Choosing the right colors to wear can be tricky, especially if you have a neutral undertone to your skin. Neutral undertones fall somewhere between warm and cool, so finding shades that are flattering can require some trial and error. One color that often comes up in discussions of neutrals is brown. But is brown actually a good color choice for neutral undertones? Let’s take a closer look.
What are neutral undertones?
Your skin’s undertone refers to the base color underneath the surface. There are three main categories:
– Warm undertones: leaning towards yellow, peach or golden tones
– Cool undertones: leaning towards pink, red or blue tones
– Neutral undertones: a balance of warm and cool tones
People with neutral undertones tend to have skin that appears more even in tone and doesn’t clearly pull towards warm or cool shades. Their veins often appear to be both blue and green. They can tan easily and don’t burn as readily as those with fair cool skin.
When trying to determine your undertone, it’s best to look at your skin without any makeup and in natural lighting. Neutral undertones are often described as “beige,” “peaches and cream,” or “fair” rather than ruddy or sallow. If you have a neutral skin tone, you likely look good in both silver and gold jewelry.
How to choose colors for neutral undertones
Finding colors that complement a neutral skin tone involves looking for shades that don’t overpower your natural skin color. Pure warm and cool shades can overwhelm neutral tones, making you appear washed out or sickly. The best color palettes for neutrals include:
– Earth tones like taupe, mocha, khaki and sage
– Muted jewel tones like mauve, slate blue and dusty pink
– Mid-range shades between very light and very dark
– Greyed versions of colors rather than pure hues
You’ll want to avoid pure black or white, which can look stark against neutral skin. Soft browns, greens, blues and violets tend to be much more flattering. Metallic finishes like bronze, pewter and platinum also work well. Overall, neutrals should seek out “in between” shades that align with their middle ground undertones.
Is brown a good color for neutral undertones?
Now that we know some basics about choosing colors for neutral skin, is brown a good option? The short answer is yes! Brown is an incredibly versatile color that suits neutral undertones well. Here’s why it can work:
1. Brown is a neutral base color.
At its core, brown is a combination of complimentary colors like orange, red and yellow mixed with black and white. This creates a muted, neutral shade that isn’t distinctly warm or cool. Because it’s a more neutral base color, different shades of brown beautifully complement neutral skin tones.
2. It comes in many different shades.
From beige to cocoa to clay, brown offers many diverse shades to choose from. Lighter camel browns match lighter neutral skins, while deeper coffee browns complement darker neutral complexions. Brown’s range of light to dark shades means most neutrals can find a flattering version.
3. Browns are earthy yet sophisticated.
While brown may not seem like an exciting color choice, its earthy nature is both subtle and sophisticated. Rich brown hues in materials like leather, suede and wood add depth and texture. Darker browns can feel sleek and modern or rustic and vintage. Overall, brown has a versatility that makes it timeless.
4. It contrasts well with other neutrals.
Pairing different shades of brown with neutrals like white, black, gray, tan and ivory creates beautiful, harmonious color palettes. Light browns pop against darker neutrals and darker browns ground lighter neutrals. With the right complementary shades, brown comes to life.
| Brown Shade | Pairings for Neutral Undertones |
|---|---|
| Camel | Ivory, light gray, navy |
| Almond | Pure white, charcoal, dove gray |
| Walnut | Black, tan, warm grays |
| Cocoa | Cream, cool gray, rich blue |
Tips for wearing brown with a neutral undertone
Ready to try brown but not sure where to start? Here are some top tips:
– Choose brown shades that align with your overall depth – lighter for fair skin, darker for deeper complexions. Go for muted, greyish browns rather than orangey terracotta shades.
– Use brown as a neutral base and add interest with texture, metallics or patterns. Brown suede skirts, faded bronze tops or tweed brown blazers keep things dimensional.
– Try pairing brown with other earth tones like olive green, greige, oatmeal and tan. Keeping within the same neutral color family creates a cohesive effect.
– Don’t forget brown accessories like belts, shoes, handbags and hats. Brown leather boots or a caramel purse pop against jeans.
– Mix up shades of brown in an outfit – a dark brown pant with medium brown top or light brown jacket over mid-brown dress. Contrast creates visual interest.
Conclusion
With its versatility and inherently neutral quality, brown is an excellent color choice for those with neutral undertones. It comes in a wide spectrum of shades to complement any complexion and pairs seamlessly with other earthy neutrals. Subtle, muted and sophisticated, brown flatters neutrals while still making a statement. So embrace this versatile, earthy hue in your wardrobe – brown most certainly earns a passing grade for neutrals!
