I'm a Winter - now what?!
Congratulations on your bold, bright, and effortlessly sleek colour palette! Here's everything you need to know in order to get started on your colour journey, in seven easy to manage steps.
1 Explain my palette, please!
Your analyst likely gave you some information about your palette, but much of it can get forgotten in the excitement of discovering your palette for the first time.
The Winter palette is cool (meaning every colour has a blue undertone to it), clear (no muted sludgy shades!) and ranges from the very lightest bright white all the way to darkest black - yours is a palette of extremes. It can initially feel like the least scary palette as it contains lovely safe Black, Navy, Charcoal and White, but once you start looking at the strength of the actual colours it can feel a little intimidating.
Don't panic though - your palette is strong, bold and bright, but that's because you are. The intense colours of the Winter palette will bring out the natural sparkle in your eyes and make your skin glow. And whether you're ready to step out in top to toe bold brights or want to stick to the neutrals, the right colours sit in your palette.
2 Add a splash
This is always the easiest starting point when it comes to adding colour. Try a Florence Infinity Scarf or a simple tee to bring a splash of one of your new wow colours to your outfit. Don't worry too much if the rest of the outfit isn't perfect - now is the time to start getting those compliments in as you get some of your best colours up near your face.
3 I'm ready for more
You can absolutely wear your brightest colours from top to toe - just don't wear all of them at once. Try pairing two brights with one neutral for an effortless outfit that still looks put together, and start to play with adding in that contrast (light and dark, neutral and bright) that brings out your Winter clarity and contrast even more.
4 What about prints?
Prints have the advantage of feeling less intimidating than big solid blocks of bright colour, and can also help you play with more unexpected colours without needing to commit to a whole piece in that colour.
Our prints are carefully chosen so that the entire print suits your personal colour palette, making prints totally effortless. But if you're shopping elsewhere use the 50%/75% rule of thumb - if 50% of the pattern is in your colour, it will be wearable and tie in with your colouring and outfit, while if it's 75% or more, the 'wrong' colours will virtually disappear and you'll look and feel amazing.
It's always going to be good to avoid your most jarring colours though - washed out pinks and blues, and anything warm like beige or brown will make you look washed out and even sallow, whereas a deep green that edges a bit too warm or a vibrant orange isn't going to detract from a great print.
5 Can I look sophisticated without resorting to black?
Absolutely! Opt for a classic colour combination like Navy, Red and White in beautifully cut pieces for instant chic, or go monochrome in one of the deeper colours in your palette like Pine or Claret.
An alternative is to stick to monochrome - Black or Grey - but add touches of colour with a Cashmere Gauze Stole or Belt. And don't underestimate the power of a bright lipstick or nail polish to add the splash of colour that will finish off your look without sacrificing elegance and minimalism.
6 What can I do with all my non-Winter colours?
It can feel underwhelming still having to wear your 'wrong' colours while you gradually swap your wardrobe over to sit entirely within your palette. While you make the transition, try adding a colour pop from the Winter palette to any outfit that feels flat and drab - a bright scarf or even an accessory that doesn't sit next to your face will add the contrast and brightness you need.
Focus on gradually replacing items in your wardrobe with ones in your best colours - donate or sell anything that's being replaced before its lifespan is up. The best way to do this is to separate your wardrobe into the right and wrong colours, and simply promise yourself that from now on, you will only add to the 'right' side.
Focus on switching the colours which go under your chin first - scarves, tees, vests, knitwear - then the classic pieces that you wear time after time, then expand outwards from there. Don't forget that it will make mixing and matching your clothes easier if eventually even your shoes sit within your colour palette!
7 Will my colours suit my style?
It's important, once you've had your colours done, not to get so fixated on the colour of a garment that you forget to look beyond that. Does it fit well? Does it reflect your unique personal style? Don't compromise these things in your excitement at finally finding something in the elusive shade of hyacinth you've been hunting for, or you'll simply end up with a new variety of expensive mistake in your wardrobe. The aim of colour analysis is to add the power of colour into your own unique personal style, not turn you into a colour clone!
Don't forget, if you're feeling a little lost with style, our Personal Style Quiz will set you off on the right foot.
To see the other seasons, use the links below:
