The Top 5 Preppy Braces Colors and How to Choose Preppy Braces Colors That Match Your Style

WhatColors

Dante Kim

September 17th, 2024

Get your color analysis done
in 60 seconds with WhatColors!

Get your color analysis done in
60 seconds with WhatColors!

Get your color analysis done in 60 seconds with WhatColors!

Choosing braces colors may seem like a small detail, but it can significantly affect your comfort and confidence while wearing braces. If you want to rock your braces with style, you can’t go wrong with preppy braces colors. These shades fit right in with the preppy aesthetic, a timeless, classy, and polished style. This blog will help you pick the perfect color for your style. We’ll go over the top five colors of preppy braces and how to choose the shades that match your unique taste.

WhatColors’s AI-powered color analysis app can help you narrow down your options and choose the preppy braces colors that will help you achieve your ideal look.

What is Preppy Style?
The Most Popular Preppy Braces Colors
The Top 5 Preppy Braces Colors for Girls and Boys
How to Style Your Braces Colors with a Preppy Look
Best Practices for Maintaining and Enhancing Your Braces Colors
How WhatColors Can Help You Choose the Perfect Braces Color
Try AI Personal Color Analysis For Free Today

What is Preppy Style?

Preppy style has a long history. Also called Ivy League style, preppy fashion traces its origins to the affluent students of Ivy League colleges in the Northeast. The look is characterized by its:

Clean
Classic
Colorful aesthetic

Timeless Staples

You'll find that the preppy style relies heavily on timeless staples like:

Blazers
Polo shirts
Chinos
Loafers

The color palette ranges from soft pastels to rich, sophisticated hues. This style embraces both comfort and structure, making it perfect for a variety of occasions, from beach days to holiday parties.

How Can Braces Complement Preppy Style?

Braces are no longer just a dental necessity. They have become accessories that can be styled to match one's fashion preferences. For those embracing a preppy look, braces colors can be selected to either subtly complement or boldly contrast with their wardrobe choices, adding another dimension to their style.

Practical Tip: Consider your most frequently worn preppy pieces, such as pastel-colored polos or navy blazers, and think about how braces colors like navy blue, burgundy, or light pink can tie into these outfits.

Why Choose the Right Braces Colors?

Picking the right braces colors is especially important for those who care about making a polished style statement. The color of your braces can either enhance your natural beauty and personal style or clash with your features, creating a less flattering look.

For those who care about making a polished style statement, as is typical with preppy fashion, choosing the right braces colors becomes particularly important.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Braces Colors

When selecting braces colors, there are three major features to consider:

Skin tone
Hair color
Eye color

These factors determine which hues will look best on you. For example:

Skin Tone: Certain colors work better with specific skin tones. Cooler skin tones may look better with blues, purples, and pinks, while warmer skin tones might shine with greens, reds, and oranges.
Hair Color: Hair color also plays a role; for example, darker hair may pop with lighter braces colors, while blonde hair might stand out with deeper, more saturated tones.
Eye Color: Eye color can complement braces colors too. For instance, blue-eyed individuals might choose shades that enhance their eyes, like sky blue or navy.

Make Braces Part of Your Fashion Statement

When it comes to braces, the choice of colors can be either subtle or bold, depending on the desired impact. Subtle colors like navy blue or burgundy can blend seamlessly with a classic preppy look, while bolder choices like coral or mint green can add a pop of color and make a statement.

Practical Tip: Start with a classic preppy color palette (such as navy, burgundy, and light pink) and experiment with one or two bolder colors to see which ones resonate most with your style and personality.

The Most Popular Preppy Braces Colors

Navy Blue: The Timeless Preppy Favorite

Navy Blue is a classic preppy color that exudes sophistication and versatility. It is often associated with traditional prep school uniforms, blazers, and nautical themes, making it a staple in the preppy wardrobe. Navy Blue braces are subtle yet stylish, matching well with most preppy outfits like:

Khaki pants
Pastel shirts
Plaid skirts

This color is perfect for those who want their braces to blend in with a clean-cut, polished style. Works well for individuals with cooler skin tones and dark hair, adding depth and elegance to the overall look.

Burgundy: The Deep Color Trend

Burgundy is a deep, rich color that adds a touch of class and sophistication. It’s often seen in preppy fashion staples like:

Sweaters
Blazers
Ties

Burgundy braces can add a pop of color without being too bold. This color works particularly well in the fall and winter seasons when deeper hues are more prominent in fashion. It is ideal for those with medium to dark skin tones or individuals who want a more mature and refined look.

