Sorry, but you probably don’t look your best in either color. Only a small percent of people do.

Let’s start with white. As a color analyst, I find that when most people wear crisp white, it makes their teeth and eye-whites look dingy or more yellow. Also, next to your face white can give your skin an unattractive cast that makes you look tired or florid. For the woman below, the white blouse exaggerates her yellowed teeth and florid complexion, and her lovely gray hair is completely upstaged. (Imagine her wearing a warm gray that echoes her hair tones…or better yet, a blue reflecting her eyes.) The black necklace is also too strong for her.

What to do about white?? Fortunately there are many ivories, grays, beiges, taupes and pale peaches that are much more flattering “whites,” depending on the rest of your color harmony and palette.

What’s wrong with black? It goes with everything! Clothing manufacturers and stores love it because it’s a no-brainer for them. They make it easy to find in every kind of clothing and accessory. Unfortunately, on most people it is too harsh, especially as you get older and your coloring begins to fade. There are many gorgeous dark neutrals besides black that will enhance your skin tones, and add interest to your wardrobe.

What to do about black?? Deep greens, browns, rusts, aubergines, navy, charcoal, dark teal–the best ones for you depend on your seasonal color harmony. And they can look every bit as serious and powerful as black, but flatter you instead of kill you.

With a personal color analysis and custom palette you can discover which “whites” and which dark neutrals make you look your very best. They will be a revelation. And best of all, you won’t look like everyone else.