We recently reviewed the best clothing colors for darker skin. Now we focus on those with lighter skin tones. Sticking with colors that complement you skin tone can highlight your features and ensure your clothes make you look good and vice-versa. We’ll review the best clothing colors for lighter skin, as well as colors to avoid.
First we’ll make a distinction between those with lighter skin tones. There are generally two categories – those with fair, pinkish-hued skin (likely of northern European descent), and those with fair, yellowish-hued skin (mostly those of east Asian descent, although some Caucasians and those of mixed races can lean this way too).
The great thing about light skin – it can be a good canvas for many different colors. Some colors work well with both of these lighter tones, and others work better for one but not the other. For these skin colors, the key is to not let your clothing colors wash out your skin color making you appear overly pale or sickly. The best clothing colors for lighter skin will simultaneously highlight the positive qualities of your skin tone and the colors of your apparel.
Best colors for both types
Navy blue works well for most skin types, which holds true for the lighter tones. It offers the benefits or darker colors with just enough color to not appear so stark against pale skin, so you don’t look sickly (like you would with black).
True red stands out well on both lighter skin types too. For the more pale guys, it can bring out the red/pink undertones a bit more, with enough contrast to not wash you out. For the yellow-toned skin, it’s a solid bold color that stays well away from washing out the yellow tones in your skin. Only avoid this color if you are sun-burned – red will make it look worse!
Beige and khaki tones look great on both skin types and provide a versatile neutral option. Both skin types should incorporate beige colored pants, jackets, and shirts where possible. Mix beige with the colors appropriate for your specific tone below, and you will have an easy foundation from which to work.
Best clothing colors for pinkish-hued skin
Cooler, brighter blues and greens look great on your skin tone. They provide a nice contrast to the pink undertones without washing out your complexion. And your skin helps these more vibrant colors stand out even more. This is especially true if you have blue or green eyes, as these clothing colors will bring out your eye color even more.
Peach and orange provide a bit of subtle contrast to your pale skin while bringing out the more pink undertones, which makes your complexion appear more lively.
You should avoid white and black clothing. White clothes will match your skin too closely, which will accentuate its paleness. Black does the opposite to the same effect – the contrast is so stark it will bring out the pale tones too much. If you sport a little bit of a tan in the warmer months, you can maybe go with some pastels (maybe a sky blue, mint green, or light orange) although I would always avoid faded pink (as it matches the skin too closely). These faded colors could be a risk either way, so you’re safer sticking with the colors mentioned above, especially if your skin does not tan at all.
One exception to this rule – you can wear white with beige if you have lighter hair. The lower contrast of this type of outfit will complement your hair/skin contrast. Think white shirts with beige or khaki jackets or suits.
Best clothing colors for yellowish-hued skin
Pastels and faded colors stand out particularly well on yellow-ish hued skin. Think sky blue, rose pink, lavender, and pale yellow. These tones contrast beautifully on yellow-hued skin without washing you out or making your skin appear too pale.
In addition to beige, grey is another neutral color that works will with this skin tone. Even though grey is a bland color, its neutrality allows the yellow undertones to really shine.
You should avoid basic bright tones of colors like blue, orange, or green. These colors contrast too harshly with your skin tone and will wash you out and make your complexion appear overly pale. Medium yellow matches too closely to your skin and will not provide enough contrast to your tone. Rich colors like burgundy or deep purple, as well as black, don’t look terrible but can similarly make your skin tone appear a bit paler than you’d like. You’d be better off sticking to the other colors recommended above.
How to wear them
The best clothing colors for lighter skin work well when pairing one color with a neutral. Luckily for you, beige is a great neutral color that works well for both tones and can combine beautifully with the other colors. Very simple outfits and color combinations can really stand out on these skin tones.
For instance, beige chore coat, bright green t-shirt, dark denim jeans, and brown chukka boots for pale skin.
Or grey chinos, pale yellow OCBD, and white sneakers for yellow-hued skin.
For further reading and alternative perspectives on color palettes, consider exploring resources such as this post. Let your canvas provide the foundation for these colors to pop, while brining out the best of your complexion. Experiment with different colors and see what kind of reactions people have to your outfit, and keep adjusting from there.
Thanks for reading this post! – MyPlugin