How to know what colours suit you

Colour is the number one thing that consistently surprises and delights my clients in equal parts, but also what can cause the most confusion.

There are literally millions of colours that have now been created, and that sheer amount of diversity and choice that we now see represented in clothing has led to total overwhelm.

That tends to lead many women to stick with so-called 'safe' colours, such as blacks, greys and navy, and while these neutrals can certainly form part of your wardrobe and do look wonderful on some people, they can also lack the personality and energy of other colours. Dressed in your best colours, you will radiate from the inside out in a way that isn't possible with neutrals.

Colours have such an enormous power over how we look and feel, and as well as affecting the aesthetics of your image, they also impact your mood and how you feel.

When you understand what colours you look best in, you have a power palette that you can mix and play with.

You can use colour to help you stand out in a crowd, create a lasting and memorable impression and above all, have an overall vitality and vibrance in the way you look.

The easiest way to help you determine what colours to go for is based on the concept of warm and cool.

• Warm colours have a golden yellow or orange tone. In nature, these colours are vivid and energetic.
• Cool colours have a blue or silver tone. In nature, these colours are soothing and calming.

The key to choosing flattering colours is to understand if your natural colouring is either warm or cool, and then 'match' your clothing colours. It is important to note that the colours that most affect how you look are those that you wear next to your face, through tops, scarves, or jewellery.

YOU ARE WARM IF:

Your skin has a warm, golden look to it. You may or may not be tanned, but there will be a yellow/golden tone to your appearance. You look better in gold instead of silver.

YOU ARE COOL IF:

Your skin has rose/pink or blue tones which may be fair or dark. You look better in silver instead of gold.

If you still aren't sure if you are warm or cool, ask yourself if you look better wearing orange or pink? If the answer if orange, you're warm. If the answer is pink, you're cool.

WARM

Go to colours: Rust, peach, gold, orange, turquoise, moss green, yellow, warm red (tends towards orange)

Neutrals: Dark brown, navy, olive, camel, cream, ivory

Hard to wear colours: Cool, icy colours such as pale blue and jewel tones such as ruby red

Jewellery: Gold, copper or bronze, warm stones and enamels

Celebs to be inspired by: Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Lopez, Eva Mendes, Emma Watson

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COOL

Go to colours: Plum, lavender, rose pink, fuchsia, royal or bright blue, emerald, burgundy, blue reds

Neutrals: Black, grey, navy, white, soft white

Hard to wear colours: Oranges and yellows, warm or golden colours

Jewellery: Silver, platinum, cool stones and enamels

Celebs to be inspired by: Kate Middleton, Helen Mirren, Angelina Jolie, Emily Blunt

HOW TO TELL IF A COLOUR IS RIGHT FOR YOU:

• You will look healthy and your eyes will sparkle
• The colour will look in harmony with you
• You will see your face first, not the colour

RED FLAGS THAT A COLOUR ISN'T RIGHT FOR YOU:

• You will appear washed out and pale and dark circles will be highlighted
• The colour will 'sit' on you
• You will see the colour first, not you

Remember: the best colours harmonise with YOU - that means they have the same characteristics as your natural colouring, which is determined by your eyes, skin and hair colour. 

If you'd like to take this one step further and find out exactly which colours to invest your money in, your top 3 most powerful colours, your best makeup colours plus lots more, book in for a professional colour radiance and harmony session (virtual or in person sessions available).

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Lucy Owens, founder of Style Rises, is a personal stylist, communication consultant and mindset coach who loves bringing powerful personal style into the lives, businesses, brands, and careers of her high-achieving clients.

Deeply passionate about transforming women’s confidence through their closets, Lucy has fallen in love with watching women skyrocket their promotional appeal through reclaiming their power. As a certified image consultant who understands personal branding, power positioning, and has first-hand experience of working in the corporate world for luxury fashion and hospitality brands, Lucy has become an image advocate for women making an impact.

If you'd like to discuss how Lucy can resurrect your style confidence, get in touch.