Embracing Your Personal Colors
The colors we wear have a powerful impact on our feelings and the feelings of those who see us. Iāve written about color a lot during the last year while undertaking four virtual color assessments. Earlier this week I had a zoom call with color expert Annie CastanĢo to discuss personal color theory and what flatters whom. She’s simply fabulous and it got me jazzed to revisit the subject and explore what feels right to me.
What I know to be true is that the colors we wear affect how our skin appears which has a big impact on how we look and feel. There are myriad systems for typing a person’s best colors and I’ve tried many. While training to be an Image Consultant, I was typed twice by international color masters. I’ve since had my colors “done” many more times, and each result has been different. I learn something new each time, but what remains constant is that I want to wear colors that make me feel good.
I went shopping for some colors that really spoke to me and this cardigan screamed the loudest. It’s a simple classic cardigan with 3/4 sleeves that I will wear year-round. It’s sized in misses, petite, plus, and plus petite. I went with the misses in medium to keep it loose and long. I looked at the Vista Blue and loved it too, but very icy colors often make my skin look even pinker than it is.
I’m so glad I ordered these mules when I did because this pattern is now sold out. I wasn’t sure I would like them as much as my slip-ons, but I love them! They’re incredibly comfortable and stay on without having to grip my toes. This gorgeous satin floral would be spectacular to wear with a sundress and also look great at a casual summer wedding. I wear my regular size 9 in Birdies so they run TTS.Ā
Do I care that my jeans are white and my mules are ivory? Not one bit. No one loves matchy-matchy as much as I do but we’re talking about blending here ladies and they do. As my friend Susan puts it, tools not rules! These jeans get a ton of wear because, hello, NO STAIN! They come in regular, tall, and petite sizes 0 – 20.
This scoop-neck shell has a modest neckline with high armholes so my bra never shows. The woven crepe fabric looks dressier than a tee and could be easily dressed up. Wearing it untucked also hides a multitude of lumps and bumps because it doesn’t cling. It’s a great layering piece and at under $24, a smart buy to have on hand.
I’m wearing my “magic” no-show flat belt to keep the front button and zip of my jeans from poking out but I couldn’t resist tying this little scarf through two belt loops for a pop of color. Here’s a side view of one of the ways I do a half-tuck.
The front is tucked then pulled out to blouse over the waistline and the back just hangs. There are lots of ways to do a half-tuck, I find this the simplest with a shirttail hemline.
Another look at personal color theory
Many women don’t want to be hemmed in by restrictive color pallets and others find freedom in having a suggested pallet to shop with. I fall into both camps. I like having guidelines but I also wear colors I know are not flattering because I love the way they make me feel.Ā
Ultimately, each woman gets to choose what works for her and so long as your creativity isn’t being stifled, I say go for it!Ā
Do you have any new favorite colors?
Thanks for reading ladies and remember to wear what makes you feel confident, no matter what color it is.
BTW- Chico’s 4th of July Sale is on with-
- Tops starting at $25
- Ā Shorts starting at $39
- Crops starting at $49
- Dresses starting at $69
Love love that outfit on you and the colors really suit you
I had my colors done years ago but I am with you. Wear what makes you feel good. š
Many years ago I was typed an autumn. Probably a soft autumn now that there are subtypes.
But, while I will always gravitate to those naturally, now that Iām in my 60s I refuse to limit myself. Iāve branched out this year into more bright happy colors and Iāve never been happier.
Iām a firm believer in wearing what you want and what makes you happy. Thereās always a way to make it work. And, if not, who cares as long as you are happy? It seems ridiculous to me to limit oneself to a certain color palette.
You really do look great in all of those colors, Jennifer. I think it’s partly because you look happy and your personality shines through. I thought of a question earlier today: I know that you lost a considerable amount of weight this past year. Did that mean that you had to go out and replace a lot of your wardrobe? What a nuisance that would be (said no woman, ever). I can’t remember if you mentioned that in any of your blog posts.
Yes, I lost 10 pounds which meant many things no longer fit. Even my feet shrunk but not enough to need new shoes…darn! Most tops still fit because I am broader on top and can always use extra fabric up there. My pants though, need to be altered or replaced.
