Back in the late 80’s everyone was getting their ‘colors done’ – basically being put into categories named after the four seasons of Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall. The process involved being draped with fabrics in all the colors of the rainbow and seeing which ones looked best. It was all the rage! My sorority had an image consultant come and speak with us and she offered the service. We traveled to her home and she provided the service and helped us with make up. Well, most of us anyway. When she got to me she said, “Oh I remember you” and then went on to say how I was a hot wreck and my colors were all wrong. She said it much nicer than that but that was the gist of it. My hair was bleached blonde and my make up was heavy and my ego was bruised. Color analysis? Does it matter?
Color Analysis? Does it Matter?
The truth of the matter is that I knew something was off. My hair and my skin tone didn’t quite work. Over the years I have struggled with this. Fast forward to 2020 and the only good thing to come of the pandemic for me was my hair grew out! Getting back to my natural color was something I always wanted to do but it seemed a daunting task. I won’t even get into the hassle, if you know, you know.
This is an example of the wrong colors on me…hair too blonde, color tone all wrong!
With my hair back to its natural color I was able to adjust my make up. Then I started changing my style and opting for more classic, tailored, sophisticated pieces. To my surprise I felt myself gravitating towards neutrals. Again I had to ask myself does color analysis matter? Especially when you are wearing neutrals?
Color Analysis in 2022
I was thrilled to connect with Pamela Graham and have my color analysis done as an adult. If you don’t know Pamela, her blog is called Style Yourself Confident. The process involved answering an online questionnaire and sending some photos to Pamela. She lives in the UK and I am here in FL!
When the analysis was done I received an email from Pamela with lots of information! My color family is COOL. Cool colors have blue undertones. I agree with that 100%, cool based colors look best on me. How do I know? Well, I not only feel better in them but I also get compliments!
The Benefits of Color Analysis
The way we look conveys so much about us. Impressions matter. How we feel matters. My goal is to help women present the best version of themselves and to do that, color has to be considered.
All colors have tones. Have you ever tried to buy white paint? There are so many undertones, one is blue based, another is yellow based, etc. That being understood, knowing what colors suit you will help you avoid fashion mistakes. Shopping is easier when you know beyond the shadow of a doubt what works best for you. You’ll save both time and money when you build a cohesive wardrobe of colors and styles that work best on you!
What About Neutrals?
I have a feeling many women don’t want to be bothered with figuring out colors so they opt for neutrals. But just like the white paint example above, there are still things to consider. Besides, once you know which colors really help you shine and build confidence you can start incorporating them into your wardrobe. Pamela even provides suggestions for outfits!
Final Thoughts
Pamela provides a swatch for those who’d like to have their colors on hand. Talk about making shopping decisions easy, right? On Wednesday I was in Kohl’s to make an Amazon return and spotted a moto jacket I liked. I picked it up and immediately began surveying the color. The green, while stunning, is not blue based, it’s yellow based. In the past, I’d have bought the jacket, worn it once or twice and then it would probably end up tossed aside. So already this process is making more sense to me.
This is not to say that any color is off limits to any of us. We can in fact enjoy every color in every tone and shade. But you may want to use those colors that are not optimal in another way. Maybe wear the color in your shoes or handbag. Or on the bottom half of your body, away from your face.
If you are interested in learning more, contact Pamela. She is an absolute gem to work with and this process is so easy. No draping and no offensive comments – ha!! If you’ve had experience with color analysis in the past, tell me about it!
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