Unleash the Power of Color in Your Wardrobe

Did you know that most women wear only 20% of their wardrobe 80% of the time?

Why is that? It probably has a lot to do with how good one feels in a particular outfit. Break that down a little more and it has to do with how good one feels in a particular style. Break that down still more, and it has to do with how good one feels in a certain color.

Color can be magical or it can be detrimental. Seeing a splash of color emerge from a mostly monochromatic group (black is so popular…) is like a breath of fresh air. But if the color is the wrong shade for our skin tones, you will likely appear sickly and sallow. Rather than projecting a put-together look, the “off” color now translates that you are not at the top of your game. Silly, but sadly true.

The Power of Color

So, let’s address the power of “color.” By dressing within a particular color palette, shopping will be easier, will save time and will prove cost effective. You will save time by not trying on every piece that catches your eye; you will only select those that actually work with you skin tones. Those colors will be your personal best because they are in your particular color palette. No longer will you bring home “mistakes” that only go with a few things, or don’t go with hardly anything at all. Every piece you purchase will coordinate with existing pieces and easily build your wardrobe.

How does color work exactly? When you wear color near your face, the light reflects it upwards. This can cast flattering shades, which creates a very healthy tone on your skin. Your eyes sparkle and radiate energy. Or, if it’s the wrong shade of color, dark shadows will appear under your eyes, your skin will appear blotchy and uneven, and sometimes your eye color practically disappears. Thus, the importance of comprehending the undertone of your skin shade and what is the best color palette for you.

Communicating Non-Verbal Messages

There is also a psychological aspect to color and the colors you wear can communicate non-verbal messages of all kinds. Soft and light tones, for example, will make you appear approachable and friendly. A red top in the right shade will help give you the confidence you need when facing a stressful situation. Conversely, wearing a color that is “not your color” or unattractive with your skin and eyes, can make you appear harsh and ever unapproachable.

Take Account Your Skin Tones

Once you know your most flattering colors, you can apply this knowledge to your jewelry and make-up. And yes, consideration of metals in jewelry does matter. If one’s skin tone is cool, select silver and pewter metal jewelry. If you have warm skin tones, gold and copper metals will look best. How do you know if you have cool or warm coloring? The expertise of an image and color consultant can easily answer that question.

What’s in your closet? Are you wearing everything in your closet or just your “feel good” outfits?

Peggy Ricks, founder of First Impression, a personal image and color consulting business, has been a California Certified Image Consultant for almost thirty years. In addition to individual private consultations, she has taught classes, given seminars to business organizations, and conducted workshops for women’s groups on the art of dressing according to a particular color palette. She graduated from Chapman University, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Home Economics, with an emphasis on textiles. She obtained her certification as an Image Consultant through the fashion institute, Upstairs Downstairs Inc.



Contact Peggy at (951) 529-6869 or visit www.idoyourcolors.com