Color Your Style

1. Discover Your True Colors: The Foundation of Authentic Style

Finding your true colors and your authentic style—that is, choosing the colors and elements that support and reveal who you really are—enables you to show your true self to the world.

The power of color is transformative. When we wear colors that reveal our true selves, we flourish. Conversely, when we wear colors that conceal our authentic selves, we flounder. Your true colors are not just about what looks good on you, but about expressing your personality and spirit.

To discover your true colors:

• Observe your skin, hair, and eye colors closely
• Train your eye to notice subtle differences in shades and tones
• Understand that your palette is unique to you, regardless of trends or conventions

Color perception exercise:

1. Visit a grocery store produce section
2. Observe the various shades of fruits and vegetables
3. Notice the subtle differences within color families (e.g., different reds in tomatoes, apples, and strawberries)
4. Apply this heightened awareness to your own coloring

2. Essence, Romantic, and Dramatic Colors: Expressing Your Core Self

Your essence color expresses your most basic self. It helps you find comfort, a way to cope, and the place to ground yourself.

Essence color harmonizes your skin tones and reveals your most genuine, open self. It's your version of white and is perfect for intimate conversations or meditation.

Romantic color is reflected in your flushed skin, revealing passion and sexual energy. It's your version of red, ideal for dates or any time you want to show your passionate side.

Dramatic color is taken from your veins, showing power, charisma, and authority. It's your version of blue, suitable for job interviews or making strong impressions.

To find these colors:

• Essence: Look for a color that smooths and harmonizes your skin tones
• Romantic: Observe the color of your flushed skin or pinched fingertip
• Dramatic: Identify the most dominant color in your wrist veins

3. Energy and Tranquil Colors: Balancing Your Personal Palette

The energy color is the "nurturer" but also the "nurtured," feeding and supporting both you and the people in your presence.

Energy color is seen in the darkest part of your iris. It taps into your deepest energy sources, helping you restore and balance your energy. Wear it when you want to feel calm, self-possessed, and centered.

Tranquil color is found in the lightest part of your iris. It connects to your deepest sources of tranquility, helping you relax and release stress. Ideal for recovery after challenging situations.

These colors work together to create balance in your wardrobe and life:

• Energy color: Supports and empowers you, great for unknown circumstances
• Tranquil color: Calms and soothes, perfect for relaxation and stress relief

Incorporate these colors into your environment through:

• Clothing
• Home decor
• Accessories
• Meditation or yoga spaces

4. Your Three Bases: Redefining Neutral Shades

As you can see, color isn't absolute but rather a dynamic aspect of every woman's individual set of true colors.

Your three bases are your personalized versions of black, brown, and khaki. These neutrals serve as the foundation of your wardrobe.

First Base (your "black"):

• Found in the ring around your iris
• Most formal and powerful neutral
• Wear for important meetings or formal occasions

Second Base (your "brown"):

• Taken from the darkest shade of your hair
• Warmer and less formal neutral
• Suitable for regular workdays or semi-casual events

Third Base (your "khaki"):

• Seen in the lightest version of your hair
• Playful and informal neutral
• Perfect for casual occasions or weekend wear

Remember, these may not be actual black, brown, or khaki. Your "black" might be navy, your "brown" could be rust, and your "khaki" might be olive. The key is finding the neutrals that harmonize with your unique coloring.

5. Identifying Your Season: Spring, Summer, Autumn, or Winter

After twenty years of doing this work, I've gotten so I can identify a person's Season from only a few moments' conversation over the phone—and by the time you've mastered the principles of authentic style, you may be able to do the same!

Your Season corresponds to your basic coloring and aspects of your personality. Understanding your Season helps you choose colors, clothes, and objects that express your authentic self.

Characteristics of each Season:

• Spring: Bright, clear colors; optimistic, excited by new ideas
• Summer: Muted, shaded colors; diplomatic, detail-oriented
• Autumn: Rich, warm colors; hard-working, dry wit
• Winter: Clear, cool colors; analytical, integrity-driven

To identify your Season:

1. Review your true colors and bases
2. Compare them to the typical palettes of each Season
3. Consider your personality traits in relation to Season characteristics

Understanding your Season provides a framework for your overall style, guiding you towards harmonious color combinations and complementary clothing choices.

6. Claiming Your Archetype: Refining Your Unique Style

Claiming your Archetype is only the first step in developing your own authentic style—but it's a very important step, giving you a vision of the colors, clothes, and objects that are likely to work for you, and helping you to understand why.

Within each Season, there are six Archetypes, representing distinct combinations of coloring, personality, and overall style. Identifying your Archetype helps you refine your authentic style further.

Examples of Archetypes:

• Spring: Vital Spring (The Prom Queen), Early Spring (The Playful Princess)
• Summer: Classic Summer (The Classic Beauty), Jeweltone Summer (The Glamorous Career Girl)
• Autumn: Spicy Autumn (The Sensuous Backpacker), Mellow Autumn (The Sexy Librarian)
• Winter: Classic Winter (The Queen), Soft Winter (The Romantic Poetess)

To claim your Archetype:

1. Review the six Archetypes within your Season
2. Consider your personality traits and style preferences
3. Choose the Archetype that resonates most with you

Your Archetype provides specific guidance on fabrics, patterns, and accessories that complement your authentic style.

7. Transforming Your Wardrobe: From Assessment to Action

Remember, there's no such thing as a pretty color or an ugly color, only colors that look pretty or ugly on you.

Wardrobe assessment is crucial for transforming your style. Start by organizing your closet:

1. Move "hits" (perfect items) to the left side
2. Place "near hits" (almost perfect) in the center
3. Keep "misses" (wrong for you) on the right side

Letting go of unsuitable items:

• Be honest about what truly flatters you
• Don't keep clothes for emotional reasons alone
• Remember: Your closet is not a clothing museum

Fixing almost-right garments:

• For suits/jackets: Add blouses in your essence or romantic color
• For dresses: Use accessories to bring out the right colors
• For tops: Choose jewelry or scarves that harmonize with your true colors

Building your ideal wardrobe:

• Start with one perfect outfit in your base colors
• Gradually add pieces in your five true colors
• Use accessories to create multiple looks from basic pieces

8. Shopping for Your Authentic Style: A Strategic Approach

Rome wasn't built in a day—and your wardrobe won't be, either!

Preparation is key for successful shopping:

1. Give yourself enough time, especially for initial shopping trips
2. Wear minimal makeup and neutral clothes to focus on new items
3. Bring your color swatches or a garment in your true colors

In the store:

• Start with your most flattering color to boost confidence
• Look for your true colors, not trends or sale items
• Try on various styles within your Archetype guidelines

Decision-making tips:

• Does it make you smile when you put it on?
• Does it express your authentic self?
• Can it combine with other items in your wardrobe?

Remember, building your authentic style wardrobe is a process. Focus on quality over quantity, and enjoy discovering pieces that truly reflect your unique self.

Last updated: August 8, 2024