Color Analysis

annaj

Have any of you had a color analysis done? How helpful did you find it, as opposed to just buying colors that you like, or that you think suit you? If you decided for yourself, how did you decide what was best? I'm currently feeling a little overwhelmed by conflicting advice given in person, so would like to educate myself better, before spending more money on potentially the wrong clothes, or on the services of the wrong stylist! Oh how I wish Angie was much, much closer to me! I'd be "hers" in a moment!!

12 years ago

Dressing

21 replies

Latest reply was from

Molly L-R

Active Member

Hi Anna, I haven't been personally analysed, but analysed myself using the Sci/ART method at http://12blueprints.com/ and found out I was a True Autumn. I also signed up to Dressing Your Truth and analysed myself as a Type 3, though I found this system only useful to a point. What helped me most was holding all sorts of shades and colours next to my face and seeing which ones made me look healthy and which ones made me look ill.

12 years ago

Vildy

Veteran

I've wondered how Angie proceeds with this with her clients given that store lighting can be so deceptive.

12 years ago

Anonymous

Hi Anna, I had colour analysis with a consultant who specialised in it and found it immensly helpful. I always used to wonder why I looked ill in certain shades of bluey pink and lilacs. I was found to be a soft autumn, which is apparently very difficult to spot and can be confused wiith other types at first. I would say that it could be tricky to do for yourself and I personally preferred the idea of having an expert do it for me. I paid around £70 4 years ago.

12 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

It really depends...on so many factors. Many people find it a relatively low cost way to dip their toes into the world of style. Others find it a waste of time. It depends on the consultant, and also, perhaps, on your own personal colour sensitivity and awareness. Some people are literally colour blind, while others have a superb native sense of what works well on them.

I had my colours "done" before joining YLF. I wouldn't call it a complete waste, but essentially it confirmed what I already knew. I was already wearing the colours that flattered me most. I did rediscover a few that I'd been ignoring for years (perhaps because they weren't readily available.) And over time here, I narrowed my colour palette still further -- picking my best neutrals and my signature colours.

But the person who analyzed me said I had a good colour awareness already. And I would agree with that.

Where I needed more help (and did not get it) was in terms of line and cuts that flatter. Not just for broad body type (that part is pretty easy) but more -- what works with my features as well as my body to create an overall style persona?

I don't bring the little colour wallet I got when I go shopping. I have a pretty clear sense of what looks good on me already. I think if you DON'T know what looks good, getting your colours done could be fun and valuable.

12 years ago

annaj

Veteran

I am guessing that even in store lighting you can tell which colours work better than others - comparisons can still be made.

Angie, I'd love to hear what you do / how you do it, if you are reading and willing to share your "trade secrets"!!

12 years ago

Molly L-R

Active Member

Suz is completely right. Me, I had no idea what suited me and went round in black and white all the time and then wondered why everyone kept telling me I looked ill! So finding out what colours to wear to make myself look healthy was a good takeaway, but more importantly I learnt how to coordinate colours (e.g. bold colours such as black and white go with other bold colours, rich colours go with other rich colours) and how to recognise what particular colour "family" a colour was part of.

The only caveat I would add is that knowing your colours is great, but it's only half the battle. Once I realised what colours I should be wearing, I went out and bought a load of plain short and longsleeved t-shirts and corduroy trousers in my colours. "Great", I though to myself, "I'm done now". Only I wasn't. Because although all my clothes coordinated, they were in a very plain, classic style. Which isn't me at all. Since then I've joined YLF and am putting together a style which incorporates my colours, but also my style personality.

Knowing your colours + knowing your personal style = WINNING.

12 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Yes, I'd echo what Molly says. ClearlyClaire and I have joked with each other that in our thrifting adventures we were all too prone to seeing an item in one of "our" colours and just grabbing it -- forgetting that cut and style are also relevant!! Colour is a beginning.

It is true that you can still make judgements in store lighting - maybe not super refined ones, but it is pretty easy to see with the real winners and losers.

Angie's intuitive -- she takes a very holistic approach. She definitely weighs the colour, but it's the whole effect she is looking at. She doesn't follow a system and tell people, "You can't wear warm colours," or anything like that. It's a case by case thing. Which makes sense, since there are millions of shades and hue of any particular colour.

