Did colour analysis work for you?? - YouLookFab Forum

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Did colour analysis work for you??

Anonymous

Cos it certainly didn't for me!!

I realised this yesterday, when Victoria posted about pairing black with navy (a combination beloved by Yves St Laurent). I responded that it was a combination that worked well for me. But after posting I started to think. I've had colour analysis three times, with three different results, AND, judging from the compliments I get when wearing my 'no go' colours, each time it was wrong.

I have fairly vivid copper hair, very definite green eyes (occasionally flirts have called them 'emerald') and a very pale pink-and-white skin, which has never seen a sun-tan in its life!

In the mid-1980s I was living in Baltimore, when I had my first Colour Me Beautiful analysis. I was told I was an Autumn, with elements of Spring (there were just four seasons at that time). But most of the colours I was given in my little book of swatches were clearly not me. Tomato red and mustard, for instance. Since then, I learned that the system was too narrow, and had been updated. I went for a second analysis, here in France. I was told I was a Warm Spring. Again the swatches were not colours I felt in the least bit comfortable with. Finally (again here in Europe) I was categorized as a muted Autumn, and again my colour palette was disastrous. Thankfully, I'm an opinionated girl and refused to buy the pashminas or make-up colours the consultant was peddling.

The reason I was reminded of all this last night, was that two of the colours (amongst others) each consultant agreed I should never wear were black and navy. Yet, like most Parisians, these colours, together with camel, and grey (another 'verboten' according to the experts!) are the basic colours of my wardrobe. The well-cut, classic 'investment pieces' that I have paid much fine gold for and expect to last for years. Obviously I buy a limited number of cheap and cheerful 'trendy' pieces each season, to perk up my basics, and as a nod to the prevailing fashion, but for me, defining my personal style, and using it to emphasize my good points, and minimize the bad, is FAR more important than paying more than a concessionary nod (and a few euros) to here-today-gone-tomorrow 'fashion'. Furthermore, I KNOW, and my husband and friends agree, that black and navy, grey too, all provide a great foil for my quirky colouring. These are the colours that really make my hair zing, my eyes sparkle greener than they in fact are, and, far from making me look 'washed out' as I was told by the 'experts') actually provide a dramatic contrast for my very pale skin. Have I (and my entourage) got it so very wrong? (I'll get my other half to take some snaps of me wearing these basics, so you can decide!) Or is colour analysis simply a fun way to pass an evening with a couple of girl-friends, but not to be taken too seriously? Any thoughts?

Dressing

22 replies

Latest reply was from

Anonymous

Yes and no. I've known for years that I am a Summer, but didn't know until doing a lot more reading and experiementation with colors which type of Summer I am and how best to combine the colors in my palette to create my most flattering looks. The consultant who did my analysis did not give me complete information, but I can hardly blame her, as the analysis was done before the 12-season system came into existence. She did tell me enough to get me started in the right direction, though. She told me I can wear dark colors as long as they're muted (toned down). I remember being thankful for that because pastels look horrible on me unless in a print mixed with darker colors.

cciele

Veteran

It basically worked for me. In the original system, I was a Winter, and now I think I am more of deep winter (Winter blended with Autumn), especially with my now-red hair! Accordingly to one website, a few best colors are: Black, Pure White, Dark Charcoal, True Red, True Blue, Hot Pink and to Avoid: Golden Browns, soft peach, light earth tones

I have to agree with that. I love jewel tones and I look like crap in most earth tones and pastels.

Anonymous

Thanks, Ruth and cciele. I've endorsed your 'wisdom', but remain to be convinced, 'cos as I said, I've had mine done three times!! (Including 12 and sixteen possible permutations). I think I'm going to stick with my instincts, and feed-back from those close to me. Having said that, I could be a 'clear Spring'. Which would explain why black suits me. However, I've worked that out without paying a fourth consultant to tell me!!!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I remember my friend's mom having one of those Color Me Beautiful parties in the 80s too -- in Baltimore! (I still live there, well at least, near there

We figured out that I was a WInter but with some sort of overlap into Summer, I believe, because my skin is very fair (dark brown hair and blue-green eyes). My two best friends were more definitive Winters because they had dark hair, brown eyes, and olive skin.

In the years since, I've expanded my color palette a little bit, but I think I've always had a pretty good sense of what works on me (I'm an artist, so I certainly hope I've got some good color sense!). I don't do much brown, only a little orange, and almost no yellow. I don't do much in the way of pastels unless they're a more vivid pastel. I look best in jewel tones, and I wear a lot of black, white, grey, blues and greens, followed by reds and purples.

