Why does a head-dress of sky-blue become a fair person?
Because light blue is the complementary colour of pale orange, which is the foundation of the blonde complexion and hair.
1802. Domestic Hints (Brighter Colours for Dark People)
Why are yellow, orange, or red colours suitable to a person of dark hair and complexion?
Because those colours, by contrast with the dark skin and hair, show to the greater advantage themselves, while they enrich the hue of black
1803. Domestic Hints (Light Green for Fair Complexions)
Why is a delicate green favourable to pale blonde complexions?
Because it imparts a rosiness to such complexions—red, its complementary colour, being reflected upon green.