Free Universal Colour Guide
Shades Everyone Can Wear
Below we have five wonderful universal shades to share with you.
These colours work for men and women alike, and suit every colouring because they sit in a beautifully balanced, neutral place on the spectrum — not overly warm and not overly cool. They’re the easiest shades to wear, the easiest to pair, and the quickest way to look polished without overthinking it.
They’re also perfect for starting a capsule wardrobe: invest in core neutrals like taupe, navy and soft white, then add a few pops of teal and purple, and every wardrobe instantly looks more polished, pulled-together, and easy to style.
Navy
There are countless shades that are classed as navy on the high street, available year in, year out, each and every season.
It’s kinder to fine lines and wrinkles and feels less heavy than black, while still giving that same polished, “safe” neutral most women reach for in black — for men and women alike.
The best thing is: there’s a navy for EVERY colouring. Rich, deep navies naturally flatter those with more depth, while softer navies can look effortless on lighter colourings.
Some colour types wear navy best in a tonal way (smooth, blended, harmonious, shade on shade). While others look best when navy creates strong contrast. (Thing light and dark shades together.)
How you wear navy depends on your full colour profile — but navy works for everyone, which is exactly why it’s our number one universal shade.
2. Soft White
Soft White is a brilliant alternative to stark, optic white (which can look a bit harsh), and it instantly makes an outfit feel fresher, lighter, and more expensive-looking without trying too hard.
If you’ve got more depth or contrast in your colouring, wear soft white with navy. If you’re lighter and more delicate in colouring, a gentler combo works well tonally with taupe or other nude shades. (Be mindful of your undertone when adding to other nudes however) .
Either way, soft white is incredibly wearable near the face — it brightens without shouting. A must for every wardrobe.
3. Taupe
There’s a reason interior design has favoured taupe for decades: it just works.
Taupe softens a space, adds warmth without feeling “yellow”, and brings that calm, expensive-looking finish that never dates. The same is true in personal style — taupe is one of our most universally flattering neutrals because it sits so beautifully alongside every part of the colour spectrum.
It pairs effortlessly with darker shades like navy and black, lifts brighter colours like emerald and red, and looks especially chic worn tonally with other nudes (think soft white, stone, mocha, and chocolate). Taupe doesn’t compete — it quietly elevates, making outfits look more pulled-together, more modern, and more intentional.
If you’re building a wardrobe that actually works, taupe is a power move. It adds instant polish without feeling try-hard, and it’s one of the easiest ways to make everyday outfits look “styled”.
Everyone should own a few key taupe staples — a coat, a bag, and a pair of shoes — because once you have them, you’ll wonder how you ever dressed without them.
4. Teal
The same can be said for Teal…
There’s a reason interiors across the globe have used teal for decades — it adds colour without feeling “extra”. In personal style, teal does the same job: it brings life to an outfit while still looking polished, wearable, and surprisingly neutral.
And just like navy, there are countless shades that are classed as teal on the high street, year in, year out. Some versions however, will feel slightly better depending on your undertone and full colour profile: ocean teals often run a little cooler and softer, while bright, clear teals can feel a touch more contrasting.. Either way, teal remains flattering on everyone.
Teal is also a dream to style. Worn with nudes it looks chic and modern; paired with brights it adds elegance and intention. From bright crystal-blue teals through to deep, smoky, almost chocolate-toned teals, it has a knack for making every eye colour pop.
Another wonderful universal shade you need to add to your wardrobe…
5. Purple
This one surprises our clients the most.
Yes — everyone can wear a true, “primary” purple. (And yes, we know it’s not technically a primary colour… but it is the first purple you hit on the colour wheel, so we’re calling it primary purple for ease.)
The trick with this daring shade is wearing it in a way that matches the comfort level of your personality and lifestyle. A full purple suit or dress can feel like a lot if you’re more Natural and understated, and it can feel a bit too “colourful” if your style leans City Chic. But purple doesn’t have to be head-to-toe — it can be a small pop in earrings, a scarf, a bag detail, a manicure, or even an eye look. However you wear it, purple reads rich, elegant, and instantly put-together.
For easy, universal pairings, purple looks incredible with navy (deep and expensive-looking), taupe (soft and chic), and soft white (fresh and modern). If you want it to feel bolder, add a touch of teal for a jewel-toned combination that still looks classy rather than chaotic.
For centuries, royalty wore purple as a symbol of wealth and status — it was one of the rarest, most expensive dyes to produce, so it became the ultimate “luxury” colour.
Even now, purple still carries that same energy: rich, elevated, and quietly powerful.
Discover More Universally Flattering Shades
Colour Analysis
Not sure which colour palette suits you best?
Book a one of our Full Colour Analysis Consultations to discover your perfect shades! Available for both online and in-person appointments.
