How to Choose What Color to Wear

Co-authored by Kathi Burns, CPO®

Last Updated: November 16, 2023 References

With so many options to pick from, choosing a color to wear can be difficult. Oftentimes, the choice can be further complicated by the event you’re dressing for. Make the process of choosing a color easier by choosing colors that complement your skin’s natural tones, wearing the best color for the occasion, and using color to express your mood.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Kathi Burns, CPO®
Fashion Stylist

Expert Interview. 31 December 2019.}

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Choosing a Color Based on Your Coloring

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Check the color of your veins to determine your skin tone.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Kathi Burns, CPO®
Fashion Stylist

Expert Interview. 31 December 2019.} Take a look at the color of the most prominent veins in your wrist. If your veins look purple or blue, you have cool skin. If they look greenish, you have warm skin.^{[3]
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- If you can't determine the color of your veins, or if blue and green are both represented, you probably have a neutral skin tone. This means you look great in most colors!
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Wear cool, ocean-toned colors if you have cool-toned skin. Your most flattering colors are rose, emerald, deep purple, and ice blue. Wear cool gray, white, and navy for neutrals. Avoid orange and yellow, which will clash with your skin.^{[4]
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- Not all colors meant for cool skin will look good on you. You should still try them on to see what looks best on you.
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Try warm, earthy colors if you have warm-toned skin. Colors like honey, coral, olive, and cream flatter warm-toned skin. For neutrals, stick with taupe, mushroom-gray, and cappuccino. Avoid cool blues or jewel tones.^{[5]
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- Again, this doesn't mean that you are only limited to these colors. Not every warm or earthy color will look good on you.
4
Match your clothes to your eye shade to make them pop. Choosing clothes that are close to your eyes will help make the color pop even more. You can also use this trick for finding the shade of black that will best flatter your skin tone. Try to match any black clothing to the black rim around your iris.^{[6]
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- For example, if you have blue eyes, the black around your irises is probably a cool-toned onyx shade.
- This works great when it comes to layering shirts, jackets, and dresses.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Dressing for the Occasion

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Wear blue or black for a traditional job interview. These colors are neutral and convey trust, confidence, and professionalism.^{[7]
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Research source} Because they’re darker, blue and black can also suggest maturity and seriousness, great qualities in a job candidate.
- Avoid loud, bright colors such as orange for traditional interviews.
- If you’re interviewing for a non-conventional, creative job, you may have more flexibility to express yourself with your wardrobe. Brighter colors may be appropriate in this case--use your discretion.
- No matter what kind of job you’re interviewing for, avoid wearing statement jewelry. The interviewer should be able to focus on you and your skills, not your jewelry or clothes.
2
Stick with neutral colors for professional settings. Workplace style definitely depends on the company’s rules, but you should generally stick to neutrals until you get to know how relaxed or rigid the dress code is.^{[8]
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Expert Source

Kathi Burns, CPO®
Fashion Stylist

Expert Interview. 31 December 2019.} Wear clothes in gray, tan, black, blue, or brown to maintain a professional wardrobe.
- White is another neutral color, but be sure to keep it clean and crisp. There is nothing worse than a dingy, yellowy white. White is also best for spring and summer. If you wear it in the winter, opt for a thick turtleneck or sweater.
- Black picks up lint and pet hair like a magnet. Carry a lint roller with you to keep your clothing clean.
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Try black or red for a first date. Black conveys intelligence, mysteriousness, and confidence, while red suggests passion and sexiness. Clothes such as pants, blazers, dresses, shirts, and shirts in these colors will make a strong and lasting impression.^{[9]
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- Of course, if you don't feel comfortable in black or red, then you can choose a different color. Pick your favorite color or the color you feel best in.
- Select clothes and shoes that are weather appropriate. For instance, avoid wearing sandals in the winter.
4
Choose clothes in high-contrast colors when having your photo taken. Bright colors or basics like black and white will contrast well and make you stand out in the photo.^{[10]
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Research source} High-contrast colors will also flatter your skin tone.
- Wear these colors closest to your face, with clothing items such as sweaters, shirts, and scarves.
- Avoid wearing high-necked shirt or turtlenecks when you’re getting your picture taken, as they appear to cut off your head from your neck, which isn’t flattering.
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Avoid wearing black or white to a wedding. Because the bride and groom will likely be wearing these colors at a traditional wedding, you should avoid wearing black and white. Any other color is fine, as long as it’s not too similar to the wedding party’s colors.^{[11]
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- If you’re worried about stepping on any of the wedding colors, you could wear a patterned piece of clothing, such as a floral dress or striped tie.
- For winter weddings, try deep jewel tones such as emerald, plum, and dark blue.^{[12]
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- For summer weddings, consider bright, breezy colors such as pastels, yellow, or fuschia.^{[13]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Picking a Color That Matches Your Mood

