Turning Your Skin into a Style Power Move
- Tom Goedhart
- Mar 26, 2016
- 2 min read
Updated: Dec 20, 2024
They say fair-skinned folks can pull off any color, but that’s not quite true. If you have fair skin and reach for white or light gray, you might just blend into the background - a look you’ll want to avoid. Great clothing should make you stand out, accentuating your features without letting your outfit overshadow them.
The Key Rule: Steer clear of shades too close to your skin tone, especially for tops. If you go light, balance it out with darker shades like black, charcoal, burgundy, or navy for contrast. Here’s a quick breakdown of what works:

Skip the Pastels
Light pinks, ivories, and pastels might look fine on models, but they’re trickier to pull off in everyday wear. A darker, contrast-rich palette will suit you better.

If You Go Dark Up Top…
Opt for one of the classic combinations mentioned above for an effortlessly sharp look. Darker tops draw attention to your face without washing you out.

If you want to wear a dark-colored shirt, choose one of the three easy outfit combinations above.
Brighten with Light Bottoms
White, beige, or light gray pants work wonders, drawing the eye upward - an ideal trick for adding visual height. Match them with a dark top for a clean, balanced look.

You can also wear trousers in a contrasting color to the shirt if you want to stand out a bit.
Go Bold for Summer
Pair a sky-blue shirt with rich, warm-toned pants like burgundy, burnt orange, or pink. Keep the tones balanced - a darker top with a slightly lighter bottom - to avoid looking like a color-blocked signal post.

Deep Blues and Burgundies for the Win
Dark pants, especially in deep blue or burgundy, complement fair skin perfectly. For white tops, try options with colored patterns to break up the lightness and avoid that “blending in” effect.
Graphic Tees as a Go-To
Graphic tees add personality but remember to keep them appropriate for the occasion.
These simple tips can help you create a wardrobe that truly complements fair skin.
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