What are Skin Undertones in Fashion?

Your skin undertone is the subtle color beneath the surface of your skin that does not change with tanning, blushing, or seasonal variation. While your surface skin tone can range from very fair to very deep, undertone is a separate quality: warm (yellow, golden, olive, or peachy), cool (pink, red, or blue), or neutral (a balanced mix of warm and cool). Undertone matters in fashion because it determines which colors look harmonious against your skin and which look off. Warm undertones are typically complemented by earth tones, warm reds, olive green, and gold jewelry. Cool undertones are complemented by jewel tones, pure white, navy, and silver jewelry. Neutral undertones have the widest range and look good in most colors. Simple tests: look at the veins on your inner wrist. Blue or purple veins suggest cool undertones; green veins suggest warm; a mix suggests neutral. Another test: does gold or silver jewelry look more natural against your skin?

Someone with warm undertones wearing a mustard yellow sweater and gold earrings — the warm tones echo their natural coloring and create a cohesive, flattering look.