In her latest post, award-winning stylist Olwen Shaw tells us why we should get our colours done
Wondering why you should get your colours done? Wondering what that even means?
Let’s go to the basics: colour analysis is a way of determining the tones that go with your skin, eyes and hair to help you build up a working wardrobe.
Basically, when you get your colours done, you’ll see how certain shades are capable of being flattering – or unflattering – by seeing the difference some tones make to your appearance. It’s not a rule book of what colours to wear, but it’s a guide to which work best for you.
What happens when you get your colours done?
When you have a colour analysis, a trained consultant will look at the naturally occurring tones in your skin, hair and eyes and match you to a season: autumn, winter, spring or summer. (50Sense is autumn, by the way!)
Think of the colours that go with each season – autumn and spring are rich, warm colours, winter and summer are cooler.
Your consultant will have a range of coloured scarves that will help you see which season matches you perfectly and which ones don’t.
Get your colours done and you’ll see how the wrong colours will draw attention to such flaws as wrinkles or uneven skin tone, while harmonious colours will enhance the natural beauty of the individual making them appear healthy and fresh-faced.
Colour can have a huge impact on how we look and feel and also on how others perceive us. It is a wonderful tool to give your look an instant boost and by wearing shades and hues that complement your natural colouring, you can look vibrant, healthier and younger.
So, why should you consider investing in yourself to have one?
Getting ready for lockdown lifting
The weather has changed and it’s looking like spring is on its way. Daffodils are in our gardens and tulips abound in the supermarkets (and who doesn’t smile at spring flowers?)
Lockdown now has a “roadmap”, so we are looking at being able to see friends and family again in person rather than Face Time, Zoom or the like.
What’s not to be excited about?
Maybe your appearance, confidence (or lack of) is causing a bit of anxiety. I know I’m feeling a bit apprehensive about getting out there again.
If you get your colours done, you know that whatever you wear will suit you to a tee. What better way to boost your confidence? Also, check out my guide to the best brands for menopause and midlife clothes.
You’ll look amazing
It was a bit trendy to get your colours done back in the day, so you may be wondering if it does actually work.
when I had my colours done 16 years ago (and I’ve changed my colouring several times since then), the reaction I got was: “Wow. You look fabulous. Have you been away?”
Knowing how to balance the colours you wear with your natural colouring makes you look younger, fitter, healthier and overall damned gorgeous! And you will own it. What’s not to love?
Boost your energy
When you are wearing colours that align with you, your energy vibration is increased. Colour is energy and when touching you or emitting from you it gives off a vibration. (Beach Boys eat your hearts out!!) We could all do with a bit of that I’d say.
Sounds whacky, but it’s true!
Get your colours done and save money
Having clothes in your wardrobe that go together saves you time and energy putting outfits together. Most people wear 20% of their clothes 80% of the time. What a waste is that?
Fat clothes, Thin clothes
Summer or fall.
You look at your wardrobe,
Makes no sense at all.
Ring any bells? Getting your colours sorted helps avoid making costly mistakes and you can put outfits together quickly as you know everything will co-ordinate. Leave behind those fantastic “sales bargains” with their labels still on.
It reminds me of the really funny Michael McIntyre vignette of “Five Spice”, where the spices are all lined up in the store cupboard and never used.
It will give you your sparkle back
Nothing, but nothing, beats the feeling of looking in the mirror and the reflection looking back at you saying: “Go girl. You’ve got this.”
Lack of confidence and self-esteem predominates in midlife and menopause and the pandemic clearly has done nothing to help the situation.
Lack of face-to-face social interaction, whether it be in a business situation or socially, over the past year has had a huge impact on so many of us. You owe it to yourself to invest in yourself.
Understanding which colours – or rather the depth, undertone and clarity of those colours can work for you – can be life-changing.
Before I finish, let’s get rid of one myth I hear so many times when I talk about getting your colours done. “She’ll tell me I can’t wear black!”
Just to let you know, I never tell anyone they can’t wear anything; I would never be so arrogant! If black is not in your palette, I can advise how best to wear it and suggest you keep deep black away from your face, so possibly not a black cashmere polo neck…
Also, it’s a popular misconception that black is the “slimming” colour. So is navy. And charcoal. And chocolate. When you get your colours done, you’ll learn your best neutrals and how to combine colours in your palette to best advantage.
Every consultation is bespoke to you and I take into account your personality and lifestyle, working with you, not for you.
I’d love to work with you. Check out Olwen Shaw Style to see how my consultations have helped other ladies – and men. You can also contact me to arrange a complementary 30-minute chat.
Have you had your colours done? What works for you? Let me know in the comments below. And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a 50Sense post
