For women who prefer soft and safe shades of color it can take a lot of courage to wear some of this year’s bold, dramatic hues. Jewelled-colors such as electric blue, orange, coral, fuschia and buttercup yellow are only a few of the eye-popping shades that have become the look of the season.
Whilst wearing color grabs attention and can boost your self-esteem, it is a question of finding a shade that flatters. One that slims, rather than accentuates any figure flaws and complements your skintone and hair color.
Step-by-Step Color
If you are unaccustomed to wearing dramatic shades then it is best to gain color-confidence gradually. Dip your toe into a color trend by adding accessories in a color of the season, to your classic-colored outfits, such as a coral scarf or an orange belt.Then progress to one bold overall color (or complementary shades of the same). Finally, for the more adventurous, mix colors and prints in one outfit.
How to Use Color to Flatter Your Figure
When it comes to getting color to work for you take into account which parts of your body you want to show and those which you want to hide.
As a general rule wear darker colors to cover your worst parts and brighter, contrasting colors to draw attention to your best bits. (Women with big hips and small busts for example, look great in lighter-brighter colored tops and darker skirts or trousers.) One color worn from head to toe will create a single unbroken line, make you look taller and is often more slimming. This goes for same shade footwear too.
Style Tips for Wearing Color
- White expands your figure, along with almost all shades of pink.
- Black and navy slim.
- Yellow, orange and lime green tend to add weight.
- Charcoal, gray and dark brown are slimming.
- Neutrals and pastels such as caramel and pale blue offer good camouflage (except pink).
- Solid-color outfits are likely to be more slimming, especially in dark colors.
- Shiny fabrics add weight, whereas matte fabrics can be used to camouflage.
- Black when worn close to the face can be draining for some women (especially when they get older) but can be worn by almost anyone, on their bottom half.
- Electric blue is the one universal color that flatters all skintones, and is the color of the moment for Summer 2009.
- Red looks best against beige skintones and very pale skin.
- Black and white is striking but to give it a little lift inject a splash of color with a belt, back or shoes. Add a pop of color to a monochrome outfit by introducing a bold blue, pink or red.
- Don't worry if your shades of one particular color do not go together. Mismatching is currently cool when it comes to being on trend.
- If your complexion does not suit black then go for a tone away, such as charcoal or navy blue.
- Camel and beige tend not to work well on brunettes or redheads.
The Right Color for You
Wearing a color the works well for you can make a huge difference, it cna make yuo look younger and healthier. According to Chata Romano, author of How to Plan Your Wardrobe, "(New Holland Publishers 1998) most people can wear most colors, it is the intensity and the level fo the shade which makes it right or wrong.
The best way to tell which shades most complement your skintone is to stand in front of the mirror in good daylight and hold the color next to your face. Does the color make you look tired or drained? Do you need extra make-up? Correct colors should actually enhance your face without needing any help.
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Gill Hart - Gill Hart is a fashion and image professional who specializes in women's fashion over 50.
