What Color Lipstick Should I Wear? Easy Outfit Coordination Guide | Red Apple Lipstick

Ever stand in front of the mirror holding three different lipsticks and still feel unsure which one to wear? Instead of guessing, there is a simple shortcut that works with what you already own and makes your whole look feel intentional.

This article is not the only answer to the question “What color lipstick should I wear?” but it is an easy method you can add to your lipstick tool kit. Once you start seeing lipstick through this lens, you will not be able to unsee it.

We are going to lean on one idea that professional photographers, makeup artists and print designers use all the time: coordination.

The Easy Answer To “What Color Lipstick Should I Wear?”

So what exactly are we coordinating with? Something in your outfit or accessories.

Match your lipstick to a color that already appears somewhere in what you are wearing. It can be obvious, like the main color of your top, or subtle, like a stripe in your dress, the beads in a bracelet, or the floral print on your scarf.

Once you see how often this trick is used in photos, you will start to notice it everywhere. It is very simple and very forgiving, which is why it is perfect for beginners and for anyone who wants getting ready to feel easier and more fun.

"The best lipstick color to wear today is the lipstick color that makes your look today. If you want a fast way to decide, choose a lipstick shade that coordinates with something in your outfit."
Andrea Harper

Open your closet and look at the colors you love to wear. Those shades already work with your skin, your hair and your personal style. If you tend to reach for certain tops, dresses or scarves over and over, those colors are a strong clue about lipstick families you will like too.

Why This Coordination Method Works So Well

Here is why matching your lipstick to your outfit is such a useful shortcut.

• It is fast. Instead of staring at your entire lipstick drawer, you only look at shades that echo what you are wearing today.
• It is simple. You are using colors you already know you like on your body, so the chance of a clash is much lower.
• It looks intentional. That little bit of coordination makes your whole look feel more polished, even when the rest of your makeup is minimal.

How To Match Your Lipstick To Your Outfit

Use this as a mini checklist when you are getting dressed. Match your lipstick color to any of the following items.

• Your top or dress.
• Bangles, bracelets or your watch band.
• Your shoes or sandals.
• Your nail polish.
• Earrings, especially if they are visible around your face.
• A scarf or shawl.
• Hair accessories like bows, bands or clips.
• Hats and beanies.
• Your purse, clutch or crossbody bag.
• Your jacket, blazer or cardigan.
• Rings stacked on your fingers.
• Necklaces or pendants that sit near your collarbone.
• Your phone case if the color is strong and often visible.
• Any other accessory that introduces color into your outfit.

You do not have to match the shade perfectly. The goal is harmony. A raspberry lipstick can still coordinate beautifully with a red floral print, and a warm coral lip can echo a peach stripe in a blouse.

Real Life Magazine Cover Examples

Next time you are at a newsstand, look closely at fashion and lifestyle magazine covers. Most of the time, the model or celebrity has lipstick that coordinates with something in her outfit or with the graphic text on the cover.

The effect is subtle, but it is powerful. Your eye reads it as “put together” without really knowing why. You can borrow that same styling secret for everyday life.

Do I Still Need To Think About Skin Tones?

The good news is that for this coordination method, you do not have to get deep into cool versus warm undertones to start. Your closet has already done a lot of that work for you.

If you dislike how a color looks on you in clothing, you will probably dislike a similar lipstick shade too. If you love yourself in soft mauves, warm corals or rich berries, there is a very good chance you will enjoy those colors on your lips as well.

Later, when you want to refine your collection, you can absolutely explore skin undertones in more detail. For now, focus on the colors you enjoy seeing in the mirror when you get dressed.

Common “What If” Situations

What If I Love A Lipstick Shade But Own No Clothing That Matches It?

This is often your sign to add a small accessory, not a whole new wardrobe. A scarf, bracelet, pair of earrings or even a patterned headband in the same color family can help pull that lipstick into your outfits.

Trying on clothes in a store while you wear a particular lipstick can also be eye opening. You will quickly see which colors in the racks light you up and which ones do not, and that feedback can guide future lipstick purchases too.

What If My Lipstick Shade Does Not Exactly Match My Outfit?

Exact matches are not required. You are aiming for cousins, not twins. You can also slightly adjust your lipstick to better coordinate with what you are wearing.

One easy way is to mix two lipstick shades. Apply your base color, then tap a second shade over the top until the tone has shifted enough to work with your outfit. For example, if you own light pink Audrey and want it a bit deeper for a red blouse, press a small amount of Can't Be Beet into the center and blot.

You can also use a clear or slightly tinted gloss to soften the look of a strong lipstick so it plays more gently with your clothes.

For extra polish, lightly trace the edges of your lips with a creamy lip liner in a similar shade before you apply your lipstick blend. This keeps everything tidy while you experiment.

What If My Clothes Are Colors That No Lipstick Matches?

Some colors, like black, navy, bright green or pure white, do not have a believable lipstick equivalent. Matching your mouth exactly to a neon green sweater is probably not the vibe you want.

In those cases, look to your accessories. A burgundy bag, rust colored belt, rose gold earrings or soft mauve scarf can give you something more lipstick friendly to coordinate with. Think beyond the main garment and use the smaller details as your guide.

Red Apple Lipstick Shades That Coordinate Easily

Once you start playing with this method, it helps to have a few “works with everything” lipsticks on hand. Here are some Red Apple Lipstick favorites that tend to pair well with many wardrobes and accessories.

• Soft everyday pinks that go with jeans, tees and florals: Audrey, Mabel and Flutter.
• Rosy mauves that mirror a lot of capsule wardrobes: Maven Mauve, Appley Ever After and Mauve Me.
• Classic reds that love black dresses, stripes and sharp blazers: Can't Be Beet, New York and Naughty.
• Bright warm shades that echo sunny prints and summer tops: Hibiskiss, Petal To The Metal and Pinkle Twinkle.
• Deeper berries that pair beautifully with cozy knits and jewel tones: Berry Blast, Vogue and Rebel!.
• Soft warm reds that bridge casual and dressy outfits: Strawberry Lips and Kissimmee.

FAQs

How do I pick a lipstick color quickly when I am in a rush?

Look at what you are wearing and choose one color to echo. If your top has a pink floral print, grab a pink that is in the same family. If your bag is a deep berry, reach for a berry lipstick like Vogue or Berry Blast.

Do I have to match my lipstick perfectly to my clothes?

No. You only need the colors to feel related. A mauve lip with a purple floral dress, a warm red with a rust cardigan or a bright coral with a peach printed top will all read as coordinated without being identical.

What lipstick colors go with a simple black dress?

A black dress is a great canvas for statement lips. Try classic reds like Can't Be Beet or New York, deeper berries like Rebel!, or a soft mauve like Maven Mauve for a more understated look.

How can I make my coordinated lipstick last longer?

Start with smooth, moisturized lips, then lightly outline and fill them with a creamy lip liner. Apply your lipstick in thin layers, blot, and add one more light layer. This helps the color grip better and stay put through coffee, meetings and dinner.

Is this method still helpful if I prefer subtle, natural makeup?

Yes. You can coordinate with softer shades just as easily. Try gentle pinks like Audrey and Mabel or soft mauves like Mauve Me that echo quiet colors in your outfit without feeling bold.

If you are specifically wondering about lipstick ideas for mature lips, you may also enjoy our guide on what color lipstick an older woman should wear.

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