How to Find Your Contrast Level

 

Most people know whether they suit “warm” or “cool” colours. But very few know their contrast level. And honestly? That’s often the missing link when an outfit feels a bit… off. Even when the colours technically “work.”

Contrast is just the relationship between your features - your hair, skin, and eyes.

Are they all similar in depth and tone? Or do they sharply stand apart? That difference (or lack of it) is what creates harmony. When your outfit mirrors that natural balance, everything suddenly feels right.

 

What contrast really means

Low contrast
If your features are close in depth and tone (like light hair, fair skin, and soft eyes), you’re low contrast. Outfits with soft transitions and tonal palettes will feel most natural.

Medium contrast
Most people sit here. You’ve got some variation, but nothing extreme. Pairings with balance, like navy and camel, or blush and charcoal bring your features to life without overpowering you.

High contrast
If your features are dramatically different (dark hair, light skin, bright eyes), you’re high contrast. Bold combos like black and white, or jewel tones against neutrals, reflect that natural sharpness.

 

Why it matters

Contrast literally shapes how your clothes communicate.

• Low contrast looks soft, blended, approachable.
• Medium contrast feels balanced, versatile, easy to wear.
• High contrast makes a statement, sharp, confident, bold.

If you’ve ever tried something that should suit you but just feels wrong, too flat, too harsh, too much...chances are the contrast was off.

 

How to find your level

1. Take a photo of yourself in natural light. No makeup, no filters, no flash.
2. Turn it black and white. This strips away colour so you can focus only on light vs dark.
3. Compare your features. Look at the difference between your lightest and darkest points (usually hair, skin, or eyes).
4. Use the scale. Place your lightest and darkest features on the chart. Subtract the two numbers to find your contrast level.

1–3 = Low contrast (soft features that blend)

4–6 = Medium contrast (balanced variation)

7–10 = High contrast (sharp, striking differences)

 

Reading your result

Low contrast (1–3)
Your features naturally blend, so soft, tonal outfits will feel harmonious. Cream with blush, denim with grey, light on light pairings, all of these will look intentional instead of washed out.

Medium contrast (4–6)
You’ve got some variation, but it’s not extreme. Balanced pairings like navy and camel, or ivory and tan, will highlight your features without stealing the show.

High contrast (7–10)
Your features are strikingly different, so strong colour pairings, like black and white, or cobalt with camel, will echo that natural energy.

And I just want to emphasise one of these categories are “better.” They just explain why some outfits make you feel pulled together while others feel strangely flat. Once you know your level, you can choose whether to lean into it or break the rule for effect.

 

How to use it when styling

• Low contrast: Stick with soft colour flow. Beige, cream, blush. Think subtle shifts.
  
  
• Medium contrast: Layer your depths. Denim with ivory and a tan belt creates just enough difference.
  
  
• High contrast: Embrace boldness. Black and white. Jewel tones. Strong light/dark pairings that match your natural sharpness.

But don’t overthink it. Contrast is just another tool to help you see why certain outfits work. It’s here to refine your wardrobe, not limit it.

Final thought

If your wardrobe feels full but nothing feels right, start by looking at your contrast. It’s often the missing link between “nice clothes” and a style that actually feels like you.

Next time you get dressed, try mirroring your natural contrast in your outfit. Then notice how it changes the way you show up.