Continuing the discussion on color… Color analysis became very popular in the mid-80′s when we were classified by season. I shared with you that back in the day, 25 years ago, I was told I could wear deep cool colors. Now,warmer colors look better on me.(certain blues and purples are my cool colors) What many women don’t realize is that color analysis should be done every 10-12 years or more if you change your hair color. Skin changes, hair changes and contacts can cover or distort your true eye color. I do not recall an emphasis placed on all the colors in my eyes in 1985. As I pointed out in the last post, this is key! When doing color analysis, I use 500 swatches. I look at a client’s hair, skin and eyes to choose 42 of her best colors for her own individual palette. If you clicked on that link–yes, that is me during training w/o makeup which gives the most accurate portrayal of my true colors!
The two colors MOST women can wear successfully are shades of Brown and Teal/Turquoise. This makes sense when you think of all the shades of brown in our hair (even blondes) and the various shades of blue/green eyes out there. The choice of my website colors was somewhat intentional. Teal is one of the most versatile colors because it goes with brown, black, navy and khaki. Brown is much more flattering than black.
So what about black? You already know how I feel about BROWN. I do not tell women they can NOT wear black. I hear things like–it makes me look thin, I feel better and more confident in black. Recently I’ve also heard women over 50 tell me they are staying away from black. They understand how it causes them to look tired, and overall is not flattering with their skin. There are times for black. I get that. Try pairing black with one of your best colors (preferably your eye color) close to your face.You can also tone down black by combining it with a warmer shade of brown or khaki. Black is OK occasionally, but try to avoid a whole wardrobe of black and brighten things up a bit!
Still not sure? The next time you see someone wearing a very bright color. Look away and then back again. What do you see first–the color or her face? If you see the color this means that the color is wearing her! Now try it on yourself. You should see your face first. Finding the right shade that does not overpower you is important. Typically women with darker hair, skin and eyes can pull off those deeper, bold colors. That doesn’t mean that if you are fair you must be smothered in pastels. In fact, pastels can wash you out quite easily. If you love pastels, try to find a more saturated pastel. I like to show this color wheel and explain that there are some women who can wear the deeper intense colors on the outside edge of the wheel, very few should choose the very inside with the pastels, and many women do better with the middle of the wheel which is mid-range for color intensity.
How about you? Were you boxed into a season with color analysis years ago? Is there a color you’d love to wear but just aren’t sure? What did you learn about your eyes? This article just scratches the surfaces. There is much more to color and it is very individual. The best way to know is to have a color analysis. As an extra GIVEAWAY this month, I will do a color analysis for one lucky winner. ($100 value) I believe we can do this long distance with the right close up large photos; all readers are eligible. Any comment enters you in this drawing. Contest ends: Saturday, April 17 9:00 AM PST
I can do with some help! I have a wardrobe of every conceivable colours but don’t have the confidence to tell what works for me. Am I colour-impaired? LOL!
Boxed in to a season is an understatement. I remember having a color analysis done in your hometown oh so many years ago and I carried those fabric swatches in my purse for more years that I would care to admit. I sneak over to the warm side of the palette once in a while but it isn’t often. And when I do it has to fight for closet space with all of the black :<). Sounds like I need to consider branching out.
This subject is fascinating. According to 1985 analysis, I’m a winter, but my hair is mostly “silver” in front, dark brown in back. I’m not feeling so great in black these days – and now I see why.
Keep up the good work. I love your posts!
In those days I was labeled a “winter” and have felt that with my dark hair, hazel eyes and fair skin that it was accurate. However, recently I was analyzed at a conference and was told that I was a “warm tawny”. I was SO shocked that I had her do it again, TWICE! Since that evaluation, I haven’t done much to change the colors that I wear. I would LOVE to have a color analysis from you, Karen.
I am intrigued by your ideas about black. I’ll have to branch out into some browns. Thanks for all your valuable information, keep it coming!
Karen,
Your posts are interesting, informative and thought provoking to make us step outside our comfort zone to try something new! I have been classified as a Winter and a Summer…. I wonder what my real colors are, as I too, have carried the swatches around and used them as my “bible” for clothes shopping!!! Thank you for the awesome service you are providing through these posts!
