Wondering what colors look good on olive skin tone? Then I got to brag!
As a beauty expert, I’ve learned how specific colors — including orange, purple, and turquoise – transformed my olive skin into a real showpiece [3]!
In this article, you’ll get a breakdown of the 14 perfect colors to complement your olive skin to the absolute MAX – Plus, I’ll get into what clothes to wear and some awesome combos!
So keep scrolling to turn yourself into an olive-skinned Mona Lisa!
Here are a few of my favorites:
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Orange hues bring out the warmth in olive skin, offering a sun-kissed glow that’s perfect for any season.
- Purple shades, especially deeper ones, provide a stunning contrast that highlights olive skin’s natural undertones.
- Turquoise works like a charm to enhance the greenish undertones often found in olive skin, creating a harmonious and vibrant look.
14 Sizzling Color Combos For Olive Skin Beauties
For those with olive skin tones, welcoming vibrant oranges, deep purples, and refreshing turquoise will do wonders for you! These colors complement the natural warmth of your skin, ensuring you shine in every outfit.
Let’s skip ahead to our first pick!
1. Orange
The best colors for olive skin (1) are either a little lighter or darker than the middle ground. This way, the colors won’t wash you out.
With that being said, a great color for this complexion is orange. It’s a happy color that will make you look vibrant and alive.
Plus, it looks great with all kinds of makeup – from natural to smoky eyes.
If you need an idea of how orange looks on undertones in olive skin, think of celebrities with olive skin like Jessica Alba or Enrique Iglesias.
Not sure if your skin tone is olive? Watch the video below:
2. Purple
Another color that looks great on warm undertones like olive is purple. It’s a feminine color that will make you look pretty and approachable.
And like orange, it goes great with all different types of makeup. So whether you’re going for a natural look or something more dramatic, purple is a great choice.
3. Turquoise
If you’re looking for colors for olive skin tones that are a little more unique, try turquoise. It’s a beautiful color that looks great on all skin tones, especially olive skin.
And it’s a great way to add a pop of color to your outfit without being too over-the-top.
4. Chocolate Brown
I don’t know about you, but I love olive skin tone colors that are a little unexpected. And one of my favorites is chocolate brown.
It’s a rich, deep color that looks great on warm undertones, and it’s perfect for fall and winter. Plus, it goes well with other colors, so you can really mix and match.
5. Warm Greens
Another excellent color for golden undertones is warm greens. This can be anything from deep forest green to a brighter Kelly green.
Warm greens are great because they make your eyes pop, and they look beautiful with all sorts of hair colors.
If you’re looking for a color that’s both unique and flattering, warm greens are worth trying.
Here’s our list of the best hair color for olive skin.
6. Creamy Whites
Other colors that look good on olive skin are creamy whites. These colors are great for spring and summer and can really brighten up your face.
Creamy whites are also versatile, so they go well with many different colors. Creamy whites are a great option if you’re looking for a classic and flattering color.
7. Magenta
You’ll also not go wrong with magenta. This color is perfect if you want to make a statement, and it looks great on dark skin tones. [5]
Besides, it’s a perfect color for summer, so you’ll be able to wear it all season long.
8. Red
Ah red! One of many people’s favorite colors. It’s bold, powerful, and looks amazing on people with olive skin and dark hair.
Professor David Perrett, a lead scientist from the School of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of St Andrews, shares the truth:
“Our research reveals that people have strong preferences for red and blue clothing. [4]”
So, if you’re looking for a color that will really turn heads, red is the way to go. Just be warned, you might get a lot of compliments (which is never a bad thing).
Related: Does Red Hair Look Good on Olive Skin?
9. Golden Yellow
It’s a happy color that will definitely stand out, but it’s not quite as in-your-face as red.
10. Cobalt Blue
Ready for a wardrobe revolution? Cobalt blue’s vibrant, noble charm is a knockout against olive skin, spotlighting its warm undertones.
