The Best Shawl Colors for Every Skin Tone
Determine Your Skin Tone
Skin tones are generally divided into three categories:
1. Cool Tone: Pink, red, or bluish undertones.
2. Warm Tone: Yellow, peachy, or golden undertones.
3. Neutral Tone: A mix of both warm and cool undertones.
Quick Tip: Look at the veins on your wrist:
● Blue or purple veins = Cool tone
● Greenish veins = Warm tone
● Can’t tell / a mix = Neutral tone
Best Shawl Colors for Fair Skin Tones
Fair-skinned individuals often have cool or neutral undertones. The right colors will bring warmth without washing you out.
Ideal Colors:
● Soft pastels: Blush pink, baby blue, lilac
● Rich jewel tones: Emerald green, sapphire blue, ruby red
● Earthy neutrals: Taupe, rose beige, soft grey
Colors to avoid: Neon shades or pale yellows, as they may overpower or dull your complexion.
Perfect for you: A soft cashmere shawl in pastel lavender or a wool blend in teal green—both add depth and contrast to your look.
Best Shawl Colors for Medium Skin Tones
Medium or wheatish skin tones (common in South Asia) are incredibly versatile and can pull off a wide range of shades.
Ideal Colors:
● Warm earth tones: Mustard, terracotta, olive green
● Deep tones: Burgundy, plum, navy
● Bright pops: Coral, turquoise, burnt orange
Colors to avoid: Pale or dusty colors that can make skin look dull or ashy.
Perfect for you: Try a rich maroon wool shawl for winter or a vibrant coral silk shawl for festive occasions—it’ll make your complexion glow.
Best Shawl Colors for Olive Skin Tones
Olive-toned skin usually has green or golden undertones and tans easily. Colors that contrast with or highlight your undertones work beautifully.
Ideal Colors:
● Cool brights: Cobalt blue, magenta, emerald
● Metallics: Bronze, gold, and champagne
● Autumn hues: Rust, mustard, forest green
Colors to avoid: Shades too close to your skin tone (like certain browns or khakis) may appear dull.
Perfect for you: A cobalt blue handloom shawl or a shimmering gold-embroidered wool shawl will highlight your undertones beautifully.
Best Shawl Colors for Deep or Dark Skin Tones
Dark skin is striking and radiant, and it pairs gorgeously with both bold brights and rich, saturated hues.
Ideal Colors:
● Vibrant jewel tones: Royal blue, fuchsia, emerald
● Metallics: Copper, silver, gold
● High contrast tones: Ivory, white, bold red
Colors to avoid: Ashy or overly muted tones that can fade against your skin (unless styled carefully).
Perfect for you: A fuchsia silk shawl for weddings or a deep emerald green wool shawl for winter adds drama and elegance.
Bonus: Universally Flattering Shawl Colors
Some shades complement almost every skin tone:
● Navy blue
● Charcoal grey
● Classic red
● Soft white (not stark white)
These make excellent gifts too, as they flatter most people.