Choosing the right dress color is an important decision for any occasion. The color of your dress can affect how you look and feel, as well as the impression you make. When selecting a dress color, there are several factors to consider including your skin tone, hair color, eye color, body shape, and the nature of the event you’re attending. In this article, we’ll examine some of the most popular dress colors and provide tips on choosing the best shades to complement your look.
Factors That Influence Dress Color
Here are some of the key things to think about when picking a dress color:
Skin Tone – Do you have warm, cool, or neutral undertones? Warm skin tones look great in peach, yellow, orange, red, and earth tones. Cool skin tones are complemented by blues, purples, emerald greens, and hot pinks. Neutral skin tones are versatile and can wear most colors.
Hair Color – Blondes and brunettes have more flexibility, while redheads look stunning in bold greens, burnt oranges, and cool metallics. Dark hair colors are complemented by lighter dress shades.
Eye Color – Green and hazel eyes pop against purples, pinks, browns, and blues. Blue eyes stand out with orange, peach, magenta, gray, and mint green. Brown eyes look great in blue, purple, gray, pink, and green based neutrals.
Body Shape – Hourglass figures look amazing in fitted wraps and bold prints/colors. Rectangles appear more balanced in cinched waists and sleek vertical patterns. Pear shapes want to draw attention upward with lighter tops and darker bottoms.
Occasion – Formal events call for dark, saturated jewel tones. Casual daytime activities are fun with bright, punchy colors.
Best Dress Colors for Different Occasions
Here are some top color recommendations based on event:
Weddings – Bridesmaid dresses traditionally come in soft, neutral colors like peach, sage green, sky blue, or pale pink. Avoid wearing white if you’re a guest.
Cocktail Parties – Try bolder shades like emerald green, ruby red, cobalt blue, or eggplant purple for nighttime soirées. Metallic sheens also add glam.
Summer Day Events – Choose lightweight chiffon or cotton dresses in cheerful pastels like lemon, lavender, mint, or melon. Florals and prints also say summer.
Date Nights – Rich colors like burgundy, forest green, navy, and wine make romantic date statements. Black is also a classic, sexy choice.
Job Interviews – Stick to navy, gray, black, or other dark neutrals in formal fabrics like tweed or ponte knit. Avoid loud colors/prints.
Best Dress Colors for Your Skin Tone
Picking colors tailored to your complexion ensures you look radiant:
Light & Fair Skin
- Soft corals
- Icy blues
- Cool pinks
- Mint greens
- Lavenders
- Light grays
Medium & Warm Skin
- Camel
- Coral
- Emerald
- Royal blue
- Magenta
- Gold
Deep & Dark Skin
- Jewel tones
- Rich greens
- Berry colors
- Regal purples
- Orange
- Red
Most Flattering Colors for All Skin Tones
Some dress colors look lovely on everyone:
| Color | Why It’s Flattering |
|---|---|
| Navy | Universally slimming and polished |
| White | Clean, crisp, and elegant |
| Blush Pink | Feminine and romantic |
| Black | Sophisticated and timeless |
These classic shades complement all complexions and work for both casual and formal looks. Keep them in mind for foolproof color choices.
Best Dress Colors for Body Shapes
Strategic color placement can enhance or downplay parts of your figure:
Hourglass – Draw the eye upward with a lighter colored top in your best hue. Wear darker bottoms like black, navy, or bold colors.
Rectangle – Soften straight lines with cinched waists, surplice tops, and diagonal stripes/details. Choose curved necklines.
Pear – Lighten the bottom half with neutral or pastel pants/skirts. Direct attention up with a bright blouse in a jewel tone color.
Petite – Stay proportional with high contrast colors like navy tops with white pants. Monochromatic looks in one color lengthen the silhouette.
Most Slimming Dress Colors
Need a dress for a big event? These shades have a slimming effect:
- Black – slims the entire frame
- Navy – makes you look up to 5 lbs lighter
- Dark green – trims the waist and hips
- Burgundy – elongates the body
- Nude – gives an extended, lean effect
Darker, more saturated versions of colors work best for a slim, streamlined look.
Colors to Avoid
Some dress colors are unflattering for most:
- Neon – can make you look washed out
- Brown – drab on many complexions
- Orange – accent color, not for full dresses
- Yellow – very difficult to wear well
- Gray – can be aging and bland
These typically aren’t the most complementary as full dress options. But touches of them as prints or details can work well.
Conclusion
Choosing a dress color is about more than personal preference – it involves considering your own coloring and characteristics. The most flattering shades enhance your best features. Evaluate your undertones, hair color, eyes, shape, and the nature of the event when selecting a dress hue. Go for colors tailored to your look. Those that work with your skin and features will always make you look and feel your very best.