Are you a "Yay! Colour lover" or a "Neutrals only, thank you" kind of woman?
Maybe you're somewhere in between, with a quiet nagging feeling that you should define your style and finally pick a camp.
Here's the thing: you don't have to. But understanding your relationship with colour? That's where the magic begins.
It's a Journey, Not a Destination
Our style evolves with us. Think about it this way:
- Teens: Dressing to fit in with an ever-moving definition of "cool"
- 20s: The freedom of youth, most things work, and we know it
- 30s: Survival mode, yoga pants, ponytails, and doing our best
- 40s and beyond: Finally. The space and confidence to define something truly our own
And layered over all of it? Joy. The sheer, grown-up satisfaction of stepping out in a colour that feels right, lifting your mood, shifting your energy, and changing how people respond to you. Colour doesn't have to be bright or loud. Depth, tone, and saturation all play a powerful role in what works and what doesn't.
More Than Just "Your Season"
Colour mapping is a popular starting point, and knowing which colours flatter your complexion is genuinely valuable. But it's only one piece of the puzzle.
There are several layers worth considering:
- Complexion — which colours lift and brighten your face
- Character & personality — do bold colours energise you, or do they feel like too much noise?
- Personal history — conscious and subconscious associations you hold with certain colours
- Culture & context — colour carries different meanings across societies and occasions.
The sweet spot is finding shades that flatter your skin tone and match your personality — without overwhelming or underwhelming it.
Where to Start: Complexion
Complexion is a wonderful place to begin this colour journey, and I've dedicated an entire post to it. Head over to [Discovering Your Colour Palette] where I walk you through a simple, practical exercise you can do at home with your own wardrobe
What's Coming Next
This is the first in a series of posts unpacking all the elements of conscious colour, one at a time. Coming up:
- Colour trends this season and what I'm excited about
- Working with colour families and adjacent shades
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Building your personal colour palette
If you have a friend who might enjoy these style notes, feel free to share this post.
You are welcome to join the With Style Notes — my newsletter on colour, shape and thoughtful wardrobes.
Got a colour question? Drop it in the comments below, I'd love to help. 💛
Warm regards,
