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Online Personal Color Analysis With Red Leopard

Personal color analysis is a fascinating tool that women choose to either embrace or bristle against. You can put me in both camps because the subject fascinates me and I believe the more we know, the better armed we are to make smart choices with what to wear. This week I’m sharing my online color analysis with  Red Leopard.

Over the last several months I’ve had four online personal color analyses to see if it is a viable alternative to being draped in person. Two weeks ago I shared my Online Personal Color Analysis With Your Color Style. Then last week I shared my Virtual Color Analysis With Dress Your Colors.

Red Leopard’s virtual analyses are conducted in much the same way as the previous two. I worked with Manina who had me send her as many photos of myself as possible, without makeup, draped in every color I could find. She suggested I use any and every fabric so I took her at her word;)

I draped myself with tablecloths, tea towels, jackets, and tees from my husband’s wardrobe. I also draped myself with a few of my grandson’s things. As with the other virtual consultations, I took photos with my camera on a tripod in varying lighting conditions.

soft autumn colors for Jennifer Connolly

After Manina decided on my colors, we did a zoom call to discuss. She typed me as a Soft Autumn. The Soft Autumn palette has a wide range of colors which she tested against my images and narrowed them to the above colors that she feels are the most flattering for me.

Unfortunately, Red Leopard could only analyze me based on the overtone they saw in photos of my skin, which is a poor measure of what is in harmony with my coloring. I am not warm, nor am I am autumn so their conclusion was wrong. They may be, and I suspect are, successful with in-person drapings, but their virtual typing is inaccurate and unreliable.

So what do you think?

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I’ll be back next week with my fourth virtual color analysis.

Thanks for reading and remember to wear what makes you feel fabulous and confident!

 

 

 

65 Comments

  1. This is so interesting but totally confusing too. I think you have shown that you have an eye for what looks good on you and you should stick with your instincts. You have always looked good in your choices. Maybe you should start your own color analysis business!

  2. I’m hoping that at some point you post the different “takes” together and show us you wearing those colors…… and THEN you tell us what you think!!! Such fun!

  3. This is so interesting! I would never have thought you were any kind of Autumn. Soft Autumn is the closest to Summer but I just can’t imagine you wearing those colours. I read somewhere that the colours in our eyes are often the best for us – one more piece of the large puzzle:) I’m very interested to hear what you think of all this yourself. Makes me question the validity of colour analysis even though I have had mine done. I know for myself if I wear the olive green that is in my hazel eyes and a lipstick called Cinnamon my eyes sparkle like crazy.

  4. Hi Jennifer! First time commenting, secret reader until recently when I signed up for your posts as I really enjoy your thoughtful blog. Having them arrive in my mailbox is great! Enjoying in particular your colour series and was looking forward to the one with Red Leopard as I’ve been on the fence about going with their online colour analysis. Years ago I took extensive courses in colour theory but am still bamboozled by it all when it comes to myself. I was typed as a Winter back in 1986 and wore all the jewel tones in the 80s. However, looking back to the 80s at my clothing and makeup of the day, to my eye they were wearing me, not the other way around so I’ve always questioned the results. Ha ha or it could be my style was so different then. Black is my favourite colour and with dark olive green eyes, very pale skin and now natural silvery grey/white/blonde hair, I still love the contrast it gives me and I’ve never been told it drains me. My wardrobe is mostly black, charcoal grey and navy. I add colour through scarves, handbags and jewelry. I have some Eileen Fisher coats in Dark Olive, Dark Blue teal, Ochre, deep Mulberry and Cassis to add a pop of colour. This year I’m adding some darker camels and toffee colours in a couple of coatigans. I suspect Red Leopard would therefore type me as a Blue Autumn instead of Winter although I look horrendous in most of the shades. I’ve been a longtime follower of Sue from UneFemme and I think she looks great in her new colours, although I thought she looked great in black too! I’m having trouble seeing you in the soft autumn shades (maybe because you provided no pictures of you in the swatches, ha ha) Some of the swatches to me are misleading because I spot a few universal colours (both warm and cool can wear) such as the turquoises and corals and even navy. I can’t even picture you in those hot dog colours of strong rust, those horrible browns, oranges and mustard. I think you could carry off the darker olive in a jacket and perhaps those more subtle pale green shades with the addition of a stone/taupe jacket or pants. My final analysis? I think you look great in black. I look forward to reading about your final colour analysis and can’t wait for you to sum it all up! Thanks for putting in all this work for us, your readers!

