What Does It Mean When A Color Washes You Out? Tips For Finding Your Most Flattering Shades

Understanding Color Temperature

In color theory, colors are categorized by their temperature - either warm or cool. Warm colors include shades like yellow, orange, red and brown. Cool colors include shades like blue, green, purple and pink. When a color washes you out, it usually means you're wearing a shade that is too far towards the opposite side of your natural coloring's temperature.

For example, if you have warm toned skin, hair and eyes, wearing cool toned colors can make you look drained and muted. The shade doesn't mesh well with your natural features and undertones. Similarly if you have cool toned features, wearing very warm colors can wash you out in the same way. The key is finding shades that complement your natural temperature.

Determining Your Color Temperature

How do you know if your features are warm or cool toned? Here are some tips:

• Warm skin tones often have yellow, peach or golden undertones.
• Cool skin tones often have pink, red or blue undertones.
• Warm hair colors include golden blonde, strawberry blonde, auburn and warm brown.
• Cool hair colors include ash blonde, dark brown and black.
• Warm eyes are often green, hazel or amber.
• Cool eyes are often blue, gray or dark brown.

You can also do a test by looking at the colors you naturally gravitate towards. The shades you're most drawn to likely complement your temperature.

How Color Temperature Affects Your Appearance

So how exactly does wearing the wrong color temperature wash you out?

Low Contrast

When your clothing color matches too closely with your natural skin, hair and eye color, it creates low contrast. This lack of contrast washes you out and makes your features look muddy.

For example, someone with fair, cool-toned skin can look washed out in a pale pink shirt. The pink shirt blends too seamlessly with the fair skin, rather than complementing and enhancing it.

Draining Effect

The wrong color temperature can make your skin tone appear dull and drained of vibrancy. Warm tones illuminate warm complexions, while cool tones illuminate cool complexions.

Wearing a starkly opposing temperature has an opposite, draining effect. Think of a warm-toned person wearing a cool bright white - this can make the skin look sallow rather than glowing.

Muddy Combinations

When you combine colors from the opposite sides of the temperature spectrum, it can look jarring and muddy. For example, warm-toned skin with a cool-toned pink lipstick or blush. To avoid this washed out look, make sure your makeup colors match your natural undertones.

Overpowering Effect

Some pigmented shades like neon brights and extremely warm tones can overpower your natural features, also creating a washed out effect. Soft muted shades or dusty versions of colors are less likely to do this.

Tips to Find Flattering Colors

Ready to revive your wardrobe and avoid washed out colors? Here are some tips:

Analyze Your Undertones

Spend time looking at your skin, eyes and hair in natural lighting. What undertones do you see? This will reveal if you are warmer or cooler toned.

Drape Fabrics Against Your Neck

Hold various colored fabrics up to your neck or face. Does the color seem to illuminate your skin or make it look sallow? Go with shades that bring out a glow.

Do A Color Analysis

Work with a color consultant who can analyze your tones and create a custom color palette. They can save you time and recommend shades specifically for you.

Test Small First

Try wearing a new color in a small way first, like a scarf or shirt. See how the shade interacts with your tones before committing to a larger purchase.

Accessories Can Tie Looks Together

Ground an outfit by choosing accessories in your most flattering colors. For example, warm toned shoes can balance out a cool toned dress.

Examples of Washed Out Colors

Seeing some visual examples can help illustrate when colors can wash you out. Here are some common mismatches:

• Warm olive skin tone with a cool pastel pink top
• Golden undertones with a bright icy white shirt
• Fair skin with beige or tan clothing
• Light warm brown hair with a jet black outfit
• Pink flushed cheeks with a vibrant orange dress

Of course skin tones fall on a spectrum and combinations depend on the individual. But in general wearing colors on the opposite temperature spectrum of your natural tones carries the risk of a washed out look.

How to Make Washed Out Colors Work

Can you ever make a washed out color work? With the right styling, sometimes color mismatches can look purposeful. Here's how:

Neutrals Bring Balance

Ground the outfit with neutral pieces, like black and white, which go with both warm and cool shades. Neutrals anchor the look and tone down the contrast.

Repeat A Color to Tie It Together

Add depth by repeating the washed out color in accessories or layers. Different textures also help marry the shade with your tones.

Make it Monochrome

Leaning into a single color look can minimize the washed out effect. Staying in one color family adds harmony.

Distract With Patterns or Details

Direct attention away from color mismatches by using eye-catching patterns, embellishments, prints or textures. These elements dazzle the eye.

Finding Your Color Palette

Determining your most flattering, non-washed out colors ultimately requires analyzing how different shades interact with your skin, eyes and hair. While confusing at first, learning your color palette can make getting dressed effortless. You'll reach for shades that you know will compliment your features and glow on you. Say goodbye to washed out looks!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.