In other words....there is probably a red for everyone. It's just a question of WHICH red.

12 years ago

DonnaF

Veteran

Yes; I had my colors done about 30 years ago. I still carry the swatches with me when I shop. Since my swatches are fabric and colors cycle in and out, what I have doesn't reflect the full range of colors I can wear since so many years have elapsed. In particular, this has helped me identify my neutrals (colors I can wear but that don't give me a lot of energy like forest green and wine) and which tans/beiges/taupes/browns I can wear. I learned I can't wear overly vivid colors or deep black because you see the color and not me; flat black is fine and so are slightly tinted or toned down brights. These color swatches all pretty much go with each other, so if/when I deviate like by buying something too bright, it ends up becoming a closet orphan because it won't go with anything.

My husband's coloring is quite different from mine so I had a hard time knowing which colors would flatter him so I had his colors done, too. My coloring is neutral with a little warm, and his is quite warm so his palette is much more limited than mine.

We had trained artists do our colors in a room lit by skylights and filled with map/blueprint drawers full of rows and columns of fabric swatches. We had a white drape covering our clothing, and the artist would hold up swatches next to our eyes, skin, and hair. Later, it was interesting to see how the palette of a friend of the same ethnicity and basic coloring differed; her hair was blacker and the top of her iris must have been bluer because she got deep black and some violets.

12 years ago

annaj

Veteran

My original stylist draped me, but I have since found out that she only uses the 4 seasons, even though her "program" covers 12! The second stylist (was a group workshop, not a specific colour/draping session) just threw a few different coloured shirts over me and gave opinions - I wasn't looking at myself in a mirror, but she was SO certain, and the rest of the group oohed and ahhed along with her. I went from one season to an almost opposite season, when I actually think I should be a different category entirely!! I'm a little confused and now unsure as to whether I see things correctly! I'm now second guessing myself

12 years ago

Anonymous

I had a color analysis done many moons ago, and was told I'm a Summer. However, typical Summer pastels wash me out and people ask me if I feel okay. When my MIL suggested I try darker colors, I experimented with the Cool Winter palette but thought that palette was a bit too strong for me and that I needed to soften my look. I sent my photo to one of those online color analysts, and she thought I might be a Clear Winter, while my hairdresser thought I was a Spring. My experiments with those palettes were a disaster. Clear Winter was no better than Cool Winter; the colors were too strong. Spring was better because the colors I experimented with were midtones. However, the Spring colors made my skin look sallow (yellow), so I quickly realized I'm most definitely not a Spring. My experiments with hair and makeup helped me realize that my hair and skintone are neutral, and that cool colors (such as those in the Cool Winter and Cool Summer palettes) give my skin a grayish cast. That left Autumn, which I know I'm not because my overall "look" is not obviously warm, and Soft Summer. When I started wearing the colors in the Soft Summer palette, I started looking healthy (as in not pale, not washed out, not sickly, and not jaundiced), as evidenced by the compliments I get from others and from how much better I look in photos. I wish I had know this years ago, but at least I know it now. The website I've found that offers the best wardrobe and makeup advice for this season is:

http://tinasthreesummerseasons.....guide.html

Hope this helps anyone else out there who is having a difficult time figuring out their colors.

12 years ago

annaj

Veteran

Thanks Ruth - yes, I think we might actually be in the same boat here - Summer to Spring and then back again to something in the middle! When I wear soft summer colours, I feel "agh" - relaxed, and calm! One stylist told me though that those colours would just wash me out. I'm not convinced so will investigate further also. I think they are a better match for me than anything too bright, which I think tend to wear me!

12 years ago

Anonymous

You're welcome, annaj.

Finding your perfect shade of blush helps immensely, as this color will be in the color palette that's right for you. The blush I wear all the time is Jane Iredale "Parfait," which is the very same color as the pink in my fingertips. Once I found this color, I wondered why it was never obvious to me before. It's one of those "Duh!" moments, I guess.

http://www.astonishingskincare....._2217.html

I also wear Jane Iredale "Warm Silk" Amazing Base foundation powder, Covergirl "Plum Velvet" Perfect Point Plus eyeliner (see below), and CoverGirl brownish black mascara. I rarely wear lipstick, but when I do, it's always Clinique "Black Honey" almost lipstick.

http://www.drugstore.com/produ.....751feb56ac

My overall look is soft, not bright or harsh or dark or warm. Colors are blended. They're the difficult colors that only soft seasons can wear. Hope this helps.

