Every morning, do you find yourself staring at your closet, feeling stuck?
Because I do, I would buy clothes that I love the color of, but they wouldn’t do anything for me. The trending green shade would make me look unwell. The pinks washed me out.
I blamed my figure, my hair, even the lighting, without once considering the real culprit: the colors. Most of us wear shades that work against our natural tones. Just because a color is popular doesn’t mean it suits you.
Today, I bring to you all that I’ve learned to help you answer the question: What colors look best on me?
Determining Undertones With These Simple Tests
Finding your undertones is like solving a puzzle about yourself. I used to think I was warm-toned because I have brown hair, but I was utterly wrong. Your surface coloring doesn’t tell the whole story; it’s what’s underneath that matters.
Most people guess their undertones incorrectly, which explains why so many clothes don’t work. Once you get this right, choosing flattering colors becomes so much easier.
Simple tests to find your undertones:
1. The Vein Test – Look at your wrist veins in natural light. Green veins mean warm undertones, blue or purple veins mean cool undertones
2. The Jewelry Test – Does gold or silver look better on you? Gold flatters warm undertones, silver suits cool undertones
3. The White Paper Test – Hold the white paper next to your face. Warm undertones make your skin appear yellow or peachy, while cool undertones reveal pink or blue undertones.
4. The Sun Test – Do you tan golden or burn pink? Golden tans suggest warm undertones, and pink burns suggest cool undertones.
5. The Color Comparison Test – Hold coral and hot pink near your face. Coral looks better on warm undertones, hot pink suits cool undertones.
What Colors Look Best on Me
Understanding which colors flatter you changes everything about shopping and getting dressed. I used to buy clothes because I liked the color, not because they liked me back.
Now I know exactly which shades make my skin look healthy and bright, and which ones make me look tired or washed out. The difference is night and day when you wear your perfect colors.
For Warm Undertones
If you have warm undertones, these shades will brighten your skin’s natural radiance, making you look instantly more put together. From earthy basics to standout jewel tones, they work beautifully with warm-toned skin.
| Color Category | Recommended Shades |
|---|---|
| Earth Tones | Browns, warm grays, olive green, rust |
| Warm Reds & Oranges | Coral, peach, tomato red, burnt orange |
| Golden Yellows | Mustard, honey, warm cream |
| Rich Jewel Tones | Warm emerald, golden yellow, amber |
| Warm Neutrals | Camel, chocolate brown, cream (avoid stark white) |
For Cool Undertones
If you have cool undertones, the right colors can brighten your complexion and make your features stand out naturally, bringing balance and clarity without overpowering your skin.
From crisp whites to icy jewel tones, these hues add to your natural beauty.
| Color Category | Recommended Shades |
|---|---|
| Cool Blues & Greens | Navy, royal blue, emerald, teal |
| Purple Family | Lavender, plum, deep purple |
| Cool Reds & Pinks | Cherry red, fuchsia, rose pink |
| True White & Grays | Crisp white, charcoal gray, silver |
| Winter Jewel Tones | Sapphire blue, cool emerald, amethyst |
For Neutral Undertones
If you have neutral undertones, you’re in luck; your skin balances both warm and cool tones effortlessly.
This means you can wear a wide range of colors without clashing with your complexion. The key is choosing shades that are soft, balanced, and not overly warm or icy.
| Color Category | Recommended Shades |
|---|---|
| Soft Pastels | Dusty pink, sage green, powder blue |
| Muted Earth Tones | Taupe, soft brown, mushroom gray |
| True Red | Classic red (balanced, not too warm or cool) |
| Blues | Navy, medium denim blues |
| Versatile Range | Most colors work well, and neutrals have the most flexibility |
Tips to Ensure Your Outfits Slay at All Times
Knowing what colors look best on me doesn’t mean wearing the same shades every day. I learned to use my perfect colors strategically near my face, where they have the most impact. You can still wear colors that aren’t ideal for you, but placement matters more than you think.
The key is knowing when and how to wear different shades to achieve your best look.
Strategic Color Placement
- Wear your best colors near your face: Tops, scarves, and jewelry make the most significant impact
- Use flattering colors in accessories:Scarves can add your perfect shade to any outfit.
- Try your best colors in makeup: Lipstick and blush in your ideal shades work wonders.
- Mix neutrals with accent colors: Use small pops of your perfect colors with a neutral base.
- Layer for color flexibility: A cardigan in your ideal shade can add beauty to any outfit.
Building a Color Palette
- Start with 3-4 colors that make you look great
- Add neutrals that work with your undertones
- Choose one statement color for special occasions
- Make sure your colors work together for easy mixing
- Update gradually – you don’t need to replace everything at once
Mistakes to Avoid
The biggest mistake I see people make is wearing colors they love instead of colors that love them back. I’ve learnt that being honest about what colors look best on me is hard but necessary.
Common mistakes to avoid include:
- Wearing all black if you’re warm-toned: Try chocolate brown or navy instead.
- Choosing colors based on trends: Trendy colors might not suit your coloring.
- Ignoring the impact of makeup: Choosing the wrong makeup colors can clash with your clothes.
- Wearing colors too far from your face: Distance reduces the flattering effect.
- Sticking to “safe” colors: Beige might be boring if brighter shades suit you better.
How to Make Colors Sustainable
Making color choices sustainable means building a wardrobe that works in the long term, not just for one season. I used to buy trendy pieces in colors that didn’t suit me, but I never wore them.
Now I invest in quality pieces in my best colors, and I wear them for years. The key is to buy less but choose better.
Sustainable Color Strategies
Start with high-quality basics in neutral shades that match your skin’s undertone, think warm beiges, cool grays, or soft ivories. Opt for classic cuts, such as a tailored blazer or straight-leg jeans, that work well regardless of the season or occasion.
These versatile pieces are the backbone of a wardrobe that lasts. Before you hit the stores, take a hard look at your closet. That navy sweater you forgot about might be the perfect base for a new outfit.
Pro Tip: Try the “capsule wardrobe” approach. Pick 10-15 versatile pieces in your best colors and mix-and-match them for a month. You’ll be surprised how many outfits you can create with less.
Long-term Planning
Create a personal color palette to guide every purchase. Mine includes creamy whites, deep olives, and muted corals, colors that make my skin glow. When something wears out, replace it with the same shade or a close match to maintain a cohesive wardrobe.
Stick to timeless styles. The goal is a wardrobe that grows with you, not one you overhaul every season.
Smart Investing
Accessories are your secret weapon. A leather bag in your perfect shade of taupe, a silk scarf in a rich burgundy, or shoes in a soft charcoal can tie an outfit together and reinforce your color story. Build slowly, don’t blow your budget on a full overhaul. One great piece you’ll wear weekly beats ten impulse buys you’ll regret.
Bonus Tip: Test your colors in natural light before making a purchase. Store lighting can deceive you, but daylight reveals a color’s true tone against your skin. Snap a quick mirror selfie outside the store to double-check.
Concluding
Finding out what colors look best on me was like getting the right filter for life.
Everything looks better when you’re wearing shades that complement your natural coloring. Start with the undertone tests I shared, then experiment with one or two new colors in your ideal palette.
Pay attention to how you feel and what compliments you receive.
The right colors don’t just make you look better, they make you feel more confident and put-together. And that confidence shows in everything you do.
