How To Tell What Colors Look Good On You

Discovering the right colors for your skin tone, hair color, and personal style can revolutionize your wardrobe and boost your confidence. Wearing colors that complement your natural beauty can make you look radiant, vibrant, and effortlessly stylish. But with so many colors to choose from, it can be overwhelming to determine what works best for you.

In this guide, we’ll share expert tips and tricks on how to identify the most flattering colors for your individual features, from understanding your skin tone and hair color to experimenting with different shades and tones.

Whether you’re looking to refresh your wardrobe, enhance your natural beauty, or simply feel more confident in your everyday style, learning what colors look good on you is the perfect place to start.

How Do I Determine My Skin Undertone?

Determining your skin undertone is an essential step in finding colors that complement your complexion and enhance your natural beauty. Your undertone is the subtle hue beneath the surface of your skin that affects how colors appear on you. Here are several methods to help you determine your skin undertone:

Vein Test

Procedure: Look at the veins on your wrist or inner arm in natural light.
Observation: If your veins appear more blue or purple, you likely have cool undertones. If they look greenish, you probably have warm undertones.

Jewelry Test

Procedure: Consider whether silver or gold jewelry looks better on you.
Observation: If silver jewelry complements your skin tone, you likely have cool undertones. If gold is more flattering, you probably have warm undertones.

White Fabric Test

Procedure: Hold a piece of plain white fabric or clothing against your face in natural light.
Observation: Cool undertones may appear more radiant against the white fabric, while warm undertones may appear more golden.

Tan Test

Procedure: Pay attention to how your skin reacts to sun exposure.
Observation: If you burn easily and have difficulty tanning, you likely have cool undertones. If you tan easily and rarely burn, you probably have warm undertones.

Color Draping Test

Procedure: Hold different colored fabrics against your face to see which ones enhance your complexion.
Observation: Cool-toned colors like blues, purples, and pinks may complement cool undertones.

By using these methods, you can determine your skin undertone and make informed decisions when selecting clothing, makeup, and accessories. Understanding your undertone will help you choose colors that flatter your complexion and make you look and feel your best.

What Are Some General Guidelines For Selecting Clothing Colors That Complement My Complexion?

Selecting clothing colors that complement your complexion can enhance your overall appearance and boost your confidence. Here are some general guidelines to help you choose the most flattering colors for your skin tone:

Cool Undertones

Colors to Embrace: opt for cool-toned hues such as blues, purples, pinks, and greens.
Neutrals: Stick to cool neutrals like charcoal gray, navy blue, and icy taupe.
Avoid: Steer clear of warm-toned colors like oranges, yellows, and warm browns, as they can clash with cool undertones.

Warm Undertones

Colors to Embrace: Embrace warm, earthy tones such as reds, oranges, yellows, and rich browns.
Neutrals: Choose warm neutrals like camel, beige, and olive green.
Avoid: Stay away from cool-toned colors like icy blues and purples, as they can wash out warm undertones.

Neutral Undertones

Versatility: Enjoy the versatility of being able to wear a wide range of colors, both warm and cool.
Experiment: Feel free to experiment with different color palettes to find what suits you best.
Balance: Aim for balance by incorporating both warm and cool tones into your wardrobe.

Consider Contrast

High Contrast: If you have high contrast between your hair, skin, and eyes, bold and contrasting colors may complement your complexion.
Low Contrast: For individuals with low contrast, softer and more subtle color combinations may be more flattering.

Personal Preference

Trust Your Instincts: Ultimately, wear colors that make you feel confident and comfortable.
Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors and combinations to find what works best for you.
Confidence is Key: Confidence in your clothing choices can make any color look good on you.

Can I Wear Certain Colors Based On My Hair Color?

Absolutely! Your hair color can play a significant role in determining which clothing colors complement your overall look. Here are some guidelines based on common hair colors:

Blonde Hair

Cool Blondes: If you have ash blonde or platinum blonde hair, cool-toned colors like icy blues, soft purples, and cool grays can complement your hair color beautifully.
Warm Blondes: If you have golden or honey blonde hair, warm earthy tones like peach, coral, and mustard can complement the warmth of your hair color.

Brunette Hair

Cool Brunettes: If you have cool-toned brown or black hair, consider wearing jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, and deep purple to complement the richness of your hair color.
Warm Brunettes: If you have warm-toned brown hair with hints of red or caramel, earthy tones like olive green, rust, and terracotta can enhance the warmth of your hair color.

