Colour can be a cruel mistress. Most of us know that we could stand to win some serious style points by giving colours outside our comfort zone a go, but finding hues that work with your complexion is often easier said than done – with such a kaleidoscopic spectrum of shades on offer, it’s no mean feat sorting the wheat from the chaff.

Now, some of you are bound to disagree, saying it’s not exactly rocket science, but simply a matter of trying something on and sizing it up in a changing room mirror before you buy.

And to an extent, you’re right.

Fair/Pale Skin

Red, blonde or light brown hair? Freckled? Find yourself constantly looking for somewhere to shade from summer sun?

If you’ve got pale skin and light features, then hues that clearly contrast with your skin tone will – quite literally – bring some colour to your complexion.

Colours To Wear

Darker colours like grey, brown, burgundy, bottle green, navy and bolder shades of blue will all work well as these shades contrast with your skin tone.

Colours To Avoid

Given that, depending on lighting, you (or, at least, this author) could be mistaken for a cadaver, you’ll want to avoid an abundance of soft, pastel shades or bright colours as they’ll only wash you out.


This goes for neutrals too; rather than white, light beige and stone, choose richer shades such as sand, camel, khaki and slate grey.