Neiman Marcus at neimanmarcus.com
Okay, imagine you're trying to pick ONE color for six bridesmaids. There's Amy from college with her basically-transparent skin and that platinum hair she swears is natural. Your sister with her gorgeous golden Mediterranean thing going on. Your work friend whose deep complexion makes every jewel tone look like it was invented just for her. Your cousin who insists she "can't wear anything but black." And somehow, you need one color that makes them all look radiant in photos that will live on your mantle forever.
This scenario used to give me nightmares as an image consultant. Then something shifted my whole approach to color. See, while personal color analysis definitely reveals each person's best colors, I started noticing this rare category of shades that just... transcended all the seasonal palette rules. These colors? They make wedding photographers practically weep with joy. They turn group photos from "everyone looks fine" to "everyone looks incredible." They're the reason some bridesmaids actually do wear their dresses again (I know, shocking).
Planning a group look? Universally flattering colors beat just "popular" ones. This image leans on a crowd-pleasing palette, but there are universally flattering shades that photograph much better across every skin tone than this powdery pink
After years in the trenches—literally draping clients and yes, mediating many a bridesmaid color crisis—I've nailed down seven colors that work. Every. Single. Time. We're not talking about playing it safe here. These shades actually make everyone look better, thanks to some kind of magical combination of depth, saturation, and undertone complexity that I'm still not sure science fully understands.
These colors are basically the diplomatic immunity of fashion—completely neutral while somehow making everyone feel like they've got special status. They translate across every complexion, pulling out the best in each person while creating this gorgeous visual harmony when everyone's together. So whether you're wrangling a bridal party, picking team uniforms, or just trying to build a wardrobe that doesn't betray you under fluorescent lighting, these seven shades? They're about to become your new best friends.
I. The Quiet Radical: Soft White
Soft white (called Delicate White) at colorxs.com
Okay, let's get this out of the way: yes, I'm telling you to wear white. But hold up—not the terrifying white of a fresh Word document or those sneakers that look dirty after five minutes. Soft white (can have many names, but the essence is in its softness) is white's emotionally intelligent cousin—the one who went to therapy and came back better.
The Soft White Spectrum
Runway look from Bottega Veneta Spring 2026 Ready-to-Wear collection. Giovanni Giannoni/WWD
True soft white has:
- Just a hint of warmth (imagine if cream and snow had a very subtle baby)
- This perfect balance that somehow works with warm AND cool skin
- A softness that whispers "expensive hotel sheets" instead of screaming "medical facility"
Why It's Universal Magic
Instagram/@reiss
Pure white is basically a spotlight for every flaw you've ever had. Soft white, though? I call it "generous luminosity"—fancy words for "makes everyone look good." The way it reflects light is almost like having a filter in real life. On deeper skin tones? Gorgeous contrast without that harsh edge. On lighter skin tones, it adds dimension without washing anyone out.
The Soft White Strategy
A look from Markarian Spring 2026 Ready-to-Wear collection. Markarian
- The Foundation: Replace all stark white tees with soft white ones—watch your entire wardrobe suddenly look more expensive
- The Power Move: A soft white button-down that makes jeans look intentional and suits look approachable
- The Advanced Play: A soft white blazer that says "I own a yacht" (even if you take the bus)
II. The Oceanic Diplomat: Teal
Teal at colorxs.com
If colors had LinkedIn profiles, teal's would list "bringing world peace through wardrobe choices" as its primary skill. It's the color that looked at the blue-green divide and said, "Why choose?"
The Teal Truth
A look from Loro Piana Spring 2026 Ready-to-Wear collection. Loro Piana
Teal works universally because it contains:
- Blue's calming properties (lowers heart rate, scientifically proven)
- Green's life-affirming qualities (we're biologically programmed to love it)
- Just enough depth to avoid "I fell in a swimming pool" associations
Why Everyone Looks Good in Teal
Cult Gaia gown at cultgaia.com
Okay, here's what blew my mind when I figured it out: teal makes EVERYONE'S eyes pop. Brown eyes suddenly have these amber flecks you never noticed. Blue eyes go full sapphire. Green eyes? Forget it—they're basically emeralds now. It's like Instagram's "enhance" button for your face.
But wait, there's more (I sound like an infomercial, but I'm genuinely excited about this). The skin thing is where it gets really wild. Doesn't matter if you're pale as paper, somewhere in the middle, or blessed with deep melanin—teal just... works. Light skin? It adds depth without drowning you. Medium tones? Total harmony while still making a statement. Deep skin? The contrast is chef's kiss perfection. Honestly, it's why every group photo with teal looks professionally lit.
Teal in Real Life
Teuta Matoshi dress at teutamatoshi.com
- The Gateway: A teal scarf that makes your winter coat look less depressing
- The Statement: A teal dress that works for "beach wedding" and "important presentation"
- The Surprise: Teal pants that somehow go with everything (yes, really)
The Psychological Edge
Color psychology research shows teal promotes clear thinking and emotional balance. Wear it to negotiations. Trust me.
