Colours for a light skin tone

Short answer: Light skin needs contrast so the face does not disappear. Mid dark and deep colours work best, while very light tones close to the skin's own colour do the least.

Contrast is the key

The closer a colour sits to your skin tone, the less definition the face gets. With light skin, navy, deep green, burgundy and black give a clear frame. Very light beige and powder tones do the opposite.

Cool or warm undertone

If the skin has a cool undertone, navy, deep blue and cool grey work best. With a warm undertone, olive, caramel and warm red work better. Hold two colours against your face in daylight. See bamboo clothing for women.

How to wear light colours anyway

Place them as a bottom or an outer layer and keep a darker colour nearest the face. That gives you both the lightness and the contrast. See bamboo t-shirts for women and bamboo tops for women.

Frequently asked questions

Is black always good with light skin

Often, but it is the hardest contrast there is. Navy and burgundy are softer.

How do I find my undertone

Look at the veins in your wrist in daylight. Bluish suggests cool, greenish suggests warm.

Does white suit light skin

Pure white can read as harsh. An off white tone is often softer.