Red Hair

Cool Reds: If you have cool-toned red hair with hints of blue or violet, consider wearing colors like teal, navy blue, and plum to complement the coolness of your hair color.
Warm Reds: If you have warm-toned red hair with hints of orange or copper, earthy tones like mustard yellow, burnt orange, and forest green can complement the warmth of your hair color.

Black Hair

Cool Blacks: If you have cool-toned black hair, cool jewel tones like royal blue, emerald green, and deep purple can complement the intensity of your hair color.
Warm Blacks: If you have warm-toned black hair with hints of brown or red, rich earthy tones like burgundy, chocolate brown, and olive green can complement the warmth of your hair color.

Gray Hair

Cool Grays: If you have cool-toned gray hair, cool pastel tones like lavender, soft blue, and pale pink can complement the coolness of your hair color.
Warm Grays: If you have warm-toned gray hair with hints of taupe or gold, warm earthy tones like camel, terracotta, and mustard can complement the warmth of your hair color.

While these guidelines can provide helpful suggestions, it’s essential to remember that personal style and preference play a significant role in choosing clothing colors. Experiment with different colors and combinations to find what makes you feel confident and comfortable. Ultimately, wearing colors that make you happy and reflect your personality is the most important factor in creating stylish and flattering outfits.

For a professional hair color consultation, explore our online styling services.

What Role Does Natural Lighting Play In Determining The Most Flattering Colors?

Natural lighting plays a crucial role in determining the most flattering colors for your complexion and overall appearance. Here’s how natural lighting affects color perception and selection:

True Color Representation

Accurate Assessment: Natural light provides the most accurate representation of colors, allowing you to see them as they truly appear without any artificial distortion.

Color Accuracy

True Hues: Natural light reveals the true hues and undertones of colors, helping you make informed decisions when selecting clothing, makeup, and accessories.
Minimize Mismatch: By examining colors in natural light, you can minimize the risk of choosing shades that appear different indoors or under artificial lighting.

Skin Tone Evaluation

Enhanced Visibility: Natural light enhances the visibility of your skin tone, making it easier to determine whether certain colors complement or clash with your complexion.
Subtle Differences: Natural light reveals subtle variations in skin tone and undertones, allowing you to choose colors that enhance your natural beauty.

Overall Appearance

Flattering Effects: Natural light can enhance the flattering effects of certain colors, making your skin appear radiant and vibrant.
Minimize Washout: By avoiding harsh artificial lighting, natural light can minimize the risk of colors washing out your complexion or appearing dull.

Color Harmony

Balance and Harmony: Natural light creates a balanced and harmonious environment for assessing color combinations and ensuring that colors complement each other seamlessly.
Optimal Viewing: Viewing colors in natural light ensures optimal visibility and clarity, making it easier to achieve cohesive and stylish outfits.

Are There Any Tools To Help Determine Which Colors Suit Me ?

Yes, several tools are available to help determine which colors suit you best based on your skin tone, hair color, eye color, and personal preferences. These tools can provide valuable insights and recommendations to guide your wardrobe choices and enhance your personal style. Here are some options to consider:

1. Online Color Analysis Quizzes

In Style Color Finder: This online quiz helps you discover your best colors based on your skin tone and hair color.
The Chic Fashionista Color Analysis: This quiz assesses your skin undertone and personal style to recommend flattering colors.

2. Virtual Color Analysis Tools

Colorwise.me: This virtual color analysis tool uses your photo to determine your color season and recommend suitable colors.
Stylish Fit Color Analysis: This online tool analyzes your skin, hair, and eye color to provide personalized color recommendations.

3. Color Palette Generators

Colors: This tool allows you to generate color palettes based on specific colors or themes, which you can use as a reference for selecting clothing and accessories.
Canvas Color Palette Generator: Canvas offers a color palette generator that allows you to create custom color combinations or explore pre-made palettes.

4. Makeup Consultations

Beauty Counter Consultations: Some beauty counters offer complimentary consultations where experts analyze your skin tone and recommend makeup products and colors suited to your complexion.

5. Department Store Services

Beauty and Style Advisors: Many department stores have beauty and style advisors who offer complimentary color analysis services to help customers find their most flattering colors.

