https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-know-what-colours-suit-you Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:59 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-know-what-colours-suit-you#post-805341 Sun, 30 Dec 2012 20:42:58 +0000 Niefern 805341@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, I see there is more to colour than I had ever thought! Thank you for all those great explanations. It seems this is a matter I will have to pay more attention to and investigate further. Beacause honestily I have no idea what colours suit me best, and nobody has ever told me any hint about that. I will have to do the trial and error thing. Thanks! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-know-what-colours-suit-you#post-805256 Sun, 30 Dec 2012 15:36:48 +0000 Irene 805256@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can make any color work but not any shade.</p> <p>I think it has to do with my skin undertones -blueish/cold. I don't look good in orange, brown or yellow.</p> <p>Then, because of my pale complexion, it's hard for me to do any pastel and black (I have found I can do black if I wear earrings/scarf and colored lips.</p> <p>I don't wear the colors I love, I wear those that suit me because I know I'll feel ugly in the colors I love if I look bad in them. I don't like blue, red or hot pink (I would never pick a mobile case of that color, or a schoolbag, or write in them, if that makes sense), but they suit my face a lot more than sexy black, fun orange, bright yellow or hopeful green, so I get hot pink, red and blue clothes more often. </p> <p>I often get compliments on my red dresses (wow, red really suits you!!), and always with a tinge of surprise, since most people regard it as a daring color to dress in. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-know-what-colours-suit-you#post-805248 Sun, 30 Dec 2012 15:23:36 +0000 nancylee 805248@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I went through a lot of color soul searching earlier this year. Here's a link to one of my posts...maybe you can pick up some hints from the posts/comments:</p> <p><a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closing-in-on-my-colors-yay" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....colors-yay</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-know-what-colours-suit-you#post-805241 Sun, 30 Dec 2012 15:13:40 +0000 Angie 805241@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm impressed with the suggestions made on this thread </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-know-what-colours-suit-you#post-805237 Sun, 30 Dec 2012 15:00:56 +0000 Jules 805237@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree Lisa - I haven't consciously done that but have definitely noticed the effect of a colour that is wearing me rather than the other way around! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-know-what-colours-suit-you#post-805234 Sun, 30 Dec 2012 14:49:32 +0000 krishnidoux 805234@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisa what an inventive trick! Will try it for sure! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-know-what-colours-suit-you#post-805212 Sun, 30 Dec 2012 14:22:29 +0000 Lisa 805212@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I find the best test for me is, when I try on a top, I look away and then back to my face. My eyes either go to my face (then the color suits me) or they go to the top (the color does not work). I think flattering colors draw attention to the eyes and non flattering colors draw attention to the garment. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-know-what-colours-suit-you#post-805207 Sun, 30 Dec 2012 14:17:42 +0000 Anonymous 805207@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Niefern, all of these comments are very good, with some helpful links, and I agree with everyone. However, if all of this seems overwhelming to you maybe you could just identify a color or two that does NOT look well on you, and that would make it easier. Then you could happily wear just about everything else. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-know-what-colours-suit-you#post-805113 Sun, 30 Dec 2012 04:02:54 +0000 krishnidoux 805113@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow Suz, this is a terrific explanation! I will try your colour tricks, I dodn't know the one about the inside of the mouth.<br /> I agree that to pick up colours that already exist on you and go from there is a good way to guess your "colours". From there, you can consult a colour site to know what is your palette.<br /> Here are two interesting ones:<br /> <a href="http://seasonalcoloranalysis.blogspot.com.es/search/label/Clear%20Spring%20Color%20Palette#.UN-4Om_BGnZ" rel="nofollow">http://seasonalcoloranalysis.b.....N-4Om_BGnZ</a><br /> <a href="http://www.thechicfashionista.com/your-best-perfect-colors.