Colour Analysis: How to Find Your Best Colours and Season

Hello, Wardrobe Warriors!

Hil here, popping in from Wardrobe at The Cross with a topic I’m thrilled to dive into: colour analysis. If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and thought, “Is this colour really my best?” or “What exactly is colour analysis?” then you’re in the right place. Today, we’re unpacking all things seasonal colour analysis—from how it works to why it’s so much more than a trend. We’ll do this as I (Hil) sip a Diet Coke and consider the extent to which my house really needs cleaning…. I would MUCH rather write than clean……so here we go!

A proper personal colour analysis is far deeper than those TikTok filters or online quizzes (those filters? Not the same thing). With our in-house expert, Sue (my super-expert pal of twenty years standing!) who trained at Colour Flair—one of the most trusted colour analysis schools in the UK—you’ll get a personalised experience to reveal the colours that make you look and feel your best. So, if you’re ready to discover your perfect palette, let’s get started. Yes, I’ve finished my Diet Coke and I am ready to rock….

What is Colour Analysis and How Does it Work?

First off, colour analysis is a process for identifying the colours that naturally bring out your unique features—your skin tone, eye colour, hair colour, and even some of the subtler elements of your face. And it’s not just about warm vs. cool tones; Sue uses a mix of hue, temperature, value, and chroma to identify the colours that truly suit you. Through tools like a colour analysis chart and colour wheel, she’s able to create a palette tailored to your individuality.

Here’s how Sue’s two-hour consultation (worth every minute of the £135 investment because it helps you buy better and dress with confidence, I know…. I was the very fortunate guinea pig) unfolds:

1. Colour Personality Assessment
   Sue begins with a mini Q&A to learn about your personal style, lifestyle, and comfort level with colours. She uses this information as a foundation to create a palette that aligns with you, not just what you wear.
2. Makeup Removal & Draping Process
   Now, we go makeup-free! (Trust me, it’s worth it.) Sue carefully observes your natural skin tone in neutral lighting, then uses drapes in different colours to see how each one affects your complexion. She even uses a magnifying glass to closely observe your skin, eye, and iris colours. This level of detail is what sets a professional consultation apart from a DIY attempt. Sue is so passionate about this.. I was entranced. 
3. Your Colour Fan
   Once Sue identifies your season—whether you’re a Spring, Summer, Autumn, or Winter—you’ll receive your own colour analysis fan with swatches of your best colours. This fan is your secret weapon for shopping, helping you choose colours that flatter every time.
4. Guided Shopping Session with Sue
   Here’s the cherry on top: after the consultation, Sue takes you on a tour of our gorgeous shop (either virtually or in person), helping you find pieces in your palette and showing you how to use your fan for future shopping. You’ll leave feeling like a colour pro!

Colour Theory: The Science Behind Colour Analysis

Now, let’s talk about the science behind it all. Here’s a quick breakdown of colour theory in the context of colour analysis:

Hue: The actual colour—think red, blue, green, and so on.

Temperature: Colours can be warm (golden, peachy) or cool (icy, pinkish tones).

Value: This is the lightness or darkness of a colour. Some of us look radiant in lighter pastels, while others shine in rich, deep shades.

Chroma: Chroma refers to how bright or soft a colour is. Imagine a vivid, bold red versus a softer, muted red—that’s chroma in action. Some people look their best in vibrant, clear colours (high chroma), while others shine in softer, more subdued shades (low chroma).

Each of these elements combines to define your seasonal colour palette. And once you have that palette, dressing becomes easier, faster, and a lot more enjoyable—no more guessing games! And for me, no more wearing mustardey hues close to my chops!

