Systems and electronic displays with improved contrast even under bright-light conditions are provided. Such an electronic display may include a self-emissive pixel (e.g., OLED or μ-LED) with a corresponding liquid crystal switchable retarder pixel. A liquid crystal layer of the switchable retarder pixel may be tuned to an “on” state or an “off” state. In the “on” state, the switchable retarder pixel may allow outside light that enters the pixel to reflect back out of the pixel. This may add to the amount of light that appears to be emitted from that pixel. In the “off” state, the switchable retarder pixel may block the outside light that enters the pixel from reflecting back out of the pixel. This may reduce the amount of light that appears to be emitted from that pixel. Selectively controlling the switchable retarder pixels may allow for increased contrast even under bright-light conditions.