The Magic Spell of Color

  

 

Colour is a magic, powerful and interesting tool in our wardrobes. With the clever use of colour we can intentionally create a deceptive appearance or impression of being taller, shorter, thinner or younger than we are.  Unfortunately, we can unknowingly also signal  the opposite effect! 

 

Colour is a relevant element in our everyday styling and grooming choices. Here are a couple of tips to make you aware of the illusive effect of colour and how you can apply it to obtain a confident image or communicate the mood you want to convey. 

 

·      To fool the eye to look taller, choose a solid colour which will act as a long flattering line from top to bottom. 

·      If you are of average height or shorter, beware that prominent colour contrasts can have a shortening effect as the eye stops briefly at every colour break. It could even make you appear heavier.

·      To appear slimmer, wear colours from the same colour family from top to toe, but also pay attention to vertical lines towards the middle of the body, for example a row of buttons, a long scarf or any seam or panel lines.

·      Is black really the magic slimming colour? If you want to hide body areas that you don’t love so much, you can also choose either deep colours or dark neutrals. 

·      Cool colours (blue, blue-greens, purples) tend to create an illusion of reduced size, while warm colours (reds, yellows, and oranges) have the opposite illusion of greater size.

·      Wear clear, prime colours and other medium hues for a more youthful image. Muddy, greyish and muted colours will make you look….well, muddy, grey and dull!

·      Neutrals are a good choice for an elegant, glamorous effect. Think an

all-white look, grey or cream tones, or black.

·      For a creative and festive vibe, go for bright colours. 

·      Choose bright, but warm colours, like yellows, oranges, reds or magenta when you want to create energy and inspiration, for yourself and others.

·      For a soft, romantic look, wear colours tinted with white, in other words, pastels. 

·      Need to make a powerful, authorative impact? Wear high contrasting colours. A simple example is a white shirt with a bright jacket or dark pants. 

·      On the other hand, a low contrast combination will create a friendly, appproachable image. A pastel coloured shirt with a beige or light grey pants or skirt.

·      American designer, Bill Blass, was famous for his quote: ’When in doubt, wear red.’ Red accessories are good choices too, or a raspberry red lipstick, which will make your eyes and teeth look brighter and whiter.

A little note to single ladies: when you go on a special date, the red colour family, including pinks, is apparently your best choice.

Google “the red dress effect”. (My personal advice: try to avoid navy and other ’corporate’ colours on a date J)