Key Takeaways
- Jewel tones like emerald green and sapphire blue stand out in winter fashion.
- These rich, saturated colors pair well with winter whites.
- Jewel tones flatter most complexions.
- They convey glamour and luxury.
- Vibrant hues energize dreary winter days.
- Jewel tones transition from day to night elegantly.
- Simple silhouettes allow jewel tones to shine.
- Texture and sheen add interest to these bold colors.
- Jewel tones work for casual and dressy winter styles.
- Proper accessorizing completes a jewel-tone outfit.
Winter can seem endless with its short days and frigid temperatures. The bleak landscape cries out for color and glamour. Happily, the cozy season brings ample opportunities for festive gatherings where we can break out elegant jewel-toned outfits.
Emerald, sapphire, ruby, amethyst, and citrine glitter invitingly in the winter light. These saturated gemstone hues energize dreary days with a glamorous glow. Their richness dazzles and captivates.
The Allure of Jewel Tones
Jewel tones possess an intrinsic magnetism that demands attention. Their pure, saturated colors have an intrinsic vibrancy. Jewel tones seem to capture and refract the light. When you wear jewel-toned clothing, you become the focal point in any setting.
Jewel Tones Flatter Most Complexions
An ideal color flatters your skin. Jewel tones with their deep saturation work with most complexions. Those with warm undertones glow in citrine and ruby red. Cooler skins shine in emerald and sapphire. Across the spectrum, jewel tones make the wearer glow from within.
Conveying Glamour and Luxury
Jewel tones convey extravagance. Their association with precious gems gives them an aura of luxury. These colors feel rich and indulgent. Jewel tones elevate simple silhouettes to new heights of glamour. Their saturated hues feel sumptuous and elegant.
Adding Vibrancy on Gray Days
Bleak winter days cry out for color. Walking outdoors on a frigid January day, the eye craves contrast from the gloom. Emerging in vibrant jewel tones energizes the landscape. These dazzling colors provide a dose of energy and mood elevation during the darker months.
Effortless Day-to-Night Elegance
Jewel tones gracefully transition from daytime chic to evening elegance. Their versatility takes you from a casual brunch to a formal event with minimal fuss. To go from day to night, simply change your jewelry and shoes.
Constantly Changing Lighting
Overcast skies can quickly give way to dazzling sunsets in winter. Jewel tones adapt beautifully to changing lighting conditions. A sapphire blue that pops on a cloudy day turns moody and dramatic at night. Jewel tones retain vibrancy while shifting tone.
Office to Evening Affairs
Busy professionals need outfits that go beyond the 9-to-5. An emerald sheath dress keeps you looking authoritative at the office. Swap flats for heels, and you have an elegant cocktail-ready look. Jewel tones effortlessly go from conservative to glamorous.
Running Daytime Errands
Stay polished running errands in jewel-toned casual wear. Ruby red jeans or an amethyst sweatshirt dress up everyday style. Pick outerwear and accessories in a matching or contrasting jewel tone for a pulled-together look.
Simple Silhouettes Let the Colors Shine
Jewel tones command so much attention the overall silhouette should remain simple and streamlined. Clean lines in dresses, trousers, and coats let the dazzling colors take center stage. Avoid embellishments that risk competing with the vibrant hues.
Streamlined Dresses
A jewel-toned dress paired with neutral pumps has an elegant, fuss-free allure. Look for uncomplicated dresses in sheath and shift shapes. Crew necks and long sleeves balance the drama of a sapphire blue or emerald green dress.
Crisp Trousers
For office or evening events, combine jewel-toned tops with well-cut trousers. High-waisted, wide-leg pants in winter white or black balance bold emerald or ruby tops. The colorful tops will be the focal point so keep the bottoms minimal.
Uncluttered Coats
A vibrant sapphire coat acts as a wearable jewel against a snowy landscape. Stick to simple silhouettes like a pea coat or cocoon style to let the jewel-tone color sparkle. Avoid toggles, belts, and other busy details.
Texture and Sheen Add Interest
While the shape remains simple, jewel-tone fabrics often feature an alluring texture and sheen. Look for silk in emerald hues, jewel-toned velvet, or metallics for a special seasonal shine. These textures enrich and enhance the spectacular colors.
