We’re about two months into 2023, and we’ve already witnessed seven major award-show-slash-fashion-events: the Golden Globes, Critics’ Choice Awards, the Grammys, the Art Directors Guild Awards, the BAFTAs, the Hollywood Critics Association Film Awards, and the Brit Awards. These red carpets are a wide range of celebrities and talents’ chance to make a statement with their wardrobe choices; and while some choose to align with motifs from their recent movies or albums, or with a political agenda (like Cate Blanchett’s repurposing of her 2015 Maison Margiela couture gown at this year’s BAFTA awards with a blue ribbon, to normalize waste-reduction and show support for the #WithRefugees movement), there’s one thing we can always count on: some fantastic color-matching, as well as some washed-out looks. Read more to find out which six celebrity red carpet looks hit and missed their color marks based on their skin tone, and why.
My Bottom 3:
Miguel in Diesel at the Grammys
For cooler skin tones like Miguel’s, I recommend deep, rich colors to limit the possibility of looking “washed out”, or when your skin appears to be dull and less vibrant. The acid wash on this light, distressed denim does not serve his skin tone well, and rather brings out an unfavorable grayness from his complexion.Miguel in Diesel at the Grammys
Image Source: Getty / Matt Winkelmeyer
Anya Taylor-Joy in Schiaparelli at the BAFTAs
When I first saw Look 32 from Schiaparelli’s 2023 Spring/Summer collection, I was stunned. I thought the structured minidress looked so beautiful in that cool-toned champagne, and how both the velvet and satin reflected the light while casting deep shadows in the folds. The biggest reason why I fell in love with this look was the original model who wore it, Maty Fall: her dark skin tone was a fantastic contrast to the brightness of the outfit, highlighting both her figure and the shape of the cloak.
What I found to be the problem with Anya Taylor-Joy in this dress was the way she seemed to disappear into it — because her skin tone is quite fair, both her and the dress absorbed too much light when photographed. Cool tones will draw out any redness in your skin, so remember to always dress with your undertones in mind!
Image Source: Getty
Shania Twain in Saint Laurent at the Brit Awards
Winter colors like this acid yellow work better on cooler skin tones — so on warmer skin tones like Shania Twain, they tend to draw out an unflattering redness from your face. For her, I would’ve chosen a warmer shade like yellow ochre to highlight her skin’s natural warm tones.
Image Source: Getty / Gareth Cattermole
My Top 3:
Billy Porter in Christian Siriano at the Golden Globes
Billy Porter is not one to shy away from wearing loud prints, or bold colors and styles on the red carpet; although I might not agree with some of the color choices in the past, I’ve got to give him his props for being adventurous and for rocking this Viva Magenta tuxedo gown. Hot pink and all jewel colors absolutely pop on cooler skin tones, making Porter’s look a standout and a memorable one.
Image Source: Getty
Cardi B in Gaurav Gupta at the Grammys
Here’s another example of a flattering jewel toned outfit, but this time with Cardi B’s warmer skin tone: this dress’ medium-depth sapphire shade still has the right amount of brightness (largely due to the light-catching satin) to bring out her skin’s warm glow.
Image Source: Getty
Stephanie Hsu in Valentino at the Critics’ Choice Awards
This tangerine-coral gown is a beautiful orange shade — because it’s such a warm, bright color, it illuminates her face and highlights her golden skin tone.
Image Source: Getty
I hope this article gave you a little insight on the color analysis process, and how much influence colors’ undertones can have on how your skin tone appears! If you’re curious about your own skin tone and how to style yourself accordingly, feel free to book a complimentary phone consultation with Abby Young HERE to get started on your styling journey!
