Royal blue is a rich, deep shade of blue that has long been associated with royalty and elegance. While historically only members of royal families could wear the color, today anyone can incorporate royal blue into their wardrobe. The key is choosing the right shades and tones to complement your complexion. Read on to learn more about who can pull off royal blue clothing and accessories.
How to Choose the Right Royal Blue
Royal blue encompasses a wide range of shades and intensities. The trick is to find the undertone that flatters your skin tone:
- Cool blues with purple or gray undertones suit fair and pink skin tones.
- Bright royal blues work for warm medium to tan complexions.
- Deeper, navy-tinged royal blues flatter darker complexions.
You’ll also want to match the color saturation to your contrast level. Softer, muted royal blues suit low contrast complexions, while those with high contrast can pull off bold, saturated shades.
Royal Blue for Fair Skin
Those with fair skin look best in royal blues with a cool, pinkish undertone. Choosing a muted shade prevents the color from overwhelming your complexion. Try a pastel royal blue or dusty periwinkle blue.
Best Shades for Fair Skin
| Shade Name | Hex Code |
|---|---|
| Pastel Royal Blue | #819FF7 |
| Dusty Blue | #B6B6D2 |
| Periwinkle Blue | #C3CDE6 |
Soft, muted royal blues like these bring out the pink undertones in fair skin. Flowy pastel blue dresses, tops and accessories will make you shine.
Royal Blue for Medium Skin
Those with warm, peachy medium complexions can wear a wider range of royal blues. Go for bright shades with blue, red or purple undertones. Royal blue pops against golden medium skin while still looking elegant.
Best Shades for Medium Skin
| Shade Name | Hex Code |
|---|---|
| Majorelle Blue | #536895 |
| Sapphire Blue | #0F52BA |
| Jacarta Blue | #3C91E6 |
These bright, jewel-toned blues make medium skin glow. From bold jacarta blue dresses to rich sapphire coats, they create striking looks.
Royal Blue for Olive Skin
Olive complexions should avoid royal blues with cool undertones, which can clash with greenish skin. Warm shades with a touch of purple or red boost radiance. Aim for rich royal blues with lots of depth.
Best Shades for Olive Skin
| Shade Name | Hex Code |
|---|---|
| Persian Blue | #1C39BB |
| Egyptian Blue | #1034A6 |
| Midnight Blue | #003366 |
Deep shades like midnight blue and Persian blue make olive skin glow. They contrast beautifully while minimizing any ruddiness in the complexion.
Royal Blue for Tan Skin
Bold, bright royal blues flatter tan and dark skin equally. Go for highly saturated shades with blue or purple undertones. Royal blue dresses, jackets, pants and accessories pop against rich tan skin.
Best Shades for Tan Skin
| Shade Name | Hex Code |
|---|---|
| Maya Blue | #73C2FB |
| Majorelle Blue | #536895 |
| Egyptian Blue | #1034A6 |
Vibrant shades like Maya blue and Majorelle blue make tan skin glow. Wear them in sleek dresses, printed blouses and statement accessories.
Royal Blue for Dark Skin
Women with rich, dark complexions look gorgeous in deeply saturated royal blues. Avoid shades with obvious red undertones, which can make dark skin appear ruddy. Stick to true royal blues with hints of purple or blue instead.
Best Shades for Dark Skin
| Shade Name | Hex Code |
|---|---|
| Yves Klein Blue | #002FA7 |
| International Klein Blue | #002FA7 |
| Resolution Blue | #002395 |
Deep indigo blues like Yves Klein blue make dark skin glow. Wear it in dresses, jumpsuits, coats and handbags for striking sophistication.
How to Wear Royal Blue
Once you’ve chosen the right royal blue shade for your complexion, it’s time to start styling! Here are tips for wearing it:
- Use royal blue as a neutral – Pair it with beiges, whites, blacks and grays.
- Mix textures – Try a satin royal blue skirt with a chambray top.
- Add metallic accessories – Gold and silver jewelry pops against royal blue.
- Use it sparingly – A little royal blue goes a long way, so stick to one statement piece.
Some chic ways to wear royal blue include:
- A royal blue pantsuit for the office
- A royal blue coat paired with jeans
- A royal blue dress with nude heels
- Royal blue heels with an LBD
Royal Blue Makeup
In addition to clothing, royal blue makes a gorgeous makeup shade. It contrasts stunningly with all skin tones. Some ways to wear it:
- Royal blue eyeliner or mascara
- Matte royal blue lipstick
- Royal blue eyeshadow or liner
- Navy blue nail polish
When wearing royal blue makeup, keep the rest of your look muted and minimal. Let the pop of blue be the star.
Conclusion
Royal blue flatters and pops against all complexions when you choose the right undertone. Fair skin looks best in cool, muted royal blues. Medium skin suits bright jewel-toned shades. Olive complexions are complemented by deep royal blues with purple or red undertones. And dark skin looks gorgeous in rich indigo blues.
Incorporate this regal shade into your wardrobe through dresses, coats, pants, blouses, accessories and makeup. Just stick to one statement piece so your look doesn’t go overboard. With the right hue and styling, you’ll look royally beautiful in royal blue.