III. The Dreamy Anarchist: Periwinkle Blue
Periwinkle Blue (called Tropical Indigo for some reason I can't fully understand) at colorxs.com
So periwinkle blue—and stay with me here—is basically what happens when purple and blue have a really healthy, communicative relationship and produce the world's most well-adjusted color baby. You know those five minutes after sunset when the sky gets all confused and gorgeous? That. That's periwinkle.
The Periwinkle Phenomenon
Leo Lin coat and dress at leolinofficial.com
This isn't your basic baby blue or that aggressive electric blue from your unfortunate club phase. Periwinkle is:
- Sophisticated enough to wear to court
- Playful enough to wear to brunch
- Universal enough to make everyone look like they get eight hours of sleep
The Science of Periwinkle Success
Solace London gown at farfetch.com
Here's where it gets nerdy (in a good way). Periwinkle has these sneaky red undertones hiding in its cool blue base. It's basically the color equivalent of eating a balanced breakfast—everything your complexion needs in one shade. Warm undertones? Cool undertones? Doesn't matter. Periwinkle just amplifies whatever you've already got going on.
Periwinkle Practice
Noire Swimwear bathing suit at farfetch.com
- Start Small: A periwinkle pocket square or hair accessory
- Level Up: A periwinkle sweater that makes you look approachable at terrible networking events
- Go Bold: A periwinkle suit that says "I'm creative but also have excellent credit"
IV. The Juicy Revolutionary: Watermelon Red
Watermelon red at colorxs.com
Not fire engine red. Not maroon. Not pink. Watermelon red is that exact shade when you bite into the perfect piece of watermelon on the hottest day of summer—that juicy coral-pink-red that makes your whole face light up. And yeah, it does the same thing when you wear it.
Why Watermelon Red Works
Leo Lin dress at modaoperandi.com
This shade hits the sweet spot between:
- Pink (universally flattering, reflects light onto face)
- Coral (adds warmth without overwhelming)
- True red (commands attention without screaming)
The Watermelon Effect
The look from Staud Spring 2026 Ready-to-Wear collection. Staud
I swear, watermelon red has superpowers. Put it on any skin tone and boom—instant healthy glow. You know that look people get after a really good vacation? Where they're all relaxed and sun-kissed and you kind of hate them a little? That's what watermelon red does. It's basically bronzer in clothing form.
Watermelon Implementation
Good American cardigan at goodamerican.com
- The Subtle Start: Watermelon red lip color (yes, it counts as wardrobe)
- The Confidence Builder: A watermelon red top that makes every bottom look intentional
- The Power Play: A watermelon red dress that gets you remembered at every event
The Cultural Context
In color therapy, this shade is associated with joy and vitality. It's literally impossible to look tired in watermelon red. I've tried.
V. The Reliable Rebel: Navy
Navy Blue at colorxs.com
I know, I know. Navy? Groundbreaking. But hear me out before you close this tab. Navy isn't boring—it's brilliant. It's like that friend who seems basic until you realize they speak four languages and have a black belt. Navy is playing the long game.
The Navy Navigation
A couple look from Giorgio Armani Spring 2026 Ready-to-Wear collection. Giovanni Giannoni/WWD
True navy—not midnight blue, not almost-black—contains:
- Both warm and cool undertones (the ultimate shapeshifter)
- Enough color to be interesting
- Enough depth to be slimming (yes, it matters)
Why Navy Is Universal
Sandro outfit at sandro-paris.com
Here's the thing about navy—it's like the Switzerland of colors. Completely neutral, no enemies. Got warm undertones? Navy makes you look sun-kissed. Cool undertones? Hello, porcelain goddess. Can never figure out your undertones? Navy makes you look like you finally found your perfect foundation match. It's honestly unfair how good it is.
Navy Beyond Basics
Mare Mare dress at anthropologie.com
- The Unexpected: Navy leather accessories (trust the process)
- The Elegant: A navy evening dress that outperforms every LBD
- The Daily Hero: Navy jeans that make you look put-together even during existential crises
VI. The Sophisticated Wildcard: Bright Burgundy
Burgundy at colorxs.com
Bright burgundy is red's overachieving sibling—the one who went to grad school, learned to pair wine properly, and can hold forth on foreign policy without being annoying about it. Still has all that red passion, just... refined.
The Burgundy Breakdown
Runway look from Sa Su Phi Spring 2026 Ready-to-Wear collection. Sa Su Phi
This isn't your grandmother's maroon or that sad brown-red from 90s lipstick. Bright burgundy has:
- Enough red to energize
- Enough depth to flatter
- Enough brightness to avoid the "dried blood" comparison (crucial)
Universal Burgundy Theory
Fforme dress at www.modaoperandi.com
You know that perfect flush you get after a really good workout? When you're all glowy and healthy-looking but not, like, concerning? That's what burgundy does for everyone. It literally mimics that natural "I'm thriving" flush that makes people ask what your secret is.
Burgundy in Practice
Boden dress at boden.com
- The Classic: A burgundy bag that elevates every outfit
- The Statement: Burgundy pants that somehow work with navy, black, AND brown
- The Showstopper: A bright burgundy coat that makes winter less emotionally devastating
The Unexpected Benefit
Random discovery: burgundy is weirdly photogenic. Like, every-lighting-situation photogenic. Your Instagram will thank you.