Seasonal Colour Analysis: Understanding Palettes and Types

Through seasonal colour analysis, most people fit into one of four colour analysis types, each with its own unique palette:

1. Spring
   Think bright, fresh, and warm. If you’re a Spring, colours like coral, peach, and soft yellow will bring out your warmth and glow. I am a spring and it’s been so helpful to me to know this. I avoided coral for many years but now it’s one of my go-tos and it makes my eyes and skin sparkle.
2. Summer
   Cool, soft, and muted shades like pastel pinks, powder blues, and grey-lavender are made for Summers, who shine in these delicately balanced tones. Sue is a summer!
3. Autumn
   If you’re an Autumn, rich, earthy shades like rust, olive, and deep brown will bring out your best. These natural, warm hues perfectly complement an Autumn complexion.
4. Winter
   Winter types thrive in bold, cool colours with high contrast. Think navy, emerald green, and icy whites. Winters stand out beautifully in strong, striking shades.

Each season has subtypes, like Deep Winter or Light Spring, allowing Sue to fine-tune your palette even further. The end result? A set of colours that feels like you.

Colour Analysis Examples and How to Apply Them

It can help to see colour analysis examples in action. Take Julianne Moore (a classic Autumn) glowing in warm, earthy tones! 

Let’s deep dive into Autumn to give more info. Neither Sue nor I are ‘Autumn’ but she has taught me well so, even though I don’t offer this service personally (that ball is in Sue’s ever-capable curt) I am very schooled in the different seasons so I can help customers when they come into the store. Many, who have been through the full session with Sue, bring their personalised fans in with them time after time before making any purchases. 

Autumn is a warm and rich season, but also muted. A ‘classic’ Warm Autumn like Julianne Moore has a medium contrast level between skin, hair and eyes. Her eyes are golden green, her skin is pale but with golden undertones and her hair is auburn. 

During your consultation, Sue will show you exactly how the right colours make a difference, guiding you on how to incorporate your palette into your everyday style with confidence and ease. She is so very skilled at this and it has made such a difference to so many of our customers. 

Here’s a review from Julie Dennison (51) who recently had her Colour Analysis Session with Sue.

“I’ve just had the most transformational colour analysis session with Sue at Wardrobe at The Cross! I now understand which colours truly suit me, and shopping has become a lot easier for me. I simply pop in with my swatches (or call up Sue for a quick online styling appt) and Sue knows exactly what to show me from the store. It’s saved me so much time and money—not to mention, I’ve donated a lot of my old clothes to my sister (she’s a totally different palette!). I feel younger, even a bit slimmer, and far more confident in my wardrobe. Thank you, Sue, for such a fabulous and life-enhancing experience!” 

The Impact of Colour and How it Can Affect Your Appearance

Are you curious about what your best colours can actually do for you? I was before I became Sue’s willing guinea pig. Here are the benefits of personal colour analysis:

• Healthier-looking complexion: Colours that suit you make your skin look vibrant and fresh.
• Brighter eyes: The right colours draw attention to your eyes, creating a naturally bright, well-rested look.
• Balanced features: Harmonious colours create a balanced, flattering look—no unflattering shadows or washed-out tones.

Can You Do Your Own Colour Analysis?

If you’re tempted to try a DIY colour analysis at home, here are a few ways to get started:

1. Use natural light and a white background to get the most accurate read on your skin tone.
2. Vein check: Look at the veins on your wrist. Blue veins generally mean cool undertones, while greenish veins suggest warm.
3. Try a few colours: Hold different shades up to your face and see which ones make you look more vibrant and awake.

DIY can be a fun intro, but nothing beats the accuracy of a professional colour analysis. Sue’s process captures details a DIY attempt just can’t, especially with her draping and magnifying techniques. I know I am biased because we run a business together but she is so very good at this stuff.

How to Dress Based on Your Colours and Season

Once you know your colours, here’s how to use them to the fullest:

1. Stick to your new seasonal palette for tops and jackets: These are the pieces closest to your face, so they have the most impact. For example, one of my favourite tops in store is this fabulous turtleneck top from My Essential Wardrobe. It’s the perfect shade of inky navy from within my very own ‘Spring’ colour fan. It has a gentle turtleneck but having this shade close to my face works perfectly for me. It also comes with matching premium sweat pants which are rarely off my behind but that’s a story for another day!

