Your best match colours - learning what colours work for you

Everyone can (and should!) wear colour, but depending on your skin tone, natural hair colour and eye colour, certain colours will flatter more than others.

We all have a few favourite items of clothing that make us feel fabulous, and aside from the fit, it may be that the colour of the garment is perfectly suited to your complexion. On the other hand, we’ve all been in the situation where we’ve tried on a garment and despite being the perfect fit, something doesn’t seem quite right – you may have inadvertently chosen a colour that isn’t suited to your skin tone.

To find out which colours suit you best, use our notes below to work out what ‘season’ your skin tone falls into. In general, those who suit navy blue and charcoal grey as opposed to warmer colours such as beige and brown most likely have a cooler undertone and may be classified as having a summer or winter complexion. In contrast, those who are better suited to honey beige and soft brown are likely to have a golden undertone and may be classified as having an autumn or spring complexion.

It can be quite difficult to determine what season you are, if in doubt there are a few websites (http://www.thechicfashionista.com/your-best-perfect-colors.html) and tests you can do at home that may give you some clues. Alternatively, ask your hair colourist the next time you’re at the salon, book a consultation with a stylist, or ask at one of the make-up counters at your local department store or pharmacy.

No matter what season you are, don’t let it put you off wearing the colours classified as ‘challenging colours’ for your complexion - regardless of the colour, there’s likely to be a shade that suits you. Most importantly, experiment with colour and take note when you receive a compliment on what you’re wearing - chances are you’re wearing one of the best colours for your skin tone.

Summer

Those who fall into the summer category are usually natural blonde, typically with pale skin and a low level of contrast between their skin tone, hair colour and eye colour. Brunettes with fair skin and pale blue eyes may also be classified as a ‘summer’.

Best colours - Soft, muted colours are best. Powder blue, dusty pink, mauve, lavender, plum, pale yellow, pastels, soft neutrals (taupe, cocoa, charcoal etc.).

Challenging colours – Black, earth tones (browns, tans, greens, oranges etc), vivid or intense colours

Winter

Those who fall into the winter category are generally brunettes with deep or dark coloured eyes, although their skin complexion could vary from light to dark. Winters typically have a high level of contrast between their skin tone, hair and eye colour, in fact, those with grey or salt and pepper hair may also be classified as a ‘winter’.

Best colours – Deep, rich colours are best. Black, navy blue, red, hot pink, bright white, grey, icy blue, jewel tones (emerald green, amethyst purple, ruby red, sapphire blue, turquoise blue etc.).

Challenging colours – Beige, orange, gold, earth tones (browns, tans, greens, oranges etc).

Spring

Those who fall into the spring category are usually have a golden undertone to their skin, and may have a peachy complexion, blue or green eyes, or red hair. They may have a similar colouring to ‘autumns’, but with lighter, clearer eyes, and a low level of contrast between their skin tone, hair colour and eye colour.

Best colours – Camel, peach, golden yellow, golden brown, salmon, coral, light blue, clear bright red, warm grey, light gold, orange red.

Challenging colours – Colours that are too dark, black

Autumn

Those who fall into the autumn category usually have a golden undertone to their skin, and many brunettes and red heads with golden brown eyes will fall into this category - although even those with black or blonde hair could be classified as an autumn provided that they have a golden undertone. Autumns will have a low level of contrast between their skin tone, hair colour and eye colour, but not to the same extent as a person with a spring or summer complexion.

Best colours – Camel, beige, orange, gold, dark brown, olive, burgundy, eggplant purple, warm gray, earth tones (browns, tans, greens, oranges etc).

Challenging colours – Navy, black, white, pastels or any other ‘winter’ colours