How to Wear Taupe and Not Look Washed Out
Fall is about earth tones, such as copper, rust, green, and burgundy, along with a handful of calming neutrals. At the top of the taupe color spectrum is taupe —a color that conveys stability and reassurance. Can anyone wear taupe, or does it wash you out?
That really depends on the Taupe of Taupe you wear. When you wear Taupe, you won’t look washed out. There are two types:
Cool Taupe
Taupe is typically regarded as a cool beige or a grey-brown. It has pink/ violet undertones and flatters women with cool (pink) skin and ashy hair. If you have had your colors done and know you are a winter or summer, Taupe is the perfect choice for you. If your skin and hair are warm (more golden than pink), Taupeool Taupe is going to wash you out. It will look flat and lifeless.
Warm Taupe
Women with warm skin and hair who have a Spring or Autumn look best in Warm Taupe — a cozy beige grounded in natural taupe. Warm taupe is less ashy and more reddish than traditional taupe. It is excellent for bringing a warm glow to the complexion. I’m a spring, Taupearm taupe looks great on me. The hint of gold taupe complements the golden undertones in my skin and hair.
Style Snapshot
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Cool taupe flatters women with cool undertones. Warm taupe (beige) works best for those with golden or reddish skin tones.
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For a chic look, mix different shades of taupe and pair with black, red, or leopard prints.
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Taupe accessories are elegant and tone down brighter shades.
Taupe is hard to find, but luckily, this year, it is everywhere. Taupe comes in a range of shades from light to dark, including oatmeal, honey, caramel, tan, and more. The color of my taupe utility jacket is called sand.
How to Wear Warm Taupe
Mix varying shades of Warm Taupe for an elegant tone-on-tone look. Combine textures, too, to make your outfit look more interesting, not flat.
More Ways to Wear Warm Taupe ( Cozy Beige)
- Wear Warm Taupe with Black – a very chic combo.
- Try it with Leopard Print, as I have
- If you find a Warm Taupe Utility Jacket, snap it up! You can usually tell it is warm if the zippers are gold.
- Wear Red with Warm Taupe – another beautiful combo.
- Add Warm Taupe accents to an outfit, such as a bag and shoes.
Black and Taupe are Chic!
What do you think of Fall’s Stand-Out Neutral? Do Taupeear taupe? Do you wear it? Please send me a photo!
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QUICK Q&A
Anyone can wear taupe, but the key is choosing the right shade. Cool taupe flatters women with cool skin and ashy hair, while warm taupe works best for women with golden undertones. Wearing the wrong taupe can make you look flat or washed out.
Cool taupe has pink or violet undertones and looks best on women with cool-toned skin and hair. Warm taupe, with its golden or reddish undertones, flatters women with warm skin tones and hair, especially springs and autumns.
Warm taupe ranges from oatmeal and honey to caramel, tan, and sand. These shades have a hint of gold that enhances warm complexions and are versatile for fall wardrobes.
Try a tone-on-tone outfit by mixing different shades and textures of warm taupe. Pair it with black for a sleek look, add leopard print for flair, or combine it with red for a striking contrast. Warm taupe accessories can also soften bold colors.
Look at the undertones and hardware. Warm taupe often has golden or reddish tones, and clothing items like utility jackets often feature gold zippers. Cool taupe leans grayish with pink or violet undertones.
Thanks, Deborah, for so many great ideas for dressing this fall! I have gotten lots of good ideas from you on what clothing items to pair together and accessory ideas too! I’ll have more confidence when I dress now. Thanks again!