Color Confusion

Jenny H

Several years ago I hired a consultant to analyze my colors. Using her system, I am a "contrasting imperial winter." Since then, I've used this to guide my decisions about what colors to buy, particularly for shirts, toppers, or anything that will be worn near my face.

The other day, I posted a photo of myself wearing my Pendleton plaid shirt (Photo 1 below). I love the shirt, and admit it has warmer colors than what I typically wear. But I've felt it blends well enough with my consultant-provided color palette (Photo 2 below). The consensus seemed to be that the shirt looks great on me. I agree!

But what surprised me is that several people described this shirt as orange. I wasn't seeing the orange at all until people pointed it out here. And orange is definitely not a color you will find in a winter color palette. I do love orange (as you can see from my home!), but I've never felt it was a color I could wear for clothing.

So getting to my question finally-- is it time to reassess my color palette? Do people still "believe" the idea that a person has a predominant season? Are there any of you out there that identify predominantly with one season but also look great in colors from another? Any of your thoughts/experiences/opinions are welcome!

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9 years ago

Dressing

12 replies

Latest reply was from Alex L

Caro in Oz

Veteran

My short answer would be - we really need to work these things out for ourselves - based on what we feel right in & by REALLY looking at the way colours react with our skin tone. I think the systems that have neutral seasons & also some overlap between the seasons seem to work better for a lot of people

I have recently had my colours re-done The responses to my post about it are really interesting imo.

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....fused-long

9 years ago

rabbit

Veteran

I kind of agree with caro. First, I think hair and skin tone can change with the seasons, age or dye jobs. I've always thought of myself as a winter and done well in many of those colors but not all, but I also had my hair dyed black for most of my life.

There is a particular deep rosy coral color that will bring out color in my cheeks and lips in a flattering way, but peach kills me, as do earthy oranges. I have had much better luck just noting which very specific colors are really great on me, and then trying to develop those as my accent colors, after figuring out my (winter) neutrals.

heh, there needs to be a color system where first you pick the colors that you are completely certain look great on you (and others agree), and then it works backward to figure out the season or whatever from that and can suggest other colors to try or to avoid.

9 years ago

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I don't think it's a bad idea to reassess your color palette, especially if you are finding yourself straying from those colors. But if it's just your love of orange that has you questioning the palette, I'd say explore some orange shades to add to your wardrobe. I have a consultant-done color palette that includes nothing close to orange, and yet I have a few pieces of clothing in a bright coral shade that I really like, especially in spring, when I'm ready for something light, bright, and different.

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9 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I think Caro gives great advice. This is very personal. Some people really feel better having the draping done -- and look better for their new choices. Others have an intuitive grasp of what works on them -- sort of what rabbit says -- and work backwards to their supposed "season." Still others find ways to make less flattering but truly beloved colours work for them. (Angie has some great tips on that in the blog).

I'd say the red in your shirt is less orange (or tomato) than the red in your cushions or even the painting. It's more of a true or even a blue red. And the browns look taupe-like on my screen. This is slightly warm but still veering towards a cool palette. It works on you for sure.

If you're feeling anxious, and about to make a big investment in a whole lot of clothes, it can be a good idea to have a draping done, just to satisfy your own mind. But only if you can find someone you trust.

9 years ago

Victoria

(website)

Veteran

I am typical " Winter"- dark hair, porcelain skin, blue eyes- technically orange is not my color but I worn it and always get compliments. I would say that nothing is set in stone so use your judgement.
Color in your shirt looks more red to me than orange

9 years ago

Beth Ann

Veteran

While I think color analysis can give us some great insight, I believe they're guidelines meant to be explore, rather than rules to obey. I'm a classic winter, although I have been classified as a Summer at one point. Years ago, a makeup artist gave some additional insight. My skin tone is light olive --- decidedly yellow. He suggested that my favorite pinks and purples were high contrast choices -- cutting the effects of my slightly sallow skin. Warm, but clear, tones, he told me, would harmonize with my skin a natural, low-contrast way. That made sense.

As I get older, I find my skin less sallow (well, at least there's something positive). I've been shifting colors slightly to reflect this, but I still like the occasional wild card color!

9 years ago

Meow

Veteran

Here's my 2 cents (which about what it's worth):
- I believe your coloring can change as you age so reassessment

might be necessary.
- I personally decorate my home in my colors - not on purpose but on a a very unconscious level. I didn't realize that until after I was analyzed and went around with my swatches. I'm just drawn to those colors. I've read numerous posts on this forum of others doing the same. However, it's just another indicator. I'm sure other factors dictate how you might decorate your home - like who lives with you and your climate....
- No matter how good the color system is - it is still just an opinion and doesn't take into account your mood, personality, outside influences.
-I have found it a wonderful tool to "know" my colors. It just narrows down the choices and makes shopping easier. I've known others that had their colors analyzed and then proceeded to wear exactly the opposite - as in - I'll show you! I guess I'm a rule follower and not a rule breaker.
- I'm not 100% convinced that our colors are "seasons" and those are the only colors we can wear or that they are our best colors. I think it's a generalization and helps narrow it down but I know I can't wear all the colors of my season and sometimes fudge it and wear colors closer to other seasons - mainly because that's whats in the stores at the time.
- I agree with other - find someone you trust and do the research.

9 years ago

Victoria

(website)

Veteran

While I am naturally drawn to jewel tones for my wardrobe , for home decor I like warm Autumn colors . How strange is that?

9 years ago

Meow

Veteran

Victoria - Interesting.....I wonder if this has to do with who you live with and if they influence your decorating decisions. My DH doesn't have any interest in decorating and leaves it all up to me. Also, I think the climate has something to do with it. I'm a soft autumn. If I lived in a tropical climate, I can't imagine decorating in those soft, warm, muted hues. Hmmm...unless I wanted the contrast....

9 years ago

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Funny Victoria I'm the opposite - I love white/grey/black interiors yet love wearing my soft autumn colours The light here is very bright - 3rd floor apartment with windows on 3 sides - so that may have something to do with it.

9 years ago

Nicola

Active Member

I think people fall into 'colour seasons' in that some colours are clearly better than others and arranging them into seasons (or that type of thing) works really well most of the time and is a good way of understanding them.

Having said that, I love it how everyone is unique and a lot of the fun is finding what you love and what looks great on you. I'm an autumn but I don't look amazing in all of the 'autumn' colours but I DO look and feel wonderful and completely me in other autumn colours. I'm not a spring, but I'm certain I'm on the more springish side of autumn. I just enjoy trying to find the colours and contrast level and combinations that are right for MY version of autumn.

So...(sermon finished now) if you're pretty happy with the winter colours and you love the orangey one I'd have fun playing with it and forget 'the rules'. If you're unhappy with your winter colours that's another story.

9 years ago

Alex L

Active Member

I've always assumed I'm probably warmer toned, but I just wear whatever I like-- That basically means neutrals plus some blue. Maybe it is because I don't wear much color, but I don't put too much stock in coloring. If I don't look good in something, it's more likely the fit or style. Or maybe it just means I have neutral coloring?

9 years ago

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