Luxurious Silk
Silk takes jewel tones to a luxurious level. The way the fabric catches the light illuminates the gorgeous colors. Ruby red or sapphire blue tops feel indulgent when cut from sleek, slinky silk. The sheen adds depth to the already vibrant shades.
Plush Velvet
Few fabrics feel more sumptuous than velvet. The plush pile positively radiates in saturated jewel tones. An amethyst velvet blazer or citrine cigarette pants convey winter richness and texture. Give velvet pieces ample space to shine sans accessories.
Metallic Sheen
Metallic fibers woven into knits and dresses really amplify jewel tones’ brilliance. The resulting garments glisten and shimmer with dazzling results. A gold-threaded emerald dress or silver-flecked sapphire top magnifies the colors’ glamour.
Casual to Dressy Winter Looks
The beauty of jewel tones lies in their astounding range. These colors adapt flawlessly to casual daytime affairs or black-tie soirees. Dress them up or down with creative layering and thoughtful accessories.
Casual Looks
Want to incorporate jewel tones into your everyday winter wear? Try an emerald cable-knit sweater with jeans or a ruby-red puffer coat worn over athleisure. Citrine sweatshirts, amethyst leggings, and other casual pieces enliven dreary days.
Dressy Looks
Jewel tones elegantly step up for evenings out, parties, and professional events. A vivid sapphire sheath dress or emerald dinner suit conveys instant luxury. Or try more casual pieces like velvet ruby pants or a sequined amethyst top.
Creative Layering
One way to transition jewel tones from casual to dressy is through creative layering. An emerald turtleneck and jeans become cocktail party-ready, topped with a black blazer and heels. Get multiple wears by adding and removing layers.
Pulling It All Together with Accessories
Jewel tones command so much attention; take care when selecting accessories. Keep jewelry minimal and look for neutral shoes and handbags to frame the vibrant colors. Accessorize thoughtfully to keep the jewel tones center stage.
Streamlined Jewelry
Delicate jewelry doesn’t compete with bold emerald or sapphire pieces. Try simple diamond studs, a thin gold necklace, or pendant earrings. Handbags and shoes should also remain minimal and neutral.
Neutral Footwear
Nude, black, or metallic shoes elongate the leg without clashing with vibrant jewel-toned outfits. Open-toed footwear extends the color’s impact. Neutral boots also pair perfectly with casual citrine or ruby looks.
Unembellished Handbags
Opt for clutches or shoulder bags in a neutral color like blush, gray, or oatmeal rather than competing with jewel-toned clothing. Uncluttered satchels also complement without overpowering the ensemble.
Creative, Lively Color Mixing
Jewel tones make natural partners for classic neutrals like black, white, and navy. But don’t be afraid to get creative with color pairings. Contrasting hues like pink or yellow make the jewel tones pop.
Jewel Tones and Winter White
Crisp white tonally cool warm citrine or ruby while providing contrast. An ivory coat over an emerald dress lightens the overall look. Winter white also elongates and highlights the body.
Navy Blue Contrast
Navy makes a perfect foil, intensifying the richness of jewel-toned pieces. Sapphire sparkles against classic navy blazers and trousers. Navy ties and shoes polish yet don’t compete with jewel tones.
Vibrant Contrasts
Pit jewel tones against contrasting brights for exciting color interplay. Citrine and fuchsia, emerald and chartreuse, ruby and lilac electrify the color palette. The contrasts make both halves of the pairing pop.
Tonal Neutrals
Ground vivid jewel tones with lighter tonal neutrals like taupe, gray, and mocha. Citrine pops against dove gray, while emerald dazzles with chocolate brown. The muted neutrals foreground the vibrancy.
Seasonal Makeup Enhances Jewel Tones
Play up the drama of your vibrant jewel-toned outfits with makeup in rich, complementary colors. Warm your complexion with golden tones or go bold with vivid berry lips. Tailor makeup to enhance your outfit.
Warm, Bronzed Complexions
Citrine and ruby jewel tones come alive against warmed skin. Try a touch of bronze highlighter on the cheeks, temples, and eyes. Pair with a neutral or rosy lip so the jewelry-inspired colors remain the focus.