I haven't had a professional color analysis since that party in the 80s!

Anonymous

My hairdresser in NM said I'm a Spring, while another color analyst determined I'm a Clear Winter based on a photo I mailed to her. I don't think I'm either because my eyes are a soft muted mixture of blue, gray and green with a smidge of brown and are not bright at all, and I have a neutral skin tone. Colors that are too light or too light wash me out, while colors that are too warm make me look jaundiced. It's been trial and error for me to find my best colors, but the process was well worth it. You'll get there. Just keep working at it.

Anonymous

Hi Janet!

I studied public health at Johns Hopkins! My analysis was done on-campus cos it was 'THE' thing to do back in the 80s.

It's great to meet someone from Baltimore! Have some Maryland crab-cakes for me! (now that is ONE SPECIAL treat the much-vaunted French cuisine lacks!!):-)

rachylou

Veteran

I've never had my colors done, so I'm interested in hearing what everyone says. It would be nice to have some kind of starting point at least. I find I overlook possibilities a lot when I shop because they just don't occur to me.

I *think* I'm some sort of winter. If I wear warmer colors, I try to not wear them near my face.

Anonymous

When I had my colors done, I hosted a party in my home and many of my friends and coworkers came. We had the opportunity to see each other get draped. The effects the colors had on us were quite obvious, and I feel the original analysis for me was correct. Like I said, though, I didn't receive all the information I needed. It was a great starting point, though. Learning as much as I could about the 12-season system has helped me immensely.

Victoria

(website)

Veteran

I found my colors to be right on the money-I fall into Winter category so i never experienced any issues in that area. I am curious, La Francaise, that with your coloring you don't look good in Spring or Autumn shades. What I mean is, generally for someone with red hair and pale skin I would suggest these colors-black(yes, black as I find that its a great foil for someone with red hair as well as grey and navy), dark brown, teal, cobalt blue, dark purple, emerald green, rust. I wouldn't put someone with your coloring in red but I all the other colors will bring out your red hair and green eyes

Anonymous

Victoria,

YOU'RE the one that's 'bang on' I think!!

Like I mentioned somewhere above, with my high-contrast red hair, green eyes, very pale skin, I THINK I'm a Clear Spring. That would explain why I can wear black and navy, as well as most of the colours you suggested. Today is very hot, so even in 'conservative' Paris, I'm wearing a cobalt blue dress and matching ballet flats. Emerald floaty scarf. You're spot on there!! Teal, emerald, purple all work really well, too. (I often wear teal or emerald tees or sweaters as my 'pop of colour'. And have a deep purple cape-coat, with a built-in scarf.) The rust, funnily enough, works less well . I think it needs a muted or warm Autumn to carry it off. But, you really are CLEVER (we both are, say I) 'cos we've worked out what the three consultants failed to do for me! Wish I could give you a 'wisdom' AND a 'boost', I keep changing twixt the two, but I've finally decided to go for the wise owl! Thanks!!:-)

Victoria

(website)

Veteran

^Thanks:)) Perhaps, I should be a color consultant?;)

Anonymous

Putting people into seasons has never made sense or worked for me. Forget the season thing and just try colors next to your face in good light with observant friends and you'll do better.

Anonymous

@ Victoria,
Why not? You're the best one I've found (and you come for free!! LOL)

@Joy,
I tend to agree with you. However, Victoria here is SO spot on about what suits me, there may be something in the theory. I do think, however, that in the early days, it was such a buzz thing, (I'm talking 80s), the system hadn't evolved, and an awful lot of 'consultants' had sketchy training. Ruth seems to have found that, too.

DonnaF

Veteran

I had my colors analyzed in the 80s and still have my many, many swatches of fabric. These aren't the terms they used, but I will use the Color Me Beautiful language: I am 70% Spring (clear colors), 20% Autumn (rich colors), and 10% Winter (striking dramatic colors). My colors are sub-divided among Neutrals, Eye Extensions, Reds, Dramatics, and Understateds. My neutrals are neutral on me, meaning they are low energy on me so I shouldn't wear a solid outfit in that color, and include forest green and deep cranberry red.

My colors all play well together, so if I veer off and buy something not within my palette, the energy feels off and it is likely to become a closet orphan that doesn't go with anything else.

