THE LIFE-CHANGING POWER OF COLOUR ANALYSIS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
Colour analysis changed my life and it can change yours too.
After spending almost two decades of my life pretty much living in black, everything changed me for me around eight years ago when I experienced the illuminating and game changing experience that is colour analysis.
I was invited to review the experience for my previous blog by stylist Harry Purewal and am now more than a little mortified to admit, that at the time, I didn't think it was going to benefit me. You could even say I was skeptical. (I blame my journo head for that!)
But what did I know! Colour analysis absolutely blew my mind and as I said right at the beginning, it changed my life. Today, you'll find me wearing all kinds of colours and colour combinations (mostly from my colour season - I'm an autumn and we'll get onto that in a minute) and the best bit? Well after training with the London College Of Style back in 2020, I now get to help other women discover their best and most beautiful colours as a personal stylist. What an honour!
Currently colour analysis is definitely having a moment and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon and for very good reason. It is - as I am constantly saying to my clients - an absolute game changer.
Intrigued? Fabulous! Here's everything you need to know about colour analysis and why the experience is one of the best things you will ever do for yourself.
Everything You Need To Know About Colour Analysis
What Is It?
Colour analysis is essentially the process of determining the colours that suit you and your skin tone the best. Using a series of different coloured drapes, a professional colour consultant (like me) will work out the colours that suit you beautifully - helping you to look and feel happier, healthier, more radiant and even younger. It really is quite something. Once you see the magic for yourself, you'll never look back. There are a few various methods of colour analysis but the most popular and well-known (and the one that I specialise in) is called seasonal colour analyis which assigns an individual a colour season: autumn (that's mine), spring, summer or winter. There's a science to all of this too, with colour analysis origins going way back over 300 years! Johann Wolfgang is believed to be the first known person to research and write extensively about colour, including our perceptions of colour and how we interact with it. Colour research and theories then continued in various forms until the 1980s, when a number of colour analysis companies launched to huge success, transforming lives across the world. Today in 2024, the process has become a little more refined and developed with many colour analysts like myself even taking your personality into consideration and introducing you to colour psychology too. (A whole other topic, but a fascinating one!)
What Are The Benefits?
Many! When I said colour analysis is a game changer, I meant it. Colour analysis offers so many benefits, but essentially it will make your life easier and help you feel your most beautiful and empowered. It makes shopping a doddle, cutting out much of the noise, because you know which colours work. Getting dressed also becomes easier and more joyful because you have confidence in the colours that suit you and know which colours work harmoniously together. It will also save you time and money! Helping you make better and more informed decisions about your purchases from clothing to make up. Finally, it will enable you to look and feel fantastic. Colour makes you visible so is incredibly empowering (especially as we get older and can feel less noticeable) and when you wear your best colours, your beauty comes to life. Plus, it raises your spirits too, so you'll feel happier, more confident and have a spring in your step. What is not to love about all of that?
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost of colour analysis varies from one consultant to another, but you can expect to pay anything from £150 to £300 in the UK for an indepth colour analysis session with a trained professional.
You will probably be able to find colour analysts who offer it cheaper if you look around (especially if they're first starting out) but always do your research before you commit.
Choose someone with experience, someone you trust and someone who you feel comfortable working with. Look at the way they wear colour too. Do you find it inspiring?
Colour analysis is an investment (I know lots of my clients save up to come and see me) but it is money that you won't regret spending and it is an investment that lasts forever.
I Don't Like Rules Though! Will It Restrict Me?!
In a word, NO! Any colour analyst worth their salt will tell you that colour analysis is not about restricting you to certain colours, but about providing you with useful and inspiring colour guidance. (If they say otherwise, you may want to consider a different analyst!)
Think of it not as a restriction but simply as a fabulous empowering style tool to use as you see fit.
Everyone will take their colour analysis experience and use the knowledge they've been given differently. Some women will never deviate from their colour palette and like to 'stick' to the guidance as much as possible. Others take guidance lightly and will perhaps only use their colours when they're making an expensive purchase.
I myself tend to wear my colours most of the time, say 80-90 per cent. But I do still wear black and dark navy ( that are not in my autumn palette) on occasion and have even been known to dabble with other colours not in my season, if I really love something! Most of the time though you'll see me in autumn colours, because in my opinion it just makes sense!
The important thing though is that you do you! Personal style is always about making things work for you and doing what feels right.
What Do People Say About It?
I've only ever heard good stuff about colour analysis. But firstly, here's what I said about my experience, back on my old blog, in 2017. "I now have my own colour palette to try and adhere to, which even just a few weeks in, is already making shopping for clothes and styling my outfits so much easier. But probably my favourite thing about the whole experience is that finding my colours has encouraged me to find my style feet. As trite as it may sound, I feel like it's helping me to rediscover not just colour, but myself again too. "
Want to see what some of my colour clients have said?!
You can read testimonials on my website and here's a little video / reel I created a while ago on Instagram.
OK, You've Persuaded Me! How Do I Get My Colours Done?
Do your research and find a colour analyst that you like and trust. Chances are there will be at least a couple in your local area so take the time and make sure you find someone who seems lovely and knowledgeable. Then book yourself in and prepare for the magic to happen! Interested in working with me? Well that's lovely. Please pop over to my website for all information, prices and contact details. (I work from a studio in South Yorkshire but also offer colour analysis online so am available worldwide.)
Have you had your colours done? If so, I'd love to hear how has it changed you!
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