Mint Green: The Fresh Color Trend

Mint Green is a fresh, modern twist on preppy fashion. It adds a hint of playfulness while still fitting into the clean, classic aesthetic. This color is perfect for summer or spring, pairing well with lighter outfits like white chinos or pastel blouses.

Mint Green braces add a fresh pop that can brighten up any smile. They are best suited for those with warm undertones or individuals looking to make a subtle yet stylish statement.

Coral Pink: The Playful Color Trend

Coral Pink is a softer, more feminine color that brings a vibrant and youthful energy to the preppy palette. It’s often used in preppy wardrobes in the form of:

Polo shirts
Sundresses
Accessories

Coral Pink is a great braces color for those who want to add a playful touch to their smile. It is suitable for fair to medium skin tones and especially flattering for those with cool undertones.

Royal Purple: The Bold Color Trend

Royal Purple is a bold and regal color that adds a unique flair to preppy fashion. It is often associated with:

Luxury
Sophistication

This color is ideal for individuals who want their braces to stand out while still aligning with the preppy aesthetic.

Royal Purple Braces

Royal Purple braces look great when paired with neutral or monochromatic outfits. They are great for lighter skin tones or those with brown eyes, providing a strong contrast and drawing attention to the smile.

Color Match Technology

WhatColors helps you find what colors to wear based on your skin tone. Finally, our patented color match technology lets you get your season based on your skin tone. Get the perfect colors based on your season. Avoid colors that are a definite no. Based on your skin, eye, and hair color, find the perfect nail colors with our WhatColors nail color generator.

Get your color analysis done within 60 seconds with WhatColors’ AI personal color analysis app. Download our app for free today on the App Store or Google Play store.

The Top 5 Preppy Braces Colors for Girls and Boys

For Girls

1. Light Pink Braces: Pretty in Pink

Light Pink is a delicate, feminine color that exudes a soft, elegant vibe. It is a staple in preppy wardrobes, especially during the spring and summer seasons. Light Pink braces add a subtle, pretty touch to any outfit, particularly those featuring:

Pastels
Florals
Other soft colors

They are perfect for adding a pop of color without overpowering the overall look. They are ideal for girls with fair to medium skin tones and cool undertones, as they enhance their natural features and add a gentle, polished accent to their style.

2. Sky Blue Braces: A Touch of Cool

Sky Blue is a calm, serene color that represents freshness and youth. It is a popular choice in preppy fashion because it is associated with classic pieces like button-down shirts and summer dresses.

Sky Blue braces provide a cool contrast to neutral or pastel outfits, making them a versatile choice for girls who want a clean and understated look. Sky blue is suitable for girls with cool skin tones and blue or gray eyes, as it can highlight and complement these natural features beautifully.

3. Lavender Braces: A Sweet Yet Sophisticated Choice

Lavender is a trendy, soft purple hue that brings a unique and fashionable edge to the preppy
color palette. It’s a popular choice for those looking to add a gentle pop of color. Lavender braces pair well with preppy outfits that feature:

Pastels
Whites
Light grays

They offer a subtle yet distinct color that adds sophistication without being too bold. Works best for girls with lighter skin tones and dark hair, creating a balanced look that enhances their:

Smile
Overall appearance

4. Mint Green Braces: Refreshing and Playful

Mint Green is a fresh and lively color that adds a playful yet refined element to the preppy style. It’s perfect for those who enjoy wearing light and breezy summer outfits. Mint Green braces can complement both light and dark preppy ensembles, offering a refreshing contrast that is eye-catching but not overpowering.

They are ideal for girls who want to stand out subtly. It suits girls with warm undertones and those looking for a fun, fresh braces color that works well across different seasons.

5. Coral Braces: Bright, Bold, and Beautiful

Coral is a vibrant, lively color combining pink and orange elements. It brings energy and warmth to the preppy aesthetic, making it a great choice for those who want a more dynamic look. Coral braces pair beautifully with preppy outfits that feature:

Whites
Navies
Other bright colors

They are perfect for adding a playful, summery touch to any look. They are best suited for girls with medium to dark skin tones, as they provide a bright and flattering contrast that draws attention to the smile.

For Boys

1. Navy Blue Braces: A Classic Choice for Boys

Navy Blue is a cornerstone of preppy fashion. It is versatile, timeless, and exudes a sense of sophistication. Navy Blue is often associated with:

Prep school uniforms
Nautical themes
Blazers

Navy Blue braces blend seamlessly with classic preppy outfits, such as:

Khakis
Blazers
Button-down shirts

This color is a go-to choice for boys who want their braces to look sleek and understated while still reflecting their style. Navy blue braces are perfect for boys with cooler skin tones and darker hair, adding a subtle elegance without drawing too much attention to the braces.