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Wear blue if you’re feeling calm and confident. Blue conveys a sense of peace and positivity, and is thought to promote creativity and independence. If you’re feeling centered and positive, spread it to the people around you by wearing this color.^{[14]
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- Alternatively, if you are feeling stressed or anxious, consider putting on something blue. This may help you feel more calm.
2
Wear bright colors if you’re feeling creative. Colors like yellow, green, purple, and orange are perfect for conveying an excited, inspired mood. These colors also attract attention, so they’re perfect to wear to parties or events.^{[15]
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- Remember that lighter, brighter colors may come across as young and immature. Try choosing simple, professional clothes in these colors if you're worried about being taken seriously.
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Wear red if you want to feel strong and empowered. Red conveys assertiveness, courage, and passion, particularly in business settings. If you want to persuade or impress someone, red is a perfect choice. Wear it as a bold statement piece, such as a red jacket, shirt, or dress.^{[16]
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- Consider different shades of red. If a bright shade of red doesn't suit you, try a darker shade instead.
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Mix colors to show off an artistic mood. If you’re feeling extra artsy and creative, wear different colors that match and compliment each other. Try combinations such as orange and turquoise or pink and green.
- To avoid an overwhelming combination, try color-blocking with pieces in solid colors.
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Show a carefree, relaxed mood by wearing pastels. Pastel colors such as mint, pink, and lavender have a friendly and relaxing effect. Put together a breezy outfit by including clothing items in these light, summery colors.
- Wear these colors on weekends, vacation, or any other relaxing time.
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How Does Color Matching Work For Clothes?

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Question

What are the most flattering colors to wear?

Kathi Burns, CPO®
Image Consultant
Kathi Burns is a board certified Professional Organizer (CPO) and Founder of Organized and Energized!, her consulting business with a mission to empower people to master their environment and personal image by assisting them in taking control, making change and organizing their lives. Kathi has over 17 years of organizing experience and her work has been featured on Better Homes and Gardens, NBC News, Good Morning America, and Entrepreneur. She has a BS in Communication from Ohio University.

Kathi Burns, CPO®

Image Consultant

Expert Answer

The tonality of your skin, your hair, and your eyes will help you determine what colors look best on you. For instance, people with olive complexions, hazel eyes, and brown hair are going to look great in oranges, reds, and evergreens.

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Question

My skin tone is neutral bordering on warm, my eyes are green and my hair is grey/white. What colors can I wear?

Stephanie Alexandris, MA
Master's Degree, Fashion Business, ESMOD Paris
Stephanie Alexandris is a Fashion Stylist in New York City. She has worked with an extensive range of brands, including Alexander Wang, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Maison Margiela and Rick Owens while she was living in Paris, and Harper's Bazaar, J.McLaughlin, and Express during her tenure in New York City. She holds a Master's degree in Fashion Business from ESMOD France and an undergraduate degree from New York University.

Stephanie Alexandris, MA

Master's Degree, Fashion Business, ESMOD Paris

Expert Answer

What a great combination! You can wear many colors, including black, turquoise, and red. I think vibrant strong colors will look best on you. You can wear naturals (beige, brown, white) as well, but make sure to have a pop of color somewhere in there.

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Question

What is the best color to match with a peach outfit?

Stephanie Alexandris, MA
Master's Degree, Fashion Business, ESMOD Paris
Stephanie Alexandris is a Fashion Stylist in New York City. She has worked with an extensive range of brands, including Alexander Wang, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Maison Margiela and Rick Owens while she was living in Paris, and Harper's Bazaar, J.McLaughlin, and Express during her tenure in New York City. She holds a Master's degree in Fashion Business from ESMOD France and an undergraduate degree from New York University.

Stephanie Alexandris, MA

Master's Degree, Fashion Business, ESMOD Paris

Expert Answer

If your outfit is peach and are looking for accessories, white or neutral toned shoes will work best. For jewelry, gold tones will compliment the peach color best. If you want to add another color to a peach outfit, for example if you have peach dress and need a cardigan, go for white or beige.

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