If you think that the only way to achieve a classy, elegant look is to invest in expensive designer clothing, think again. So many aspects of personal style can come together to make you look more refined—from the way you carry yourself to the cut of your clothes to the accessories you choose to wear. At the end of the day, elegance has less to do with how much you’re willing to spend on your clothing and more about the thoughtfulness and care that you put into your grooming and appearance.
This might surprise you, but choosing the right colors is one fail-safe way to look like a million bucks without necessarily spending a million bucks. Certain colors, like jewel tones and classy neutrals, can have the effect of making you look instantly put-together. These are the hues you should be reaching for if you’re headed to a cocktail party or attending a wedding or other formal event—or if you’re simply in the mood for a little more glamor than usual:
Black
Black has been a go-to color for chic, dressy outfits for pretty much ever, and it’s not hard to see why this dark hue seems to be permanently in style. Culturally, people tend to associate black with power, mystery, and sophistication, which is why it’s a staple at formal events. It’s a near-universally flattering color no matter your skin tone and body type. Dressing in black from head to toe is one of the easiest ways to achieve a streamlined, sleek silhouette that’s sure to turn heads wherever you go.
There are also plenty of practical reasons to incorporate more black into your wardrobe. For one thing, it’s one of the most versatile colors there is. You can make a black piece the centerpiece of your look or use it as a neutral canvas against which bolder and brighter pieces can pop. Plus, just about every item of clothing you can think of comes in black. Whether you choose to shop high-quality leggings for women, cocktail dresses, activewear, or evening gowns, you’ll probably find black variants even if you aren’t looking for them.
White and Cream
Are you the sort of person who’s afraid to step out in an all-white outfit? Do you find the idea of adding more white pieces to your wardrobe intimidating? If so, it’s high time you reconsider. While white might seem simple at first glance, lovers of the color will argue that simplicity is one of the highest forms of sophistication. A well-fitted white sundress made from quality fabrics gives off a tidy, refreshing impression. And few items of clothing are more elegant than a crisply pressed white dress shirt, don’t you think?
If you’re worried about white being hard to pull off, don’t be. To carry this color, you’ll just need to be mindful of your skin tone and the quality of the fabrics your clothing is made from. People with very yellow-toned complexions, for example, may look sallow when dressed in true white, but warmer shades like cream or ivory become them beautifully. White clothes made from low-quality fabrics can also appear translucent, so it’s worthwhile to invest in white pieces made from good materials.
Pastels
Pastels are soft, pale colors like baby pink, periwinkle, and powder blue. Because their saturation levels are very low, pastel shades tend to have a soft, feminine, and almost dreamy appearance. And while pastel outfits are most commonly worn in the spring and summer while the weather is warm, there’s no reason you can’t wear them all year round.
Pastels’ subtlety makes them an extremely flexible family of colors. They flatter just about every skin tone and hair color you can imagine, so you can be assured that there’s a pastel hue out there that’s perfect for you, no matter what you look like. If you’re fair-skinned, for instance, you may shine brightest in shades like peach and old rose, which can bring a healthy flush to your complexion. Meanwhile, mint green, pastel yellow, lilac, and other similar colors provide a gorgeous contrast to darker skin.
Jewel Tones
Jewel tones, as their name implies, are colors that resemble these precious stones—emerald green, ruby red, sapphire, and so on. They’re typically rich and highly saturated, which makes them instantly eye-catching. As such, jewel tones are a great go-to for anyone who’d like to incorporate more vibrant colors into their wardrobe but prefers to steer clear of bright neon shades.
Gemstones are some of the most immediately recognizable symbols of wealth, glamor, and high social status. Hence, wearing jewel tones can instantly make you feel like a queen, and chances are you’ll also give off a regal impression to anyone who lays eyes on you. If you’re a big fan of earthy color palettes, emerald pieces should integrate seamlessly into your existing wardrobe. Like your outfits dark, moody, and cool-toned? Try a deep midnight blue.
The colors listed above are just some examples of colors that look chic and stylish no matter the occasion or season. Choose shades you love and coordinate your outfits with care, and you’ll always come out looking ready to hit the red carpet.