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.thechicfashionista......olors.html</a></p> <p>For example, I am pretty sure I am a "light Spring" - but no Spring chicken I am afraid...;-) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-know-what-colours-suit-you#post-805105 Sun, 30 Dec 2012 03:46:29 +0000 Jenava 805105@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had my colors "done" as a kid with my mom. All I remember is that mauve is "my" color and my mother remarked that I had a dress that color. I remember the dress. I didn't like the style, but the color was a nice purply-rose color. I've recently done a bit of web surfing and decided that the colors in the "soft summer" pallet mostly suit me. They include pale pinks, taupe, mauve, blue-greens, pale butter yellow and burgundy, all of which I already know from experience look good on me! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-know-what-colours-suit-you#post-805103 Sun, 30 Dec 2012 03:40:58 +0000 Anonymous 805103@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just stand with a mirror in good daylight and throw different colored pieces of fabric (clothing, towels, etc) over your shoulders so that you see what the color does to your face. Some will be obvious in brightening you or making you look sallow. You might make piles of what works best and what doesn't. There will be many that are neither great or awful. You might see a pattern of yellow or blue undertones (a bluish red like burgundy rather than a yellow-red like tomato). You may also see a pattern of certain intensities that work best...very brights, sour tones, deep tones, slightly greyed or heathered tones, etc. of the colors. Look for what makes your skin and/or eyes glow; what pulls highlights from your hair. The season thing does not work for everyone but it may suggest what to look for.<br /> ETA: I see Suz has done a much better job of explaining this. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-know-what-colours-suit-you#post-805086 Sun, 30 Dec 2012 03:01:05 +0000 Suz 805086@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There are lots of systems....outgrowths of that early "Colour Me Beautiful" thing. Here's one: <a href="http://12blueprints.com" rel="nofollow">http://12blueprints.com</a></p> <p>Before joining this forum I actually had my colours "done." And I'm not entirely sorry I did. It turns out that I was already gravitating pretty naturally towards colours that looked good on me. But the analyst reminded me of a whole family of colours that are among my best and that somehow I'd been neglecting (plums and orchids). So that was a good discovery. </p> <p>Overall, though, I find the evidence of my own eyes is the best way to judge. As Sveta says, it's pretty obvious when you find colours that light you up. You will look almost as if you are wearing a bit of makeup even when you are not. Whereas other colours will drain you, make you look more tired and worn out. </p> <p>The warmth or coolness of our skin's undertones is usually the deciding factor, but that can be very confusing for someone who is just beginning to think about colour. However, if you look at the veins in your wrist you might get a clue -- if they are blueish you probably have a cool toned skin and will look better in cooler colours (those with a blue undertone). And if they are greenish then you may look better in warmer-based colours (those with a yellow undertone). </p> <p>But Sveta's right - no COLOUR is ruled out, per se. It's all about the tone. For example, you can have a blue-red (cranberry) which will look great on a cooler toned complexion; an orangey red (coral) that will look fabulous on a warmer toned complexion and a more neutral red (true red) that could potentially work on either (or not, depending on whether the person is able to wear that level of intensity and saturation.) </p> <p>Having said that, as a very cool-toned person, I've never met a yellow that I could wear successfully near my face. (Too bad, because I love yellow and gold!!) </p> <p>One easy trick is to examine the inside of your lips -- that will be a good red or pink for you. The colours in your eyes are often good on you. You can pick up your hair colours in your clothing (and don't assume your hair or eyes are one colour - they're usually a mixture). </p> <p>For example, you'll notice that Angie looks great in cream (see her in her coat in the cover photo here). The colour picks up and echoes the lighter tones in her hair beautifully and also her bright teeth and eyes. In general, she looks great in clear brights. </p> <p>Forum member Shannon wears a lot of black and white -- which look terrific with her salt and pepper hair. </p> <p>One of my core neutrals is taupe, which is a cool grey-brown, that picks up the charcoal/brown darker notes of my own "dirty" blonde hair. I also look good in most mid toned blues like denim (I have dark blue eyes) and in orchids and cranberry red. What I DON'T look