Color can work with or against you. The major things to consider when dealing with color are the shades already on your bodily canvas: skin, hair, eyes. And depending on the seasons outside, those "constants" will change. In the winter your skin may pale, in the summer your hair may lighten... so make sure the items you pick out each day go with your current canvas.
Darker shades can draw the eye in, and lighter shades can make things appear larger. Smart use of color can compound the effects of silhouette on the body, but it can only go so far, no amount of color is going to correct poor posture.
Neutrals are the building blocks of your wardrobe. This includes most muted natural fiber colors, and patterns such as tweeds and very thin plaids that look like a solid from a distance. These colors look great on most people, and can be mixed and matched with many different items from your closet.
Accents are the brighter colors that enhance you as an individual. These colors play off your skin tone, eye and hair color. This is where you consider your "color season" to see which colors traditionally look good according to your base. Of course, these are just guidelines.
Finding your color season:
- Winter- cooler blue or pink undertones in skin, deep colored eyes and dark hair
- Spring- warmer golden undertones in skin, paler skin than fall, light colored eyes - blue and greens, hair in the blonde and light red range.
- Summer- cooler blue or pink undertones in skin, paler skin than winter, lighter colored hair and pale eyes
- Fall -warmer golden undertones in skin, peachy golden coloring, usually red or brown hair with golden brown eyes
- Winter - Rich colors, that are crisp and have sharp contrast. Deep bold colors and crisp pastels. Avoid shades that are too close and blend with your skin tone.
- Spring - Soft blended colors. Avoid shades that are too bright or too dark as they will wash out your skin tone.
- Summer- Soft neutrals and pastels low contrast. Avoid intensely saturated colors.
- Fall - Warm shades of rich colors in the golden orange and red families. Avoid pastels
Make up can help add to the shaping of your face. Color seasons are especially important on the face, because this is where you will encounter each of the factors: eyes, skin and hair. Choose colors that blend and go lightly with your brush. A little make up goes a long way, don't over do it.Using a shadow in an opposite color to your eye shade can really draw attention to your eyes. White or light colored shadow just underneath the eye brow and at the tear duct can make you look more awake. Bronzer on the raised areas of the face can add a little extra glow if you feel pale. A rosy shade on the apples of your cheeks and a darker shade underneath the cheek bones can make your face appear a little thinner. Also if you are wearing a lower neckline, don't forget a little make up can help the shoulders and chest area as well.