I have found my swatches most helpful in buying neutrals like taupe, buff, and beige and many of the understated colors. I have little trouble choosing the dramatic reds, yellows, and oranges that will flatter me; blues give me more trouble.

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

It sounds like your coloring is much like Kari's and she looks gorgeous in the rich bright colors like teal and cobalt. I think those are winter colors but there are variations on other seasons too.

I am a winter. Not sure which one but know I look best in jewel tones and can wear black and white. I also think white metals look better than yellow metals do against my skin.

Anonymous

Yes, dianthus, you're probably right about Kari and me. Remember that blue and jade outfit she posted a couple of weeks back?? I would have LOVED that! It's partly thanks to her that I'm wearing cobalt blue and emerald today. You'll see when my other half has taken those piccies out in the sunshine, but I think Kari's hair is rather darker than mine, and her skin tone too. I'm incredibly pale, with a skin that burns if I don't cover up or use SPF 60! Honestly, that high! It was embarrassing when I was a young intern. I think I was the first that had to go to our own ER 'cos I was exhausted after a weekend on-call and fell asleep in the sun. I woke up a blistering lobster! LOL!!

Anonymous

I had mine done in April and blogged about on this forum...I LOVED it, finally I know what colours to buy and I could see how some colours I liked did not suit, even though they were fashionable.

Now I have a capsule of all my clothes, I still have some clothes to replace.. But it is much easier to shop and organize my closet.

I am a true autumn, which makes dressing for summer tricky, but I believe in it totally.

Aida

Veteran

They don't seem to work well for me, either, but I haven't had it done professionally. I could be pegged as either Deep Autumn or Deep Winter, as I can wear colors from both quite well especially with my pale skin and dark hair. So there's always that pesky 'neutral' option. My skin is warmish with just enough coolness to allow me to wear plenty of cool shades along with plenty of warm shades. Honestly I have given up on those color seasons and call my oddball palette "Icy Autumn", because I seem to best wear the colors you would find on a crisp, icy, Autumn day: firey or deep merlot reds, golden yellows, tangerine oranges, mossy greens, cool emeralds, bright turquoises, deep teals, bright magentas, navy, black, icy grays, soft peachy blushes, creamy taupes, etc. (and brown, which I don't enjoy wearing). I also wear both true whites and off-whites, as well as both gold and silver. *shrug*

qfbrenda

Veteran

I was color analyzed when I was in late high school and those colors still work for me. I'm definitely a winter: dark brown hair, green eyes, and pale skin with blue undertones. I live in black, true white (no cream), jewel tones, and silver jewelry. I've tried to stray from those colors... tried creamy whites... gold jewelry... and they clash against my skin.

I'm glad you got your colors figured out! Victoria did well.

Theodora

Wow! All these color seasons! I have to say that it all depends... My daughter, with the exact same red hair, green eye, pale skin coloring somehow carries off even RED amazingly, which is so funny to me because my sister, with the same coloring looks awful in any red.

That said, I find my age has changed what colors look well on me, so instead of a formula, I try different ones until I see which ones work. After 50, black, my mainstay of youth, makes me look dead!

I do find it funny that, because I have brown hair and eyes, with a yellow skin tone, that makeup people automatically want to put me in browns and corals, and not pinks, or blue-toned reds, which look best on me. Why? Maybe because my natural lip color is actually very blue? Who knows? Deeper oranges are great too, but what I am trying to convey is that you should yes, know your best colors, but
1. Remember to look at other colors and try them on. Sometimes just a slight variation in shade or tone will make a "banned" color FABULOUS!
2. Be prepared to change your notions of what colors look best on you as you age. While I miss the pastel pinks and the stark blacks I used to wear, I am learning to love the stronger brights that "pick-up" my face, and flatter me now!

Go forth and try, try, try!

ramya

Veteran

A friend of mine got hers done in Sweden and she says it works for her... She is brown with dark hair(Indian origin from Mauritius)...
Personally I am considered fair by Indian standards... but then I love colors too much for me to be bothered which suits me :).... I pick any colour I like... and wear all colours in the rainbow

And aida's description seems to fit me perfectly.... I seem to be able to carry a cocktail of colors

Anonymous

Actually, black is in the Clear Spring palette. This is where the 12-season system is an improvement the 4-season system. The 4-season system worked for many, but didn't work for many others. There's also a 16-season system, but I'm not familiar with it so can't comment on it. It doesn't really matter anyway. In the end, you still have to experiment to figure out what your best colors and most flattering color combinations are. Good luck!