Color Analysis Helps Look Your Best

Dear Dr. Dave and Dr. Dee,

My sister just got her colors done and has given me lots of her brown and beige clothing that she says are "not her color." I have blonde hair, my sister has dark hair. Would beige and brown be okay for me? I don't feel like getting my colors done only to find out I have to get rid of half the clothing in my closet. Also, it cost her quite a bit to have this color analysis at the department store. Do you think it's really helpful to have one's colors done?

Signed,

Color Blind

Dear Color Blind,

Color analysis is a good way to choose the colors that look best for your skin, eye, and hair color. Once you have your colors done, you will find shopping for clothes easier since you'll stick to the color palette that most compliments your skin tone and hair color. Your clothes will coordinate better, which is especially helpful when packing for a trip.

The premise behind color analysis is that certain colors enhance one's looks, and a person will look healthier, radiant, and more alive, whereas other colors will make the person look washed out or sallow. Some color analysts will choose a "season" that best suits a person such as Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer. Some people look best in one season; some can be a part of two seasons.

You don't have to get rid of a piece of clothing because it's not the "right color." For example, your sister could still wear her beige sweater, but put a scarf around her neck that has the "right" colors in her palette. Colors near the face are more important than colors farther away.

A "Season" is based many factors such as hair color, eye color, skin tone complexion, make-up, and compliments received when wearing certain colors. In brief below are examples for hair and eye color assigned to season and some colors from the palette for that season (Jackson, 1980).

Color Analysis Example: Hair and Eye Characteristics to Determine Season and Best Colors (Jackson, 1980)*

1. WINTER: Hair: dark, light brown to dark brown, black, silver gray

Eyes: deep color, black-brown, gray-blue, dark blue

Colors: black, white, royal bue, emerald green, true red, purple, icy tones-pink, blue, green, yellow violet (no brown)

2. SUMMER: Hair: light to dark brown with ash overtones

Eyes: blue or green, soft hazel

Colors: soft colors such as aqua, rose pink, soft fuchsia, lavender, soft navy, soft blues, blue-gray (no black)

3. AUTUMN: Hair: red, auburn, dark honey, golden gray

Eyes: brown, hazel, green

Colors: oyster white, teal blue, olive, rust, camel, coffee brown, gold, dark tomato red, lime green, turquoise (no black)

4. SPRING: Hair: honey blonde, strawberry, golden brown

Eyes: blue, green, golden flecks

Colors: aqua, apricot, light warm gray, pastel pink, dark periwinkle blue, yellow-green, orange-red (no black)

*Remember, color analysis is based on other factors besides hair and eye color. To learn more, see the book, "Color Me Beautiful" by Carole Jackson.