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  1. Real Simple
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  4. Which Red Flatters Your Skin Tone?

Which Red Flatters Your Skin Tone?

By Yolanda Wikiel Updated August 10, 2010
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Women wearing red
Credit: Deborah Jaffe
How to find the right shade—from raspberry to tomato—for your complexion.
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Start With Your Skin’s Undertone

Women wearing red
Credit: Deborah Jaffe

First, determine whether your skin's undertone is warm or cool. There are two easy way to decide that: See whether you look better in silver or gold jewelry, or whether you look better in pure white or in ivory.


  • If silver jewelry—or, say, a bright white T-shirt—is more flattering, your skin’s undertone is cool.
  • If gold jewelry complements your complexion, your skin’s undertone is warm, which means ivory likely looks better on it than white.

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If Your Skin Is Cool

Breezy Polkas Cardigan
Credit: Anthropologie

Try pink- and blue-based reds, like cherry red, ruby, crimson, and strawberry.

Breezy Polkas Cardigan by Anthropologie
Black-and-white polka dots are as classic as the color red, so when they come together in this linen-blend sweater, the result is completely charming.

To buy: $98, anthropologie.com.

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For Cool-Toned Skin

Maya Topper by Jessica Simpson
Credit: Nordstrom

Maya Topper by Jessica Simpson
Work, weekend, or evening, top off all your fall looks with a stylish belted jacket made of a sleek polyester blend.

To buy: $138, nordstrom.com.

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For Cool-Toned Skin

Ruffle Collar Tank Top by Ann Taylor
Credit: Ann Taylor

Ruffle Collar Tank Top by Ann Taylor
The flouncy ruffles of this cotton-blend top soften the drama of a look-at-me-color.

To buy: $30, anntaylor.com.

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For Cool-Toned Skin

Ponte Dress by Calvin Klein
Credit: Dillards

Ponte Dress by Calvin Klein
Rely on this confidence-boosting tiered sheath made of a polyester blend when you want to look your best.

To buy: $118, dillards.com.

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For Cool-Toned Skin

Starr heels by Kensie Girl
Credit: Zappos

Starr by Kensie Girl
If you’re apprehensive about pulling off bright red, try an accessory away from the face. These cherry patent-leather pumps easily match anything from navy to green to brown to gray.

To buy: $49, zappos.com.

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If Your Skin Is Warm

Flutter Silk Dress by Loft
Credit: Ann Taylor Loft

Try yellow- and orange-based reds, such as fire-engine red, poppy, tomato red, and maroon.

Flutter Silk Dress by Loft
Tone down the cha-cha–ness of a silky red dress with a rugged brown belt and suede booties. As the weather gets chillier, simply slip on a gray cardigan and tights.

To buy: $128, anntaylorloft.com.

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For Warm-Toned Skin

Ikat Scarf Border by Echo
Credit: Echo Design

Ikat Scarf With Zig Zag Border by Echo
Bring out the color in your cheeks simply by tying on this gorgeous ethnic-inspired rayon scarf.

To buy: $42, echodesign.com.

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For Warm-Toned Skin

Luxe Stretch Tee by Express
Credit: Express

Luxe Stretch Rouched-Sleeve Tee by Express
This affordable cotton-blend top makes experimenting with a new shade less of a risk.

To buy: $30, express.com.

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For Warm-Toned Skin

Knee length See skirt
Credit: Yoox

Knee-Length Skirt by See by Chloe
Slip on a pencil skirt in a fiery shade to instantly turn up the heat on a basic button-down top or simple sweater.

To buy: $118, yoox.com.

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For Warm-Toned Skin

Dial Watch by AK Anne Klein
Credit: wristwatch.com

Red Strap Mother-of-Pearl Dial Watch by AK Anne Klein
Wish you could add a touch of red to every outfit? Strap on this go-with-everything watch with a bold band.

To buy: $55, wristwatch.com.

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    1 of 11 Start With Your Skin’s Undertone
    2 of 11 If Your Skin Is Cool
    3 of 11 For Cool-Toned Skin
    4 of 11 For Cool-Toned Skin
    5 of 11 For Cool-Toned Skin
    6 of 11 For Cool-Toned Skin
    7 of 11 If Your Skin Is Warm
    8 of 11 For Warm-Toned Skin
    9 of 11 For Warm-Toned Skin
    10 of 11 For Warm-Toned Skin
    11 of 11 For Warm-Toned Skin

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