wardrobe review

What is Colour Analysis?

Colour analysis is the process of discovering which colours of clothing, accessories, make-up, and hair-dye look best on someone, so they can shop with knowledge and focus to make themselves look healthiest and most attractive, and save wasting money on items that don’t serve them well.

How Covid-19 changed things

When I trained over 11 years ago, I never imagined I would be able to colour-analyse through the internet! Yet, that’s exactly what I’ve been doing since the world adapted because of Covid-19. I, like many business owners, had to re-think my business proposition to make it work in this new world. (Thank goodness for the internet and Zoom I say!)

Because I am experienced, I have worked out a system that works for my clients and me, although I cannot guarantee it will work in 100% of cases because there are a few variables that I can’t control when working “remotely”. So, my system comprises of posting some drapes to the client in advance of the consultation, them sending me some pictures, then carrying out the analysis using Zoom (so they can also have a recording – a new bonus from this process) and completing the analysis at their home face-to-face when possible. A total of 3 hours for £150, backed by the guarantee that if it cannot be completed on-line either money-back, or conducting the analysis in the usual face-to-face way at my client’s home, with adequate safety measures in place.

A recent client example

I recently had the delight to conduct an analysis for the lovely Suzy, who helpfully (as a seasoned brand photographer) was able to take her own before and after pictures! I think you’ll agree they are stunning and show how the harmonious “autumn” colour shades create rapport with her features and make her look the warm and friendly person she is.

We discovered she was an “autumn”, meaning that she needs warm and soft colours to best combine with her natural skin tone, hair colouring and eyes. As it happened, one of those colours (a teal or kingfisher) she had chosen as her business brand colour, so she obviously loved it.

Suzy’s “before” photo

As part of the analysis I offer, I like to connect the theory with my client’s reality – and that involves discussion about the clothes they already own. It may be that I can give advice about making something work better; combining items that the client had never thought of; or what to do with something that the client is ready to put away or move on as they now know it is not best for them. All clients declare, as did Suzy, that this would be the scariest bit, but I can reveal that 100% of my clients afterwards say this is “the best bit” (I think because it makes the theory come alive and is practical for them).

The Client’s Perspective

Suzy kindly wrote about her experience, from the client’s perspective, and I am delighted to share it here with you.

The words of Suzy Ellis, Brand Photographer

” I’ve never been particularly into fashion, much preferring comfort over style. However I recently met Fiona in a networking meeting and what she had to say really grabbed my attention. I decided to join her online clothing swap as I was getting very depressed wearing the same tatty jeans and ancient T-shirt’s every day and thought this could be the opportunity for a change. My body shape and size has changed since having children so my wardrobe was full of clothes which I was desperately hanging onto in the hopes that I might fit back into them one day. Fiona’s event seemed like the perfect opportunity to get some new clothes. 

The event was great fun and I ended up with some lovely new items, however one thing I did notice was that the other ladies on the call all seemed to be aware of their “colours”. This is something I’ve never really considered before.  I’d always just bought clothes which I liked the look of and which (I hoped) were a flattering style. It never really occurred to me that there were specific colours which would compliment my skin tone, hair and eye colour. That would make me look healthy and bright.. and that would cause people to actually compliment me on my outfit (not a common occurrence for me). 

After chatting with Fiona I booked one of her remote colour and style consultations. She explained how it would work, partly via zoom meeting and partly face to face when we were able to safely work together. She then arranged for me to have a pack of colour charts, multi coloured swatches and a colour wheel delivered to my house. I sent Fiona some images before the consultation of my face without makeup or jewellery so she could see my skin, eye and hair colour.

The Zoom Meeting

The Zoom meeting was fantastic! Fiona explained all of the seasonal colours to me and how and why colours compliment each other. We discussed my usual clothes and what colours I usually wear and why. I then used the colour swatches to hold up near my face for Fiona to see which tones suited me best. We both came to the conclusion that autumn colours worked best with my complexion. Afterwards, Fiona helped me go through some of the items in my wardrobe to see whether they would work with my colouring. It wasn’t just a case of … no that doesn’t work, get rid of it. She recommended how I could accessorise some of my clothes to make them look better, possibly take them to a tailor to be adjusted or even save some of the nicer items for my daughter when she is a bit older. I was slightly worried about this part of the consultation as my wardrobe is not something I’m proud of, but Fiona was so wonderful. She didn’t bat an eyelid about the random things I pulled out, and even encouraged me to give some of my older clothes a second chance. It was a lovely experience and I am very much looking forward to our meeting in person to talk a little more about makeup and accessories. 

I have now had a sort out of my wardrobe and bought some new items in colours which I’ve never considered before but I think will suit me. I’m looking forward to going shopping again with my colour palette and I finally feel like I can spend my money wisely on clothes that I will actually wear and feel happy and confident in. “

Fiona says:

I am delighted that this analysis was able to be concluded for Suzy, and that she is now on her way to looking her best every day with ease.

If you want to see what can happen for you, Fiona can offer on-line analysis, as well as wardrobe consultations and support if you are buying new clothes, whether that’s brand new, or just new for you (ie previously loved).

Suzy’s website is here for anyone wanting her help for their brand photography.