What is it about the color peach that just screams spring? Or the color coral that sings summer? Every time I hear those two colors, I immediately think of the seasons. The summer months are the time to wear all those crazy bright colors that match the azure of the water in the Caribbean's and the coral lipstick with the blue and white stripes aboard a cruise ship. But I'm getting slightly ahead of myself. It's only just turning into spring. So what is it about peach? People wear peach lipstick, peach dresses, peach sweaters, peach shoes, and peach nail polish when the flowers start to bloom and the temps finally begin to rise. I mean, sure, the color wasn't always peach for spring, but for this spring it is. Peach, and lilac, and white. Those are the colors that all the designers are putting out, and why shouldn't you wear them? Oh, right. That one, tiny, little reason. You're pale.
I can note from personal experience that putting on a white dress when it matches the color of your skin is a bad idea. Not only will you blind people, but you will just look cold. Nothing says warmth like a walking ghost. And wearing peach when you are pasty makes it look like your sporting nothing from far away. Lilac is slightly safer because no one is really the color of pale purple without a tan, but there are those little veins that just seem to pop all the more when you slip into the lighter shades of purple. This issue becomes an even bigger one when you bring Easter into the mix. These are prime colors to wear come Easter Sunday and chances are you haven't really even seen the sun yet.
I'm Irish which means the color of my skin right now is pale. That's not even a color but that's what it is. Pale. And since this problem will be occurring for me in a few short weeks I decided to look up some tips on how to make these colors work with you instead of against you.
When wearing a white dress, remember not to wear white shoes. The Labor Day rule still applies, even in this century. Instead, try sporting some calf-length brown boots. The boots will not only add a slightly different color to your skin tone but they'll also hide half you pale legs. Two for two. If you're going for a lighter, more feminine look, try some flats or heels in a brown or earthy tone. Stay away from the pastels on your feet. I would probably pair the boots with a brown belt along the waist and a dark sweater to cover up the arms.
Peach isn't always so bad. You just have to be careful what shade of peach you are buying when you do. I, for some reason, always pick the ones that match the color of my skin, which is not something I would recommend. Instead, go for a peach about three shades darker than your skin color. For me that would be a lighter shade of pink with a brown undertone. From there I would go for a dark purple or black sweater with a bronze flat or heel.
Lilac can be really pretty, especially since purple usually comes in so many different shades. Do something along the same lines as the peach and pick a color that is slightly darker than your skin (the color of your veins?) A lot of the designers are turning these colors out on the runway and pairing them with dark blue or forest green sweaters, a stack of thin belts on the waist and flower patterned heels. Another way to wear this beautiful color? Your nails or make-up.
If this still doesn't do the trick then just wait until you've gained some color, or cheat. Just remember that tanning beds cause cancer. but you know what they say, beauty is pain.
