Embracing Your Personal Colors
The colors we wear have a powerful impact on our feelings and the feelings of those who see us. I’ve written about color a lot during the last year while undertaking four virtual color assessments. Earlier this week I had a zoom call with color expert Annie Castaño to discuss personal color theory and what flatters whom. She’s simply fabulous and it got me jazzed to revisit the subject and explore what feels right to me.
What I know to be true is that the colors we wear affect how our skin appears which has a big impact on how we look and feel. There are myriad systems for typing a person’s best colors and I’ve tried many. While training to be an Image Consultant, I was typed twice by international color masters. I’ve since had my colors “done” many more times, and each result has been different. I learn something new each time, but what remains constant is that I want to wear colors that make me feel good.
I went shopping for some colors that really spoke to me and this cardigan screamed the loudest. It’s a simple classic cardigan with 3/4 sleeves that I will wear year-round. It’s sized in misses, petite, plus, and plus petite. I went with the misses in medium to keep it loose and long. I looked at the Vista Blue and loved it too, but very icy colors often make my skin look even pinker than it is.
I’m so glad I ordered these mules when I did because this pattern is now sold out. I wasn’t sure I would like them as much as my slip-ons, but I love them! They’re incredibly comfortable and stay on without having to grip my toes. This gorgeous satin floral would be spectacular to wear with a sundress and also look great at a casual summer wedding. I wear my regular size 9 in Birdies so they run TTS.
Do I care that my jeans are white and my mules are ivory? Not one bit. No one loves matchy-matchy as much as I do but we’re talking about blending here ladies and they do. As my friend Susan puts it, tools not rules! These jeans get a ton of wear because, hello, NO STAIN! They come in regular, tall, and petite sizes 0 – 20.
This scoop-neck shell has a modest neckline with high armholes so my bra never shows. The woven crepe fabric looks dressier than a tee and could be easily dressed up. Wearing it untucked also hides a multitude of lumps and bumps because it doesn’t cling. It’s a great layering piece and at under $24, a smart buy to have on hand.
I’m wearing my “magic” no-show flat belt to keep the front button and zip of my jeans from poking out but I couldn’t resist tying this little scarf through two belt loops for a pop of color. Here’s a side view of one of the ways I do a half-tuck.
The front is tucked then pulled out to blouse over the waistline and the back just hangs. There are lots of ways to do a half-tuck, I find this the simplest with a shirttail hemline.
Another look at personal color theory
Many women don’t want to be hemmed in by restrictive color pallets and others find freedom in having a suggested pallet to shop with. I fall into both camps. I like having guidelines but I also wear colors I know are not flattering because I love the way they make me feel.
Ultimately, each woman gets to choose what works for her and so long as your creativity isn’t being stifled, I say go for it!
Do you have any new favorite colors?
Thanks for reading ladies and remember to wear what makes you feel confident, no matter what color it is.
BTW- Chico’s 4th of July Sale is on with-
- Tops starting at $25
- Shorts starting at $39
- Crops starting at $49
- Dresses starting at $69
Since going silver I noticed my makeup and colors I wear have had to be adjusted so I wear softer colors now. Occasionally, I will go with a bolder color or print. When I try on clothes I have to have a wow! reaction when I see myself in the mirror otherwise I won’t buy it. My gut reaction has helped me numerous times in different situations. I love reading your blog and seeing your pics. You certainly have style! The pink sweater looks great on you.
I rely more and more on that wow reaction to choose wisely.
The stretch belts are great I recently ordered a navy and a white one based on your recommendation. They work as you said. I’m also working through my colors and was typed as an Autumn years ago and still like those colors and find them to be what I enjoy wearing so will continue. Your blog is very enjoyable to read. Your suggestions on how to wear pieces in my closet have expanded my choices and also helped me to be more selective with what I buy. Thanks-
That’s wonderful to hear, Sue! it’s so fun to feel invigorated to shop our own closets.
I haven’t had a color analysis since I let my hair go silver so that would be nice to have done again. I love that cardigan and under blouse. Seems like that would be things you reach for over and over again. Thanks for such great ideas.
I had an in-person color analysis last fall with a House of Colour stylist. They use a seasonal system. I had transitioned my hair to my natural salt and pepper color a couple of years ago. I found that my usual makeup and clothing colors no longer were in harmony with my new hair color. The best part of the color analysis was finding which makeup and lipsticks were best on me! I love the new makeup and it looks completely natural on me. I’m also really enjoying playing with the Autumn color pallet. I had not previously been drawn to Autumn colors, but I now see how harmonious they are with my coloring. If I wear bright pink or black (winter colors) all you see is the color. If I wear dark brown or rust (autumn colors) you see me!
Love love that outfit on you and the colors really suit you
I had my colors done years ago but I am with you. Wear what makes you feel good. 😊
Many years ago I was typed an autumn. Probably a soft autumn now that there are subtypes.
But, while I will always gravitate to those naturally, now that I’m in my 60s I refuse to limit myself. I’ve branched out this year into more bright happy colors and I’ve never been happier.
I’m a firm believer in wearing what you want and what makes you happy. There’s always a way to make it work. And, if not, who cares as long as you are happy? It seems ridiculous to me to limit oneself to a certain color palette.
You really do look great in all of those colors, Jennifer. I think it’s partly because you look happy and your personality shines through. I thought of a question earlier today: I know that you lost a considerable amount of weight this past year. Did that mean that you had to go out and replace a lot of your wardrobe? What a nuisance that would be (said no woman, ever). I can’t remember if you mentioned that in any of your blog posts.
Yes, I lost 10 pounds which meant many things no longer fit. Even my feet shrunk but not enough to need new shoes…darn! Most tops still fit because I am broader on top and can always use extra fabric up there. My pants though, need to be altered or replaced.
Absolutely beautiful colors on you in this post! I’ve been intrigued by color and palettes since “Color Me Beautiful” came out. If you walked in my closet you would see virtually every color. I love color! So, I haven’t, over the years, restricted myself to one season, but I do find that there are definitely colors that are unflattering. I tend to dress to my mood and of course the weather each day. Some days are “pink” other days are neutral. It’s all just fun! That’s why I love fashion blogs…just to see what others do. Your blog is so enjoyable and I look forward to seeing what you’re wearing!
My philosophy on color is this: I wear what I like. I’m the one looking at the top or the skirts or the shoes. I don’t really care much if someone else thinks I look good or bad in that color. If someone thinks I look bad, the answer is to stop looking at me!
LOL!
I love color! I was seasonally color typed over thirty years ago and it was no surprise that the result was spring. Those are the colors I gravitate to, but I do not limit myself. I know that if I wear black or white near my face, I need to adjust my makeup colors slightly. I also know that some yellows, especially mustard do not look good on me. Pastels make me look pale and clear colors work best. The sweater you’re wearing is such a pretty shade of pink with a slight peach tone and It would work well on me. I think your coloring is much cooler than I am, but I never limit my color choices. If I like it and It makes me feel good, I will wear it.
I love your attitude, Norma
That pink is definitely made for you.
Love the pink color on you, Jennifer! I have similar coloring and look best in cool shades of blue, pink, green, and lavender. My personal guide – if I have to buy a new shade of lipstick to make it work, it’s not a great color for me. My favorite clear, cool pink lipstick goes well with all my current summer wardrobe items!
Jennifer,
You look like a summer to me . Those lighter, dustier pinks and blues look fantastic on you.
As you do often say…. Wear what makes you feel confident.