Author: Toni Carver

It was almost 20 years ago that I first heard about “getting your colours done” from a lady I worked with. I had no idea what it was, or even if it was a real thing! But, what I remember is how she dressed differently – more confidently. She was wearing more colour and seemed happier after her consultation.

This prompted my own colour and image consultation. I recall at the time that there was a lot of information to take in. All focused on me, dressing for my body shape, my proportions my style, the accessories, and makeup too.

Colour resonated the most for me, as it still does now. I was a ‘summer’ and my colour swatches were tucked away in my handbag for shopping trips and for weeding my wardrobe of any not so good items.

The declutter

I recall purging my wardrobe not long after my session. Naturally, the items which didn’t suit my shape or colouring (using my swatches), were the first to go. But, there were items I wasn’t quite ready to get rid of. Something I still find with clients today.

Back then, I wore black suits to work, as I was working in an office in the financial services sector. I knew that they didn’t compliment my colouring as they washed-out my complexion. Something that was visible for all to see! I often received comments about looking tired or unwell (when I was perfectly fine)! There was a range of other items, in colours I wore frequently, that I wasn’t quite ready to let go. So, they remained in the wardrobe for a period of time.

On some mornings, I remember putting on these black suits , looking in the mirror and seeing a drained, tired looking face staring back at me. Each time, I quickly took them off and hung them back up for another day! Was it because I knew they weren’t right for me? Perhaps. Whatever the reason, these suits remained in my wardrobe for around a year before I decided that enough was enough. If I wasn’t going to wear them, there were others who could get and I bagged them up for charity.  

Future purchases were always in line with my swatches, wanting to look and feel my best in what I wore. On reflection, there were still some colours in the swatches which still didn’t feel, or look, quite right. They were just a bit ‘off’, and it wasn’t until I retrained years later that I finally understood why that was.

In all honesty, it probably took me years to finally achieve a wardrobe that truly worked for me. One that suited me, and my lifestyle, so please don’t feel disheartened if it’s the same for you too.

I find wardrobe auditing easier nowadays and make it an annual task of mine. I’m happy to help others too, but if you’d prefer some guidance to tackle your wardrobe alone, download my free five step guide here. 

Colour and the impact

Colour was always my go to. Whenever I wore ‘my’ colours, I felt good and I had more confidence in my outfit choices and styling things to suit me.

I wouldn’t describe myself as a person who could dress effortlessly, chic or particularly fashionable. In fact, I still don’t! But, I had the right knowledge and tricks about how to dress, which makes all the difference.

Inspired by my session and many years later, I decided to retrain as an image consultant. I wanted to share the same knowledge I had and how impactful it could be. Discovering how to dress for your shape and lifestyle, in the right colours and makeup, can totally transform you and your confidence.

Different methods of colour analysis

When I originally had my colour analysis, I didn’t realise that there were different methods of analysis available.

I’d personally experienced the seasonal approach, but another method – a tonal system was also available. When I was looking into training to be a professional colour analysis consultant, the tonal system appeared to be more inclusive and more logical. So, I decided to train with colour me beautiful in 2011 and haven’t looked back since!

The local paper (Wakefield Express) wrote an article about me and my new services! It still hangs proudly on the wall in my studio.

It’s fascinating that there’s so many colour theories which have adapted over the years. They still influence the main two systems of colour analysis today.

In simple terms, when wearing a colour or combination which is harmonious with a person’s characteristics, then it is pleasing to view.

The person will look healthy, well and their complexion and eyes will look brighter. But, when that colour is not harmonious, the effect is the opposite – it will appear to discolour their complexion, making them look unhealthy, tired or unwell.

I’ll explore the two systems in a separate blog next week, but if you’d like to experience the impact that wearing the right colour has, get in touch to book your colour analysis consultation.