2. Forest Green Braces: An Earthy Alternative

Forest Green is a rich, natural color embodying preppy fashion's refined yet adventurous side. It is frequently seen in classic preppy pieces like:

Sweaters
Vests
Chinos

Forest Green braces provide a subdued, earthy tone that pairs well with neutral and colorful preppy outfits. This color is great for boys who want to add a bit of color to their braces without going too bold. It is also ideal for boys with warm undertones and those who prefer a more:

Outdoorsy
Classic preppy style

3. Burgundy Braces: A Sophisticated Option

Burgundy is a deep, mature color that adds a sense of depth and sophistication. It’s a staple in preppy wardrobes, often seen in:

Blazers
Ties
Dress pants

Burgundy braces add a refined touch that can elevate a simple outfit, making them a great choice for school events, pictures, or any occasion where a polished look is desired. They are suitable for boys with medium to dark skin tones or those who want a more sophisticated and formal braces color.

4. Gray Braces: A Minimalist's Dream

Gray is a versatile, neutral color that pairs well with almost any outfit. It’s a modern, sleek choice that fits well within the preppy aesthetic while offering a minimalist appeal. Gray braces provide a subtle complement to a wide range of preppy clothing, from casual polos and shorts to formal blazers and chinos.

They work well for those who want a clean, understated look. Works for all skin tones, especially for boys who prefer a low-key look that doesn’t draw too much attention to their braces.

5. Royal Blue Braces: A Bold Yet Classy Approach

Royal Blue is a bold yet classic color that adds a pop of brightness without being overly flashy. It is often seen in preppy accessories, ties, and blazers. Royal Blue braces are perfect for boys who want a brighter color that still fits within the preppy aesthetic.

They pair well with neutral outfits and add a touch of fun while keeping the look polished. They are best suited for boys with fair to medium skin tones and those looking to add a bold yet sophisticated element to their style.

How to Style Your Braces Colors with a Preppy Look

Preppy style is all about coordination and looking put-together. Your braces colors should not clash with your clothes; instead, they should complement your overall outfit, enhancing your style rather than distracting from it.

To achieve this level of coordination, start by matching your braces with the core colors of your wardrobe. Consider the colors you wear most often. If your wardrobe is filled with navy, white, and pastel colors, choose braces colors like:

Navy Blue
Light Pink
Sky Blue that blends well with these hues

Strategic Color Contrast

Use color contrast strategically to create a bold statement. If you wear a lot of neutral or monochrome outfits, braces in Coral or Mint Green can add a pop of color that draws attention to your smile.

Practical Tip: Keep a few staple braces colors like Navy Blue and Burgundy for versatility, and rotate in brighter colors seasonally or for special occasions to keep your look fresh.

Accessorizing Around Your Braces Colors

Accessories are a key component of the preppy aesthetic. They can either complement or clash with your braces' colors. Choosing the right accessories ensures that your braces and overall look remain harmonious.

Cohesive Accessories

To create a cohesive look with your braces color, consider matching your accessories to your braces. If you have braces in Sky Blue or Light Pink, wear matching accessories like:

Headbands
Scarves
Earrings in similar tones

This creates a cohesive look that ties everything together.

Neutral Accessories

If your braces are in a bold color like Royal Purple or Coral, opt for neutral accessories (e.g., white, beige, or navy) to balance the look without overwhelming it.

Practical Tip: Use WhatColors to find accessory colors that match or complement your chosen braces colors based on your skin tone and personal style.

Seasonal Braces Color Ideas

Preppy style often changes subtly with the seasons, moving from pastels and bright colors in spring and summer to deeper, richer hues in fall and winter. Changing your braces colors seasonally can keep your look current and fashionable.

For spring and summer, opt for lighter, brighter braces colors like Mint Green, Coral, and Sky Blue to match the airy, fresh feel of these seasons. Pair with pastel or floral preppy outfits for a cohesive look.

Fall/Winter Colors

Then, as fall and winter roll around, choose deeper, richer colors like Burgundy, Royal Purple, and Navy Blue to match the more subdued, cozy tones of fall and winter wardrobes. Pair these braces colors with classic preppy pieces like:

Blazers
Cable-knit sweaters
Wool skirts

Practical Tip: Schedule your orthodontic appointments to coincide with seasonal changes. This will allow you to update your braces colors and stay on-trend with the latest preppy styles.