    1. Hi Carrie, I’m so glad you commented! I will share my thoughts after my final analysis. I want my readers to decide on each analysis before I weigh in.

  5. This is my biggest fear with personal color analysis. What if the consultant is wrong? We all want to find that signature color that will wow those around us and have a cohesive wardrobe that will make getting dressed a snap. Hope you didn’t spend a bundle only to be confused.

  6. I had an in-person color analysis last week with House of Colour. (Same as Red Leopard) I had always considered myself a Winter as I have dark hair and eyes with light skin – high contrast. My hair is salt and pepper, my natural color. In some systems this definitely makes me a winter. And, I love the winter colors. The analysis typed me as a blue autumn. Totally not what I was expecting, but looking at the drapes it made a lot of sense. The winter drapes do overpower me. In the autumn drapes, you see my face. When I was younger my hair had reddish highlights in it and my brown eyes do have gold in them. Now I can see why the warmer colors work better for me. The make-up part of the analysis was pretty amazing. The quality of their products is really good and my stylist was able to get a perfect match on foundation (in natural light) and three lipsticks that look amazing on me. Again the goal was to see me, not the makeup I’m wearing. The make-up component of my analysis was the very best part for me! I no longer have to waste a bunch of money on foundation and lipsticks that don’t really work for me. I am planning to take the style class that they offer as well. Jennifer, I would love to see some pictures of you wearing the autumn colors!

  7. I, too, have had a color analysis with Rachel of Red Leopard. I sent all the photos and did a zoom call as well just as others have explained. She is convinced I am a blue autumn. I was quite surprised as I have been typed before as being a summer. I have blue eyes and ashy hair. I always thought their on line photos and examples were very clear to see. Therefore,I’ve been trying the blue autumn colors and am extremely confused by all of this. It is comforting to hear others have had the same type of experience. I’d like to hear your analysis of your consultations when you are done.

  8. Jennifer, I have exactly the same problem! Several different analyses and very different results. It’s tough to know who to believe and it’s expensive! Especially hard when you have to buy clothing and makeup to work with each of the different results. I’m kind of paralyzed about the whole thing right now and don’t know which way to go!

  9. Phyllis Hughes says:

    Very interesting! I would never peg you as an Autumn. Summer, yes; Autumn, no. But, I’m certainly not an expert at color. I’ve never had a Color Analysis, but I’ve read all the books and watched youtubes. I consider myself a soft summer. Those are the colors that fit me best and also, for the most part, are the colors I love. The personality descriptions for the soft summer fits me very well, too. I would be very frustrated at having three color analyses and having them all come back different. I’m eager to see the fourth one and then read what you think after having all of these different results. I don’t see how they can do a color analysis on-line since monitors have such different colors. I know they adjust the monitors to match certain colors, but still, does that mean it will match all colors? Too many possibilities for me.

  10. I think it shows very different our views are of things in this world! I showed two pairs of glasses on me and took pictures, then asked all my friends which pair did they like and why. Everyone had very different views!

  11. Canadian Elizabeth says:

    My bet was that you would be a winter, but one who should stick with clear bright colours. You look fantastic in blues, whites and black & white combos. With your beautiful white blond hair, you need bright accent colours to keep from looking drained. But then, what do I know!!
    Keep well, Jennifer, and enjoy your time in beautiful Vancouver.

  12. Jennifer, did you do a video of your zoom call? Or, could you add photos of you with some of these autumn colors near your face? Like all the other comments, I can’t believe Red Leopard put you in this group. But before we all dismiss their work, additional photos of you would be helpful. You did such a thorough review of the other two color specialists, I feel Red Leopard needs a fuller opportunity to explain their process and recommendation.

  13. Linda Henderson says:

    I think the turquoise blue on the left is a great color for you. Not sure about the others.

