How To Find Your Best Dark Neutrals

In the Fall and Winter, we often seek darker colors in keeping with the styles of the season. You may know your best color palette shades, but what about your best dark neutrals? Which dark neutral should you wear?

Black? Brown? Gray? Navy? For the answer, let's go back to our color types.

In general, the depth of your neutrals should be in harmony with the temperature and depth of your color palette.

For example, if you are soft, cool and deep, then your neutrals should be cool and deep. 

Dark Neutrals for Your Undertones

Warm Neutrals

If you have warm undertones you will look best in warmer neutrals.  Warm neutrals have a touch of yellow added to them. These include shades of warm brown, deep camel, warm olive, and warm gray. Take a look at the neutrals on the right side of the neutrals color wheel above. All of these neutrals have a touch of yellow in them, making them warm and ideal for warm undertones.

Notice that some neutrals have a warm version and a cool version. Gray is a good example. Some grays have no yellow and are a combination of just black and white. Those neutral grays are technically neutral but will read cool. Notice these grays are on the left side of the color wheel. When you add in yellow, you warm the gray and you get colors like dove gray.

Cool Neutrals

If you have cool undertones you will look best in cool neutrals. Cool neutrals have blue in them. These include cool inky navy, taupe, cool browns and cool grays. Take a look at the neutrals on the left side of the neutrals color wheel above. All of these neutrals either have a touch of blue in them or an absence of yellow, making them cool and ideal for cool undertones.

Universal Neutrals

There are a few neutrals that are considered universal because they work for both warm and cool undertones. These include chocolate brown, black, and medium navy. Browns, in the color wheel above, are neutral. They have an even balance of red, yellow and blue and are technically neither warm or cool. It is a neutral brown and can be worn by both cool and warm individuals. Navy blue is technically a cool neutral and will look best on cool undertones. However, blues, in general, are a nice complement to warm colors which is why navy blue can look very nice on warm undertones. Black is void of any color. It will definitely cool down a color when paired with it but it is neither cool or warm. If you have very dark tones (hair, eyes or skin), black will suit you.

Your Best Brown To Wear

Your Best Shade of Gray

How Dark Should Your Neutrals Be?

To remain harmonious, your best neutrals align with the depth of your color palette. For light to medium color types, the darkest browns, navy, and black may feel too harsh to be worn around your face. You may benefit from a medium to deep gray or a lighter brown. These shades will also work better with your clothing palette, whereas black or dark brown may feel too heavy up against your lighter or softer shades.

For deep color types, black, deep navy, and dark browns work well and blend nicely with your palette.

Refer to the neutrals color wheel. Notice how the neutrals go from light to dark from the center outward. There is one exception, which is the beige section. These are light warm neutrals. I didn't want to leave then off of the color wheel.

Just like colors in your color palette, pay close attention to colors worn near your face and hair. For instance, black can be harsh unless you have high contrast between your hair and skin. If you have long hair and wear a neutral that is similar to your hair color, your hair may blend into your clothing, which can look odd on camera. If your hair is warm, grays may not be your best because they may conflict with your warm hair. If you have gray hair, you may discover that warm neutrals conflict with your gray hair.

When you find your best neutrals, your looks will come together with less effort. Don't give in to just purchasing black pieces because they are available. Finding your best neutral while shopping may take more effort, but it is worth it to maintain the harmony in your closet. For key pieces like your overcoat, a great belt, or a tall boot, your best deep neutral is a great choice. That gives you the best chance that the item will work with most of your wardrobe. 

Dark neutrals, just like lighter ones, play a critical role in building a cohesive wardrobe. When they are combined with your colors, they create some contrast and make your colors pop. When wearing two neutrals together, choose a lighter and a darker shade versus two that are close together. Consider neutrals as building blocks in your closet and you will give yourself unlimited options of looks.

Here's to finding your best dark neutrals,

Gail Scott

Gail Scott

Gail Scott is Creative Director for Style and Beauty. She is a makeup expert and personal stylist. If you would like professional advice with Gail, please sign up for her exclusive 2-hour 1:1 session. Or schedule a 15 minute Style Chat with Gail to ask your questions.