Color and Confidence: Anatomy of an Outfit
I shop in stores a fair amount, but I prefer to order online. The selection is much larger so I can zero in on just what I want. Today’s post is with an outfit that makes me squirm. I’m persnickety about most things that have to do with fashion,Ā especially
the color. I know that wearing the right colors for your skin tone will make your complexion glow, your eye’s sparkle, and your wrinkles less noticeable. Unflattering colors do the opposite so I avoid them like the plague.
Chunky sweaters are on trend this fall/winter but living in California means I only need lightweight ones. I spotted this one online and loved the description of the fabric. It comes in six colors and since I’m loving everything soft white this winter, I zeroed in on the Antique Ivory. 
Then I started to second guess myself and worried that I might get makeup on the collar so I ordered the Heather Ruby. I also ordered a 
When it arrived, I was surprised to find it a warm rust color. I never wear warm colors because my skin is very pink and cool. It was a cold day (for northern California) and the fabric is just so soft I couldn’t resist putting it on. I styled it with high-rise black jeans and 
We went out to grab some pictures and as we parked the car, my husband said, “that’s sure not your color”. Now my husband has no idea of colors or shapes but he did know this was wrong on me. I had to chuckle because I felt uncomfortable wearing this color.
I love everything about this outfit, except for the color of the sweater. I won’t wear a color I know is unflattering. The wrong color leeches the life out of your complexion, makes your eyes look dull and your wrinkles are more pronounced. Not a look I go for.
Style tip – to determine if you’re warm or cool-toned, look at the veins on the inside of your wrist. If your veins look blue or purple, you’re likely cool-toned. If your veins look green or greenish-blue, you’re probably warm-toned. If you can’t tell if they’re blue or green, you may be neutral and can wear both warm and cool tones.
Chunky Sweaters
Call me crazy, my husband does often, but I won’t wear this sweater again. It’s not ruby, it’s rust. A pretty rust, but not one I feel confident wearing.
Is color important to you?
Thanks for reading and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.
Thanks for showing us a color that was not a good one for your complexion. I think it helps women to be aware that their skin undertone determines what colors or hues look the best on them. I have cool undertones and can only wear clear true colors. I get so annoyed when sales reps try to steer me to whatās trending in their store. I usually canāt shop at J Jill or Soft Surroundings because these stores seem to only make clothing in muted or heather tones.
Yes, color matters! I also canāt wear camel, but look fabulous in a rich caramel shade. Iāve wanted a camel coat for decades, but they just look ghastly on me. I have rich strawberry blond/red hair, blue eyes and very fair skin. I can wear most colors, but pale shades of most colors just donāt work. I look very blah in them. Pale peach is probably the worst of all. I also have to be careful with reds. With my pale pinkish skin and rosacea, my face looks like Rudolphās nose!
Hi there Jennifer
On my Mac book air you look fab in this sweater/colour.!
I look good in blue/green/red and finding tops etc in one of these colours or a combination is proving difficult -the stores here sell a lot of black.
I agree with Nina above ‘the only opinion that matters is yours … you have to be comfortable’. That said; I’ve never had my colors done so basically gone with my instincts as to what suited me. Also, on the subject of monitors and how colors read; I find the lighting in many stores can also be deceiving. -Brenda-
P.S.: I’ve been known to drag a bolt of upholstery fabric up to a store-front window to get a correct reading and they can be heavy … āŗ.
Color is an important factor when I’m shopping. I’m warm-toned so a rust sweater is great for me! There are colors that really make me look like death warmed over, so I try to avoid those. ?
I think this sweater/scarf combo is so pretty, it’s a shame that the color isn’t right for you. That’s the one issue I have with online clothes shopping, the color on a computer screen isn’t always what the color looks like in person. I check the return policy for clothes that I order online, since I’ve had to return items when the color turns out to not be as I expected.
I hope you & your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Thank you Cindy. Happy Thanksgiving.
Wearing the best colors for me is very important for me. I am an Autumn and find that it’s very hard to find my best colors in the spring, summer and winter clothing in stores..I have to do the bulk of my shopping in actual fall. It’s hard, for example, to find a brown tank top in the summer or party dresses in brown in the winter.. Clothing manufacturers seem to favor cooler toned skin in terms of colors offered. Black, white, and grey abound. The last time I tried to wear black near my face no fewer than 3 people asked me if I was sick. There is no way to feel confident if you don’t feel good about the color you are wearing. PS. I do look great in rust if you’re looking to rehome the sweater. LOL. It is beautiful
Lol! I always buy when my best colors are on trend.
I love this color on you!
Wearing the best color for me definitely affects my confidence. You always look great and wear accessories that coordinate beautifully but I did notice that you appeared pale in today’s color. Hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Thanks Mary. Happy Thanksgiving! Even dark sunglasses could not save this look.