This adaptable shade is your new ally for both spontaneous day trips and high-class evening affairs.
Mix and match it with an array of complementary hues to make your olive skin sing and look like MAGIC!
11. Coral Charm
Dive into coral’s warm vibrance for a daily dazzle or a bold statement. Its compatibility with bronze and copper tones brings out the best in olive complexions.
Coral, with its warm vibrance and lively hues, is a color that can truly enhance the beauty of olive skin tones.
Whether you want to add a pop of color to your everyday look or make a bold statement for a special occasion, coral is an excellent choice.
One of the reasons why coral looks so stunning on olive skin is its compatibility with bronze and copper tones.
To use it with olive skin, start by incorporating coral into your makeup routine. A coral blush can give your cheeks a natural flush and add a touch of warmth to your complexion.
Pair it with a bronze or copper eyeshadow for a cohesive look that brings out the best in your olive skin.
PRO TIP: If you’re looking to make a bolder statement, try wearing coral lipstick or lip gloss.
12. Bronze Brilliance
Embrace the sun-kissed allure of bronze. In fact, this metallic wonder adds a sophisticated glow, perfect for creating a look that stands out.
If you’re an olive skin beauty (I see you!), bronze is an absolute showstopper.
The warm undertones of olive skin complement the rich, golden hues of bronze, creating a stunning contrast that enhances your natural beauty.
Preparing for a glamorous evening event? Here’s a creative spin: add a touch of radiance to your everyday look. Tossing bronze into your makeup routine or wardrobe can instantly elevate your style.
You can create a simple, everyday look by applying a light bronze shade all over the lid and blending it out towards the crease.
13. Green
Does green look good on olive skin? Yes, without a doubt.
Green, especially in warmer shades like olive or emerald, enhances olive skin’s natural golden undertones.
It’s a color that resonates with the earthy aspects of olive skin, providing a natural, harmonious look.
To add, green also complements the warm undertones of olive skin, creating a beautiful contrast that can make the skin appear even more radiant and glowing.
14. Blue
Blue offers a refreshing contrast to the warm undertones of olive skin, especially in vibrant shades like cobalt or softer tones like sky blue.
In fact, it brings a cool balance, making the skin appear brighter and more radiant.
To use olive skin, opt for blue clothing or accessories that complement your skin tone.
Pair a cobalt blue top with white jeans for a fresh and trendy look, or try adding a pop of sky blue with statement earrings or a scarf.
Blue also works well in makeup for olive skin. Consider trying a bold blue eyeliner to make those eyes pop!
Here’s a nutshell version…
| Color | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Orange | Bright and lively. Enhances olive skin’s natural glow. Works with various makeup styles. |
| 2. Purple | Feminine and versatile. Offers a striking contrast for warm olive undertones. |
| 3. Turquoise | Unique and striking, particularly flattering on olive complexions for a vibrant pop. |
| 4. Chocolate Brown | Unexpected and rich Complements warm undertones for a cozy, mix-and-match appeal. |
| 5. Warm Greens | Eye-popping and beautiful Ranges from deep forest to bright Kelly greens. |
| 6. Creamy Whites | Spring and summer brightness, versatile and classic for a flattering look. |
| 7. Magenta | Bold and perfect for making a statement, especially flattering in summer. |
| 8. Red | Powerful and head-turning, ideal for olive skin with dark hair. |
| 9. Golden Yellow | Warm and radiant, it brightens olive skin tones and complements dark hair. |
| 10. Cobalt Blue | Vibrant and noble Stands out against olive skin for day-to-night versatility. |
| 11. Coral | Warm and lively, it enhances olive skin beautifully, especially when paired with bronze or copper tones. |
| 12. Bronze | Sun-kissed and sophisticated Highlights the natural warmth of olive skin. |
| 13. Green | Enhance natural golden undertones, harmonizing with olive skin. |
| 14. Blue | Offers a cool balance with vibrant cobalt or soft sky blue, brightening olive complexions. |
Wanna know more? Then, check out this clip ASAP!