Absolutely beautiful colors on you in this post! I’ve been intrigued by color and palettes since “Color Me Beautiful” came out. If you walked in my closet you would see virtually every color. I love color! So, I haven’t, over the years, restricted myself to one season, but I do find that there are definitely colors that are unflattering. I tend to dress to my mood and of course the weather each day. Some days are “pink” other days are neutral. It’s all just fun! That’s why I love fashion blogs…just to see what others do. Your blog is so enjoyable and I look forward to seeing what you’re wearing!
My philosophy on color is this: I wear what I like. I’m the one looking at the top or the skirts or the shoes. I don’t really care much if someone else thinks I look good or bad in that color. If someone thinks I look bad, the answer is to stop looking at me!
LOL!
I love color! I was seasonally color typed over thirty years ago and it was no surprise that the result was spring. Those are the colors I gravitate to, but I do not limit myself. I know that if I wear black or white near my face, I need to adjust my makeup colors slightly. I also know that some yellows, especially mustard do not look good on me. Pastels make me look pale and clear colors work best. The sweater youāre wearing is such a pretty shade of pink with a slight peach tone and It would work well on me. I think your coloring is much cooler than I am, but I never limit my color choices. If I like it and It makes me feel good, I will wear it.
I love your attitude, Norma
That pink is definitely made for you.
Love the pink color on you, Jennifer! I have similar coloring and look best in cool shades of blue, pink, green, and lavender. My personal guide – if I have to buy a new shade of lipstick to make it work, it’s not a great color for me. My favorite clear, cool pink lipstick goes well with all my current summer wardrobe items!
Jennifer,
You look like a summer to me . Those lighter, dustier pinks and blues look fantastic on you.
As you do often sayā¦. Wear what makes you feel confident.
Never have had my colours done (perhaps some day), however do know that those in the yellow family generally don’t work for me being fair in complexion whereas I may choose them in an accessory. As to a neutral like gray that can have an undertone of blue/green/violet; much prefer blue or violet so long story short it is a process of elimination as well as some knowledge of the colour wheel and basically what I feel best wearing. As to my favourite colour this year, it is similar to that of Patone’s 2020 Classic Blue. Loving your embroidered Birdie’s.
-Brenda-
Footnote: Hopefully not sound like a rant; but I wish retail/clothing stores would take their lighting more seriously.
Lighting is SO important I wish all stores invested more in it.
That color looks really pretty on you. Can you share what color lipstick and blush you are wearing?
My blush is here in “At Last”, a dusty rose and my lipstick is here in “Romance” . I am really loving this softer pink.
I am so confused as to what colors look best on me, particularly now that I quit coloring my medium brown hair, which would sun bleach quite a bit lighter in summer, but now is quite gray. Any advice on how to proceed would be most welcome. I have done all the ātricksā for determining my undertone but still donāt know. I have hazel eyesācenters with a starburst of gold, then green narrowly rimmed with dark gray/blue while the veins in my wrist look blue, tending toward purple. Pastel colors wash me out, but the contrast of brights is glaring. And yet I seem to look good in black and charcoal gray, not light gray. In order to simplify my wardrobe I have many black basic items and now that I want to add a couple signature colors, I am at a loss. Please donāt say I can probably wear many colors. As I shop I hold garments up to my face and canāt seem to find anything that says, āPick Me!!ā Has anyone out there had a similar dilemma and what did you do?
Your coloring sounds like me. Do a google search of “soft summer palette” These colors are stronger than pastel but not bold and bright. It says soft summers shouldnt wear black though- I just ignore that advice lol.
Black has never been in any pallet Iāve been given but I wear it because I love how it makes me feel
Just hearing your description I would think youāre most flattered in warmer tones but your cool gray hair is throwing it off.
I donāt find veins a good I indication but your eyes are warm
Richer warm shades rather than bright sound better for you.
Deep chestnut perhaps? Try a color
Out of your eyes. Itās always flattering.
Feel free to shoot me an email
Can I get some help with a Jean Jacket look?
