EVER wondered why people keep complimenting you on your looks on some days, even if you barely got any sleep the night before?
This can be attributed to the colours you are wearing. Shades that complement your natural skin colour will make your skin, eyes and hair look more radiant. Use the wrong colours and the effect can be disastrous, with all the imperfections on your skin screaming for attention.
To determine which colours suit you, you have to first identify your skin tone and the natural colour of your hair and eyes. If you have more yellow or gold in your skin, most likely you will glow in warm colours that have the same yellow or gold base - orange, peach, salmon, olive-green, browns, khaki and reds will look most natural and visually pleasing.
People with this skin tone will also look better with copper, bronze or gold jewellery.
On the other hand, if you have slightly pink-ish/violet skin, it is likely you will radiate in cooler colours . blues, pink, mauve, violet, burgundy reds, grey and navy blue will look most visually pleasing along with silver jewellery.
Some people can actually be a combination of both cool and warm, but will predominantly be more of one than the other. Remember that the shades associated with your "colour temperature" should be worn closest to your face, and those that are not should be worn as pants or skirts. By doing this, you will look radiant, your eyes will sparkle and your skin and hair will have a healthy glow. You will also feel better and more confident about yourself.
Some recommendations for a warm and cool colour combination would be a navy blue suit with a salmon shirt, or a beige skirt and burgundy blouse, or a plum dress with an olive- green belt.
The colours you wear to work can affect the image you want to project.
For example, if you want to stand out at a networking event, high contrast colours will do the trick. A jet-black suit with a crisp white shirt and striking red tie can make you appear more confident and powerful.
If you work with groups of mothers, warmer, more approachable colours like earthy tones and subtle colours work best. If you are young, energetic and creative and have recently joined a marketing firm, then wearing bright, bold shades like yellow and red are a good idea.
Think about the situations you encounter on a daily basis, be it being interviewed for a job or meeting clients, and formulate in your mind the image you want to project. Then, make smart colour choices that enhance that image.
So remember, the next time someone says you look great, take a moment to assess the colours you are wearing. It will give great insight into what works for you.
