This Is the Worst Color to Wear in Photos

Looking good in photos is a skill that can be taught (hence the number of stories we've published on the subject), and one of the easiest ways to control that is what you wear. As you probably suspected, some colors look much better than others on camera, and who better to tell us exactly what they are than Lee Eiseman, the executive director at Pantone Color Institute and author of the book The Complete Color Harmony, Pantone Edition?
When it comes to the worst color to wear in photos, Eiseman told us, "Solid colors are always best, as opposed to patterns. Very pale pastels and whites can make the subject looked washed-out. However, color in makeup can help considerably, especially professional makeup application. Cameras sometimes have difficulty adjusting between very bright contrasts, so it's best to keep brights as solid pieces as opposed to separates."
So what should you wear? Eiseman gave plenty of options for what colors to embrace, explaining that "the best colors are deep reds, teals/turquoises, and other shades in the blue-green family (the most universally flattering family of all colors). Rich and deeper greens, purples, and blue are all good. If a neutral is preferred, gray is the best, even better than black. Earthy and warm browns are good. Black and white together can offer too much contrast as well. Mid-tone or more vibrant rose-pink tones and corals are flattering."
Given your newfound knowledge of photogenic colors, you're probably ready to add some of them to your wardrobe, right? That's what we're here for.
Keep scrolling to shop pieces that will look great in photos.
ROSE
DEEP PINK/RED
GREEN
PURPLE
BLUE
WARM BROWN
GRAY
There's something about this shade of gray that just looks expensive.
Next up, 15 Lazy Outfits That Look Anything But
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater arts. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.
-
Simone Ashley Is in the Fast Lane
Since her breakout role in Bridgerton, our Spring Issue cover star has quickly risen to A-list status. Up next, she masters the rom-com leading lady.
By Liv Little
-
The Spring 2025 Shopping Guide: Where to Buy the Biggest Trends of the Season
Your short list of the season's key buys.
By Kristen Nichols
-
In Case You Were Wondering Which Pretty Sneaker Trend Anne Hathaway Would Wear, It's This One
This just in from the streets of NYC.
By Allyson Payer
-
Espresso Martini: The Rich-Looking Color That's Already Everywhere
"That's that me espresso."
By Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
-
Jamie Mizrahi's World: The Celeb Stylist's Favorite Red Carpet Look, Most Worth-It Shoe, and Album She Listens to on Repeat
A modern-day style expert.
By Allyson Payer
-
This New Pretty Shoe Color Trend Is Going to Be as Popular Among Celebs as Red Shoes Were
Elizabeth Olsen is an early adopter.
By Allyson Payer
-
Is It Just Me, or Is This the Freshest Color to Wear With Brown Right Now?
Cool as a cucumber.
By Erin Fitzpatrick
-
It's Confirmed: French, Scandi, and Italian Women Wear This One Color to Look Rich
Move over, beige.
By Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
-
I'm Not Saying White Sneakers Are Out, But This Other Anti-Trend Pair Is Officially In for 2025
You heard it here first.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
The Pretty Spring Color Trend That Will Add a Trendy Touch to Your Spring 2025 Wardrobe
Spotted all over the runways.
By Judith Jones