Creating a Signature Look with Braces Colors

Developing a signature look helps you stand out and express your personal style, even with braces. This involves choosing colors that not only look good but also feel authentic to who you are.

To create your signature look, pick a color palette that reflects your personality. If you’re more conservative, stick to classic colors like:

Navy Blue
Burgundy

Bold Combinations

If you’re bold and adventurous, incorporate colors like Coral or Mint Green into your braces color rotation.

Next, experiment with combinations. Try combining two braces colors (if your orthodontist allows it) to create a unique look. Alternating Light Pink and Lavender can create a fun and chic style within the preppy aesthetic.

Color Palette

Practical Tip: Use WhatColors to find a color palette that best suits your skin tone and style, and consider sticking with a few core colors that you rotate to maintain a cohesive and recognizable look.

Best Practices for Maintaining and Enhancing Your Braces Colors

Keeping Your Braces Colors Bright and Fresh

Braces colors can fade or become dull over time, especially if exposed to certain foods and drinks. Maintaining bright colors is key to keeping your braces looking fresh and stylish.

How to Maintain Braces Color Brightness

Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Regular brushing and flossing help prevent stains and plaque buildup that can dull braces' colors. Use a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive toothpaste to clean around the brackets carefully.
Avoid Stain-Causing Foods and Drinks: Be mindful of consuming foods and beverages that are known to stain, such as coffee, tea, red wine, curry, and berries. If you do consume them, rinse your mouth with water afterward to reduce staining potential.

Practical Tip: Consider using a straw for stain-causing drinks to minimize contact with your braces. Additionally, orthodontic wax can help protect brackets from discoloration caused by acidic or highly pigmented foods.

Changing Braces Colors Regularly to Match Seasonal Trends

Brace colors are not permanent, and orthodontic appointments provide a perfect opportunity to change them regularly. Updating your colors to match the season keeps your look fresh and fashionable.

How to Plan for Color Changes

Coordinate with Seasonal Fashion Trends: Align your braces colors with the latest seasonal trends to keep your look up-to-date. For instance, opt for pastel colors like Light Pink or Mint Green in spring, and richer hues like Burgundy or Navy Blue in fall.
Set a Color Rotation Schedule: Plan ahead for your next orthodontic appointment by thinking about the colors you’d like to try next. This helps you avoid last-minute decisions and ensures you always have colors that complement your style.

Practical Tip: Use WhatColors to determine new, season-appropriate braces colors that suit your skin tone and personal style. Keep track of your favorite color combinations to rotate them strategically.

Choosing the Right Colors for Different Occasions

Different occasions may call for different looks. You might want a more subdued, classic color for formal events or a brighter, more playful color for casual gatherings.

How to Choose for Occasions

Formal Events: For events like school pictures, formal dances, or presentations, opt for classic colors like Navy Blue, Burgundy, or clear braces bands to maintain a polished and elegant look.
Casual and Fun Events: For more relaxed settings, you can experiment with brighter colors like Coral, Sky Blue, or even alternating colors for a fun twist.

Practical Tip: Consider getting feedback from friends or using apps like WhatColors to see which braces colors would look best for specific occasions based on your outfit and overall look.

Using Neutral Braces Colors as a Base and Adding Pops of Color

Neutral colors like clear, silver, or light gray can provide a versatile base that pairs well with any outfit. Adding pops of color with accents (if your orthodontist offers this option) allows for more creative expression without overwhelming your look.

How to Combine Neutrals and Colors

Choose a Neutral Base: Start with a neutral base color, such as clear or light gray, that blends well with your natural teeth color.
Add Color Accents: To keep the look stylish but understated, add one or two colored braces bands as accents, such as a pastel or bold color.

Practical Tip: This approach is particularly useful for those who want a more conservative look most of the time but enjoy adding a bit of flair occasionally. You can change the accent colors more frequently while keeping the base color consistent.

Avoiding Common Mistakes in Braces Color Choices

Some braces colors may look good in theory but could clash with your natural features or wardrobe. Choosing the wrong colors can detract from your style and even make your teeth appear less white.

How to Avoid Mistakes

Avoid Colors That May Cause Discoloration: Yellow, white, or clear bands can sometimes stain easily or make teeth appear yellow. It’s best to avoid these if you’re concerned about maintaining a bright smile.
Test Colors Virtually: Use WhatColors or other color analysis tools to test braces colors against your skin tone and hair color before committing.

Practical Tip: Stick to colors within your seasonal color palette and get a second opinion from friends, family, or even your orthodontist to ensure you’re making the best choice.