Cool Berry and Rose Lip Colors
Vibrant berry rose, and wine lips flatter those wearing emerald or sapphire tones. Deeply pigmented lip color feels decadent against a jewel-toned backdrop. Keep cheeks and eyes soft to spotlight the mouth.
Eyes Aglow
Pair shimmering eyeshadow in hues like champagne, slate, or silvery purple with any jewel tone. A touch of shadow and mascara illuminates the eyes without competing with vibrant clothing. Allow the of-the-moment eyes to glow.
Statement Crimson Lips
For evening drama, go bold with matte crimson lipstick. This high-impact lip pairs well with all jewel tones. Keep the eyes bare, and cheeks subdued so all attention goes to your spectacular mouth.
Jewel Tones Through the Decades
Jewel tones first rose to prominence in the 1920s. Saturated colors offered an escape from wartime austerity. These rich gem hues remain perennial favorites for their timeless beauty.
Jewel-Toned Flappers
In the freewheeling 1920s, women embraced vivid colors and provocative styles. Emerald, sapphire, and ruby gowns in sleek, clinging silhouettes epitomized this newfound freedom. Jewel tones captured the energy of the age.
Power Dressing 1940s
War once again influenced color trends in the 1940s. Restrictions demanded sensible styles in darker, muted palettes. But jewel tones offered a bright respite, conveying hope and optimism.
Lavish Decadence in the 1980s
Everything shone bigger and brighter in the decadent 1980s. This over-the-top decade practically demanded blinding jewel tones. Fashions featured loud citrine yellows, fuchsia pinks, and electric blues.
Minimalist 1990s
As a pendulum swing from the maximalist 1980s, the 1990s favored minimalism and muted palettes. But jewel tones persisted in slinky slip dresses and tailored pantsuits among the dominant earth tones.
Modern Vintage Inspiration
Today’s jewel-toned fashions take inspiration from through the decades. The brilliant colors feel modern with vintage appeal. Sapphire sheaths, emerald trousers, and ruby outerwear update iconic styles.
Jewel Tone Confidence All Winter
The vivid allure of jewel tones empowers the wearer. Slipping on a garnet red dress or citrine overcoat ignites the spirit. Jewel tones make you feel vivacious and larger than life. Carry that confidence into all your winter adventures.
Captivating Color
Jewel tones enchant all who behold them. Heads turn, and eyes linger when you pass by in jewel-hued finery. The pure pleasure people take in your vibrant colors transfers to you with an empowering rush.
Seasonal Mood Elevation
Bleak winter days may drain your mood, but jewel tones provide a quick emotional pick-me-up. Just putting on an emerald turtleneck can make you feel more vibrant. Surround yourself with these mood-enhancing colors.
Stand Out in a Crowd
Jewel tones ensure all eyes fixate on you. A sapphire sheath dress or ruby velvet smoking jacket guarantees you will not blend into the background. Jewel tones empower you to command any room with quiet confidence.
Eternal Allure
Jewel tones never fade from fashion. Unlike trends that flare up and quickly fizzle, these rich gemstone colors remain perennial favorites. Sapphire, emerald, and ruby perpetually feel glamorous and elegant. Wear them anywhere with timeless allure.
Key Pieces to Try This Winter
Build your jewel-toned winter wardrobe with these essential pieces in emerald, sapphire, ruby, citrine, and amethyst. Focus on finding the most flattering shades to elevate your unique coloring.
- Sheath dress
- Cashmere sweater
- Silk blouse
- Velvet blazer
- Wide-leg trousers
- Faux fur coat
- LBD (little black dress)
- Evening gown
- Leather handbag
- Pumps or boots
- Cocktail ring
- Oversized scarf
- Cloche hat
- Trench coat
- Fitted turtleneck bodysuit
- Satin pajamas
Vibrant Fashion Forward
Jewel tones empower you to put your best face forward on dreary winter days. These rich, saturated colors convey timeless elegance and luxury for day or night affairs. From festive gatherings to quiet nights at home, surround yourself with mood-boosting winter jewel tones.