12 years ago

annaj

Veteran

I am familiar with the Almost Lipsticks - there used to be another fabulous colour that was lighter than the Black Honey. We can't get any of them here any more (in Australia - hence my spelling of colour!!). Covergirl I can look for, but I've not previously heard of Jane Iredale. I will look for it and hopefully be able to try!

People always comment when I wear charcoal grey with dusty pink, which is what makes me wonder if soft is the answer for me also. I'll try some more, and let you know if I have any lightbulb moments! Thanks again - you have been so helpful (as has everyone else - thank you all!)

12 years ago

Anonymous

Another good lippie to try is Neutrogena "Petal Glow" (40) Revitalizing Lip Balm. This is a great everyday color for me. I just don't wear it because I don't care too much for stuff on my lips unless I'm going to be out in the sun (the Neutrogena lip balm is SPF 20), photographed or going out (the Clinique "Black Honey" is my top pick for pics and special occasions).

http://www.bing.com/shopping/n.....;FORM=HURE

12 years ago

Anonymous

I'm posting this link to help those of you who might benefit from it:

http://12blueprints.com/3-grea.....2-seasons/

That muted dark pine green in the soft summer set is spot on for me. That color really brings out my eyes more than any other color I've ever worn.

12 years ago

Mia

Veteran

One of the best things I ever did to get my wardrobe working and to wear my clothes more often. I break "the rules" but at least I know I'm doing it with intent so I am the boss not the colour swatches.

I can't believe how many sales assistants and hair dressers have no idea what I'm talking about when I reference this concept.

12 years ago

Anonymous

I totally agree, Mia. I have some work horses in my closet that are not my "best" colors, but I know how to make them work for me. Knowing which colors look bad near my face, etc. make it so much easier to come up with winning color combinations that look fab.

I'm also surprised at how many people either don't know anything about color analysis or only know about the 4-season system. There are many people out there like me who don't fit neatly into one of the 4 seasons, and who have benefited greatly from the expanded 12- or 16-season system. I'm very familiar with the CMB and Donna Fujii systems, and am now reading about the Sci-Art system. I know very little about other systems.

12 years ago

Kristin

Active Member

I know I'm chiming in rather late to this conversation. I'm a new member. I helps me to read these posts. I'm newly into color analysis and am wondering whether I should go ahead and get mine done by an expert or experiment on my own. I just don't want to waste a lot of money and time on things that won't end up working for me. I believe I am either a soft summer or soft autumn, but i know I need to get more creative with the use of of color within those palettes so as to bring out my best. I think I have a pretty neutral skin tone and slightly warm hair and eyes.

11 years ago

Alexandra

(website)

Veteran

My advice would be to get a color analysis by someone you trust (as in, do your research first) and have them show you exactly what it is they're looking for and evaluating as the drapes change. That way, you see what they see and by the end of the session, you understand what effects the various colors have on you. It's best if you can go with a friend - they can usually see the effects and it's more fun. The point of the analysis is not to believe the analyst but to know because you've seen it with your own eyes. Self-analysis takes a lot more time, energy, and money than a professional color analysis.

ETA: a really good analyst will check in with you a month (two or three) down the road to make sure you're moving along in your color journey. The analysis is often just the beginning of the magic that is living with your colors.

11 years ago

Staysfit

Veteran

I have had my colors done several times. My mother thought I was a spring. When I was a graduate student someone thought I was a summer. When I moved to CNY I had them done again and was told I was an autumn. None of those pallets worked for me. Finally I found someone who did the 12 season system and told me I was a soft autumn. It has been like a light bulb went on. When I wear the colors in my pallet, I am usually told that I look good.

11 years ago

Anonymous

I had one done several years ago, with the 12 season formula. I am a true atumn and I received a swatch book that I use. This analysis also covered clothing texture, makeup, earring size, necklines and style of clothing. I found it extraordinary and well worth the money ($300 canadian). It was several hours long and mentally exhausting. There were follow up appointments and exercises if I wanted to hone my style but my budget doesn't run to that

I enjoyed it immensely.

11 years ago

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