While color theory has been around for decades, we still haven’t run out of ways to use it in various industries. The fashion industry uses the principles of color theory – and the color wheel it’s based on – to determine the combinations that will be the most complementary and eye-catching. There’s a lot of information involved in color theory but you can whip up an excellent outfit with just the basics. To start you off, these are some of the best summer colors for brown skin based on color theory.
10 Summer Colors For You
1. Lavender
While purple shades are usually meant for the cooler seasons, lavender is the exception. A lavender dress can work for formal or semi-formal occasions while you can opt for a top or T-shirt in casual settings.
2. Orange
This color perfectly complements black and brown skin. It’s also meant for those who want to stand out. You can fully embrace it with an orange dress or tone it down by pairing an orange top with a more subtle bottom.
3. Pink
With this color, you can choose light or bright pink and anything in between depending on your skin tone. Tops and dresses are the most likely options for pink, though.
4. Blue
This is good news for those who like blue. Usually, darker blues work well with dark skin tones while the opposite is true for light blue. As usual, though, you should try different items to see what makes your skin pop. Better yet, blue bottoms give you the chance to try new outfit combinations.
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5. White
According to the experts, white is an excellent option for every shade of brown and black. You also have options for dresses, bottoms, tops, and full outfits depending on the occasion.
6. Light Yellow
Light yellow is another spring color that transitions well to summer – especially when it comes to darker skin tones. While it can make lighter skin tones look washed out, light yellow has the opposite effect on dark skin. Wearing a light yellow top or dress makes you look vibrant.
7. Red
This is another bold color that was made for darker skin tones. Much like orange, dresses and tops are your best bet when it comes to red.
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8. Green
Some people will opt for light green but an emerald green dress suits formal occasions quite well. Both light and dark green can work for tops but if you’re looking for a bottom, light green is better.
9. Maroon
You might not associate this darker color with summer but when paired with a lighter one, it makes a stylish combination. For example, a maroon top with a white bottom works well.
10. Mustard
Mustard is one of those colors that is best when combined with something less prominent so consider a mustard-hued top with a plain bottom.
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The Basics of Color Theory
Color theory is based on the color wheel that has been around since 1655. The color wheel shows the relationship between primary, secondary, and tertiary colors. While it’s been helpful for many industries, it’s applicable in fashion too. You can use color theory to determine which colors are a good match for you based on your skin tone.
It can get a little complicated but skin tones are classified as warm, cool, or neutral. One test to determine which you are is to look at the veins in your palm. If they appear blue or purple, you’re cool. People whose veins look green are warm. If you can’t tell the difference, you’re likely neutral.
With this information, you can find colors from each season that suit you. For example, a dark-skinned person with a warm skin tone might look great in yellow for summer while navy blue would be a good match for someone with a cool skin tone.
How About Mixing Things Up?
If you’re open to adding even more pizzazz to your summer outfits, you can try mixing things up with the colors that suit you. One great way to do this is through African-style clothing. You can find colors that complement your skin tone and intricate prints that add an extra oomph to your look. These clothes are also made from a fabric that’s 100% cotton, which makes them a great pick for your cotton wardrobe. You can be stylish and cool at the same time. Better yet, you can choose an entire outfit or combine one piece of clothing with something plain.
Summer calls for pretty colors that complement your skin while keeping you cool and this list is a great place to start. If you’re ready to kick your fashion up a notch, consider some African-style clothing that will often combine complementary colors.
