How to find your colour palette

The Secret to Discovering Your Style Colour Palette

It can seem daunting to introduce colours into your wardrobe, especially if you are used to monochrome tones or find bright items a minefield.

The truth is, you can quite easily discover your style colour palette without the need to pay out a fortune on a personal stylist.

In fact, you can do it without even stepping foot outside of your front door!

Here at Highstreet Outlet Clothes, we are all about providing styles for less, delivered right to your door, so we are pleased to also be able to share with you the secret to discovering the colours that will suit your skin-tone and have you looking, and feeling, simply incredible! Read on for some insider knowledge that is going to transform your wardrobe, and your life…

 

 

ANALYSE YOUR SKIN TONE

It’s time to get up close and personal! Look at the veins in your wrist to find your undertones. If your veins appear greenish, you have warm undertones, if they are blue or purple in colour, you are more of a cool undertone and if they appear to be a mixture, you are neutral. Cool undertones should stick to cooler colours, whilst warm undertones can go for warmer shades, whereas neutral suit a mixture of the two. WHICH COLOURS ARE WHICH? So you’ve worked out whether you are warm, cool or neutral, but what does this mean? To put everything into context, warm shades are reds, oranges and yellows, cool tones are purples, blues, deep reds and greens and neutral are jewel inspired shades, dusty pinks and peaches. HAIR COLOUR CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE Yes, it doesn’t stop with your skin, the colour of your hair can also have a big impact. Those with black, darker brown and red hair generally have cooler undertones, whilst blondes are out there having fun with warmer tones (apart from icy/bleached blondes who will suit cooler shades better). Bolder redheads and lighter browns should stick to warm tones.

COMBINE NEUTRAL STAPLES WITH A SPLASH OF COLOUR

Carrying on the hair theme, did you also know that when it comes to picking neutral shades, your best match is usually your natural hair colour? So if you are brunette, browns are great for a base colour. Put together your outfits using flattering neutral tones as a base, with pops of colour to match your undertones. Neutral colours have low or no colour saturation - white/black/grey/ brown/navy blue. Think a camel coat with a Jewell coloured shirt or a cream dress paired with an emerald green Scarf.

 

FIND SHADES TO COMPLEMENT YOUR SKINTONE

As well as paying attention to the undertones, it’s important to not forget your skin shade when picking out clothing that will have you looking radiant all day long. Colours that contrast with your skin-tone generally work best. For example, neon shades of orange and yellow will look best on dark skin, greens and blues pop on those with fair skin and bold jewel tones are best for paler skin.

DISCOVER YOUR COLOUR SEASON

It’s time to curate your wardrobe into the best ‘season’ for your undertones. Warm undertones are best suited to spring and autumn colours, meanwhile cool undertones work better with summer and winter shades. Spring is all about the pastels, think soft pinks, peaches and yellows. Summer colours will be deep purples, bold reds and brilliant blues. Autumn is more about the earthy tones - browns, darker greens and deep oranges, whilst winter brings in the jewel tones of royal blue, emerald green and bright pops of cerise pink.

GET CREATIVE WITH YOUR WARDROBE

Now you have a better idea of what colours suit you, have fun mixing and matching until you have a wardrobe filled with colour that makes you look and feel fab! As a rule of thumb, stick to 1 neutral and 1 main colour, with optional accent colours to complement the look. If you go for too many colours or contrasting prints the outfit can look a little too busy.

 

 

PLACEMENT IS KEY

Looking to make your eyes pop or your lips look extra kissable? Your top half is the focus here to draw the eye up. Meanwhile if you want to show off your legs, opt for a bright colour splash for your footwear to bring attention downwards. Choosing a colour on the opposite end of the colour wheel from your main shade can help when finding an accent colour to finish that outfit off. TAKE YOUR TIME Don’t rush things. Take time to really work out which colours work for you and suit not only your skin-tone but your personality too. Different colours can evoke different emotions in you and reactions in the people you meet, for example red is a very confident colour and can help you feel in control. The good news is that you can find a shade of red to suit your undertone, regardless of whether you are suited to warm, cool or neutral hues.