Choosing the right colors to wear can make a huge difference in how you look and feel. When you wear colors that complement your skin tone, it brings out your natural beauty. So what colors should you be wearing if you have light brown skin? Here’s a guide to help you determine which colors are most flattering for light brown skin tones.
What is light brown skin?
Light brown skin falls around the middle of the skin tone spectrum. It is usually characterized by yellow, olive, or golden undertones. Light brown skin is often associated with East Asian, Native American, Hispanic, Latina, Middle Eastern, Polynesian, Indian, Southeast Asian, Italian, Greek, Iberian, and mixed race individuals.
On color analysis charts, light brown skin tones are categorized under the “Spring” or “Autumn” palettes. Spring colors have a golden glow with hints of yellow. Autumn colors are more muted and earthy. While dark browns and plums look too harsh against light brown skin, soft corals, peaches, greens, and blues tend to be the most flattering.
Best colors for light brown skin
Here are some of the best colors that tend to look great on light brown skin:
Warm Neutrals
- Camel
- Almond
- Khaki
- Tan
- Warm brown
- Chestnut brown
- Muted orange
Earth tones like tans, browns, and oranges help enhance light brown skin rather than compete with it. They create a harmonious and natural look. Go for muted, soft shades rather than very bright or dark tones.
Peaches & Corals
- Salmon
- Peach
- Coral
- Terracotta
- Muted pink
- Dusty rose
Peaches, corals, and pinks with golden or orange undertones provide a healthy, vibrant glow against light brown skin. They liven up the complexion. Just avoid neons, which can look jarring.
Greens
- Olive green
- Army green
- Avocado green
- Emerald green
- Forest green
- Lime green
Green is extremely flattering on light brown skin. The earthy tones in shades like olive, avocado, and forest green complement golden undertones. Brighter greens like emerald or lime also pop against the skin.
Blues
- Royal blue
- Navy blue
- Periwinkle
- Baby blue
- Aqua
- Turquoise
Cooler blue tones create a striking contrast against warm light brown skin. Bright blues and greens placed side-by-side also intensify one another. For a more muted effect, try periwinkle, baby blue, or aqua.
Colors to avoid
Some colors are unflattering when paired with light brown skin. Here are some of the shades to avoid:
Very pale neutrals
- White
- Cream
- Beige
- Ivory
Extremely light neutrals can make light brown skin look dull or washed-out. They blend in too much instead of providing enough contrast.
Very dark neutrals
- Charcoal grey
- Black
- Dark brown
On the opposite end, very dark neutrals like black, charcoal grey, and dark brown can look too harsh. Soft browns and tans are much more natural.
Bright jewel tones
- Royal purple
- Fuchsia
- Emerald
- Sapphire
Vibrant, saturated jewel tones tend to overwhelm light brown skin, creating an imbalanced look. Deeper skin tones can handle these bolder shades better.
| Colors to Wear | Colors to Avoid |
|---|---|
|
|
Tips for wearing colors with light brown skin
Here are some top tips for choosing and wearing the most flattering colors:
- Look for warm, muted versions of colors rather than highly saturated shades.
- Aim for contrast. Lighter colors will pop against your skin tone.
- Add depth by layering analogous tones like different shades of green.
- Incorporate metallics like gold, bronze, and copper to brighten your look.
- Try on colors near your face to see how they interact with your skin tone.
- Pay attention to undertones. Orange-reds are better than blue-reds.
- You can wear black! Just opt for softer textures and pair with warm hues.
- Confidently embrace your gorgeous light brown skin by enhancing it with color.
Complete color palettes
Here are some full color palettes that tend to be universally flattering on light brown skin:
Spring
- Ivory
- Peach
- Golden yellow
- Lilac
- Jade green
- Sky blue
- Salmon
The warm, radiant colors of spring complement golden light brown skin. Pair soft neutrals with coral, green, and blue for a harmonious look.
Autumn
- Khaki
- Terracotta
- Olive green
- Teal
- Navy
- Plum
- Chocolate brown
Autumn colors are more muted and earthy. The berry tones, like plum, contrast nicely against light brown skin. Navy and teal add some vibrancy.
Ocean
- Turquoise
- Royal blue
- Emerald
- Seafoam green
- Lavender
- Coral
- Sand
These cool blue-green oceanic colors pop against warm light brown skin. The mix of neutrals, greens, and blues is energizing and fun.
Conclusion
Light brown skin is versatile enough to pull off both warm and cool colors when worn correctly. Focus on soft, muted, earthy tones like peach, olive green, and camel for an understated elegance. Oceanside hues like turquoise, seafoam, and coral also look beautiful. Avoid stark brights and darks. Most importantly, have fun with color and wear what makes you feel confident!
