The Shades That Actually Suit Your Hair Color

Find the palette that will make your look pop.

POSTED BY ANNMARY MAILYAN

When choosing clothing colors, we usually focus on whether we like them or if they suit our skin tone. In reality, hair color matters just as much, influencing how certain shades work on us. When I dyed my hair ginger, for example, I suddenly realized that my favorite burgundy pieces didn’t look as good as they used to. That’s when I understood the importance of taking hair color into account. If you want your outfits to truly pop, all you need to do is follow this simple formula. 

Lush colors for brunettes

If you have brown hair, it’s best to lean into vibrant and saturated hues to create contrast. Think emerald green, navy blue, ruby red, mustard, or orange. Deeper tones like charcoal or black work as well. With shades like these, you won’t need much makeup, as your overall look will already feel bold. You can still wear lighter colors, but consider adding a stronger makeup accent, like smoky eyes or a red lip. 

Pastels for blondes

Light hair often gives off a softer, more delicate appearance. And overly dark shades can feel a bit heavy. That’s why pastels work the best, enhancing that airy, romantic vibe. Opt for white, baby blue, ballerina pink, or cream—just look at Elle Fanning for a reference. If you do want to incorporate darker pieces, balance them with lighter ones, like a black leather jacket with a white shirt. 

Earthy tones for gingers

Ginger hair pairs beautifully with earthy tones, almost as if it was made for them. Muted shades, such as khaki green, beige, grey, olive, or brown, help balance the brightness of the hair while making it appear even richer. They also give the overall look a more refined feel. Bright and saturated colors, on the other hand, can be overpowering here, so it’s best to use them sparingly. 

Rich colors for black and grey hair

If your hair is black or grey, congrats! You have one of the most versatile bases and can easily pull off warm and cool tones, as well as dark and light shades. Still, if you ask me, I feel like rich, deep hues stand out particularly beautifully against darker hair, creating a striking contrast. Neutrals and pastels work just as well: just look at Selena Gomez, Kylie Jenner, or Meryl Streep, who always manage to look effortlessly chic in whatever they wear.

Even though stylists often suggest the same combinations, don’t treat them as strict rules you have to follow. Always experiment to see what works best for you. You may find, for instance, that yellow looks exceptionally well on you, even if you have blonde hair. After all, personal style always goes beyond guidelines. 

And if you’re ready to start experimenting, you’ll find pieces for every hair color in my Fizzypicks.

Atu Body Couture balloon-sleeve chiffon blouse

ATU BODY COUTURE 
Balloon-Sleeve Chiffon Blouse 
$428

 

Alex Perry one-shoulder satin dress

ALEX PERRY 
One-Shoulder Satin Dress 
$3758 

 

Herno drawstring-waist trousers

HERNO 
Drawstring-Waist Trousers 
$285

 

Maison Margiela single-breasted twill blazer

MAISON MARGIELA 
Single-Breasted Twill Blazer 
$2133

 

TOMBOY Unbalanced shirt

TOMBOY 
Unbalanced Shirt 
$186

 

AREA crystal-knot cardigan

AREA 
Crystal-Knot Cardigan 
$958

 

Fabiana Filippi double-breasted blazer

FABIANA FILIPPI 
Double-Breasted Blazer 
$1379

 

Blanca Vita elasticated flared skirt

BLANCA VITA 
Elasticated Flared Skirt 
$314

 

Elisabetta Franchi V-neck midi dress

ELISABETTA FRANCHI 
V-Neck Midi Dress 
$441

 

moms pants pleated wool trousers

MOMS PANTS 
Pleated Wool Trousers 
$381

 

MUTEDANCE floral-jacquard top

MUTEDANCE 
Floral-Jacquard Top 
$449

 

Forte Forte tailored shorts

FORTE FORTE 
Tailored Shorts 
$304

 

Semicouture crochet knit cardigan

SEMICOUTURE 
Crochet Knit Cardigan 
$268

 

PINKO ring beige dress

PINKO 
Ring Beige Dress 
$248

 

Paloma Wool Don buttoned T-shirt

 PALOMA WOOL 
Don Buttoned T-Shirt 
$239

 

NISSA mesh midi dress

NISSA 
Mesh Midi Dress 
$577

 

Mini Cream plaid shirt

MINI CREAM 
Plaid Shirt 
$145

 

De La Vali Avenue feather-trim minidress

DE LA VALI 
Avenue Feather-Trim Minidress 
$599

 

Pink Filosofy Matthiola T-shirt

PINK Filosofy 
Matthiola T-Shirt 
$300

 

Lygia & Nanny belted shirt midi day dress

LYGIA & NANNY 
Belted Shirt Midi Day Dress 
$159

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