Finally, we have come out of the perception that only fairer looking skin is the best looking skin and all those with dark complexion is not acceptable in the society. In fact, in B – Town today, heroines like Priyanka Chopra, BipashaBasu, are ruling the industry with that Dusky looking skin tone. Of course, not to forget Katrina Kaif and kareenakapoor making their own way to success with fairer looking skin as well. but, have you seen Kareena and Katrina’s experiment in choosing the colors like peach, yellow and white in clothes rather than just sticking for only dark colors.

There was a time when it was just believed that all those with fair complexion are supposed to majorly opt for dark colors and at times even light shades as well. Whereas those with dark skin complexion are banned wearing lighter shades. This is just a perception and we have known so. Let us actually get an idea of which kind of clothes can be chosen, keeping all the illusions aside;

When deciding on the colour to wear, you need to consider: the occasion, time of the day, season and finally, the colours in vogue.

For day wear, opt for a lighter palette—pastel shades like off-white, peach, pinks or pale yellows, blues and aquas are perfect as they suit any skin colour. For corporate wear in particular, pastels work well as they can be teamed with the darker shades of suits, skirts, jackets and ties.

The darker skin, however, looks better in solids and tonals. That means you wear a tie or a jacket that is perhaps only a few shades removed from that of your shirt or formal blouse.

So, if you are wearing a sky blue shirt, a medium charcoal grey suit is better than a jet black one. Your tie in that case can be a navy blue or a maroon even, but in the same key. This helps you maximise on your richer skin hues and keeps the attention more on you than on your clothes. Fairer people should ideally wear more contrast. Like say, a sky blue shirt with a navy blue suit and a yellow and navy tie. This is because their lighter skin tends to blend with the light clothes.

For dos: For evening or party wear, as a rule, darker, richer or jewelled tones work best on all skin tones. By jewelled tones I mean striking colours like bottle green, deep purple, turquoise, deep red and so on. This is because such events are lit with chandeliers, candles or fairy lights and this kind of light is great for these colours.

Fabrics too play an important role in selecting the colour that suits your skin best. If you pick black as a safe colour to wear to parties, then imagine the same black in velvet, silk, satin, cotton and wool. Ditto any other colour. Select fabrics on your comfort level with a particular feel.

Again, the selection of fabrics depends more on the occasion than anything else. The finer or richer fabrics like silks and satins are best flaunted at evening events like weddings, parties, balls and galas. Breathe-easy fabrics like cottons and linens are better suited to the day events like the Derby or a brunch at a fine dine place. Comfort and practicality was perhaps top of the mind when formulating these unwritten rules for dressing.

As per body type: Above all, common sense is paramount when deciding on what to wear. If you are short, stout and fair, choose a medium-key colour—like a basic blue or grey—even in a slimming print like a vertical pinstripe, or small all-over print.

If you are tall and dark but slim, wear lighter colours that will add dimension or body to your frame.