Everyone always looks great in jean jackets and i love the look of the sporty jacket with a casual dress or top. But the fit is always terrible looking. Bulky in the shoulders (I need space in the bust though), not sure what the length should be or where it should hit me, can a shirt that is longer than the jacket be worn just hanging below the jacket? What about combing different colors of denim, is that done??
Any help is appreciated!! Thanks!!
My shirt often shows below my denim jackets. The fabric and shape may be to stiff for you. Check out ones make in soft knits and perhaps ones with less structure
I love jewel tones and all shades of purple š! I wish I could find periwinkle more often. I find there is so much blue out there and would like to see more variety.
The pink sweater is definitely you!
I adore periwinkle
Have had my colors done many years go. What worked then, definitely doesnāt flatter me now. Loved wam colors, browns, dark greens, autumnal colors with my reddish brown hair. Now that my hair has gone to salt/pepper, my real colors are winter cool. I love vivid colors of blue, berry, emerald greens and bright pinks. These seem to be the colors I look for now and get the most compliments on. And I feel good when I wear them. Which is the most important thing. Have a great weekend Jenniferš
Thatās the most important. Happy Friday
Fall colors have always been my best colors with lots turquoise and blue in the mix. Now my brown hair with highlights is changing, as I slowly ease into grey hair. I have been stepping up color in my makeup and clothes. When going grey, am I still in the same color pallet? I would be interested in what others have done with color when going grey.
I have had color analysis done and studied the subject through the years. Hair is usually covered to not distract while finding how color reacts to the skin tone. Most people fall into a warm color season with yellow undertones, or a cool color with blue undertones. The warm seasons are Spring and Autumn. The cool seasons are Summer and Winter. As you age and your hair grays, the skin tone get lighter, but your skin tone does not change from cool to warm or warm to cool. You most likely will find that your best colors may change somewhat within the your season as your skin and hair lose pigment. Hope this helps.
Going a cool gray or silver will change things for sure. I hope others can chime in
I am going to go against the flow here. I think the outfits in your last two posts make you look pale. The bright blue maxi dress from last week made you shine. I do appreciate that you wear outfits from different season pallettes as that lets us all feel there is something we see that we can incorporate into our wardrobes.
I’m so sorry you are going through your dental challenges. I too was not blessed with good teeth and had been through so many root canals and gum surgeries that implants have not been an option for me. Wishing you success with your dental journey.
Thanks Linda! I donāt disagree with you either š
This tone of pink looks great on your skin. I dub it ā power pinkā!ā¤ļø
Iāve never had my colours done. I just buy what suits and flatters. I know to stay away from pastels, Khaki, brown, beige, etc in tops. In the spring/summer I gravitate to bright hues of fushia or orange or greensā¦Strangely enough, in winter my wardrobe is mainly black or grey sweaters with a couple of red.
I love your slides!
Me too. I wish the navy was left in my size.
The tone of pink you are wearing is definitely one of your colors. It looks great on you.
Nice to know that Iām not the only one who has been ātypedā as two different seasons. In my view, most of us need to know if cool or warm hues best suit us; similarly for light, mid and deep tones in those colors. Itās not āscientific,ā but Iāve come to believe that the range of answers from color image consultants on the same person isnāt either.
Iāve found that personal stylists at stores (those at Nordstrom are great) are very helpful in giving an honest opinion on the hue and tone question. Or, ask friends for their honest opinions on what suits you. (You can borrow my sister. Sheāve very honest!)
For me, I gravitate to the cool side of hues in mid tones, which include jewel tones. I love berry colors, violets and blues. Navy and charcoal grey are my neutrals.
I totally agree. I have low to medium contrast (less the older I get) so Iām easily overwhelmed by strong colors so I bump up my makeup if I want to wear a color.
Re: new favorite colors, in 2007 (for my sonās wedding outfit) I discovered Eileen Fisherās cassis and waited for the color to return. Eileen Fisher has now featured cassis for the last few years and JJill has a dark fig which is similar and compatible. Since color trends come and go, I hate to admit that I have bought multiple pieces in these colors when they go on sale. The color looked good when my hair was reddish brown and looks good now that it is white. The color adds contrast and has enough red and warmth to become almost a neutral for meā¦as a background color with pizzazz (my skin has no pink of its own).