Find your perfect match! Discover the different skin tones and their names by reading ‘skin tone chart with names‘. Get one step closer to choosing the right products and achieving your beauty goals.
What Colors Should Olive Skin Avoid?
When asked for his opinion on what colors and warm skin tones individuals should avoid, LA-based fashion and celebrity stylist Philippe Uter shared some interesting thoughts with Instyle (2).
He said, “there aren’t really any colors warmer skin colors should avoid.” Nonetheless, he advises against wearing black unless the piece is “classic or slick.”
So, does this mean you can wear anything and everything?
Not quite.
Upon further research and personal experience, I discovered that there are, in fact, colors that don’t work well with olive complexions and warmer tones.
These are the colors you should avoid:
- White
- Black
- Colder and placid blues
- Yellows
- Soft greens
While some will disagree, I believe these colors, especially the last two bright colors, are too close to your complexion and can wash darker skin out.
If you’re still struggling to figure out which color works best for your olive complexion, fashion designer Susan Elias gives further guidelines you will find useful in the video below:
Don’t miss out on finding your perfect match! Check out our article on the best foundation for Asian skin.
3 Neutral Colors That Complement Olive Skin
Olive skin tones dazzle in both vibrant hues and classic neutral shades. These versatile neutrals create a timeless wardrobe that makes mixing and matching a breeze.
1. Classic Black
Black never goes out of style and looks stunning on olive skin tones. From a sleek little black dress to stylish black trousers, this color creates an elegant, polished look that oozes confidence.
Expert tip: Mix textures like lace, silk, or velvet to add depth to your all-black ensemble.
2. Crisp White
A clean, crisp white can make your olive skin tone truly stand out. White shirts, blouses, or dresses create a fresh, bright appearance that makes you feel glowing and vibrant.
Expert tip: Choose a true white, as off-white or cream shades can sometimes clash with the green undertones in olive skin.
3. Various Shades of Gray
Gray is a fantastic neutral for olive skin tones. From charcoal to heather gray, these shades are perfect for adding pops of color with accessories or layering pieces.
Expert tip: Don’t shy away from experimenting with different shades to find the one that best complements your unique undertones.
Choosing the Right Colors for Different Occasions
Workwear
For a professional and polished work look, stick to darker, more muted colors like navy, charcoal, or deep burgundy. These shades flatter olive skin tones and are appropriate for the office.
Expert tip: Add a splash of color with a statement necklace or a patterned scarf to keep your look interesting.
Casual Outfits
Casual occasions allow for more freedom to play with colors and patterns. Earth tones and jewel tones work exceptionally well for olive skin tones.
Try pairing a rich emerald green blouse with your favorite jeans or a deep red skirt for a playful weekend look.
Expert tip: Mix and match patterns like florals, stripes, or polka dots for a fun, eye-catching outfit.
Evening and Formal Events
It’s time to dazzle at evening and formal events! Opt for metallic shades like gold, bronze, or copper to make a statement.
Jewel tones like royal blue or amethyst purple can create an elegant, sophisticated look that will turn heads.
Expert tip: Choose a statement piece of jewelry or a bold clutch to complete your glamorous ensemble.
Want a brief version? Skip to this video ASAP!
Let’s learn how to get that nifty clothes/skin match next!
5 Clothes for Olive Skin Tone Combos | Perfect Your Wardrobe
Kick off with accessories to test the waters— a bold scarf or a statement handbag to add a dash of color without overwhelming your ensemble. As you mix in colors, pair them with neutrals to maintain harmony.
Here are 5 tips to get you started!
1. Experiment with accessories
If you’re new to playing with color, add pops of color through accessories like scarves, jewelry, or handbags.
This low-risk approach lets you see how different colors look against your olive skin tone without committing to a full outfit.
Expert tip: Choose one statement accessory per outfit to keep your look balanced and chic.