2. Accessorise in your colours: Think scarves, jewellery, and bags in shades from your palette to add harmony without needing a whole new wardrobe. I am such a magpie (this is NOT news to those who know me well) and I do love to adorn myself in cheery accessories but I stick to my palette with regards to colour. For example, these stunning Tarka earrings and necklace are harmoniously married to my colour fan by their glossy green and blue hues – Sue signed off on them personally. 

3. Create a capsule wardrobe: Invest in basics  (from Wardrobe at The Cross, of course!!) within your seasonal colours for effortless mix-and-match potential. Good denim is the very best place to start because who doesn’t love a jean which is both bum-enhancing and can be purchased in a number of different colours to suit both figure and face? Check out the fabulous collection of denim from Toxik. I wear the Maya Stretch Skinnies on repeat. And yes, Skinnies are still on trend… and they do suit a lot of figures despite what the Daily Mail might have us believe.

Tips for Updating Your Wardrobe

Here’s how knowing your colours can make updating your wardrobe easier:

• Declutter: With your palette as a guide in the form of your own personal fan, you’ll know exactly which pieces to keep and which to let go. It makes life so much easier because you’re not standing in front of your wardrobe wondering which shades are best. 
• Shop smarter: Focus on adding items in your best shades, avoiding impulse buys that don’t serve you. Many of our customers have their fans in their bags when they go clothes shopping so they avoid costly errors. 
• Refresh your basics: Tops, jackets, and accessories in your colours give your wardrobe an instant lift. Here, Wardrobe at The Cross can help. We have a whole area in our physical brick’n’mortar devoted to elegant basics and online the My Essential Wardrobe brand is a great place to start. Elevated yet simple pieces are their scandi stock in trade! 

What to Do with Clothes Not in Your Colour Palette

Not everything in your wardrobe will fit your new palette, and that’s okay! Here’s how to handle those items thoughtfully:

• Layer with accessories: If a top or dress doesn’t quite work with your colours, try pairing it with scarves, jackets, or jewellery in your best shades. These layers can bring harmony to your outfit without a full wardrobe overhaul.
• Mix with statement pieces: Add bold jewellery, bags, or belts in your colours to help balance out less flattering shades. This way, you can still enjoy some of your off-colour items without them overpowering your look.
• Keep favourites: Sentimental items are worth keeping, even if they’re not in your palette. Hold on to pieces you truly love, but consider donating anything that no longer fits or flatters.
• Swap with friends: Have a friend whose wardrobe you admire? Organise a clothes swap! You may have items that match their colours and vice versa. It’s a fun, eco-friendly way to refresh your closet and embrace your new palette.
• Donate to Smart Works: Turn fashion into a force for good by donating pre-loved items to Smart Works. This fantastic charity provides high-quality clothing to women re-entering the workplace, giving them the confidence boost they need. Your donations not only make room for new colours in your wardrobe but also support other women in building theirs.

Is Professional Colour Analysis Worth It?

A personal colour analysis session isn’t just a consultation; it’s an investment in yourself and your style. For £135, Sue’s two-hour session gives you the clarity to make shopping easier, less wasteful, and a lot more fun. Think of it as the ultimate confidence boost—knowing exactly which colours make you look and feel fabulous.

So if you’re ready to turn that “I have nothing to wear” moment into “I love every piece in my wardrobe,” then a colour analysis with Sue is for you!

Book Your Colour Analysis Today!

Ready to unlock the colours that make you shine? Book your colour analysis session with Sue at Wardrobe at The Cross. Whether you’re new to colour analysis or just want a refresh, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. With your own personalised palette and Sue’s expert advice, you’ll leave with everything you need to dress, shop, and feel like the best version of you.

Can’t wait to see you glowing! Xx Hil