How to Add a Splash of Color, Sparkle and Dazzle to Your Wardrobe

Any woman who has worn a red dress or blue nail polish knows the power of color. One shade may make her feel powerful and glamorous, the other edgy and cool. Without getting too New Agey about color psychology, auras or forecasting trends, let’s confirm what we all know from our own style history: Wearing a hue (or two) can make all the difference between fine and fabulous! Here’s exactly how to do it:

Left to right: Alfre Woodard, Andie MacDowell, Sheryl Lee Ralph and Vivica A. Fox

Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for BET+; Araya Doheny/WireImage; Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic; Arnold Turner/Getty Images for ESSENCE

1. Know which colors flatter your skin

It doesn’t matter whether magenta, ’90s beige or Barbie pink is trending on social. You deserve more from the colors you wear. Think about the brightening effect the right shade of foundation or lipstick has on your looks. It is the same thing with clothes. There are no rules, but use how you select makeup, jewelry and neutrals as a guideline. In general complexions with warm undertones, a preference for gold jewelry and sunny neutrals such as beige, camel, khaki or brown will be flattered by orangey reds, coral, yellow, fruity greens and aqua blues. Those with cool undertones, a preference for silver jewelry and cool neutrals such as navy and gray can’t go wrong with cobalt and sky blue, lavender, mint, rosy pinks, violet and blue-reds. The skin tone/color synchronicity is most useful in clothing worn near the face such as a top or dress, but don’t let that stop you! If your color crush doesn’t flatter your skin, wear it at a distance in pants, a skirt or even a pair of shoes. The whole crayon box is yours.

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Left to right: Banana Republic The Oversized Linen Shirt in Trailblazing Red-Orange ($100, bananarepublic.gap.com); Vince Camuto Ruffle Sleeve Split Neck Blouse in Hot Pink ($40, nordstrom.com); Ann Taylor Linen Blend Boatneck Blouse in Blue Isle ($90, anntaylor.com)

Banana Republic; Nordstrom; Ann Taylor

2. Audition color in a top first 

Some say accessories are the best tryout, but tees and button-downs provide a goof-proof way to audition color. That’s because others see us mostly waist up — on screens, behind a desk, over a tabletop or face-to-face on the street or at a party. An “I love that color on you” compliment is the ultimate thumbs-up. Remember: There’s a whole palette of shades for each color from dark to light, soft to bright, so be selective. For example, test-driving a butter yellow might be easier than diving into a vivid sunflower shade for those who are color shy. Love it in a top? Buy it in a dress!

Left to right: Linen Blend Wild Tomato ($198, anntaylor.com); Eloquii Neoprene Pencil Skirt in Lollipop ($29, eloquii.com); H&M Balloon Sleeved Cotton Dress in Bright Blue/Patterned ($40, hm.com/en_us); New York & Company Notch-Collar Belted Flare Dress-Fit to Flatter in Araucana Blue ($40, nyandcompany.com)

Ann Taylor; Eloquii; H&M; New York & Company

3. Red and blue will never fail you 

Looking for brights to add spark to black pants and white shirts or tees? Want a colorful dress to wear with light-toned bags and sandals? Right now, the entire range of blues and reds — warm and cool, solids and prints — happen to be a major trend and for a good reason. They’re always fashionable, easy to find and work well with any neutral from black to beige. They are stylish pretty much year-round, slip seamlessly into trendy, classic and casual wardrobes and won’t leave you with buyer’s remorse. You can’t go wrong.