VII. The Universal Classic: Medium Blue Denim
Blue Denim at colorxs.com. In real life, it shouldn't have a green undertone that we can see on this picture
From a color theory perspective, medium blue denim occupies a unique position. While technically a textile, denim blue has evolved into a color category that functions as a true neutral—perhaps the most universally wearable shade in modern fashion.
Why Denim Deserves Color Status
Runway look from Elisabetta Franchi Spring 2026 Ready-to-Wear collection. Elisabetta Franchi
Here's what's wild—medium blue denim has done something no other color has managed. It literally goes with EVERYTHING. Through some kind of fashion evolution miracle, it's become as neutral as black or white. Maybe more neutral, honestly. When was the last time you thought "this doesn't go with jeans"? Exactly.
The Denim Doctrine
Runway look from Ermanno Scervino 2026 Ready-to-Wear collection. Ermanno Scervino
Perfect medium blue has:
- No excessive fading (that's vintage, different category)
- No weird undertones (green-cast denim is a crime)
- A richness that suggests "I chose this" not "these were on sale"
Denim Deployment
Runway look from Sportmax 2026 Ready-to-Wear collection. Sportmax
- Beyond Jeans: A denim shirt that makes everything look effortless
- The Power Move: A denim blazer that confuses dress codes in the best way
- The Expert Level: A denim dress that works for literally every casual occasion
The Cultural Revolution
Think about it—denim is probably the most democratic color that exists. Your CEO wears it. Your barista wears it. Your grandma wears it. That teenager who intimidates you wears it. It's the ultimate "we're all in this together" color.
The Universal Color Formula 2.0
A look from Prabal Gurung Spring 2026 Ready-to-Wear collection. Rodin Banica/WWD
After extensive research (and a credit card bill I don't want to discuss), I've updated my Universal Color Formula. A color is likely to be universally flattering if it:
- Balances warm and cool undertones (adaptability is key)
- Has medium saturation (not too muted, not too bright)
- Exists in nature (we're programmed to find it pleasing)
- Photographs well in multiple lights (because Instagram)
- Makes people look healthy (the ultimate goal)
Your 7-Color Integration Strategy
Daydreamer jersey in Periwinkle Blue with Watermelon Red print at revolve.com
Week 1: Audit your closet. How many of these seven do you actually own? (Faded ancient navy doesn't count.)
Week 2: Pick your "scary" color (probably watermelon red or periwinkle) and try it in a small dose. Document reactions.
Week 3: Build an outfit using three of these colors. Notice how easy it is. Feel mildly superior.
Week 4: Replace one basic (looking at you, sad gray tee) with its universal color equivalent. Watch your life improve marginally but noticeably.
The Reality Check Section
Anthropologie Navy Blue tank top paired with light wash denim at anthropologie.com
Let's be honest about potential pitfalls:
- Soft white + lunch = anxiety. Keep a Tide pen handy.
- Teal + bad lighting = can go very medical scrubs very fast. Check your lighting.
- Periwinkle + wrong shade (like powder pink) = baby shower vibes. Be selective.
- Watermelon red + sunburn = tomato cosplay. Check your SPF.
- Navy + more navy = security guard chic. Mix textures.
- Burgundy + too much burgundy = vampire LARP. Use sparingly.
- Denim + denim = Canadian tuxedo. Proceed with caution (or full confidence).
The Philosophical Finish
Soft white Birrot look at modaoperandi.com
So here's what I've learned after this whole color deep-dive: the best colors aren't the ones that follow all the rules or fit perfectly into those seasonal color categories. They're the ones that make you feel like the best version of yourself, while somehow doing the exact same thing for literally everyone else who wears them.
And that's the thing—these seven colors aren't just universally flattering. They're universally welcoming. They don't demand perfect lighting or professional styling or a specific skin tone to work. They just... show up and do their job, making everyone look good without playing favorites.
In a world that's pretty obsessed with gatekeeping and exclusion (looking at you, "only certain people can wear yellow"), these colors are out here saying yes to everyone. And honestly? Your wardrobe is something you choose every single day. It's this small but real way to practice inclusion, just by getting dressed.
The Ultimate Challenge
This Georges Hobeika Fall-Winter 26 look pairs almost-teal and almost-periwinkle and would flatter almost-any-complexion. If colors were softer and a bit warmer, they would be truly universally flattering. Georgeshobeika.com
Wear all seven colors in one week. Not in one outfit (please, no), but as featured pieces. Document how you feel. Notice if people compliment you more. (Spoiler: they will.)
The Universal Color Conclusion
Bright Burgundy top in a casual outfit at thereformation.com
You know what? Maybe the real magic isn't even about the colors. Maybe it's about choosing to wear things that make everyone feel invited to the party. Because honestly, the most beautiful things usually are the most inclusive, right?
So go ahead. Be that person wearing watermelon red on a random Tuesday. The world needs more of that energy.
