Skims Ochre vs. Sienna: What's the difference?

The primary difference between Skims' Ochre and Sienna shades lies in their undertones and depth. Ochre is a warm, muted yellow-brown color that serves as a versatile, subtle neutral, while Sienna is a deeper, earthier reddish-brown hue that offers a richer and more saturated look.

Here's a detailed comparison to help you find the perfect Skims neutral for your wardrobe and skin tone.

Skims in Ochre

Skims' Ochre is a gentle, appealing color inspired by natural earth pigments. It has a soft, yellow-brown base that provides warmth without being overpowering, making it an incredibly versatile alternative to traditional nude or beige shades for many skin tones.

• What it is: A warm, muted yellow-brown color available across Skims' collections like Fits Everybody and Soft Lounge.
• Color Profile: Offers a warm, subtle, and earthy aesthetic. It’s a muted tone that blends easily and provides a hint of gentle color.
• Best For: Everyday versatility, wearing under light-colored or sheer clothing, and for those who prefer a soft, warm neutral.
• Pros: Highly versatile and pairs with a wide range of colors. A great 'nude' option for many warm and olive skin tones. Subtle enough for seamless layering.
• Cons: Can feel too subtle for those seeking a richer color. May not be the most complementary shade for very cool-toned skin.

This shade is ideal for those who need a go-to neutral that works under almost anything while adding a touch of subtle warmth.

Shop this color: skims.com/collections/new-arrivals

Skims in Sienna

Sienna is a richer, more dramatic shade with a distinct reddish-brown character. Inspired by the deep, warm color of burnt sienna clay, this hue offers more depth and intensity than Ochre, making it a beautiful statement neutral.

• What it is: A deep, earthy reddish-brown shade available in popular Skims collections.
• Color Profile: Confident, rich, and warm with noticeable red undertones. It's more saturated and darker than Ochre.
• Best For: Creating a sophisticated look, complementing autumnal palettes, and for those who love rich, earthy tones.
• Pros: Beautifully complements medium to deep skin tones with warm undertones. A unique neutral that stands on its own. Adds richness and depth to any outfit.
• Cons: Red undertones may not be ideal for all styling purposes. Less versatile for wearing under very light or white clothing compared to a lighter neutral.

Sienna is perfect for anyone wanting their Skims pieces to have a rich, sophisticated feel or those looking for a warm, deep neutral that makes a statement.

Shop this color: skims.com/collections/new-arrivals

Skims Ochre vs. Sienna Comparison

Tone & Visual Appearance

The most significant difference is the base tone. Ochre is fundamentally a yellow-brown neutral. It's softer, lighter, and more muted, evoking the feeling of soft sand or pale clay. In contrast, Sienna is a reddish-brown. This red undertone gives it a deeper, warmer, and more robust appearance, resembling terracotta or autumnal leaves.

When placed side-by-side, Ochre looks significantly paler and more yellow, while Sienna appears deeper and more brick-colored. The saturation level is the other key differentiator, Sienna is much more pigmented and vibrant, whereas Ochre is designed to be understated.

Styling & Versatility

When it comes to versatility, Ochre often has the edge. Its muted quality allows it to blend seamlessly under a wider variety of colors, including whites, pastels, and other light shades. It acts as a perfect alternative to a classic nude for many people, making it a functional choice for everyday underwear and shapewear.

Sienna, while still a neutral, functions more as a color in its own right. It pairs beautifully with other warm tones like caramel, olive green, cream, and deep browns. It’s an excellent choice for loungewear or pieces you intend to be seen, as it offers a more fashion-forward, sophisticated look. However, it may show through sheer, light-colored fabrics more easily than Ochre.

Best Skin Tone Pairings

Both shades are part of the Skims mission for inclusivity, but they flatter different undertones. Ochre's warm, yellow-leaning base is highly complementary to skin with olive, golden, or warm undertones, from light to tan complexions.

Sienna’s rich, red-brown warmth is particularly stunning on medium, tan, and deep skin tones, especially those with warm or neutral undertones. Its depth can beautifully enrich a complexion without washing it out, offering a look that is both natural and defined.

Which One Should You Choose?

Your choice ultimately depends on your skin tone, personal style, and how you plan to wear your pieces.

Choose Skims in Ochre if:

• You're looking for a highly versatile neutral that works like a classic nude.
• You frequently wear light, sheer, or white clothing.
• You prefer soft, muted colors over vibrant ones.
• You have a light-to-medium skin tone with warm or olive undertones.

Choose Skims in Sienna if:

• You love rich, earthy, and warm colors that make a statement.
• You want a sophisticated neutral to style with autumnal or warm-toned palettes.
• You have a medium-to-deep skin tone with warm undertones.
• You primarily buy Skims for loungewear or as pieces to be incorporated into your outfit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between Skims Ochre and Sienna?

The core difference is the undertone. Ochre is a muted, yellow-brown neutral, making it soft and versatile. Sienna is a deeper, reddish-brown neutral, giving it a richer, more saturated, and earthy appearance.

Is Ochre a good "nude" color?

For individuals with warm, olive, or golden undertones, Ochre can be an excellent nude shade that offers a seamless look under clothing.

Can I wear Sienna under white clothes?

Because Sienna is a deeper and more saturated reddish-brown, it is more likely to show through thin or white fabrics compared to a lighter shade like Ochre. It's better suited for wearing under darker clothing or as a visible part of your outfit.

Which color is better for pale or fair skin?

Ochre is generally a better option for fair or light skin with warm undertones, as it provides a subtle warmth. Sienna might appear too dark or stark against very pale complexions, unless you're intentionally going for a high-contrast look.

How does Sienna compare to a typical brown?

Sienna is distinct from a true brown because of its strong red undertones. It's more of a terracotta or brick shade rather than a chocolate or coffee brown.

Do the colors look different on different Skims fabrics?

Yes, the texture of the fabric can slightly alter a color's appearance. For example, a color might look more muted on a matte fabric like the Cotton Collection, and slightly more vibrant on a slinky material like the Fits Everybody Collection.

Are Ochre and Sienna limited edition?

Both Ochre and Sienna have been part of the core Skims color palette for a significant time and appear in many collections. However, stock can fluctuate, and they often sell out quickly.

Which color is better for fall fashion?

Sienna is an archetypal fall color. Its deep, warm, reddish-brown hue pairs perfectly with the classic autumnal palette of rust, mustard, olive green, and cream.