Does the colour palette matter most when colours 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 colours 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 colours 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 colours near your face. This breaks up the black and draws focus to the colours that flatter you most.
- Choose softer shades. Try dark grey, 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 colours 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 colours in your palette more room to enhance your skin. By placing these colours 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 colour and how you combine it with your most flattering shades. This way, you can keep your favourite pieces while still looking fresh and well-dressed.
Keep your season’s shades on your phone with a digital colour palette to find the right ones while you shop. Need personal guidance? Book our Bespoke Analysis.