colour & confidence - finding ‘your’ wow!
I’ve had the pleasure of working with the most gorgeous woman throughout my 10 years as a stylist. I couldn’t have asked for a better crowd. Not only have we had great sessions together, the relationships have extended into friendships, which is just lovely.
There is a reason behind my ‘rainbow lady’ status. I use colour to boost woman into levels of confidence that they have been missing, or have put to the side whilst they see to everyone else. Sound familiar? We dress with the intention of creating small bouts of happy. We look good, we feel happy, we have more confidence and other people start enjoying the vibe.
I can’t take all the credit for dressing in colour of course. My trained eye can look closely at your skin tone, your eyes and your hair and watch you glow in your perfect palette. Being in your correct colour palette can make you more attractive, youthful and healthy. But the happiness, learned knowledge and confidence part, well that comes down to a few things, and I’ve noted a few here for your reading pleasure!
YOUR INNER CONFIDENCE
You are the only person who can ultimately challenge yourself when it comes to colour and style. When I work with new clients, the first thing I ask is what is the favourite colour, and why? You see, it’s the ‘why’ part that seems to stumble women. ‘Why’ would I take the time to think about the ‘why’?? Well, it’s time to start focussing on YOU.
When I first trained as a colour specialist, for me, it was all about the seasons and the colours and getting that right. Fast forward a few years and a black book of lovely clients, I now have come to realise that it’s more about giving you all the tools, the inner work needs to start with you. There is no point me telling you to dress head to toe in the brights, if your personality is screaming for the calm factor. Or moreover, you are looking lush in muted tones, but you want to SHINE.
Colour can have a profound effect on you, and others. There are healing benefits to wearing colours. Colours can make you feel things - for example a calming blue for communicating or a caring pink to nurture. Red has associations with drama and romance and can be often seen as ‘dangerous’. Black is the power dressing colour, although black if it isn’t in your palette won’t make you shine. Black also can really drag down other colours, with the exception of cool and brilliant tones.
REVISITING YOUR NEUTRALS
For the record, I am not against black clothes. I have a large section in my wardrobe detailing light and shade and texture in the form of my bridal stylist attire. HOWEVER. If you are not in the coolest category of the skin, you are most definitely going to have to pick a new neutral. You will thank me for it. If you have warmth, you should opt for a Marine Navy, Khaki or French Navy. If you have more of a cool and soft tone, stick to Navy. If you can’t avoid black, focus on a pop of colour near your face!
THE DOPAMINE DRESSING EFFECT
A little something to do with dopamine dressing ladies. Well, c’mon then, what’s dopamine dressing I hear you say?
Well, it is the association between brightly coloured clothing and the happiness. Instilling joy through what we wear has a name – 'dopamine dressing' – there are books, reviews, articles and the likes… go on, google it, you won’t look back.
THE COLOUR WHEEL
Take a look at one.
You see those colours on the opposite sides? Well my friend. They are called complimentary colours for a reason! Blue and Orange, Red and Green (think of Christmas people). Try it. You will reap the benefits!
Colours on the quarter which you see reminding you of sunsets, oceans, summer fields, well these are called harmonious colours and they work together in harmony to create something beaut.
TONAL FOR THE WIN
Moving away from black is tricky. The trickiest thing is that not only are our clothes obsessively black, but ALL our shoes are too! To get around this, an idea I suggest is to keep your colour from head to toe. Navy top, navy bottoms, navy shoes, accessories etc. On a side note, I love navy and black together too.
DRESS YOUR NECK
Framing your face with colour is a fantastic start. Don’t you know I created a whole product around this concept! I don’t just mean to sneak in a side advert for my ‘edits’, but actually, you can wear;
A hat, glasses, a pair of earrings, a headband, a scarf, a necklace, a polo-neck.
As we are all finding ourselves chatting more online, now, than ever before, your face really is going to be seen! I’ve had specific briefs for boosting the ‘zoom’ profile and linked in images where I can give advise on colour and styles.
POP OF COLOUR
And whilst we are on the subject, wearing the wrong shade of lipstick for your skin tone can have an ageing effect. Autumns, please avoid pink! There’s a list of mascaras for your eye colour too…
PICK YOUR PALETTE
Sticking to three or four colours can reap benefits for your style and work amazingly well in creating capsule wardrobes. You can mix and match and make decisions easily based on having a few key pieces. Tonally they will match, you have creative license, it stops you from buy, buy, buying and slows the pace into more a considered fashion approach. For me, I group my wardrobe items into colours. My top colours are; shades of blue, peachy and pretty pinks, cool & bright greens, mother of pearl, navy and sequins.
So, I hope this has helped start a conversation about the joy of colour and what it can do for you and your confidence.
But how do you find ‘your' wow’. You do, through time and work. Meanwhile, you listen, you pay attention to how you look in the mirror, the toolkit we work on together, and you go forth with your palette the way you see fit.
Inspiration is everywhere. For me though, it’s in the shift of the Seasons and all the joyous hues and tones that come with each change. It’s literally being gifted to us everyday of life. So will you roll with the drama of Winter, the soft haze of Summer, the vibrancy of Autumn or the joy of Spring. I could type for days!!
All my love,
Lauren xoxo
I’m always happy to make new connections, so if you have been thinking about a session, please do get in touch. You won’t look back, I promise. lauren@thecolourfuledit.com or call 07872859903.
