Does the color palette matter most when colors are near my face? I have lots of black and white but want to declutter and look fresher.
When you want to wear black or other neutral pieces outside your personal palette, the most important thing is to keep them further from your face. The colors closest to your face have the greatest impact on your overall appearance – they can add radiance and enhance your features or make you look more tired.
Tips for wearing black in a flattering way
- Wear black on your lower half. Pants, skirts, and shoes are easy choices because they don’t compete with the colors around your face.
- Layer up. If you’re wearing a black top or dress, add a scarf, cardigan, or jacket in one of your palette colors near your face. This breaks up the black and draws focus to the colors that flatter you most.
- Choose softer shades. Try dark gray, navy, or a slightly washed-out black instead of jet black. They’re less harsh against the skin but give the same elegant feel.
- Adjust makeup and hair. A lipstick or eyeshadow in one of your best colors can brighten your face, and the right hair shade also helps balance the black.
- Avoid large black areas near the face. High-necked or all-black garments without details can feel harsh. Go for a more open neckline or details that catch the eye.
Why does this work?
Keeping black away from your face gives the colors in your palette more room to enhance your skin. By placing these colors nearest to your face – in tops, jackets, makeup, and accessories – you create a fresher, more harmonious overall look. That way, you don’t need to get rid of your black basics, but you can still add more life to your outfit.
Clearing out all your black pieces doesn’t have to be the goal. Focus on where you place the color and how you combine it with your most flattering shades. This way, you can keep your favorite pieces while still looking fresh and well-dressed.
Read more about how to use a physical color chart to find the right shades. Need personal guidance? Book our Bespoke Analysis.