Re: new favorite colors, in 2007 (for my sonās wedding outfit) I discovered Eileen Fisherās cassis and waited for the color to return. Eileen Fisher has now featured cassis for the last few years and JJill has a dark fig which is similar and compatible. Since color trends come and go, I hate to admit that I have bought multiple pieces in these colors when they go on sale. The color looked good when my hair was reddish brown and looks good now that it is white. The color adds contrast and has enough red and warmth to become almost a neutral for meā¦as a background color with pizzazz (my skin has no pink of its own).
Also, thank you for reminding me about labradoriteā¦a beautiful color.
I love EF Cassis, too.
Iāve never been tested so Iām not sure but I think Iām summer. Iām drawn to the spring though. Lately Iāve been buying what I like. Pinks and blues and keeping my neutrals light. Beige, white, pale grey, blue Jean color. I do have black pants but no longer wear dark tops.
This could change when the weather turns cold. Gold and brown, burgundy, med greens. I think Iāve ended up with a different color pallet for each season. You look great in pinks and blues.
You look great in that colour. To tell the truth, the shoes and jeans look just fine together since the shoes tie into the colours in the tops. There are those of us who stick to our pallets and those who venture into others, and as you said, it makes you feel good so that works for you.
I gravitate towards blues and pinks. Recently ordered a top that was supposed to be pink, but arrived in a light lilac color. Still debating whether to keep it. It’s less money wasted to stick to the tried and true; I have tried all kinds of colors, but often they dont get worn, particularly different color pants purchased over the years. I’ve found black tops don’t work anymore, and any tops with beige or yellow.
You look fabulous .
Ah, colour analysis. As a trained Image Consultant, I used to do the seasonal analysis. But what I’ve found is that, generally, people already know the colours that look best on them. They gravitate to those colours and leave behind less-flattering colours. So I stopped doing colour analysis, and just advise people to wear colours they like and that they get complimented on. Trust yourself. You got this.
Good advice!
You look fabulous in the pale pink Jennifer. I so enjoy discussions about colour, and I have definitely added more colour to my wardrobe the last year, and expect to even more so in the upcoming year. I am going to have to rethink my colours this year as I go through chemo. I still colour my hair a medium brown, but if I’m lucky enough to keep my hair, I will have to stop colouring it and let the silver/white come through. If I lose my hair, then it’s anyone’s guess as to what colour it will grow in. So next year will be an interesting experiment in playing with colour and what will work with my new look. I have a feeling I will not be wearing as much black LOL.
What a great attitude you have!. Good luck to you as you recover and enjoy playing with colors.
I will be sending prayers to you as you go through chemo. I vote for happy bright colors.
I agree! Use the power of color, Yvonne, to cheer you along the way! XX
Best of luck, Yvonne! Your have a wonderful attitude. Sending prayers your way
I had been stripping my hair color as I thought the greying was not very attractive. So for 12 years I was a very pale blond. With the Covid restrictions, I let it go natural. Even cut my pixie cut myself! The result was a beautiful silver around my face and silver streaks amidst the black in back. I love it. In general it is a slight difference from the pale blond and I get compliments on it from
strangers. The only color from before that I cannot wear is beige or off white. White looks good again. Rusts and brown’s might have to be closet purged.
Will be cheering you from a distance over your journey, Yvonne.
I was told I was a Winter many years ago and I do look good in the cool rich colors but I’m very drawn to the Autumn palette. I love the earth tones! So I wear a mix of both. I’d love to have my colors done again just to see if they’ve changed any!
Wearing what we love is paramount to me
I was just color/personality typed as Summer-pixie.
Iāve always been third as a various Spring palettes. So Iām thinking I may be a Spring/Summer. ?
Yes I see you in pinks and saturated lighter blues too!
Who did your color analysis?
Who did your colors? The pictures you sent me seemed spring-like but of course the lighting is key!