Whether you've just gotten back from a weekend at the beach or spent some quality time with a bottle of St. Tropez, chances are you want to maximize your sun-kissed glow while it lasts—and to do that, you'll need to know what colors to wear to show off a tan. Should you take the opportunity to break out your summer whites? Or perhaps opt for zippy brights you might not otherwise gravitate toward?
For a foolproof guide, look no further than the advice of Kate Smith, president of Sensational Color and one of the leading experts in the field, who last year shared with us the best shades to wear to boost to your freshly bronzed skin (and, well, the tips hold up).
Read on to see which colors to wear—and why!—and shop the ideal summer palette.
Zesty Citrus Colors
"Lemon yellow, lime green, or juicy orange are bold hues that will enhance the healthy glow you get from spending a little time in the sun." — Kate Smith
A perfect breezy top for sweltering days.
This suit is begging to be 'grammed.
This shade of green is unexpectedly flattering.
Cool Whites
"Bright white is great for cool skin tones, but off-white is better for those with naturally golden skin tones. Since both white and off-white are very light, they make the color of your skin appear darker." — Kate Smith
Everything about this dress screams summer.
Finally, summer work pants that you'll actually want to wear.
The voluminous sleeves and shoulder-baring neckline are romantic but not fussy.
Juicy Brights
"Watermelon, melon, berry, or just about any pink draw attention and contrast beautifully with bronzed skin." — Kate Smith
Meet your new favorite dress for long summer nights.
Sometimes you just need a throw-it-on-and-go tank, and this one checks all the boxes.
This is the prettiest shade of watermelon.
Colors of the Sea
"Just about any shade of blue complements a tan. The warmer blue-greens and turquoise can be especially attractive against the glow of sun-kissed skin. The lighter shades of blue give more contrast, making a tan look deeper." — Kate Smith
The super-stretchy seersucker fabric hugs every curve.
This shade will make blue eyes pop (though it really suits everyone).
An easy, lightweight dress in the prettiest, palest blue.
Coral and Warm Shades of Pink
"Coral and warm shades of pink add to the warm, rosy tones of a tanned complexion." — Kate Smith
Topshop Strappy Triangle Bikini Top ($35) and Bottom ($26)Now, who's ready for the beach?
Summer date nights just found their perfect match.
Pair with cropped denim or white linen culottes.
Next, see the irresistible shade that just might be the next Millennial Pink.
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