How to Choose a Dress Color That Perfectly Suits Your Skin Tone and Event

By Staff Reporter - 16 February 2021

Health and Beauty

While classic outfit colors like black look good on everyone, there are many options out there. You can put them together to suit your skin tone and event. Whether you prefer bold and vibrant shades or something more chill and laid-back, you have a variety of options.

Adding more color to your wardrobe may seem intimidating but it is easier than you may think. The secret is to find options that go well with your skin tone. Color is one of the most important things to have in mind when styling. 

Here are a few tips to help you pick a dress color that suits your event and skin tone.

1. Think of the Message You Wish to Convey

When attending an event, think of the message you wish to pass with your colors. They are subtle ways to pass messages to your host, date, and everyone else. Here are a few colors and the messages they may pass:

  • Red is used to convey passion and emotional intensity. It is a quick way to grab attention

  • Yellow portrays energy and joy. However, it is a very bold color and you should be careful not to overdo it

  • Orange is a visually stimulating color. It portrays creativity and enthusiasm

  • White is the color of innocence, purity, and perfection.

  • Black is the color of strength, confidence, and power. It is more elegant than most colors.

  • Blue is associated with loyalty and it has maximum impact when paired with  yellow or red

  • Green is associated with fertility, nature, money, and growth. It evokes a feeling of stability and safety.

2. Consider Your Undertones

Pick a dress color that suits your undertone. Even though the entire process can seem complicated, you will have an easy time picking clothes once you are done. You can determine your undertone by looking at your wrists. If you have yellow or green veins, your undertone is warm. If, however, you have blue or purple veins, you are cool-toned. This method works regardless of your shade.

Warm colors like gold and dark green will look great on people with warm undertones. If, however, you have cool undertones, gray, silver, and other cool colors are better choices.

3. Experiment

When unsure, experiment with different color options until you find something that works. Even though there are many rules and guidelines, they aren’t cast in stone. Unexpected shades and colors can look great on you. Try everything from pink prom dresses by Jovani to classic black options. If you like a color, always try it out and get the opinion of others. Photographing yourself in different colors may help determine the most suitable colors for you.

4. Eye Color

Nothing looks better than a dress color that brings out your eyes. You can use colors that match your eyes or contrasting options to help them stand out. A deep blue dress, for example, may be great when you have deep blue eyes. Hazel and green eyes pop when paired with lighter shades.

5. Neutrals

Neutral colors are safe. They look great on most people and are appropriate for different events. Blacks, grays, and off-whites are flattering to most people. All you need to do is keep your undertones in mind. If, for example, black looks too harsh on you, go for a dark gray. If bright whites are too stark, go for an off-white shade.

6. Skin Tone

Pick a dress color that matches your skin tone. Different colors are appropriate for different tones.

  • Cool Light Skin

If your skin is fair, the best dress colors for you include pink, peach, and red. However, metallic colors may not be right. If, however, you really like them, gold is a better choice than silver. Avoid purple and pale yellows as they are likely to wash you out.

  • Dark Skin

Pastel colors and bright jewel tones will make dark skin-pop. Gold, copper, ruby, and other rich shades are great for dark skin. Avoid blacks and browns as they wash out dark skin. Other dress colors to avoid include silver-gray, and blue.

  • Olive Skin

With an olive skin tone, you can wear almost all colors. However, coral and pink are the best options. They bring out the subtle reds on olive skin. Green is great when you want to highlight the brown undertones. Neutral colors, however, are not as good for olive skin as vibrant ones.

  • Medium Skin

Jewel colors are great for medium skin tone. They bring out the warm undertones in your skin and make it pop. Emerald, turquoise, and other colors in the green or blue family are perfect for a medium skin tone. Sapphire and ruby are great options as well.

With a medium skin tone, it is wise to avoid orange, brown, and beige as they can wash you out. They highlight the grey undertones in your skin.

  • Warm Light Skin

People with rosy cheeks and blonde or red hair fall under this category. The best dress colors for them are earthy tones like green and brown. Beige, navy, and other neutrals may be great as well. Avoid neon, bright whites, and black as they can be too harsh for you.

7. Consider the Event

Some colors are more appropriate for certain events than others. Always pay attention to the dress code information included in your invite and stick to it. Black, for example, would be more appropriate for a formal event than neon green. White is not an appropriate choice for a wedding unless you are the bride. Bold patterns and prints are more appropriate for daytime events than formal events. Evening gowns should have solid colors. Avoid busy prints and patterns. When in doubt, always go for neutrals.

In conclusion, picking the right dress color for an event can be a mystery. What works for one person does not always work for another one. When trying to pick colors that go well with your complexion, you need to consider your skin tone, the message you intend to convey, your undertones, and the type of event you will be attending. 

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