Sapphire blue, ruby red, emerald green, citrine yellow, and amethyst purple flatter most complexions. They illuminate you with an alluring glow perfect for the shorter, darker days of winter. Drape yourself in the vibrant hues of gems and minerals to combat the gloomy grays of the season.
Allow the intrinsic magnetism of jewel tones to make you feel exhilarated and energized all winter long. Their rich colors certainly stand up to the bleak midwinter gloom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What colors are considered jewel tones?
The primary jewel tones are deep, saturated hues like emerald green, sapphire blue, ruby red, citrine yellow, and amethyst purple. Some extend the definition to include peridot, garnet, onyx, and turquoise.
What colors go well with jewel tones?
Jewel tones pair beautifully with winter white, black, navy, and other neutral colors. Pink, yellow, teal and other bright shades also make vibrant complements to jewel tones.
How do you wear jewel tones?
Choose sleek, simple silhouettes that allow the vibrant colors to shine when wearing jewel tones. Minimal accessories in silver, gold, or neutral shades keep the focus on the jewel-toned pieces.
What colors make you look younger?
Clear, cool hues like sapphire blue, emerald green, and amethyst can make the complexion appear brighter and more youthful. Soft coral pinks and peaches also impart a natural glow.
Are jewel tones in for 2024?
Jewel tones are having a major fashion moment going into 2024. Designers like Valentino, Carolina Herrera, and Tom Ford showed emerald green, ruby red, and citrine yellow prominently on recent runways.
How do I choose the most flattering colors?
Finding your best colors starts with determining your undertones. Those with warm golden undertones shine in citrine yellow and ruby red, while cool undertones glow in sapphire and emerald.
What colors look best on brunettes?
Brunettes with brown or black hair flatter both warm and cool jewel tones. Go bold with sapphire, emerald, and amethyst or try citrine and ruby shades. Deep berry tones also complement brown hair.
Should you wear red lipstick with a red dress?
When wearing a vibrant ruby red dress, tone down your makeup so the dress takes center stage. Opt for a neutral lip, soft pink, or classic red, more subdued than your dress. Add definition with eyeliner and mascara instead of competing lip color.
What colors make you look expensive?
Classic color combinations like black and white, navy and gray, or ruby red and emerald green convey elegance and luxury. Crisp winter white also appears expensive when paired with bold jewel tones.
Summary Table
Jewel Tone | Flattering Colors to Pair | Makeup Suggestions | Key Silhouettes | Best Textures |
---|---|---|---|---|
Emerald Green | Winter white, navy, pink | Berry or rose lips | Sheath dresses, trousers | Silk, velvet |
Sapphire Blue | Black, gray, light blue | Soft neutral eyes | Streamlined coats, sheath dresses | Metallic knits, silk |
Ruby Red | Winter white, pink, emerald | Bronzed skin, neutral lips | Fitted bodysuits, full skirts | Velvet, satin |
Citrine Yellow | Navy, gray, black | Champagne eyeshadow | Pea coats, sweater dresses | Cashmere knits, faux fur |
Amethyst Purple | Taupe, winter white, ruby red | Slate eyeshadow, crimson lips | Shift dresses, blazers | Satin, lace |
Conclusion
Jewel tones empower you to embrace the moody beauty of winter in spectacular style. These rich, saturated hues bring vibrancy and allure to bleak midwinter days. Sapphire, emerald, ruby, citrine, and amethyst visually warm up any environment.
From casual weekends to elegant affairs, jewel tones take you there with timeless polish. Keep silhouettes streamlined and textures luxurious to let the stellar.
Gabrielle J. Smith is the pulsating essence that brings life to the world of fashion and color. With an innate talent for understanding the nuances of hues, she has the uncanny ability to paint narratives with her words, diving deep into the realm of color trends and the art of harmonizing them. Not just an expert in the field, Gabrielle also plays a pivotal role in strengthening the cohesion of our team, ensuring growth and harmony. Each of her articles is a testament to her passion, weaving captivating tales that resonate with readers and fashion aficionados alike.
Reviewed By: Joanna Perez and Anna West
Edited By: Lenny Terra
Fact Checked By: Matthew Mansour
Photos Taken or Curated By: Matthew Mansour