2. Combine flattering colors with neutrals
Create a harmonious outfit by mixing and matching flattering colors with your favorite neutrals.
For example, pair a deep red blouse with a classic black pencil skirt or a rich emerald green dress with a gray blazer.
Expert tip: Play with different textures and fabrics to add visual interest to your look.
3. Use makeup to enhance or complement your outfit
Makeup can play a significant role in tying your look together.
Choose eyeshadow, blush, or lipstick shades that complement the colors you’re wearing or enhance your olive skin tone.
Expert tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment with makeup to find the perfect combination that makes you feel confident and beautiful.
4. Dress boldly during the weekend
Heading into the weekend, it’s all about unwinding and expressing yourself. For those with light olive skin, why not opt for a top in a playful shade like sun-kissed coral or a soft teal?
These hues aren’t just on-trend; they’re evidence of your skin’s natural undertones, making you look effortlessly put together.
So pair up with neutral bottoms—Opt for classic white chinos or your favorite light-wash jeans. It’s a combo that says ‘relaxed’ but still ‘pulled together.’
Remember, balance is key!
Expert Tip: If you’re going bold up top, keep it understated down below. And if you’re out and about, why not throw on a hat or sunglasses in coordinating colors? It’s a simple trick that amps up your style quotient.
5. Conquer the workweek with confidence
As a new workweek dawns, it’s time to step up your style game. For light olive skin, earthy neutrals are your best friend.
Think a camel blazer or a muted olive shirt—these pieces are subtle yet sophisticated and work wonders in enhancing your complexion.
They’re versatile enough for various occasions, from important meetings to casual Fridays.
And don’t forget to personalize!
Expert Tip: A pop of color with a tie, a pocket square, or even a bold watch strap can break the monotony and showcase your style. And when it comes to patterns, a pinstripe or a subtle check can add dimension to your outfit without crushing your look.
Next, let’s address those burning questions…
FAQs
1. What Are Olive Skin Color Clothes?
2. How Can You Tell What Colors Look Good On Olive Skin?
You can also get inspiration from celebrities with an olive undertone.
3. Can olive-skinned individuals wear pastel colors?
4. Is black a good color for olive skin tones?
In fact, it’s a classic choice that can be both elegant and powerful, making it a versatile option for any wardrobe.
5. How do I know if a color suits my olive skin tone?
Wrapping Up
Now you know what colors look good on olive skin. So, next time you go shopping, keep these colors in mind.
While there are celebrities with olive skin that can pull off any kind of color, you should still keep what we’ve discussed in mind.
And don’t be afraid to experiment with different shades and hues. You’ll find the perfect color palette for your olive skin tone with a bit of trial and error.
Do you have any favorite colors for dark skin? Let us know in the comments below!
Have you found what color works well for your olive skin tone? Please share with us how you pulled it off down in the comments!
References
1. Mell. What color is olive skin tone? – Sluiceartfair.com [Internet]. www.sluiceartfair.com. 2020 [cited 2022 Apr 19]. Available from: https://www.sluiceartfair.com/2020/other/what-color-is-olive-skin-tone/
2. Sutton S, Apr 27 rea CU. This Easy Guide Is the Trick to Finding Your Signature Fashion Color [Internet]. InStyle. 2021 [cited 2022 Apr 19]. Available from: https://www.instyle.com/how-tos/how-to-find-best-color-to-wear-for-your-skin-tone
3. Jablonski NG. Skin color and race. American Journal of Physical Anthropology. 2020;175.
4. St U of, Andrews. Complexion is a basis for the aesthetics of clothing color choices [Internet]. phys.org. 2021. Available from: https://phys.org/news/2021-11-complexion-basis-aesthetics-choices.html
5. Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History. Modern Human Diversity – Skin Color [Internet]. The Smithsonian Institution’s Human Origins Program. 2010. Available from: http://humanorigins.si.edu/evidence/genetics/human-skin-color-variation/modern-human-diversity-skin-color