How WhatColors Can Help You Choose the Perfect Braces Color

With just a little research, you can find the perfect colors for your braces, ensuring they complement your natural features and personal style. WhatColors is an innovative color analysis tool that helps you select braces colors that match your skin tone, hair color, and eye color for a flattering and stylish appearance.

With its unique patented technology, it takes all the guesswork out of color selection, so you can feel confident in your choice.

Unique Features of WhatColors for Color Analysis

WhatColors employs patented color analysis technology to help you find the best braces colors based on your unique profile. This tool examines your skin tone, hair color, and eye color to provide personalized recommendations, ensuring any color you choose will enhance your natural beauty.

WhatColors also categorizes users into color seasons, making it easy to find braces colors that suit your:

Features
Personal style

Beyond Braces

The tool goes beyond braces, offering color coordination advice for nails and fashion choices, so all your selections are cohesive and stylish. It even advises which colors to avoid based on your profile, helping you steer clear of any hues that may clash with your appearance.

How WhatColors Helps Users Overcome Common Color Selection Challenges

Selecting braces colors can be overwhelming. In fact, many people randomly choose these colors or rely on generic advice that isn’t tailored to their features. WhatColors eliminates the guesswork by offering scientifically-backed color recommendations that suit your unique tones.

This not only saves time but also reduces decision fatigue, making the process of selecting braces colors quick and easy. Choosing colors that complement your natural features can enhance your personal style and confidence. This is especially important for teens seeking braces, as they want their new appliance to enhance, rather than detract from, their overall look.

Case Study: Enhancing Style with WhatColors

Emily, a high school student, struggled to decide on braces colors that would suit her preppy style and match her skin tone. She tried several colors but wasn’t happy with how they looked against her skin.

After using WhatColors to analyze her skin tone, eye color, and hair color, the tool identified her as a Spring and recommended braces colors like:

Light Pink
Mint Green
Sky Blue

Emily’s Success

Following the recommendations, Emily chose Mint Green braces, which perfectly complemented her warm undertones and preppy wardrobe. She received numerous compliments and felt more confident with her new look.

Emily highlighted that WhatColors made the decision process much easier and ensured she avoided colors that didn’t suit her.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using WhatColors for Braces Colors

1. Get Your Season-Based Color Analysis

What to Do: Visit WhatColors and input your details, such as skin tone, hair color, and eye color. Based on these features, the tool will determine your color season (Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn).
Why This Matters: Understanding your color season helps you identify a range of colors that will naturally complement your appearance.

2. Explore Recommended Preppy Colors

What to Do: Once you have your season-based analysis, explore the preppy braces colors recommended for your season. These colors are specifically chosen to enhance your style while keeping in line with the preppy aesthetic.
Why This Matters: Using season-appropriate colors ensures your braces will always look stylish and flattering, regardless of your outfit or occasion.

3. Avoid Colors That Don’t Match Your Features

What to Do: Review the list of colors that WhatColors advises against for your profile. Avoid these colors when selecting braces to prevent any clashing with your natural features.
Why This Matters: Choosing the wrong colors can detract from your appearance or make your teeth appear less bright, so avoiding these colors helps maintain a polished look.

4. Coordinate with Your Wardrobe

What to Do: Use the app to match the recommended braces colors with your existing wardrobe. WhatColors can help you create a cohesive look by aligning your braces colors with your favorite outfits.
Why This Matters: Coordinating your braces colors with your wardrobe adds an extra layer of style, making your overall appearance more intentional and put-together.

5. Plan Your Braces Color Updates

What to Do: Regularly use WhatColors to plan future braces colors based on evolving trends and personal style changes. Schedule updates to ensure your braces always complement your look.
Why This Matters: Keeping your braces colors updated with the seasons or fashion trends helps you stay on top of your style game and prevents monotony.

Color Match Technology

Try AI Personal Color Analysis For Free Today

WhatColors helps you find what colors to wear based on your skin tone. Finally, thanks to our patented color-match technology, you can get the perfect colors based on your season.

Avoid colors that are a definite no. Based on your skin, eye, and hair color, find the perfect nail colors with our WhatColors nail color generator.

Get your color analysis done within 60 seconds with WhatColors’ AI personal color analysis app. Download our app for free today on the App Store or Google Play store.

What is Preppy Style?

Preppy style has a long history. Also called Ivy League style, preppy fashion traces its origins to the affluent students of Ivy League colleges in the Northeast. The look is characterized by its:

Clean
Classic
Colorful aesthetic