Choosing the right colors to wear can dramatically enhance your appearance. The colors you wear reflect your personality and style. Finding colors that complement your natural coloring will make you look vibrant, healthy and confident.
Determine Your Skin Undertone
The first step in selecting flattering colors is determining your skin undertone. Your skin undertone is the natural color underneath the surface of your skin. There are three main skin undertones: warm, cool, and neutral.
Here are some ways to determine your skin undertone:
- Look at the veins on the inside of your wrist. If they appear green, you likely have warm undertones. If they look blue, you probably have cool undertones.
- Think about how your skin reacts to the sun. If you tan easily, you likely have warm undertones. If you burn easily, you probably have cool undertones.
- Consider your natural hair color. Warm undertones are associated with gold, strawberry and reddish hair while cool undertones are associated with ash and platinum blond hair.
- Drape different colored fabrics near your face and observe which tones make your complexion look lively and which make it appear dull.
- Ask a professional makeup artist or color consultant for guidance.
Determine Your Color Season
Once you’ve determined your skin’s undertone, you can identify your color season. Your color season is made up of a palette of colors that complement your natural coloring. There are four main color seasons:
| Color Season | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Spring | Warm undertones, can wear both warm and cool colors. Hair, eyes and skin often have golden tints. |
| Summer | Cool undertones, best in cool, soft colors. Hair, eyes and skin often have ash or blue undertones. |
| Autumn | Warm undertones, best in warm, earthy colors. Hair, eyes and skin often have golden brown tints. |
| Winter | Cool undertones, best in bold, cool colors. Hair, eyes and skin often have deep tones. |
The characteristics of your color season will guide you in choosing which shades look best.
Colors for Warm Skin Undertones
If you have a warm skin undertone, you’ll look great in warm, golden colors that complement your complexion. Here are some flattering colors to try:
- Yellow – Brings out golden undertones.
- Orange – Flatters peach and yellow undertones.
- Red – Looks radiant against warm skin.
- Green – Olive greens boost a warm glow.
- Brown – Rich chocolate and caramel browns are nice accents.
- Gold – Shimmering metals enrich warm skin.
- Cream – Soft neutrals create a lovely canvas.
Avoid cool colors like icy blues, grays and very pale pastels, which can wash you out. Muted plums, berries and emerald greens are also great choices.
Colors for Cool Skin Undertones
If your skin is on the pinkish, fair side, you likely have cool undertones. Cooler hues in shades of berry, emerald and sapphire will make your complexion radiant. Flattering color choices include:
- Berry – Raspberry, burgundy and purple-reds pop against cool skin.
- Pink – From pale to fuchsia, pink in all shades is an ideal pick.
- Blue – Go for richer teals, cobalt and royal blue.
- Green – Emerald greens make light skin and eyes shine.
- Silver – Icy grays and silvery metals add cool contrast.
- White – Crisp winter whites flatter fair skin.
- Navy – Classic dark blue enhances light eyes and hair.
Avoid orange and yellow tones, which can clash with a pinkish complexion. If you suit cool tones, steer clear of brown and beige, which will make you look sallow.
Best Colors for Neutral Skin Tones
If you have a neutral skin tone, your skin doesn’t have strong pink or yellow undertones. You likely tan to a golden olive shade and don’t burn or blush often. Both cool and warm shades look great on neutral skin. You have lots of flexibility when it comes to color choices. Some top options include:
- Green – Forest greens, mint, emerald, and olive all complement neutral skin.
- Purple – From lavender to plum, purple hues flatter neutral complexions.
- Red – Neutral skin can wear both warm and cool reds well.
- Blue – Sapphire blues make neutral skin glow.
- Coffee – Mocha browns look rich on olive skin.
- Magenta – Vibrant jewel tones add striking contrast.
- Taupe – Mixing gray and brown is the ultimate neutral.
The one shade neutral skin often wants to avoid is pastel. But don’t be afraid to experiment with all shades of the color wheel!
