Personal Color in Real Life
In my last post I wrote how color temperature, value, and intensity can help you look your most vibrant and healthy. An awareness of your personal best colors makes it easy to know what to purchase when a wardrobe makeover’s in order . But what if you’re not planning to overhaul your closet contents? Let’s face it, in real life we sometimes have boundaries (time, money, etc.). There’s no reason you have to wait to look your best, though. Using color to flatter needn’t require a total wardrobe revamp. Often, a little creativity does the trick.
Building a Wardrobe with YOUR Colors: 3 Quick Ways
1. Face first.
The biggest effect color has on your appearance is when it surrounds your face in a harmonious way. (Flattering personal color can take years off your “visual age.”) When you’re presented with the scenario of making a color compromise, do so in your lower body. Perhaps navy blue isn’t your best color choice, but sage green puts your face aglow. A sage green, floral blouse containing bits of navy in the floral print can be a perfect solution. The blouse links back to your navy bottom with the multi-colored print, while surrounding your face with uplifting color.
2. Think small.
Little things can, under the right circumstances, make a huge impact. Let’s say you’ve got an outfit in a rusty-orange hue. It looked pretty on the mannequin at the store, but you’ve never felt particularly attractive wearing it — not like you do when you wear your favorite butter-yellow sweater. Accessories to the rescue! A relatively small investment in a scarf or bib necklace gets that winning personal color, in this case butter-yellow, right up around your face. Result: a new lease on life for an under-appreciated outfit.
3. Neutral Territory.
The fashion world has taught you that black, white, beige, and taupe are “neutrals.” Your own personal neutrals, though, make for a much more interesting look when you use them in your outfits or as accents. Finding the variations that make up your eye color are one way to incorporate personal neutrals (more here). Your hair and eyes aren’t the only place to look, though. Ever pay attention to your natural lip color — before you’ve added any lipstick or gloss? That’s a personal color that makes a fabulous statement in an outfit. The color that you blush when you’re embarrassed? Another color you’ll wear beautifully.
How have you found that color makes a difference in your wardrobe?
Let me know or ask me a question!
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Patty Buccellato is an image coach and founder of Refined Images. She brings extensive knowledge and expertise to her work with men and women individually, as well as with corporate employee groups.
Patty established Refined Images in 1994, and while her studio is based in Rochester Hills, Michigan, you’ll find her serving clients throughout North America in their homes, offices (normally), and… well, now on Zoom! To get your FREE copy of Patty’s eBook “The Wardrobe Simplifier” visit Refined Images or contact Patty.
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