Here’s a concise table summarizing tools to help determine which colors suit you:

Tool	Description
In Style Color Finder	Online quiz based on skin tone and hair color
The Chic Fashionista Color Analysis	Quiz assessing skin undertone and personal style
Colorwise.me	Virtual color analysis tool using your photo
Stylish Fit Color Analysis	Online tool analyzing skin, hair, and eye color
Colors	Color palette generator
Canvas Color Palette Generator	Create custom color palettes or explore pre-made options
Beauty Counter Consultations	In-store consultations analyzing skin tone for makeup recommendations
Department Store Beauty and Style Advisors	Complimentary color analysis services to help customers find flattering colors

Do Personal Preferences Or Style Play A Role In Determining Which Colors Look Good On Me?

Yes, personal preferences and individual style play significant roles in determining which colors look good on you. While there are general guidelines based on skin tone and undertones, what truly matters is how you feel when wearing certain colors and how they reflect your personality and style. Here’s how personal preferences and style influence color choices:

Personal Preferences

Color Preferences: Everyone has colors they naturally gravitate towards or feel most comfortable wearing.
Emotional Connection: Certain colors may evoke specific emotions or memories, leading you to prefer them over others.
Cultural Influences: Personal background and cultural upbringing can influence color preferences and associations.

Individual Style

Fashion Personality: Your fashion personality, whether it’s classic, trendy, bohemian, or eclectic, influences the colors you’re drawn to.
Expression of Identity: Clothing colors can be a form of self-expression, allowing you to showcase your personality, mood, and interests.
Confidence Booster: Wearing colors that align with your personal style and preferences can boost confidence and make you feel more comfortable and authentic.

Harmonizing Preferences and Style

Experimentation: It’s essential to experiment with different colors and combinations to discover what resonates with you.
Adaptation: While considering personal preferences, it’s also beneficial to explore how certain colors complement your natural features and enhance your overall appearance.
Balance: Finding a balance between personal preferences and color harmony ensures that you feel confident and stylish in your clothing choices.

In conclusion, personal preferences and style are integral factors in determining which colors look good on you. While guidelines based on skin tone provide a helpful starting point, ultimately, wearing colors that align with your preferences and reflect your individuality is key to feeling confident and stylish. Whether you’re drawn to vibrant hues or prefer understated neutrals, embracing your unique color palette enhances your personal style and makes a statement about who you are.

Here’s a table summarizing the role of personal preferences and style in determining which colors look good on you:

Aspect	Description
Color Preferences	Everyone has colors they naturally gravitate towards or feel most comfortable wearing.
Emotional Connection	Certain colors may evoke specific emotions or memories, leading to a preference for those colors.
Cultural Influences	Personal background and cultural upbringing can influence color preferences and associations.
Fashion Personality	Your fashion personality influences the colors you’re drawn to, whether classic, trendy, or eclectic.
Expression of Identity	Clothing colors can be a form of self-expression, allowing you to showcase your personality and interests.
Confidence Booster	Wearing colors that align with your personal style and preferences can boost confidence and authenticity.
Experimentation	It’s essential to experiment with different colors and combinations to discover what resonates with you.
Adaptation	Consider how certain colors complement your natural features while still reflecting your personal style.
Balance	Finding a balance between personal preferences and color harmony ensures confidence and style.

For more inspiration, explore our style blog

How Can I Experiment With Different Colors To See What Work Best For Me?

Experimenting with different colors is a fun and effective way to discover which ones work best for you and complement your complexion. Here are some tips on how to experiment with different colors:

1. Start Small

Accessories: Begin by experimenting with colorful accessories like scarves, belts, or jewelry. These small pops of color can add interest to your outfit without overwhelming your look.

2. Mix and Match

Color Combinations: Try mixing and matching different colors to see how they interact. Pair complementary colors or experiment with contrasting hues to create dynamic outfits.

3. Play with Patterns

Prints and Patterns: Incorporate clothing items with prints and patterns featuring various colors. Experiment with florals, stripes, or geometric designs to see which patterns you gravitate towards.

4. Sample Sizes

Try Before You Buy: When shopping for clothing, opt for sample sizes or try on different colors to see how they look against your skin tone. Take advantage of fitting rooms with natural lighting for the most accurate assessment.

5. Utilize Makeup

Makeup Testing: Experiment with different makeup shades to see how they enhance your complexion. Try different lipstick, eyeshadow, and blush colors to find what flatters your skin tone.

