How to know what colours suit you: understanding your tonal direction

The last article that I wrote about the topic of colour focused on one of the most important and fundamental aspects - warm and cool.

This is a key part of understanding what colours make you look your best - but there is one step further we need to go to really hone in on what colours will make you shine.

When I do a professional colour analysis, I'm not only looking to determine if my client is warm or cool, but I'm also looking to determine their dominant tone. This type of analysis is based on Munsell's colour theory; Professor Albert H. Munsell was an American painter who came up with a system to categorise colour, according to hue, value and saturation.

Based on that system, we have tonal colour analysis - a way to understand exactly what type of colours you will look best in.

There are 6 tones, and all of us will have a dominant and a secondary tone. Together, your two tonal directions will determine the palette of colours that are most flattering for you.

To keep this simple and clear, I'm going to outline each of the six tones to help you determine what is your dominant tone. Read through each one and see which tone most closely reflects your own colouring and characteristics - this will give you a starting point to finding your best colours.

LIGHT

Light types have lightest blonde or light grey hair and a fair complexion. Often you will have lightened your hair to blonde or have had blonde highlights put in.You may have light blue, blue-grey, aqua or light green eyes.

You will best in light - medium colours. Avoid really dark colours next to your face as they can easily overpower your delicate colouring.

DEEP

Deep types usually have strongly-coloured dark hair from brunette to dark auburn. Generally, all dark types will also have brown or very dark auburn eyes. Men and women of colour mostly fall into this category (but there are exceptions).

You will suit strong, dark colours rather than pastels. Primary colours look great on you.

WARM

Those who have Warm as their dominant tone will typically have some evidence of red or auburn in their hair. It may be in a colour range from the lightest strawberry blonde to rich dark auburn. You may have blue, green or brown eyes. You will look best in colours that have a golden yellow or orange tone to them.

COOL

Those with silver grey hair will most likely fall into the Cool category, as well as those who has ash toned hair which is usually light - dark brown. Your eyes will be hazel, blue or brown. You will benefit most from wearing colours that have a cool undertone to them.

MUTED

Your overall look is soft and muted, with little contrast between your hair, eyes and skin. You will have neither very blonde nor the darkest of brown hair. Your eyes will vary from brown to hazel, grey green and blue grey. Soft colours that have been 'greyed' will give you your best look. Very sharp, bright colours won't be flattering next to your face.

BRIGHT

Bright types have lots of natural contrast in their colouring. Your hair will be mid to the darkest of brown or black. Even if you are grey, the thing that will make you stand out is your jewel-like eyes. Your eyes will be bright – perhaps steel blue, green, bright hazel or the richest of brown. Bright, pure colours look fantastic on you, whereas muted colours will easily drain you and make you appear dull.

SO, WHICH TONE ARE YOU?

Understanding your dominant tone will help you to select the colours that most closely mimic your own colouring and therefore will easily make you look healthier, more youthful, radiant and vibrant.

Note that the above are guidelines only and cannot replace or replicate a professional colour analysis, which will unlock your specific and perfect range of colours that will make an incredible difference to the way you look.

Want to know more? Get in touch for a Personal or Virtual Colour Radiance and Harmony Session that includes:

• In depth analysis and explanation of your tonal colour direction
• High quality colour swatch
• Detailed digital + print colour guide

More details here

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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.