If You’re Confused By Color Matching, Here Are 4 Colors That Will Look Gorgeous On You No Matter What
And the pieces you’ll look great in, too.
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by The Candidly Team
Do you guys remember “Color Me Beautiful” from back in the 80s? And how every fashion-y thing started telling women the key to unlocking their beauty was to learn their “color season?”
Well then, you’ve probably realized that it’s back … and all over TikTok.
And people are innnnnto it.
There’s even a little Instagram filter to help you determine which season you are, and therefore which colors look best on you.
We tried to get into the weeds and write you an article about figuring out what color season you are, but let us tell you it is not straight-forward. There are skin-tones and undertones and color chromas and values and words like “warm” and “cool” and “clear” and “deep.” And look, we just couldn’t crack it. Given that we can’t even determine what color foundation we wear half the time, how the hell are we gonna parse out which shade of yellow won’t make us look like a sun-bleached carpet?
And so, we decided to take a short cut. We went all around the internet, collecting the wisdom of various color-matching experts and found 4 colors that are consistently considered “safe”. Not just safe but excellent on all skin tones, hair colors, eye colors, etc.
And here they are, along with some of the most universally flattering pieces currently being made in said colors:
1. NAVY
Navy just invokes an effortless quiet luxury that’s more interesting than black? And for 99% of us, unlike black, it adds life to our cheeks instead of washing us out.
1. The Adi Linen Blend Mid-Rise Relaxed Cropped Flare Pants by Pilcro
First off, the navy shade of these pants somehow matches with everything. But the shape, my friends. We may have just located the most flattering, everyday, non-denim, cropped pants. Wear it with any top you own and you’re going to look good. That’s just how these pants work.
Price: $138
2. J.Crew Heritage cotton Rollneck™ sweater in stripe
This navy sweater is one of those things that instantly feels like an outfit. Wear it with jeans or white, linen pants, and you’ll feel very coastal chic. We can’t speak for when you read this article, but it’s wildly on sale right now on J.Crew.
Price: $52.50
3. Anthropologie The Tommie Cap Sleeve Smocked Front-Zip Shirt Dress
Who among us would not want to own a deeply comfortable dress that’s smocked at the waist and the ideal hourglass shape? We can’t really think of anywhere we wouldn’t want to wear this dress. It sizes in petite and plus. Snatch it up fast though, because it’s barely staying in stock.
Price: $170
4. Aerie No BS Tank Top
In addition to the color, this is one of the most flattering tanks around … and it’s less than $15.
Price: $14
2. SOFT PINK
A soft pink is almost like wearing a neutral in that it’s classic and easy to match. But it has a little more of a romantic glow that makes you look gorgeous and lit-from-within.
5. J.Crew Flutter-hem tank in cotton poplin
This top does all the work of making you look styled. With any jeans or neutral bottoms and maybe a pop of pink blush … perfection.
Price: $79.50
6. Madewell The Darted Barrel-Leg Jean
The curve in barrel jeans makes legs look longer and leaner. And in this color, they turn any tee or tank into a beautifully put together “look.”
Price: $148
* Gifted product
7. Maeve Sleeveless Fitted A-Line Midi Dress
The ideal dress to wear in spring and summer if you want to exude elegance and conceal a belly pooch.
Price: $168
8. Negative Supreme Track Pant and Short Sleeve Shirt
Do we wear these very luxe PJs while slathering on a face mask and cleaning our house? Of course. Do we also wear the pants to the mall with a white sweater and sneaks? Also, yes. They’re so gorgeous, silky, and washable, but more importantly the perfect, perfect pink. Oh, and there’s also a matching tank if you’re a warm sleeper and prefer to go sleeveless.
Pro tip:
Price: $70
3. AUBERGINE
Some of the deeper or jewel-toned colors can actually age us. But a rich purple can make us look alluring and more vibrant, which can in fact translate to more youthful. Something about this color brings out the twinkle in our eyes. Maybe it’s just how awake we feel when wearing it.
9. Banana Republic Strappy Voile Midi Dress
The cut and color combo of this one feels classic and distinct at the same time, like vintage designer yet somehow under $100.
Price: $96
10. Free People One More Time Wide Leg
Like your absolutely favorite sweat pants, only lighter and even lazier, and also much, much cuter.
Price: $108
11. Quince 100% Washable Silk Maxi Skirt
This skirt is flattering on every level. But the color makes it more of a standout piece than just your basic black skirt. Most importantly, it’a a double-take price for silk, and it’s washable!
Price: $80
12. Left On friday Weekender Suit
The fit of this suit is as stunning as the color.
Price: $180
4. TRUE RED
True red is like the primary color we learn to identify as the purest shade of red on a colorwheel with no added blue or yellow. Because of this, it’s apparently both warm and cool and should look good on anyone. And it really does. It doesn’t bring out the red in your skin or make you look muted. Instead, it creates a sort of energy to your overall appearance that can be spellbinding. A pop of red with a glossy lip. You’ll practically smolder.
13. J.Crew Smocked maxi dress in cotton voile
The color will look beautiful on you, but what we really get caught up in is how the smocking makes it ultra-flattering on bellies while the skirt is gorj on butts and thighs. Sizes up to 3X too!
Price: $138
14. Madewell The Maycie Asymmetric T-Strap Sandal
Because a minimalist pop or red is all we need to smolder, correct?
Price: $100
* Gifted product
15. Free People Lowen Midi Skirt
Every color in this skirt will look great on you. The shape is just stunning on curves. But get it in red, and suddenly, you’re dressed exciting.
Price: $60
16. Madewell Slub Boxy-Crop Tee
So simple. So chic. So French.
Price: $38
At The Candidly, we try a lot of stuff so you don’t have to. We only recommend things we truly love, and that we think you’ll love, too. All products are chosen independently by our creative team, and all details reflect the price and availability of products at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to, The Candidly may earn a commission.
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