Whether you’re refreshing your wardrobe with new looks or simply choosing a fantastic outfit for the day, there are many reasons to choose colors that make you look good and feel good. While we all encourage you to wear the colors that give you the most confidence, choosing shades that match your skin undertone can further enhance your natural features. Finding the colors that suit you best can feel like a bit of a puzzle (especially when you have the entire Pantone color palette to choose from), but don’t worry! Keep scrolling to read our simple guide on how to find the colors that suit you best.

First things first: what is your skin’s “undertone” and how can you determine it? While skin tones range from light to dark, undertones are the cool, warm, or neutral hues within your skin tone. We like to think of it this way: skin tone can vary from season to season (especially if you soak up a lot of sun on vacation), but your skin’s undertone never changes.

There are a few simple ways to determine your skin’s undertone. One is to look at the veins on your wrist: if your veins appear blue or purple, you probably have a cool undertone, while if they look more green, you likely have a warm undertone.

You can also try the white T-shirt test. Take a really white shirt, find a place with natural light, and hold the shirt next to your face. Does your complexion look pink or rosy compared to the optical white? Then you probably have a cool undertone. If your skin looks more yellowish compared to the bright white fabric, you have a warm undertone.

Now that you know how to determine your skin undertone, scroll on to find your favorite colors and the shades that best suit your complexion. But keep one thing in mind: there are always exceptions to the rules, and the only rule we adhere to is this: if you feel comfortable in your clothes, then rules are there to be broken!

YOUR BEST SHADES OF RED

Red—this fiery color radiates confidence and passion, and we firmly believe that it suits everyone. It’s just a matter of choosing the right shades of red to match your skin undertone, whether you want to add a striking new top to your wardrobe or turn heads in an all-red outfit.

Red shades for warm undertones

If your skin has warm undertones, similarly warm shades will suit your skin type best. Colors such as brick red, cherry red, raspberry red, and purple red belong in your wardrobe as they highlight the golden tones of your complexion.

Red shades for cool undertones

If your skin has cooler undertones, look for these eye-catching shades: poppy red, ruby red, and scarlet red. Orange and pink-based reds add warmth to your complexion and instantly spice up your style.

BLUE MOMENTS

Now let’s talk about blue tones (the beautiful and stylish ones). If you prefer a calm color palette, you should choose this extremely soothing color in a shade that emphasizes your undertone. From electric to pacific—immerse yourself in this sea of flattering shades.

Blue tones for warm undertones

Although blue is a cool color, there are still shades within the spectrum that perfectly complement warm undertones. Shades with a hint of yellow—dark turquoise, teal, or robin’s egg blue—will make you look and feel radiant.

Blue tones for cool undertones

If you have cool undertones, the world of blue shades is your oyster. Sapphire blue, cobalt blue, and ice blue are among the colors you should add to your repertoire, as they balance out the natural rosiness of your skin. Pastel shades pair beautifully with cool undertones, so don’t pass up that powder blue sweater you’ve had your eye on.

PUT IT IN NEUTRAL

Every wardrobe needs a selection of tried-and-tested neutral colors. This is a timeless color palette that can be combined with practically anything, from jeans silhouettes to more eye-catching pieces. And fortunately, within the large family of neutral colors, there are shades that perfectly match every complexion.

Neutral colors for warm undertones

When choosing complementary neutral colors, opt for warm colors for warm undertones and cool colors for cool undertones. Earth tones such as sand, sepia, caramel, and deep reds will accentuate the peachy or golden undertones of your skin.

Neutral colors for cool undertones

Cooler neutral colors like taupe, nude, blush, and dove gray will look soft against your cool complexion. Opt for a blush-colored sweater that highlights the healthy pink glow of your skin, or choose a monochrome outfit entirely in taupe.

Let Stitch Fix help you find your perfect color

Let our stylists help you find your new favorite color palette. Take our style quiz, schedule a Fix, and look forward to a selection of shades that complement your warm, cool, or neutral skin tone. Try on your new colorful styles in the comfort of your own home. Pay only for what you like and send the rest back. Shipping and returns are always free, and there’s no subscription required.