6. Take Photos

Visual Record: Take photos of yourself wearing different colors in various lighting conditions. This allows you to see how colors translate on camera and helps you make informed decisions about your wardrobe.

7. Seek Feedback

Second Opinion: Ask friends or family members for their opinion on how different colors look on you. Sometimes an outside perspective can offer valuable insights.

8. Consider Your Environment

Setting Matters: Pay attention to where you’ll be wearing certain colors. Some colors may be more appropriate for specific occasions or settings, so consider the context before making your final decision.

9. Trust Your Instincts

Personal Preference: Ultimately, trust your instincts and wear colors that make you feel confident and comfortable. If a certain color makes you happy and reflects your personality, it’s likely a good choice for you.

10. Take Your Time

Patience: Finding your perfect color palette may take time, so be patient and enjoy the process of experimenting with different colors and discovering what works best for you.

How Do I Incorporate Color Theory Into Choosing The Right Colors For Me?

Incorporating color theory into choosing the right colors for you can greatly enhance your ability to create stylish and flattering outfits. Here’s how you can apply color theory principles to your wardrobe choices:

Understanding Color Wheel Basics

Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Colors: Familiarize yourself with the primary colors (red, blue, yellow), secondary colors (orange, green, purple), and tertiary colors (mixtures of primary and secondary colors).
Color Harmonies: Learn about color harmonies such as complementary, analogous, and triadic colors, which can guide you in creating balanced color combinations.

Determining Your Skin Undertone

Cool vs. Warm Undertones: Identify whether you have cool, warm, or neutral undertones in your skin. Cool undertones pair well with colors on the cool side of the color wheel, while warm undertones complement warm-toned colors.

Selecting Colors That Complement Your Undertone

Cool Undertones: opt for cool-toned colors like blues, purples, and greens, which harmonize with your cool complexion.
Warm Undertones: Choose warm-toned colors like reds, oranges, and yellows, which enhance the warmth of your complexion.
Neutral Undertones: Experiment with both cool and warm colors, as well as neutral shades, to find what suits you best.

Using Color Contrast

High Contrast: If you have high contrast between your hair, skin, and eyes, consider wearing bold and contrasting colors to create visual interest.
Low Contrast: For individuals with low contrast, opt for softer and more subtle color combinations to avoid overpowering your natural features.

Embracing Color Psychology

Emotional Associations: Consider the psychological effects of colors and how they influence mood and perception. Choose colors that evoke the emotions or impressions you want to convey.
Personal Preferences: Trust your instincts and wear colors that make you feel confident and empowered, regardless of traditional color theory guidelines.

Experimenting with Color Schemes

Monochromatic: Stick to variations of the same color for a cohesive and sophisticated look.
Analogous: Pair adjacent colors on the color wheel for a harmonious and understated palette.
Complementary: Combine colors opposite each other on the color wheel for a bold and dynamic contrast.

Seeking Inspiration

Fashion and Design: Look to fashion trends, interior design, and art for inspiration on color combinations and styling techniques.
Personal Style Icons: Draw inspiration from style icons whose color choices resonate with your aesthetic preferences.

By incorporating these color theory principles into your wardrobe choices, you can confidently select colors that complement your complexion, enhance your features, and reflect your personal style. Experiment with different color combinations, embrace your creativity, and have fun exploring the vibrant world of color.

Here’s a concise table summarizing how to incorporate color theory into choosing the right colors for you:

Aspect	Description
Understanding Color Wheel Basics	Familiarize yourself with primary, secondary, and tertiary colors, as well as color harmonies.
Determining Your Skin Undertone	Identify whether you have cool, warm, or neutral undertones to guide your color choices.
Selecting Colors That Complement Your Undertone	Choose colors that harmonize with your skin undertone for a flattering appearance.
Using Color Contrast	Consider the contrast between your hair, skin, and eyes when selecting color combinations.
Embracing Color Psychology	Understand the emotional associations of colors and choose hues that align with your desired mood.
Experimenting with Color Schemes	Try different color schemes like monochromatic, analogous, and complementary for varied looks.
Seeking Inspiration	Look to fashion trends, design, and personal style icons for inspiration on color combinations.

Are There Any Specific Color Palettes Or Schemes That Work Best For Certain Skin Tones?

Yes, certain color palettes or schemes can work particularly well for different skin tones, enhancing your natural features and complementing your complexion. Here’s a guide to color palettes based on skin tones: