I’ve been talking about colour and style trends lately as April is the month I introduce my seasonal updates. You can find more details here. Invariably, yellow always comes up as a discussion point.
Usually in spring, we see more yellow in the shops – perhaps because the sunshine and better weather is on the way.
I’m often asked how to pick the right shade of yellow and to wear it successfully which is the subject of this blog.
Different shades
If you haven’t had a colour analysis consultation then it can be much harder to get this right. You might have very little colour in your wardrobe or find it difficult to identify if a colour suits you or not. Try and experiment with different colours to identify the shades of colour that appear to light up your face (making you look brighter), and those that appear to dull or cast shadows onto your features (making you look tired or unwell).
When you’ve had your colouring type analysed, this task is much easier for you! You know your best shades of colour and you’ve got your own coloured swatches to refer to. These are a helpful guide when shopping but, bear in mind that fashion houses will create different dyes and mixtures. You may have even created your own colour if you regularly dye your own clothes! (visit this blog for my own colour experiment).
There’s never just one shade of a colour. Think of yellows and I’m sure you can think of two or three different shades; daffodil yellow, sunshine yellow and ice-cream vanilla immediately spring to my mind. Not every shade of yellow will look great on you. Just like every shade of blue, red or purple will.
If you’ve read this blog about colour analysis, I refer to an artist called Alfred Munsell. His system of colour categories helps to identify and describe colours and that there is more to colour than just, well, the colour.
Think about how you’d describe your features and how you describe colours. What are the words you use? This can help you focus on finding and identifying the right colour or combination of colours to wear.
For each core colouring type I’ve detailed some brief guidelines on choosing and wearing the shade of yellow which will compliment you the best.
Colouring types and combinations
Lights: Keep your look light and delicate wearing with similar light and pale shades. Think light primrose or buttermilk and wear with taupe. Try and avoid overpowering colours and high contrasting combinations. If you have a warm undertone then you may find yellow easier to wear.
Deeps: Your look is strong so make sure you add depth with your yellow such as a daffodil or ochre. Wear with a richer shade like navy to create some contrast and depth.
Warms: You suit many shades of yellow and will be one of the easiest colours to wear. Think mustard or primrose and wear with olive.
Cools: This won’t be a natural or easy choice as yellow undertones aren’t as flattering for you. Opt for an icy yellow with an element of coolness and wear with contrasting shades like grey. You may find it easier to wear away from the face so it’s not directly reflecting up onto your features.
Clears: You’ll always look your best in bright, vibrant colours so think canary yellow and team with strong, contrasting shades like red.
Softs: As your look is more softened, the same can be said of your colours. A yellow which looks like it has been faded by the sun will work even though it’s not in your swatches. Wear your colours tonally with similar mid-tone depth of shades like pewter. And, if you find it tricky, wear it away from your face.
I have previously recorded videos on how to wear colour including yellow. You can visit it here.
Knowing your colours
Understanding how certain colours and combinations make you look tired, pale or unwell whilst others make you look vibrant, healthy and younger can take time to establish. It’s often tweaking to a different shade of colour to suit you better.
When you have ‘your colours done’, you’ll gain a greater understanding and how to wear colour. By gaining this knowledge, it will help you to build a colourful, coordinated wardrobe which can be mixed and matched easily.
It really is life-changing so if you would like to book an appointment, get in touch with me: Toni.carver@tlcstyleandcolour.co.uk or schedule a call with me using the link at the bottom of the page.