Looking good in photos is a skill that can be taught (hence the number of stories we’ve published on the subject), and one of the easiest ways to control that is what you wear. As you probably suspected, some colors look much better than others on camera, and who better to tells us exactly what they are than Lee Eiseman, the executive director at Pantone Color Institute and author of the new book The Complete Color Harmony, Pantone Edition?
When it comes to the worst color to wear in photos, Eiseman told us, “Solid colors are always best, as opposed to patterns. Very pale pastels and whites can make the subject looked washed-out. However, color in makeup can help considerably, especially professional makeup application. Cameras sometimes have difficulty adjusting between very bright contrasts, so it’s best to keep brights as solid pieces as opposed to separates.”
So what should you wear? Eiseman gave plenty of options for what colors to embrace, explaining that “the best colors are deep reds, teals/turquoises, and other shades in the blue-green family (the most universally flattering family of all colors). Rich and deeper greens, purples, and blue are all good. If a neutral is preferred, gray is the best, even better than black. Earthy and warm browns are good. Black and white together can offer too much contrast as well. Mid-tone or more vibrant rose-pink tones and corals are flattering.”
Given your newfound knowledge of photogenic colors, you’re probably ready to add some of them to your wardrobe, right? That’s what we’re here for.
Keep scrolling to shop pieces that will look great in photos.
Next up, see eight photogenic tricks Meghan Markle has memorized.
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated by Anna LaPlaca.