to your clothes doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple tips, you can effortlessly pull together a cohesive look every time.
The key is finding a lipstick shade that enhances your clothing rather than competes with it. Generally, you’ll want your lip color to complement the overall tone and intensity of your outfit. Lighter, more neutral lipsticks tend to suit soft, casual looks while bolder lip shades pair best with sharp tailoring or vivid prints.
When selecting a lipstick, it helps to think about the color wheel. Shades directly opposite each other on the wheel, like red and green, tend to clash. Colors next to each other, such as red and pink, or green and blue, are harmonious. This color theory can help guide you in choosing lip colors that work with your clothes.
You’ll also want to consider undertones. Lipsticks and garments have base tones of warm, cool, or neutral. Matching the undertones of your lipstick and outfit creates a cohesive look. Warm peach lipstick with coral jeans or cool berry lips with a navy dress are examples of paired undertones.
The occasion you’re dressing for is another important factor. Daytime affairs tend to call for low-key lip hues while events at night give you license to break out more dramatic shades. The season can also influence your color pairings. Think rich wines and berries for winter months and bright corals and pinks for summer.
Ahead, we’ll break down specific guidelines for pairing your lips and wardrobe for a wide range of colors and scenarios. With these simple tricks, you can step out in style no matter the event or season.
Matching Lipstick with Neutrals
Neutral clothing colors like blacks, whites, nudes, browns, and grays are ubiquitous. Though simple, these versatile shades are tricky to pair with lipstick. The good news is neutrals allow you plenty of freedom to make a bold lip statement. Here are some pairing ideas:
| Clothing Color | Lipstick Suggestions |
|---|---|
| Black | Deep plums, burgundies, bright reds, corals |
| White | Soft pinks, peaches, rose shades, corals, reds |
| Nude | Nude lipsticks, pinky browns, mauves, soft corals |
| Brown | Browns, brick reds, rosewoods, deep pinks, corals |
| Gray | Wine reds, plums, bold pinks, marsala |
With neutrals, feel free to go bold if you wish. Keep in mind your outfit details like fabric and structure. Delicate chiffons and soft knits tend to pair best with creamy lipsticks while sharp tailoring can withstand the drama of a dark vampy lip.
Matching Lipstick with Blues
Blues range from pale sky shades to bold navies and every hue in between. With so many options, the key is sticking to lip colors in the same cooler tone family. Some flattering pairings include:
| Blue Shade | Lipstick Suggestions |
|---|---|
| Baby blue | Pale pinks, peaches, rosewoods |
| Sky blue | Soft pinks, plums, mauves |
| Royal blue | Roses, plums, wine shades |
| Navy | Berries, purples, bold reds |
| Denim | Nudes, browns, brick reds, corals |
As a color rule, lighter blues pair well with lighter lipstick shades while darker blues can handle deeper, dramatic lips. Stay clear of orange shades, which can clash with blue’s cooler undertone. Instead opt for blue-based reds, pinks, berries and plums.
Matching Lipstick with Greens
From emerald to sage, green has a refreshing, natural vibe. When pairing lips with green clothing, reference the color wheel. Red, pink and coral lipsticks nicely complement greens. Some specific color combinations to try include:
| Green Shade | Lipstick Suggestions |
|---|---|
| Jade green | Soft pinks, nudes, peach |
| Emerald green | Reds, coral, rosewoods |
| Forest green | Wine reds, burgundies, bold pinks |
| Khaki green | Browns, terra-cottas, brick reds |
| Olive green | Warm browns, nude pinks, mauve |
Dark jewel tones like emerald and forest green can handle richer lip shades. For softer greens like sage, stick to lighter nudes and pinks. Avoid shades like purple, berry and bright orange that can sometimes clash with green.
