Choosing the right colors is an essential aspect of fashion. Colors have always been a part of nature, representing beauty, confidence, and sometimes acting as a warning. In fashion, color can make you blend in with a group or help you stand out, like wearing a suit in a casual setting or attracting attention with red clothing.

This shows that, consciously or not, colors play a huge role in our daily lives. That’s why you might be asking yourself, “What are the best colors for my skin tone?”

I’ve spent hours researching and gathering advice, feedback, and opinions on this topic. I want to share my experience with you, so you don’t have to waste time hunting for information.

But first, here’s a quick reminder before we dive in.

Don’t Overthink It

While it’s a good idea to consider what colors suit your skin tone, remember it’s secondary in men’s fashion. Stick to neutral colors like black, white, gray, navy, brown, beige, and olive—these should make up the bulk of your wardrobe, regardless of your skin tone.

Now, if you’re ready to take it up a notch and fine-tune your color choices based on your skin tone, let’s get into it.

Understanding Your Skin Tone

Your skin tone in fashion is connected to your undertone. But how do you figure out your undertone?

1. Techniques for Identifying Your Undertone There are several methods to determine your undertone:

• The Vein Test: Check the color of the veins on your arm.
  • Blue veins mean you have a cool undertone,
  • Green indicates warm,
  • Both colors suggest neutral,
  • You likely have a dark undertone if you can’t see your veins.
• The White Paper Test: Hold a piece of white paper against your face in natural light. If your skin looks yellow or sallow, you likely have a warm undertone. If it appears pink or rosy, you have a cool undertone. If it looks gray or muted, you may have a neutral undertone.

This will help you determine which colors complement your skin and which to avoid.

As a general rule, you’ll want to avoid colors that match your skin tone too closely, as they can make you look washed out or dull.

Cool (Pale Skin)

If you have a cool or pale skin tone, neutral colors like navy blue, charcoal gray, and beige are your best friends. Most shades of gray will complement your complexion. If you want to spice things up, consider jewel tones like emerald green or royal blue.

Example Outfit: A tailored charcoal gray blazer, a crisp white shirt, and navy chinos paired with dark brown leather shoes. For an accent, a royal blue pocket square adds a pop of color without overwhelming the outfit.

Avoid colors that are too warm or bright, such as orange, yellow, or stark white, as these can clash with your skin. Full black outfits might also be too harsh, even though black works well for almost everyone.

Warm (Olive Skin)

For warm undertones, earthy neutrals like khaki, beige, olive, and warm browns are ideal. These colors bring out the warmth in your skin. For brighter colors, burnt orange or warm red can elevate your look.

Example Outfit: A light beige linen shirt, olive green chinos, and brown suede loafers. Add a burnt orange lightweight jacket for an extra layer and a splash of color.

Avoid colors too close to your skin tone, like certain yellows, greens, or browns, as they can make you look washed out. Icy blues and purples may also dull your complexion.

Neutral (Light Skin)

With a neutral undertone, you have more versatility. Mid-tone neutrals like gray, navy, beige, black, and white work especially well. Earthy tones like greens, browns, and khakis are great options too.

Example Outfit: A navy blue button-up shirt, light gray chinos, and white sneakers. This combination is effortlessly stylish and works well in both casual and semi-formal settings.

However, steer clear of pale beige or pastels that are too similar to your skin tone, as these can wash you out.

Dark Skin

Dark skin works beautifully with both bold and neutral colors. Bright colors like white, cobalt blue, or burgundy create strong contrast, while classic neutrals like black and navy add a sleek, polished look.

Example Outfit: A crisp white shirt, dark navy tailored trousers, and a burgundy blazer. Finish with black dress shoes for a sharp, sophisticated appearance.

The main colors to avoid are dark browns and greens, as they don’t provide enough contrast and may make your complexion appear duller. If you want to wear these colors, mix them with other shades rather than wearing them head-to-toe. However, a full black outfit remains a stylish and timeless choice.

General Fashion Tips for Men

Keep It Simple

Men don’t have as many color options as women in fashion, so don’t overcomplicate things. Stick to neutral colors, and you’ll rarely go wrong. Neutrals mix easily, allowing you to create multiple outfits from a few pieces.

Add Color Sparingly

Start with neutral colors in your outfit, then add a pop of brighter color to enhance the look. For example, if you’re wearing a suit, try adding a vibrant tie that brings the whole outfit together without overpowering it.

Wear What Makes You Feel Good

Ultimately, fashion is about the vibe you want to give off. While considering skin tone is helpful, it’s secondary to wearing what you feel confident in. If a color feels right to you, then go for it. Confidence is key to looking your best.

Impact of Colors on Psychology

Colors are not just about aesthetics; they can also influence how we feel and how others perceive us. For instance, wearing red can convey confidence and power, while blue tends to create a sense of calm and professionalism. This psychological aspect of color can affect your interactions and how you present yourself in different situations. When choosing colors for your wardrobe, consider not just how they suit your skin tone but also the mood you want to project.

Seasonal Influence on Color Choices

The seasons can significantly impact your choice of colors. In spring and summer, lighter and brighter colors are often more appropriate and can elevate your mood. Think pastel blues, greens, and yellows. Conversely, in autumn and winter, deeper, richer hues like burgundy, forest green, and navy work well with the season’s aesthetic.

Fashion is a form of self-expression, and while knowing your best colors can help, it’s not the end-all-be-all. Experiment with different shades, and most importantly, wear what makes you feel comfortable and confident.

If you’re curious about diving deeper into men’s fashion basics, check out our article on the best colors that look great on men.