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I have never done colour analysis as a Personal Stylist because having worked with so many women who have had their colours done, I believe that there is so much more to having true style than being categorised as “autumn”. Plus fashion and style is all about having fun, experimenting and trying making you feel good, so here are some guidelines for women who would love to wear more colour or try new shades this season.
Experiment with new colours
When experimenting with colour, I have never once asked any of my clients to take off their make-up, scrape their hair back and then try on clothes because I would hope to god they wouldn’t go out like that! Always better to do your face and hair before trying on any outfit so that you can see a true reflection of the end result.
Have a ‘wow’ piece rather than ‘matching’ accessories
Add a pop of colour such as a bright bag, shoe or necklace to make your basics come alive with a wow factor. Sometimes having just one pop of colour in an outfit gives a stronger statement than matching bag, shoes and gloves and personally I find looks a bit too contrived – not at all effortless.
If you choose one brightly coloured piece then it can be best to mute everything else. For example if you choose a citrus skirt, wear with a basic coloured top such as white or black and keep accessories plain too.
Choose a Colour and Wear it. Don’t let IT wear you.
If you aren’t used to wearing bold colours, look to add a little colour at a time. Start with a colourful pair of shoes to brighten up your look or opt for a brightly coloured neckpiece. That way you won’t feel self conscious by wearing anything too way out and you can get used to seeing yourself in colour.
If you are worried that bright colours may look a little too obvious and loud but really like the thought of wearing a bold colour then try a bright flash is with coloured cami tops under v-neck sweaters, cardigans and shirts. This can work really well for the office or when people want to look nice and bright without standing out like a beacon!
Alternatively try mixing different shades of similar tones to avoid being overpowered by your chosen colour. This also achieves a more modern look to your outfit by adding another dimension.
Make Colour Work for You
Only put colour on your body in places that you don’t mind drawing attention to for example if you like your top half add colour there. Balance your figure and achieve a more proportioned look by wearing darker tones on areas you least want to slim and lighter shades where you want to enhance. For example, for ladies who least like their hips and thighs, wear darker shades on the bottom half of the body and then draw the eye up with a lighter shade up top.
This Season’s Hottest Colours
It’s all about being blue this season! Cobalt, turquoise, cornflower and nautical navy are fantastic shades to work with your wardrobe and look incredible with basic colours such as black, white and grey. Bright blues also look incredible with the neutral palette which is also a key colour trend this year.
Go Nude
Feminine and romantic nude shades are a welcome alternative to the usual colour basics and achieve a softer and more flattering look. Shrimp, coffee, sorbet and cream look as delicious as they sound when mixed with other neutral tones or worked in with other s/s10 trends.
To avoid looking washed out or too ‘beige’, especially if you have an older complexion, mix warm and cool tones together and look for modern fabrics and shapes. If the outfit appears to bland add a pop of citrus with one ‘wow factor’ accessory such as a clutch.
Ice Cream Shades
Ice cream shades in candy floss, sorbet, cafe latte, baby blue, spearmint and lavender will bring a touch of flirty femininity to you spring wardrobe. Toughen them up with sharp tailoring or a leather jacket or keep it soft with draped styles in chiffons and tulle.
I’m not saying that colour isn’t sometimes a factor as yes, certain colours can be draining on a complexion and others invigorating and obviously darker colours are slimming. However I often find that the way in which you were them is the most important factor. The point is that colour is only a very small factor in achieving a fabulous image you enjoy and can have fun with. It’s no good sticking to one palette of colours as it will feel boring, plus our hair and complexion will often change anyway (deliberately at the hair dressers and naturally through age and get a tan) so our style and garment choices need to reflect this. My main advice with colour is experiment, have fun and wear it with confidence! In my opinion, anyone can wear any colour if they do it with a smile.
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