Choosing Color Palettes
Once you know which general color families flatter you, put together color palettes of complementary shades. Use one predominant color and support it with accent shades. Here are some examples of cohesive color schemes:
| Dominant Color | Complementary Shades |
|---|---|
| Emerald Green | Neutral taupe, warm peach, cool fuchsia |
| Sapphire Blue | Crisp white, warm strawberry, metallic silver |
| Rich Burgundy | Cool magenta, creamy ivory, warm amber |
| Sunny Yellow | Neutral olive, cool sky blue, earthy brown |
Blending colors this way gives you a versatile, pulled-together wardrobe. It also helps you see how various shades interact with your coloring.
Choosing Color Combinations
Now that you’ve narrowed down colors that complement your personal tones, you can start mixing them in outfits. Some tips for pairing colors:
- Match the depth of shades – Light colors pair well with other light colors, deep shades with deep shades.
- Combine warm and cool tones to create visual interest.
- Use accent colors sparingly to prevent clashing.
- Neutralize bold shades with gray, white or black.
- Monochromatic looks in shades of one color are easy and elegant.
Here are some examples of balanced color pairings:
| Top Color | Bottom Color |
|---|---|
| Emerald green shirt | Khaki pants |
| Sapphire blue blouse | Dark denim jeans |
| Burgundy sweater | Navy skirt |
| Camel overcoat | Gray slacks |
With these guidelines, you can confidently mix and match your color selections.
Consider Texture and Pattern
Texture and pattern also affect how colors look. A color that flatters your skin tone may not work if the fabric’s scale or texture is off. Some tips:
- Soft, matte fabrics in light to medium colors suit most complexions.
- Shiny or glossy materials work for darker, neutral to warm skin tones.
- Choose sheer, lightweight fabrics in muted tones to soften fair, cool skin.
- Avoid large prints if you have fair skin, as they can overwhelm.
Pay attention to how colors interact with different materials. A blue that sparkles in satin may look harsh on you in denim. Texture and print impact a color’s effect.
Test Colors in Natural Light
Don’t just rely on indoor lighting when selecting colors. Natural sunlight is full spectrum so it gives the truest impression of how colors work with your complexion. Here’s how to test colors:
- Look at swatches or drape fabrics near a window during the day.
- Try on clothing and check the mirror outside if possible.
- Ask a friend for an honest opinion about how shades look on you.
- Take selfies in new colors outdoors for the most accurate representation.
Morning light and evening light impact color so check new shades at different times of day. Be sure to look at your reflection in sunlight to get the full color story.
Consider Year-Round Versatility
Choose versatile shades that you can wear year-round. Dusty mauves, for example, read as cool in winter but pick up warmth in summer sun. To build a practical palette:
- Include light and medium-depth colors that work season to season.
- Avoid extremely light or bright hues that are hard to match.
- Go for jewel tones that transition from spring through winter.
- Include warm and cool versions of colors like blue, red and pink.
Having adaptable shades extends your wardrobe and gives you more mix-and-match potential.
Be Playful and Try New Colors
Don’t be afraid to have fun with color outside your comfort zone now and then. Trying unexpected hues keeps your style fresh and evolving. Here are some tips for experimenting:
- Add colorful statement accessories like scarves and jewelry.
- Wear brighter tones in your makeup and nails when you want a color jolt.
- Look for interesting color-blocked pieces that include your best shades.
- Mix and match colors in unexpected ways to see new combinations.
Be bold sometimes and break out of your color rut! Having a color-adventurous spirit keeps things exciting.
Consult the Experts
Professional color analysis can help fast track your understanding of which shades flatter you most. Some options for expert advice include:
- Take a color analysis class – Many image consultants and fashion schools offer classes.
- Hire a personal color consultant – They can analyze your palette in-person or online.
- Get a professional makeup consultation – Experts can guide you on ideal makeup shades.
- Visit a clothier like J.Hilburn – They help men find custom clothing colors.
Professionals analyze the nuances of your skin, hair and eye tones and create customized color profiles you can reference for years. Investing in expert color advice can pay off in a harmonious, flattering wardrobe.
Conclusion
Finding your most flattering colors is a mix of science and creativity. Analyzing your natural undertones and color seasons gives you objective guidance. Then infuse self-expression by playing with shades and textures. How you combine colors makes them uniquely yours. With some thoughtfulness and experimentation, you’ll discover a color palette that makes you look and feel your best.