There is something comfy about an all-black outfit: It’s considered timeless, and looks great on everyone, and putting these pieces together every morning requires little or no effort. But what about all the other colors out there? The vibrant shades that so much of our celebs wear (and they wear very well), but seems a little intimidating to wear alone?
Incorporating more color into your wardrobe may seem overwhelming and nearly impossible at first, but the truth is, it’s super easy – once you learn the rules. It all boils down to knowing which colors suit your skin tone best, helping you stand out in a crowd and radiate from the inside out.
“Color is the most important thing for me when it comes to design; it’s what makes my service unique,” designer Christina Ehrlich (who works with Mandy Moore, Laura Dern and Natasha Lyon) told us.”The first thing I do with a new client is study their skin tone and see what looks best. Black is easy to wear, but the color can be very beautiful.”
Just like with makeup and hair, the key to finding the most attractive colors starts with skin tone, which can be grouped into three categories: warm, cool, and neutral.
“Many people have a natural tendency to understand which of these categories they fall into because it’s fairly straightforward,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute and author of More Alive with Color. “ Beauty rules based on skin tone will also apply to what you wear, which will form the core of your wardrobe.
To keep it simple, she broke things up for us, revealing the basics of skin tones that look best with certain colors, as well as the colors these people should avoid.
Of course, the number one rule in fashion is that there are no rules, so take these suggestions with caution and wear whatever you feel comfortable in.
You’re warm if …
your skin color …
It has a green or yellow undertone (AKA golden). Olive skin also falls into the warm category.
Your hair color …
It ranges from dark brown to dark blonde.
Transition to colors from the warm color palette:
Orange, red, golden yellow, amber and honey gold.
Transition to colors from the cool color palette:
Warmer greens and blues like olives, deeper turquoise, moss green, fern, pesto, and red-purple (ex: shades of purple and orchid).
Some neutrals to try:
Top, hot chocolate, creamy whites, winter wheat, latte.
Colors to avoid:
Ice shades and jeweled colors (amethyst, sapphire, red ruby).
Your celebrity inspiration:
Jennifer Lopez, Katie Holmes, Jessica Alba and Beyoncé.
You’re cool if …
your skin color …
It has a bluish tinge. It can also range from very mild to very dark.
Your hair color …
It can range from very dark (blue-black or dark brown) to light blonde.
Transition to colors from the cool color palette:
Brilliant blue, royal blue, ruby, emerald, amethyst, dark purple, lavender, and snow lilac.
Transition to colors from the warm color palette:
Stunning pink (instead of hot pink), ruby red, and bright pink
Some neutrals to try:
Gray, navy and pristine white.
Colors to avoid:
Orange and yellow.
Your celebrity inspiration:
Lupita Nyong’o, Nicole Kidman, Cate Blanchett, Viola Davis, and Lucy Liu.
You are neutral if …
your skin color …
Difficult to define; you cannot tell if you are warm or cold.
Your hair color …
It is a mixture of colors – blond with gray stripes or brown with warmer tones.
Color your eyes …
Hazel. Most neutrals have hazel eyes, as they tend to change depending on the color you wear.
Transition to colors:
You are best suited to neutrals that are in the middle of the color spectrum. Look for light peach, dusty pink, soft pink, peony pink, calm blue, jade green, and cameo green.
Some neutrals to try:
Dark gray or light white like vanilla.
Colors to avoid:
Anything too bright or vibrant can overshadow, along with reds and yellows. If you do decide to wear yellow, try a soft go-to like cornelic or orange.
Your celebrity inspiration:
Amal Clooney, Keri Washington, Angelina Jolie, Rachel McAdams, and Julia Roberts.