good in is very pale versions of those colours (too washed out) or in neon brights (too intense for my soft colouring). It is important for me to get the right intensity. Too strong and pure a colour will wash me out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-know-what-colours-suit-you#post-805074 Sun, 30 Dec 2012 02:37:41 +0000 Jules 805074@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I find colours that really don't work for me are pretty obvious, as soon as I put the garment on or even hold it up to my face in the mirror, I know. Sometimes (usually with light, nude/off-nude colours) I can tell by holding it up to my wrist. Basically, my skin turns grey. Other than the obviously terrible colours that do that, there are blues and greens that make my green eyes stand out and contrast nicely with my reddish brown hair.<br /> I've recently realized that while I have a general idea of my better colours, give a large variety I don't always pick the best colour first, so I try to grab two colours when I go to the change room. Might be a good exercise for you.<br /> It might be fun for you to go to a store with a lot of scarves, maybe a department store where service is hands-off, and try many colours against your wrist and face to see what you like. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-know-what-colours-suit-you#post-805071 Sun, 30 Dec 2012 02:35:16 +0000 Sveta 805071@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Actually almost any color can look good if you get the tone right. Slight nuances in color make so much difference! Foe example I look appalling in medium or pale blue but really suit cobalt, ink and midnight blue.<br /> However there are colors which really do a lot for one's complexion, hair color, eye color... I think you cannot be mistaken when it happens: your skin seems to glow, eyes are brighter, highlights in your hair are more pronounced...<br /> My best color for this is deep reddish purple, it makes me more alive! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-know-what-colours-suit-you#post-805011 Sun, 30 Dec 2012 01:15:45 +0000 Niefern 805011@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I prefer some colours over others but I do not know if it is because I really look better in them or simply because I like those colours. I think I have never had the impression that other people looked better in certain colours either. Maybe I have not noticed. I guess I will have to try different colours and see if I actually look better/worse in some of them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-know-what-colours-suit-you#post-805000 Sun, 30 Dec 2012 00:51:50 +0000 Amy 805000@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Trial and error through the years. I could never figure out the "color me beautiful system."i</p> <p>I know I look best in magentas, pinks, purples, greens, blues, mustard yellow, citron and blue-ish oranges. I look ghastly in light grey, mint green and beige.</p> <p>What colors brighten your complexion and make your eyes sparkle? What makes you happy when you put it on? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-know-what-colours-suit-you#post-804993 Sun, 30 Dec 2012 00:22:02 +0000 Karie 804993@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the link, Jules!<br /> I had my colors done once back in the '90's and was told that orange was a perfect color for me. I went out and bought an orange sweater. I looked awful! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-know-what-colours-suit-you#post-804980 Sat, 29 Dec 2012 23:40:34 +0000 Jules 804980@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There was back in the 90s a trend of getting your colours done... you were determined to be on of the four seasons and shown a bunch of swatches. No colour is off-limits per se, it's a matter of getting the right shade. Scroll down here for a synopsis of the seasons:<br /> <a href="http://www.thechicfashionista.com/autumn-color-analysis.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.thechicfashionista......lysis.html</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-know-what-colours-suit-you#post-804969 Sat, 29 Dec 2012 23:15:05 +0000 lyn* 804969@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh; I just go by trial and error! I don't think there are any -set- rules; the ones that don't go so well with my skin tone, I wear them in ways farther from my face (tights, cardigans, belts). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-know-what-colours-suit-you#post-804968 Sat, 29 Dec 2012 23:13:11 +0000 Niefern 804968@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hello, I have noticed many of you comment that certain colours suit/do not suit you, how you look great/terrible in certain colous. I have to admit I am somewhat mistified by this. Is there some kind of rule(s) that determine what will look good on you? Depending on your hair/eye/skin colour? </p>