Picking out clothes can be difficult, especially during the colder months when multiple layers are necessary. Between figuring out what’s flattering for your body type and what’s in style, creating a fall and winter wardrobe can be overwhelming. Now you also have to worry about matching clothes to your skin tone?
Don’t worry! It’s way easier than it sounds. Use the tips below to discover your tone and fill your wardrobe with colors that match your skin all season long.
1. Know Your Tone
People have a variety of skin colors, but there are only three different categories of skin tone: warm, cool, and neutral. Which tone you have will help you match fall and winter clothes more easily.
Generally, warmer complexions consist of yellow, peach, and gold undertones, whereas cooler complexions have hints of pink, red, or blue.
Still not sure which skin tone you have? Look at your wrist. If your veins are blue or purple, you’re likely cool-toned but, if you see green, you’re probably warm. Those with silver or ash undertones in their hair may also have cool-toned skin, while those with red, orange, and yellow hair may have warm skin tones.
If you have both warm and cool features, you’re probably a neutral skin tone. That means you can get away with wearing a wide variety of clothes. Lucky you!
2. Pair Warm Tones With Warm Colors
Generally, warm skin tones look best with warm colors like red, orange, and yellow. Steer clear of super-light shades or pastels and use neon prints sparingly during the cooler months. These options are best suited for spring and summer, respectively. Instead, choose darker or more subtle shades like burgundy, brick red, burnt orange, and gold. Pair these colors with neutral ones like black, brown, and gray to create an outfit worthy of any fall or winter wardrobe.
People with warmer skin tones may also opt to accessorize with gold or rose gold jewelry. These colors pair best with rich, earthy tones like brown and gold, which you’ll likely don during fall and winter.
3. Pair Cool Tones With Cool Colors
Most people with cool skin tones look best in cooler colors like blue, green, and purple. However, they can get away with wearing other colors like red as long as they have the same undertone as their skin. For instance, instead of wearing a brick red sweater, you might wear one with a deeper, bluish base.
Remember to avoid bright colors like aquamarine, lime green, and royal purple during the fall and winter months. While they might have cool tones, these shades are a bit too loud for a fall or winter wardrobe.
4. Neutrals Can Play It Safe or Go Bold
Do you have a neutral or medium skin tone? In this case, you can choose to wear cool or warm colors — or both! Some experts advise against anything too bright or vibrant because it can overwhelm neutral skin tones. However, if your wardrobe is less about rules and more about creative expression, try wearing bold colors that your single-toned counterparts cannot.
Olive, mustard, forest green, and royal blue are all bold colors that look flattering on most medium skin tones. You can even get away with wearing pink, purple, and cranberry during the fall and winter months without them washing you out. Use these colors as accents or play with monochrome outfits to discover your go-to seasonal style — whether it be subtle or bold.
5. Play With Patterns
Sometimes, there are exceptions to the rules. For instance, if you have cool-toned skin but warm amber eyes, you could potentially get away with wearing warmer colors like gold and burgundy. If you don’t want to take too big a risk and commit a fashion faux pas, incorporate these colors into your wardrobe a little at a time by playing with patterns and prints.
This year, leopard prints, chevrons, houndstooth, nordic patterns, and rich florals are all the rage. These patterns allow for fun, easy color combos and incorporate colors you might not typically wear. A tasteful pop of blue or pink can look good on anyone as long as the print is tasteful and in-season.
Mix and Match With Confidence
Once you know your skin tone, you can dress to impress, regardless of the season. Mix and match colors that complement your complexion and wear them with confidence wherever you go.
Feeling a little brave? Play with patterns and hues you wouldn’t typically wear and ask a few trusted fashionista friends for input. With a little help and some trial and error, you’re sure to create a flattering fall-winter wardrobe.
Oscar Collins
author, Contributing Writer
Oscar Collins is the founder and editor-in-chief at Modded. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for frequent updates from the Modded team.
