Shopping color for wardrobe can be daunting. There’s a lot to consider, starting with a hue’s undertone (cool, warm or neutral). Then there’s a color’s value which defines its depth from light (pastels) to dark (shades). Next is chroma (AKA “intensity”), the element that measures a color’s purity (clear/bright vs. soft/muted). And, finally, the daunting part — matching all these elements of color to your own personal palette. If color doesn’t come naturally, you’re not alone. Universally flattering colors to the rescue! Here are some “safe” hues that are guaranteed to complement all undertones, values and chroma of everyone, everywhere:

1. Coral
   Coral is not only a cheerful hue, it’s neutral in temperature which makes it flatter all complexions. It pairs beautifully with warm neutrals like camel, cream and tobacco, as well as cool ones like charcoal, midnight blue and black. Thinking ahead to the holiday season, team coral with either gold or silver metallic for a festive look!

2. Violet
   Violet strikes the perfect balance between not too light (lavender) and not too dark (purple), making it complement any undertone. It’s also neutral in temperature so supports bright, clear features while not overpowering muted ones. Like coral, violet is an all-season hue that works well with universally flattering neutrals like taupe, pewter and stone.

3. Periwinkle
   In a no-man’s land of neither blue nor purple, periwinkle is indeed its own color. Slightly lighter and brighter than violet, periwinkle is best described as “pale indigo”. Elegant yet casual, it has a fresh, clean feel that presents as more peppy than a neutral but less dramatic than a statement color. Periwinkle makes a great base color in patterns and prints, so look for periwinkle checked shirting, bucolic toiles or romantic florals and enjoy how well it pairs with white.

4. Watermelon Red
   Acting as a chameleon, watermelon red has range. It’s a middle-of-the-road hue that presents as part red, part pink and part coral. It’s less attention-seeking as traditional reds too, so not meant to be taken as seriously. Watermelon red makes for an excellent color in warmer climates, so consider it for sundresses, swimsuits, tops and tees on your next exotic getaway.

5. True Red
   True red is the ultimate statement-making accent color that packs a big punch. Neutral in temperature, it’s an excellent power-player hue for both warm and cool undertones alike, and for either women or men. Let it be the star of the show as a head-to-toe monochrome look (hello, red revenge dress!) or as a supporting role as an accessories “pop” of color — handbag, shoes, lip or nail color. And remember the psychological benefits of wearing red are real. Studies show it not only boosts self-esteem, confidence and attractiveness, red is scientifically proven to increase heart rates too. Va-va-voom!

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