One of this season’s hottest hues is also one of the hardest to wear without looking like a bumblebee or a crossing guard. Here are some ways to make it work.
The right hue for your skin tone
– Fair skin tones, particularly blondes with fair skin, should stick to paler shades like butter or use yellow as an accent or accessory.
– Brunettes have more latitude but should stick to soft-to-medium yellow tones.
– Women with olive or darker complexions can safely wear just about any shade of yellow, including the hard-to-manage mustard tones so prevalent this season.
– Avoid yellows with green undertones. They wreck almost anyone’s complexion.
Some makeup tips
– Bring out the natural undertones of your skin. Fair skin tones should try peach or pink blushes and glosses; yellow skin tones can use rich browns.
– Bronzer is your friend.
– Don’t match your outfit. Instead, think about using a contrasting color (such as blue or eggplant) on the eyes, even if it’s just a burst of color from eyeliner.
– Try coral, orange or tangerine lip gloss.
Pair it up
– Combine yellow with white but never black.
– If white is too intimidating, mix yellow with denim.
– To get a more classic look, blend yellow with medium grays or navy. Try adding a yellow top under a navy or gray suit.
– If a solid yellow piece makes you nervous, look for a geometric print that combines yellow and turquoise. The two colors work well together, and the blue flatters almost everyone.
[ SOURCES: GREGG ANDREWS, FASHION DIRECTOR FOR NORDSTROM; BETH ROSS, TREND BUYER FOR MACY’S; OPAL PAYTON, COLOR SPECIALIST WITH SEPHORA ]