  14. Wow, so different than the other results, I would be very confused, and probably disappointed, I wouldn’t know which to believe, or where to invest my money. I would have to go back to in person analysis, and hope for the best, but at more cost! I have been analyzed by Red Leopard this spring by Rachel also online, and sent 200 pics ( yes I did, because of lighting and a lot of colors), I was told I’m, “ blue autumn “, autumn closest to summer, soft, medium, and warm. I was sent my colors online ( difficult to see correctly), and my drape as yours, lying on the floor, like yours. We went over which colors were better online as she draped me, but I must mention, that I hadn’t covered my dyed brown hair ( it’s grey underneath The dye), and I had my makeup on. I was ready to remove it, and had a cloth ready to cover my hair, but Rachel said I had sent enough pics, and the decision was made from them, yet I was draped by her online with each color, and she made comments. I must say I was surprised at “ blue autumn “, as I have had three professional analyzes before in person , and told “summer”( cool). And no hair stylist, or makeup artist ever said I was warm, so I’m thinking it’s my iPad. I noticed it changes my face color. My recommendation would be in person analysis, from my experiences. Thanks Jennifer, interesting subject.

  15. There’s another blogger who traveled to England and had her colors done with Red Leopard. I don’t follow her–in fact, can’t think of her name!—but in viewing photos of before/after I’d have to say in my opinion she was wearing better colors prior. I’ve never felt that mustard yellow did any favors for anyone and that was one of her colors that she seemed to favor.

    Like everyone else I’m all agog to see the final analysis results.

    1. I agree with you. I think it’s Susan and the full name of the blog escapes me. I’ve struggled with the colours chosen for her – the bright yellows/mustards/blues etc but I also then think that she lives in bright and sunny California and I live in the UK with grey skies more often than not and I think that can make a huge difference in perception. I do admire Susan for going all out and embracing the change in the way she has even if the shades aren’t what I’d necessarily choose for her (or me).

      I can only think that Jennifer was unimpressed by Red Leopard as the write-up was so sparse in comparison to the other two reviews. The choice of colours all look so faded as if they’ve been through the washing machine a few too many times.

      I should add I’m not a huge fan of bright colours – I shall live and die in Navy Blue of any hue! If I had my colours done and Navy wasn’t included I think I’d panic.

    2. Gayle Murphy says:

      I think the blogger you mention is Susan Blakey, whose site is called une femme d’un certain âge

      Hers is one of just 4 that I read.. She is terrific. Straight forward. I think she wears her colours well.

      1. Susan is one of the few bloggers I read:) She’s terrific!

    3. That blogger is Sue from Une Femme d’un Certain Age. I feel the same way you do, but
      Sue seems very happy with her new colors. I could never wear them – I’m pretty sure
      I’m a cool winter.

  16. My vote, so far, is that Jen Thoden is the only one who has nailed your colors. Soft Autumn, given your coloring, seems like the least likely correct analysis. With your cool coloring I can’t imagine how you got slotted into a “warm” seasonal slot. You are definitely showing all of us that color analysis is not a definitive science. Love that you are sharing all of this with us, so interesting and helpful.

    1. I’m so glad you’re enjoying this! I’m finding it fascinating.

      1. Patti Shannon says:

        I love the colors in this analysis….and I’m afraid that your experience has reinforced my opinion that color analysis is a crock and total waste of time and money.
        Every one I’ve ever had gave a totally different answer so I think I’ll just stick with my current practice of wearing color that makes me feel confident!

  17. Mary Lou S. says:

    I don’t agree with the results either. Soft autumn are warm muted colors and I definitely see you in a cool color palette. I am definitely a soft autumn and I cannot wear the blues that look so awesome on you. This is a fun subject, but after much frustration I figured this out on my own. Love your posts!

    1. This is a fun and informative project. I’m glad you’re enjoying it.

  18. I always think bright colors look great on you. The autumn designation really surprises me. The bright turquoise on the left in your picture is the only one that caught my eye as a winning color on you. (But what do I know!) It must be a bit frustrating to be given so many different analyses. I wouldn’t know where to begin when shopping. I’d be totally confused. Once again we need to follow your advice – Wear what makes you feel confident!

  19. Totally don’t see those colors on you at all! You look so great in blue! Too much somber browns for someone like you. I think personality needs to be taken into consideration too!

  20. Your color analysis journey reminds me of a trip to a cosmetic counter, to be told that a certain lip or eye shadow color would look perfect on me. Several times, I bought into these recommendations, only to be so disappointed. I need to follow my basic instincts that have developed from years of trial and error.
    So far, your results are all over the place. What you show us in your blog is that you already know what makes you look fabulous and confident!

