Which Red Flatters Your Skin Tone?
Start With Your Skin’s Undertone
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
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
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
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
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 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
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 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 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 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
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.