There is a truth about summer the fashion industry rarely says out loud: the same colour does not look the same on every skin. After a few weeks at the beach or the pool, your tan changes - and so does what suits you. Stylists say that instead of buying by the trend, it pays to look in the mirror and see what shade the sun has given you.

The logic is simple. On fair skin with a first tan, coral brings shine and a „healthy-skin effect“ - it works with blouses, tees and jeans. On a discreet bronze tan, baby blue creates a fresh contrast that draws out the golden tones. On a light golden tan, plain white paired with beige works both for everyday and for dressier occasions.

Go deeper into the tan and the rules change. A medium golden bronze calls for a reddish-orange that „amplifies the warm tones and carries energy,“ ideal for evening events with floral prints and gold details. An intense golden tan goes with turquoise, which makes a lively contrast on bikinis and light dresses. Skin is not a neutral backdrop - it is part of the look.

With darker tones the palette gets bolder. An olive tan gains character with mustard yellow, paired with chocolate brown - a „retro chic“ that always comes back. On caramel skin, cobalt or electric blue stands out on its own, no accessories needed. And on a deep tan, bright white in linen and crochet gives maximum contrast, while terracotta brings warmth and harmony.

The Balkan sun is generous - by the end of July most of us are on one of these tones. Is this science or marketing selling you one more T-shirt? Somewhere in between. But the rule that the colour should go with you, not you with it, is one of those that costs nothing and is worth a lot.