  21. patricia valentic says:

    I don’t see soft autumn. I could be wrong as I have not seen you wear those colors. Blue is beautiful on you. I do not see blue in your swatches. This makes me wonder if you are a neutral and can wear colors from both soft summer and soft autumn. parval

  22. Oh Jennifer, how frustrating. Two of the three have typed you as cool, now this. So many of us thought you looked absolutely stunning in the blue from your first post. This is why I am so sceptical of the on line and have held off. I also think it is strange that most of what is shown on the website is of a warm type. Can’t wait to see what next week brings us.
    P.s. Just wondering how your husband is coping. One more thing to worry about.

    1. When I was working, I had to work closely with the art department. One of their major complaints was not getting accurate colors from any digital source. They had their monitors adjusted regularly.
      I don’t see how something that should be as precise as color analysis can be done digitally. There’s your digital photographs on the analyzer’s digital screen. Also, if you took a lot of photos and were draping them on yourself, your complexion could change., getting rosier when you reach for something, etc. For now, when we can’t do an in person analysis ( that comes with it’s own problems and the person’s color prejudices) I think using your own, very educated judgement is the way to go.

    2. Thanks for asking. The air quality at home is awful so he is staying inside as much as possible. He wants to come here but is not willing to quarantine…

  23. Well, that’s a shocker! What a fun experience.
    I wouldn’t have predicted autumn for you. Soft, maybe, but browns, beiges, golds? This is getting very interesting and a real page turner! I agree with others that it will be interesting to hear how you feel about all of these analyses. We’ll stay tuned!

  24. I’m surprised that this analysis is so different from the others! Looks like you could be all seasons! 😊

  25. After following you for awhile, I dont recollect you wearing many clothes with autumn colors. Seems that would be a big leap of faith. But I guess the that’s the point.

  26. Michelle Hamric says:

    For myself, I’ve decided to use some information from each color analysis service I’ve used through the years. Each analysis is only as good as the person doing the draping and how good of an eye for color they have. A few months ago I was told I was a Summer and I should use grayed down colors because my hair is turning silver/white. Well, those colors suck the life out of me. The next service said I was a bright Spring. Those colors were much better. I do have some warmth in my coloring and coolness. I’ve learned that my best colors aren’t too warm or too cool of the bright Spring and clear Winter. So, color analysis is helpful, but in the end it’s really up to the individual to decide which colors work on them.

  27. I’m very intrigued by their conclusions as compared to the first two that you’ve revealed to us over the past couple of weeks. It seems to me they’re coming to a pretty different conclusion, which if I were in your shoes I would pursue a little to see if these autumn colors create a more sophisticated or congruent look.

    1. No color pro will give me black but that won’t stop me from wearing it. More on that later:)

  28. Well, I’m not surprised as Red Leopard seems to make almost everyone an Autumn. They actually stated in a comment on IG that about 70% of their clients are Autumns!
    I’ve been following them for a while, and I still don’t understand the reasoning behind their evaluation. I’ve watched the clips of them draping clients, and where I think the colours darken and muddy a complexion. they select those as the best colours. Where I see a colour sallowing a complexion, they feel it brightens.
    Looking forward to your final consultation results and your critique.

    1. I’m thinking maybe there are a lot of Autumns at Red Leopard because they are in the UK with many redheads.

      1. I think you’ve hit the nail on the head – lots of Celtic redheads (like me) but there are also lots of English Rose (blonde/blue eyes) of which Jennifer would probably be an example.

      2. I had considered that also when I first started following them, but they type clients as Autumns with black, red, brown or blonde hair, which is totally different than my training. And as they are also doing online analysis now outside of the UK, you would think the results would vary more. When I was involved with Colours (back in the 80’s) there was a general percentage for each season and Autumns were the fewest as their colouring is so unique.
        I’m not knocking their system, I just don’t understand what they base it on. I’m definitely open to expanded concepts from the original 4 seasons and would love to see Jennifer in colours from each of her consultations and her critique of each.

    2. That seems unusual. I would expect more balance between the types.

  29. Paulette Levy says:

    I think you look great in several of the blue shades that I don’t see here? Not just bright turquoise as shown here and not just the lavender blue as shown. The others might be accurate. Do you agree with these results?

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