Colors for Brown Eyes

So much of looking good has to do with accentuating our natural assets. Hair, skin and eyes are our most dominant features so complementing them is rule #1 when building a flattering wardrobe. Harmonizing wardrobe to eye color is especially important since it has the ability to draw the gaze up and command attention on the face. That’s a pretty persuasive tool! Since brown is a universally flattering color, brown eyes are the easiest to complement. Depending upon what you want to communicate, here are some pointers for wardrobe colors that pair best with brown eyes:

1. Greens
   Green is perhaps the most balancing and complementary contrast color for brown eyes. From mint to emerald to olive, greens harmonize and brighten brown eyes in a way that brings them to life. Go for earthy hues like greenish-khaki and moss for a grounding look that’s casual and disarming, or amp up the drama with kelly, emerald or spring green for a high-energy, vivacious vibe. When in doubt wear olive green to create a neutral-on-neutral pairing that’s subtle yet still complementary.

2. Blues
   After green, blue is the most complementary color to brown eyes. The full range of blues — from baby blue to turquoise to cobalt — will make brown eyes stand out. The softer you want to appear, the softer the blue should be — think aqua, celadon or sky blue. If you want to make a power statement, choose stronger blues like turquoise, lapis or navy. For a neutral statement, choose middle of the road hues like periwinkle, teal, denim or nautical blue if you want to play it safe.

3. Whites
   If you want to present as formal and serious, then create a high-contrast look by wearing white. From ivory to oatmeal to optic white, all whites connect to the iris, keeping the color palette neutral while having a darkening effect to brown eyes. This presents as striking and strong so when you want to assert authority and power, wear white.

4. Red
   Red is a statement-making hue and matching with brown is no different. The bold pairing creates a deep, dark color palette which communicates drama and mystery. If the goal is to be bold yet approachable, wear cheerful orangey-red to portray warmth. Conversely, cool blue-reds like oxblood, garnet and crimson will present as “standoffish” and distant.

5. Pastels
   Pastels and brown make a gorgeous pairing. The soft pastel hues highlight chocolate eyes as the star of the show by adding just the right amount of color without competing with, or overpowering, brown. If your skin has warm yellow undertones, wear peachy and apricot hues. If your skin has more blue undertones, try icy blues, lavenders and soft pinks. When in doubt, wear mint green which is a universally flattering color that looks great on everyone.

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