I’ve added some brown to my wardrobe the past couple of years and was quite taken when my 87 years old mom (who always said I looked best in pastels) said, “I’m so surprised that you can wear brown!” I really do still prefer black.
– The greenish shirt (long-sleeved with V neck) I bought from you at the reunion has become a favorite and I find it interesting that it’s the only item in my closet that color.
It is really fun to read all your comments! I wish you all could win. Color is so subjective, so individual and women are VERY opinionated on this topic–I understand. Using my own personal story really helps them think about color in a different way. Colleen, you’re not the only one who has never worn her eye color on a regular basis. It’s very common. Kristi–yes.. the swatches. I threw them out NOT that long ago. Thank you for all your positive feedback on the posts. I’m glad you’re enjoying reading.
I was thinking the same thing as Stacia! Still trying to remember what color I am suppose to be wearing?? I do remember thinking what a huge compliment it was that my eye coloring was similar to Stacia (I ‘ve always thought she had the most beautiful eyes) This is all very interesting,especially as I look at my the difference in my girls’ eyes and what colors they look good in as well.
I had my colors done way back in the 80s and they pegged me as a spring/summer. I then went out and bought a seafoam green sweater, I received so many compliments. I am much older now, hair is a different color and skin tone has changed. I wonder where I am on the color wheel other than Karen says I need blue in my wardrobe. I must admit when I do where blue I am told it brings out my eyes. I also wear lots of black but understand that it is harsh. I am learning and loving the changes. On another note, makeup can do the same thing as wearing the right color of clothes. It all works together.
I have really enjoyed reading all of your advice on shoes, jeans, etc. I have never had a color analysis done, but I tend to wear the colors on the cool side of the wheel. Now that I am in my 40′s I am feeling the need to do something different, exciting and unique with the colors I wear. One of these days I plan to use your advice and do some shopping!
I have to agree with Kristi. I was told I was a Winter and only a couple years ago donated that color book (and only because I needed more shelf space!) I have a closet full of black and white and just a couple years ago found a blue I like. I had a friend talk me into a brown suit that I swore I could not wear because browns were not my color (think Snow White with brown eyes). I was surprised when I recieved compliments. I’ve never heard the eye trick before and need to try it. I need to branch out also and find out what colors I can really wear and should shop for. Thanks so much for all the great tips!
In 1981, one of my former Lamaze class students was becoming a color consultant. The change for her was very dramatic, from lots of brown tones to magenta and icy gray. She needed to do models for her certificate, so we had a color party at my house. Besides the ladies who came, she did Stan and 9 year-old Patrick. All three of us were Autumns.
My mother was a winter and I find it interesting that, as the red undertones of my brown hair have grayed, I can now wear those colors she loved. I even wore a purple gown at Jon’s wedding in 2008.
The color Mom and I both wore is red. When I looked at all her last portraits, or even snapshots, she had on red.
My favorite color story is from Meva Wilson. She was in her 80′s when we met. Every Sunday she would arrive at church in a beautiful suit, hair coiffed just so. When I would comment on her colorful suit, she would say, “If you don’t wear bright colors when you are old, no one pays any attention to you.”
I’m going for the Meva Wilson philosophy of dressing as you age.
Maybe we could start calling you Anna Mae Furgeson . . . she’s the one who did my color analysis back in the day! I already made my color comments on the last post, but I really want to be entered into the drawing, so I’ll just ramble here a little bit so that I can be entered!
(Thanks, Cindy, for the eye compliments!! That was a nice thing to wake up to).
I have overdone it on brown I think, I really have to get more adventurous with colors. I’m taking baby steps, but I’ll get there, thanks for all the tips!
Just now getting caught up on the last 2 weeks of your blog. Thanks for all the useful information! The eye color conversation we had is very helpful.
After years of being boxed in I let loose and began wearing anything/color I wanted. I figured if I liked it I would naturally look good in it. Now I’m ready for some refining!