Matching Lipstick with Yellows
Sunny yellow is an uplifting color that calls for equally cheerful lipstick shades. Look to warm, vibrant lip colors to complement yellow clothing:
| Yellow Shade | Lipstick Suggestions |
|---|---|
| Pale yellow | Peach, nude, pink |
| Sunflower yellow | Brick red, terra-cotta, coral |
| Gold yellow | Mauve, rosewood, brown |
| Mustard yellow | Red, plum, wine shades |
| Ochre yellow | Brown, nude, peach |
Yellow is cheerful enough on its own, so avoid going too bold. Soft corals, peaches, pinks and brown-based shades tend to work best. Stay away from blues and cool-toned lipsticks that can make yellow clothing seem dingy.
Matching Lipstick with Oranges
Punchy orange clothing calls for equally bright lipstick. Look to warm shades like other oranges, reds, corals and peaches. Some specific ideas include:
| Orange Shade | Lipstick Suggestions |
|---|---|
| Peach orange | Peach, nude, pink |
| Burnt orange | Brick red, terra-cotta, coral |
| Rust orange | Red-browns, warm pinks |
| Coral orange | Orange-red, coral, peach |
| Salmon orange | Peach, pinky nude, rose |
Avoid pairing orange clothing with purples, berries and cool-toned lip colors. Instead, opt for warm shades with a hint of brown or red. Soft peaches and pinks also complement lighter orange shades.
Matching Lipstick with Purples
Regal purples and violets lend any look sophistication. Counter these cool shades with equally intense lipstick colors like:
| Purple Shade | Lipstick Suggestions |
|---|---|
| Lavender purple | Soft pink, rose, mauve |
| Lilac purple | Nude, brown, peach |
| Eggplant purple | Wine, berry, plum shades |
| Royal purple | Red, marsala, magenta |
| Grape purple | Mauve, brown-pink, nude |
Light purples pair nicely with equally soft pinks and peaches. For bold jewel tones, reach for deeper plums, wines and magentas. Avoid clashy shades like orange or neon pink.
Matching Lipstick with Pinks
Ranging from soft rose to bright fuscia, pink is feminine and romantic. With so many options, the key is finding the right undertone:
| Pink Shade | Lipstick Suggestions |
|---|---|
| Baby pink | Nude, peach, rose, pink |
| Dusty pink | Mauve, brown, nude, peach |
| Salmon pink | Peach, coral, red, pink |
| Fuschia pink | Berry, plum, wine shades |
| Hot pink | Red, coral, orange shades |
For a cohesive look, match cool-toned pinks like fuschia with equally punchy lip shades. Dusty pinks and nudes pair best with brown or peach lipsticks. Avoid mixing very warm and cool pinks.
Matching Lipstick for Special Occasions
Certain events call for specific makeup looks. Here are lipstick suggestions for two common special occasions:
Weddings
| Wedding Dress Color | Lipstick Suggestions |
|---|---|
| White | Soft pink, rose, peach, red |
| Ivory | Nude, brown, pinky mauve |
| Black | Red, plum, wine, pink |
| Gold | Nude, peach, pinky brown |
| Silver | Mauve, rosewood, berry |
Aim for a lip color that coordinates with your dress. Brides in white suits can choose soft pinks, peaches or classic red. For black dresses, add drama with a deep wine or purple pout.
Holiday Parties
| Season | Lipstick Suggestions |
|---|---|
| Winter | Wine, berry, purple, deep red |
| Fall | Nude, brown, brick red, plum |
| Summer | Coral, peach, pink, red |
| Spring | Pink, peach, rose, mauve |
Holiday parties let you get more adventurous with lip color. Winter lips tend to be deep berries, wines and vampy shades. Spring and summer lend themselves to brighter corals and pinks. Have fun and capture the seasonal spirit!
Conclusion
With these handy tips, you can approach makeup and dressing with newfound confidence. Keep color theory basics in mind, consider undertones, and choose the right lipstick intensity for the occasion. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to experiment and discover what works for you. The perfect lip can be the crowning touch to complete your look.