Choosing the right clothing colors can make a huge difference in how radiant and put-together you look. And while we often think about tops and dresses, the color of your pants can be just as impactful. One key element to consider when selecting pants colors is your skin's undertone.
Understanding Your Skin's Undertone
The term "undertone" refers to the subtle hue beneath the surface of your skin. It's different from your skintone, which can change with sun exposure. Your undertone remains fairly constant. The three main categories are warm, cool, and neutral.
Warm Undertones: People with warm undertones often have yellow, golden, or peachy hues in their skin. They may tan easily and might have hints of green in their veins (though vein color isn't always a reliable indicator!).
Cool Undertones: Those with cool undertones have pink, red, or bluish hues in their skin. They may burn more easily in the sun. Their veins might appear more blue.
Neutral Undertones: If you have a mix of warm and cool qualities, or if it's hard to determine whether you lean one way or the other, you likely have neutral undertones. Many people fall into this category.
A simple test is to hold a piece of gold jewelry and a piece of silver jewelry up to your face. Which one makes your skin look brighter and healthier? If gold looks better, you likely have warm undertones. If silver looks better, you likely have cool undertones. If both look equally good, you probably have neutral undertones.
What if I still can't figure out my undertone?
Don't worry! It can be tricky. Another approach is to consider how your skin reacts to the sun. Do you tan easily (warm), burn easily (cool), or tan sometimes and burn sometimes (neutral)? You can also look at your eye color and hair color. People with warm undertones often have brown, hazel, or golden-brown eyes and blonde, red, or golden-brown hair. People with cool undertones often have blue, green, or gray eyes and black, brown, or blonde hair with ashy tones.
Best Pant Colors for Warm Undertones
If you have warm undertones, you'll generally look best in earthy, rich colors. Think of the colors of autumn or a warm sunset.
- Olive Green: This color complements the yellow and golden hues in your skin, creating a harmonious and natural look.
- Mustard Yellow: A warm, muted yellow can brighten your complexion and make you look radiant.
- Rust/Terracotta: These earthy tones enhance the warmth in your skin, creating a grounded and stylish appearance.
- Chocolate Brown: A rich, deep brown is a classic choice that works beautifully with warm undertones. Avoid browns that are too ashy or cool-toned.
- Beige/Camel: Warm neutrals like beige and camel are versatile and flattering. Look for shades with yellow or golden undertones.
Avoid pants in colors that can wash you out, like icy blues, pale pinks, or stark whites. These colors can clash with your warm undertones and make your skin look dull.
Best Pant Colors for Cool Undertones
If you have cool undertones, you'll shine in colors that are icy, cool, and vibrant. Think of the colors of winter or a cool ocean.
- Navy Blue: A classic and sophisticated choice that complements the cool tones in your skin.
- Burgundy/Wine: These rich, deep reds add warmth to your complexion without overwhelming your cool undertones.
- Charcoal Gray: A cool-toned gray is a versatile neutral that works well with cool undertones. Avoid grays that are too warm or beige.
- Emerald Green: A vibrant, jewel-toned green can brighten your complexion and make you look refreshed.
- Powder Blue: A soft, pastel blue is a delicate and flattering choice for cool undertones.
Avoid pants in colors that are too warm or earthy, like mustard yellow, olive green, or terracotta. These colors can clash with your cool undertones and make your skin look sallow.
Best Pant Colors for Neutral Undertones
Lucky you! If you have neutral undertones, you have a wider range of colors to choose from. You can generally wear both warm and cool colors, but you may want to avoid extremes.
- Gray: Both warm and cool grays can work well, depending on the specific shade.
- Olive Green: A versatile color that complements both warm and cool undertones.
- Dusty Rose: A muted pink that adds a touch of color without being too overpowering.
- Teal: A balanced mix of blue and green that complements both warm and cool undertones.
- Black: A classic and versatile neutral that works well with any undertone.
While you have more flexibility, it's still important to consider the overall outfit and your personal preferences. You might find that certain shades within a color family are more flattering than others. Experiment and see what makes you feel your best!
Does this mean I canneverwear a certain color?
Absolutely not! These are just guidelines to help you choose colors that are most likely to be flattering. Fashion is all about personal expression, and you should wear whatever makes you feel confident and comfortable. If you love a color that isn't "supposed" to work with your undertone, go for it! You can always balance it out with other elements in your outfit, such as your top, accessories, or makeup.
Beyond Undertones: Other Factors to Consider When Choosing Pant Colors
While understanding your undertone is a great starting point, it's not the only factor to consider when choosing pant colors. Here are a few other things to keep in mind:
- Your Skin Tone: If you have fair skin, darker colors can create a striking contrast, while lighter colors can create a softer look. If you have deep skin, both light and dark colors can look beautiful, but you may want to avoid colors that are too close to your skin tone.
- The Occasion: Consider where you'll be wearing the pants. For a professional setting, neutrals like black, gray, and navy are always a safe bet. For a more casual occasion, you can experiment with bolder colors and patterns.
- Your Personal Style: Ultimately, the best pant color is one that you love and feel confident wearing. Don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you.
How do I coordinate my pants with other colors in my outfit?
A good starting point is the color wheel. Complementary colors (those opposite each other on the wheel) create a strong contrast and can make your outfit pop. Analogous colors (those next to each other on the wheel) create a more harmonious and blended look. Try pairing a mustard yellow top with navy pants for a complementary look, or an olive green top with beige pants for an analogous look. Don't forget that neutrals like white, black, and gray can be paired with almost any color.
Figuring out how to choose pants colors that flatter your complexion can be a fun and rewarding journey. While considering how different shades complement your inherent undertones is a smart step, remember that style is about experimenting and finding what makesyoufeel fantastic. These suggestions are simply a jumping-off point as you curate your personal wardrobe. So go ahead, play with colors, and discover the shades that bring out your best self!