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If you're a brunette beauty with dark eyes and tan skin, consider yourself lucky. Pretty much any tone and shade looks good on you when it comes to both makeup and clothing. Take advantage of your tan skin by wearing bright hues in July, mocha and toffee shades in October, and pristine winter whites in January. Metallics and classic neutrals will be stunning on you too, so take the time to survey your endless possibilities, and get ready to be the envy of everyone in the room.
Red-Carpet Gala
When it comes to a super formal affair where you're going to need to stand out, go for bright white. With a tan skin tone and darker features, you can pull off this look because it won't wash you out. At the 2009 Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, Calif, actress Eva Mendes donned a glamorous white strapless taffeta gown with her dark hair up in a side-swept bouffant. She wisely kept the accessories to a minimum with a jeweled ring and bright turquoise necklace. The look works because of the contrast between her caramel skin and bright blue and the pristine white. Just remember to exfoliate that skin beforehand to ensure a radiating glow.
Bright Hues for Cocktail Hour
Ditch that LBD you usually wear to cocktail parties, and instead go for bright, saturated hues like forest green, rich eggplant or vivid fuchsia. Because of your darker hair, eyes and skin, the color won't overpower you or your features; you can definitely hold your own against a citrus yellow. Thandie Newton at the 2006 premiere of "Volver" in London wore a reddish-coral silk dress with an asymmetric hemline and sweetheart neckline. The wispy silhouette looked great on her dainty frame. Even non-busty ladies should balance it out. If you're showing cleavage up top, make sure the dress reaches the knees, at least. Finish off the look with metallic stilettos, and keep the makeup relatively low-key.
Sophisticated Casual
Whether you're planning on a full day of errands or dressing for "Casual Friday" at work, dark jeans are always a classy, appropriate option. Whatever your body type, you can find a flattering fit for you, but when it comes to someone with your coloring, try pairing your dark bootleg denim with suede pointy chocolate brown high-heeled boots and a fitted white tee-shirt underneath a leather camel-colored blazer that fits your bust and waist perfectly. Halle Berry was photographed out and about wearing a similar outfit. The warm, fall tones of her rich, caramel blazer against her darker skin looked perfect for the autumn season. With a pair of black sunglasses and a trendy animal-print bag, you're all set to go.
Sexy, Rocker-Chic for Date Night
Black is a good color for everyone, including you. The key is to keep it from looking boring, which you can do by mixing up fabrics, textures and styles, and adding a bold red lipstick, like brunette beauties like Jessica Alba and Penelope Cruz do so well. Whether you're wearing androgynous-chic trousers or a lace dress with a plunging neckline, a red lip instantly transforms an ensemble from basic to sultry. For date night, try a black, deep-V draped silk tank top with a pair of black cigarette jeans (or even leather pants if you're feeling adventurous enough). With tousled hair, your signature red lipstick (warmer, deeper shades look best on you) and a pair of black buckle ankle booties, you'll look a little rocker and a lot chic.
