The 4 Colors That Look Good on Literally Everyone
If you grew up looking to your mother for style wisdom, she likely told you at one point that a certain color was simply not good for your skin tone. In 2018, this way of viewing fashion might seem a bit outdated, but the truth remains that there are colors out there that do flatter you more than others. It's even likely that you have one color, in particular, that you've figured out makes you look your best.
As it turns out, there are a few colors that are universally flattering, no matter the natural coloring of your hair and skin tone. To find out what colors look best on all of us, Real Simple tapped into the ultimate say on all things color-related: the executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, Leatrice Eiseman. She shared that there are four colors above all that she thinks look good on everyone. Why is that? “Certain colors flatter all skin tones and hair colors because they provide an equal balance of warm and cool,” Eiseman says. So, which tones are the magic ones that suit us all?
To discover which colors look best on literally everyone, scroll down to see the street style looks that prove it and then shop our picks of each color so you, too, can embrace this universal wisdom.
Blush is a universally flattering shade that also happens to bring out the natural flush in your face, no matter your skin tone.
WHO: Giovanna Battaglia Engelbert
WEAR: Prada shoes; Gabriela Hearst bag
Shop our blush pick:
WHO: Carolina Issa
WEAR: Ayede shoes; Roksanda bag
Eggplant is such a versatile shade, Eiseman says, that it can take the place of a more classic neutral in your wardrobe. This makes it easier for you to start introducing a little more color without going overboard.
Our eggplant pick:
Ah, red. This classic shade complements every skin tone on the spectrum, and it’s great street style photographer bait—if you’re into that.
WHO: Julia Sarr-Jamois
WHO: Teddy Quinlivan
Our red pick:
Teal can be a tough color to start introducing into your wardrobe; the trick is wearing it in ways that feel comfortable to you. Or take a page from the Man Repeller’s book and mix it up with contrasting colors like red.
Our teal pick:
This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Hailing from the heart of the South and cutting her teeth on the mean streets of New York, Meghan has six years of experience covering fashion, style, celebrities, culture, and human behavior. A longtime devotee of rap music, tacos, and generally perfect weather, she is excited to put down roots in Los Angeles. Her top three style staples are a good pair of cutoff shorts, virtually any kind of colorful digi-print, and a solid set of shades.
-
I Live in Brooklyn—These Are the 5 Current Trends I Never See People Wearing
Buzzier than burgundy and suede.
By Natalie Cantell
-
Katie Holmes, Kendall Jenner, and Dua Lipa Just Wore the Rich-Looking Color Trend French Women Love
Classic and chic.
By Judith Jones
-
Hailey Bieber Wore the Pant Color Trend Fashion People in Europe Are Buying in 2024
It's as useful as black.
By Allyson Payer
-
Black Shoes, Watch Out—This Alternative Color Is Chicer, More Elegant, and Just as Classic
Brown *just might* be the new black.
By Copelyn Bengel
-
Sorry, Silver—Sofia Richie Just Wore the Color Trend That'll Dominate in 2025
She's not the only one.
By Eliza Huber
-
The Color Report: Every Shade Worth Remembering From the Spring 2025 Shows
No neutrals here.
By Eliza Huber
-
If You Want to Look On-Trend This Fall, Try These 6 Fresh Color Combos
Enliven your look.
By Judith Jones
-
Kate Middleton Paired 2024's Two Biggest It Colors With Winter's Most Coveted Shoe Trend
She's the definition of seasonally appropriate.
By Allyson Payer