Wearing Colour with Confidence

Every season designers introduce new colours in their clothing lines.  It is easy to be tempted to try some new colours for the new season. Don’t do it unless these are right for you, because the truth is, not all colours look good on everyone! Camel is an “in” colour this year and I can only wear it on the bottom half of my body i.e. NOT near my face as it makes me look ill! When I was studying colour seasons, my tutor said ” If you want a day off work, wear camel!”

With every item you choose for  your wardrobe, be sure the colour will be right for your skin type and hair colour so that you will always look your best.

Here a a few tips to help to discover which colours really suit you:

Seek professional help

The best way to be sure what colours are right  for you (and to be confident every time you get dressed)  is to have your colours professionally assessed by a certified colour consultant or  image professional. They will help you discover your colour season and give you a colour palette that you can take shopping with you to match against new pieces that you may be considering adding to your wardrobe.

The Colour Seasons:

You can find out about all my Personal Styling services here

In the meantime, here are a few tips and tricks to use when choosing your clothing colours:

Dispel Myths 

There are some myths that just need to be tossed out the window. A good example is the common assumption that redheads should stay away from anything pink or red. The truth is that, depending on the strength of the red in the hair,  it is quite possible for these people to wear clothing with red in them as long it’s the right shade of red i.e. those with more orange or autumnal tones.  Take a another look at any “colour myths” that you have heard and dare to buck them if you feel that you really feel good in them.  A good guide is to take note of the times you are told how great you look whilst wearing them!  

Take time to Test 

Take a selection of clothes or fabrics in various colours both warm and cool, light and dark, and stand in front of the mirror in a well-lit room, with natural light and hold each one up.  Place it around half your face, chin and one side, to get an accurate idea. You’ll find that some colours tend to make you look pale or yellowish or otherwise not as nice.  These are the colours you should NOT be using in your wardrobe. The colours that make your cheeks glow, eyes sparkle and that go with your hair are the ones that should definitely be included. Ask one or two honest friends to help you out if you’re not sure. 

Note Your Skin Tone 

Everyone has an underlying skin tone. Some people have red or pink undertones, while others have yellow or blue.  This will have a major bearing on what colours look good on you.   Often, if you pinch the skin on the back of your hand, the underlying colour will be revealed for a few seconds.  In general, people with blue or rosy undertones look best in winter colours like brown, white, navy blue and pastel colours.  Pink or blue undertones with pale skin goes best with cool summer tones like lavender, pink, blue, etc. Those with golden undertones do well with warm autumn colours; earth tones, beiges and olives are all a good fit for this skin type. People who look good with spring colours like peach, bright blues and reds tend to have skin with light golden undertones. There are occasions where people wear clothes that aren’t in their “colour season” i.e. they can be a Clear Winter who also looks good in some of the Clear Spring colours.  For example, you could be a Clear or Cool Winter. If you are a Clear Winter, you will look good in some Spring Colours. If you are a Cool Winter, you can wear some Summer colours. The photo above, shows some celebrity examples of how the colour seasons can blend

Use Buffer Colours 

When you have a colour that you like, but it does not particularly go with your skin tone, you can use a buffer colour. Let’s say you see a lovely black shirt that you like,but it washes you out and makes you look pale. Try picking one with a collar or add a scarf in a colour that does look good on you to buffer the black from your skin. This can work with two pieces of clothing, as well. Put the colour you love (that does not look good on you) on the bottom and a shirt or jumper that flatters you on top . . . the shirt acts as a buffer between your skin and the unflattering colour. Check out the photos below to see how to wear camel or beige, if it doesn’t suit you:

Finally –

Knowing which colours look best on you is only the beginning. Now you need to make sure that your wardrobe is made up of these colours. Go through your wardrobe and sell,  give away or donate everything that is in a colour that does not work for you and replace them with the correct colours.  You’ll be amazed at how much more flattering your outfits will be  – and how many more compliments you will receive!

Check out my website to find out more about my services: Style and Substance Coaching