If I had to choose just one styling service to offer for the rest of my life, it would be my Colour Analysis session.

This might come as a surprise to you and whilst it's true I love nothing more than diving into a wardrobe, discussing body shapes and hitting the shops, for me, knowledge of what colours work best for you is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your personal styling repertoire.

It truly is transformational.

I'm not lying when I say understanding colour is transformational.

I have had clients shed tears of joy and amazement when they see themselves in a colour that brings out the sparkle in their eyes and takes years off their appearance as the shadows under their eyes disappear and their cheeks glow.

Colour doesn't just have an impact on your outward appearance either, there have been numerous studies that have looked in detail at the psychology of colour and how certain shades can evoke clarity of thought or feelings ranging from positivity through to a sense of calm. 

For me, it is one of the easiest things to add to your wardrobe quickly and inexpensively - a scarf, an accessory or a lipstick can all have a huge impact when they're in the right shade.

My Approach To Colour Analysis

I feel like having your colours 'done' has had a bit of a bad wrap over the years - almost sneered upon by the fashion 'elite' for being a bit of a dated concept that only women over the age of 65 with a penchant for pashminas would be interested in.

Believe me, nothing could be further from the truth.

I have trained in tonal colour analysis, where your skin tone, hair colour and eye colour are all taken into account to determine which one of six dominant colour categories you fall into. This dominant colour category gives you 30 colours to work with and some guiding principles on how best to wear them. From here we look at your secondary and tertiary categories to add a further 12 colours to your palette.

Yep - you get 42 colours to work with and a whole load of advice to help you navigate every different colour group from neutrals through to reds, greens, blues and everything in between. 

There is a whole science behind the approach I have trained in called The Munsell Theory which is a fascinating look at the depth, undertone and clarity of colour and how they impact how colours affect us when worn next to the face.

It is my belief that everyone can wear any colour they want - there are no 'rules' here, only tools to help you select the best shades and best ways to wear colour so you never have that 'washed out' feeling when you wear something ever again.

And It's Not All About Bright Colours

If you prefer neutrals then a colour colour consultation will show you which are most flattering for you. This in turn gives you more variety and choice to experiment within your wardrobe whilst staying true to the overall aesthetic you aspire to create with your style.

Within each session I always take time to get to know your tastes and personality because colour isn't just about what suits you aesthetically, it's about how you like to present yourself to the outside world too.

Bright colours aren't for everyone, and that's OK - knowledge of what does and doesn't work well for you in this area will equip you with all information you need to translate your favourite looks into combinations that look as flattering as they possibly can on you, whether that's keeping certain shades away from your face or as smaller pops in your accessories, to adding a bolder lip colour when you know you're wearing something that isn't ideal on your top half.

Once you know what works for you the possibilities really are endless and so enjoyable! 

Have you have your colours done?

Until next time,

Anna xo

Anna Mewes is a Yorkshire based Personal Stylist offering an array of online services during lockdown. You can find her at www.annamewes.com or over on instagram @annamewes