In a previous post I talked about our personal journey with colour and why it matters so much more than simply following trends or sticking to safe neutrals. Now it's time to get practical. Let's start with the most fundamental element of all: your complexion.
Where to Start: Complexion
If you've had colour mapping done, wonderful. Use it as a guide, not a rulebook. It's worth noting that colour mapping isn't standardised, so results can vary between experts. What matters most is identifying your best and worst colours. Everything in between has its place too, and we'll explore that together.
Here's a simple way to begin exploring your own complexion colours at home.
Start with your wardrobe
Hopefully you've already done a wardrobe edit and have your colours grouped. If not, no worries, you can do this right now. Begin by pulling out your black and white pieces, then take a look at what colours dominate the rest of your wardrobe.
Ask yourself:
- Are you drawn to cool tones: blues, silvers, greys, pinks and purples?
- Or does your wardrobe lean warm: greens, oranges, caramels and browns?
If one group is clearly dominant, that's already a clue as to whether you are naturally a warm or cool toned person.
Now put them to the test
Select two pieces from each colour group and hold them up, one at a time, close to your face. This is where lighting really matters. You want clear, natural light, think diffused light by the window or soft daylight indoors. Avoid direct sunlight which is hard light, and overcast daylight which will make you look grey. Step away from overhead lighting, which casts unflattering shadows and won't give you an accurate read.
Make sure your face is fresh, with no makeup or light natural makeup so nothing interferes with what you're seeing. Sometime over the age of 40 it is worth using a soft touch of colour on your lips. Aim for a shade like your natural colour but just a dash more. We tend to lose all lip colour as we age, and that doesn't help a reading.
✅ A good colour will brighten your complexion and lift your features.
❌ A wrong colour will cast shadows or leave your complexion flat, grey or dark ringed under the eyes.
A word on black and white
Don't assume that either will automatically work for you. Black and white are often treated as wardrobe staples that suit everyone, but that simply isn't true. If pure white feels harsh against your skin, a soft milk white or ivory may be far more flattering. If black is draining your complexion, a rich chocolate brown could give you the depth and elegance you were looking for, without the harshness.
How striking is your colour impact?
It's worth keeping in mind that colour affects people very differently. Those with cool, true winter complexions tend to be particularly impacted by colour, the contrast can be striking and dramatic. Those with soft, warm autumn or spring tones are generally less defined by colour contrast and carry it in a gentler, more blended way.
Neither is better than the other. In fact, both have beautiful advantages and we can absolutely use each to its fullest. Understanding which camp you fall into is simply another helpful tool in building a wardrobe that truly works for you.
Don't rush this process. It's a revealing exercise and often a real lightbulb moment. You may be surprised by what you discover — and once you see it, you begin to understand why certain colours have always felt so right.
Style rarely comes from chasing trends. It grows quietly from understanding what works for you.
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