MUTED WARM If you suit bronze or gold best, tomato red, olive and forest green, and other golden, dirty, burnt, earthy, spice colors in rich and muted tones. Your natural coloring is either fiery or muted, and your best colors are those who remind you of an autumn landscape and enhance your natural warm glow. Dusty cool pastels and cool intense colors, does not do you justice. So, try to keep your look in harmony with your naturally muted intensity. On a true MUTED WARM there will always be a dramatic difference between when wearing right and wrong colors, and they have a hard time borrowing colors from other groups without looking washed out. Some of the more saturated and darker toned MUTED WARMS can sometimes borrow colors from other warm groups. Eva Mendes, Eva Marcille, Kandyse McClure, Sarika Hassan, Rachel Weisz, Carey Mulligan, Isla Fisher, Julianne Moore, and Lily Cole. IF YOU ARE A MUTED WARM, YOU MAY HAVE Eyes: Can be any color, but is usually medium brown or light brown, olive green, hazel, dark hazel, blue, mixed blue, gray-green, mixed green, and sometimes even deep brown. Hair: Medium golden brown, deep golden brown, medium chestnut, rich and warm red, auburn, ginger, strawberry blonde, may have red or golden highlights. Skin: Bronze, golden beige, neutral beige, warm beige, ivory, can be very pale or rather deep. May have freckles. If your contrast level is very high, it may indicate that you are flowing towards DEEP WARM or CLEAR WARM. Don't be too concerned with whether or not the people in the photos match your identical color combination, such as tan, hair color and eyes. The most important thing is that you have the right contrast level, and look good in the colors on the chart. If you do feel the need to identify with the MUTED WARM "poster girls", best to google the names above without makeup, natural hair color and in daylight. Makeup, lighting, spray-tans, and photoshop can change the overall appearance a lot. A MUTED WARM is what in classical terms have been called an autumn, and are typically those whose overall coloring is rather muted, deep, earthy and warm. MUTED WARM colors can appear to be rich and vibrant when seen on a person with MUTED WARM coloring, and their softness is only apparent when compared to a much brighter group, such as CLEAR WARM (for example). This group has an undeniable richness and vibrance to their natural coloring, and a bronze, golden, or coppery glow in their skin and eyes, and although they might be stereotypically represented as a redhead, it is actually quite common to have naturally brown hair. Never the less, red will probably look very believable and great on you. Being such a warm and rich, but yet delicate group, it makes it possible for this type to transform dirty and muted hues into a warm, glowing, calm, but powerful and passionate, down to earth kind of beauty (when worn right). Some MUTED WARM's may have a slight coolness or a little higher intensity to a few of their features, such as dark or cooler hair or eyes, which means they are flowing into CLEAR WARM, DEEP WARM or SOFT WARM. The difference between the other earthy and warm groups; such as the more delicate, SOFT WARM, and the more intense DEEP WARM, is that the DEEP WARM has a much higher contrast level, can handle stronger colors such as black and hot pink, and usually looks overall darker and deeper. The SOFT WARM is almost a mix between LIGHT COOL and MUTED WARM, and is much softer, borderline neutral and a little cooler. The MUTED WARM is the warmest type there is, and it's features are brought to life by rich, warm, golden colors that are a little muted. Earthy and spicy are the key words to describe this look, and colors that are very bright, cool, too pure, or clear can be overwhelming and look blend and unbalanced on this delicate group. It is important to choose colors that will echo their own natural delicate coloring, and medium to low contrast level. The odds are that black and pure white will wash you out. A deep chocolate brown and cream white would be better, especially without makeup. This group doesn't need contrast as much as it needs glow, so this means that you can look great in an all camel outfit only matched with bronze accessories, an all mustard yellow look, or a tomato red dress matched with a olive green coat. These are looks that would drain colors or wash out most other types, because they don't have enough natural warmth or softness. For the highest contrast MUTED WARM's, it is possible to stray a little from the color-chart, but never forget to balance foreign colors with your own features. A MUTED WARM looks best in warm shades and has a warm undertone to their overall look. You can tell by the fact that they look great in cream, camel, olive green, golden browns, chestnut, coral, tomato red, mustard and golden yellow, beige, forest green, and peach. But also navy blue, some shades of warm muted blue and aqua, purple, teal and kelly green looks really good. Bronze and gold are the metallics that compliment a MUTED WARM best, because it has the right glow for their muted warm look. Silver can work on those who has some cool features, such as pale skin. Deep to medium and light shades of hair color, will all work on the medium to light intensity of the MUTED WARM. More importantly, always choose warm colors. Ashy shades, black and platinum blond are not hair colors for this muted and warm shading. Most MUTED WARM's look faded and fake with these hair colors, as it drains color from the face. Whilst, deep warm brown, red, golden brown, strawberry blond and so on, makes the features appear more defined and fresher. WORST COLORS ARE Cool dusty pastels and cool bright colors. These colors does absolutely nothing for you. Remember that your biggest "no" colors are the ones that will clash with either your eye, skin or hair color, no matter if everything else tells you it should be great. A MUTED WARM needs golden, rich, dirty, muted and purely warm colors, to make sure your features are in focus and not the clothes or hair. You can tell when you are wearing the right colors from the distinctive bronze or golden glow a MUTED WARM's skin or overall coloring get about them when wearing warm, rich colors. Now that you know which "season" you belong to, and what type of colors that suits your warm intensity, you might feel that you sometimes also fit some colors that aren't that muted or all warm. This might mean you have a "soft" or "clear" tendency, and that you can get away with colors outside of your group, that are either softer, colder or brighter. But never go too soft and muted, all bold and bright, or all cold and icy. You can still run the risk of looking faded and dull, because you are above all EARTHY, and need hues that reflect that. These colors are based on your natural coloring, and might vary a little from one MUTED WARM to another, but that's what the "add on" is for. For example, you can be a MUTED WARM true, or should I say simply muted and warm (Julianne Moore or Kate Beckinsale). This is a classic MUTED WARM, and these women are a perfect example of how a MUTED WARM can be both fair as well as darker. A true MUTED WARM will look most probably have warm eyes, such as green, hazel or brown eyes, and a warm hair color, but can have variations in the skin-tone. You may have some cooler features, but you will still look your best in muted, golden, warm, rich, spicy and earthy colors. If you are a MUTED WARM true, the rules above should apply to you more or less perfectly. MUTED WARM clear, (Eva Marcille and Eva Mendes) has the sharpest overall coloring of all the MUTED WARM's, and (usually) have deeper or brighter eyes and hair, and often a slightly darker/tanned skin. The MUTED WARM clear can actually have any variation, but what they have in common is that they all seem as if they are flowing a little into DEEP WARM or CLEAR WARM, although they're not actually deep or clear enough. Clear or bold colors can look flattering on this type, and so they can get away with a little more drama. But they are still a MUTED WARM, and the clear or deep colors wont look as natural and fresh as the earthy tones will, just as black and pure white will be a little too harsh on you. On the color-chart, the most vibrant MUTED WARM colors would be the best on this sub-group, so for the best look, combine rich earthy colors with some brighter elements. If you go too bold or bright the look will overpower you, so best to "brighten it up" in the smaller details, using accessories, pattern, or a lipstick. This trick can give you a freshness equal to the CLEAR WARM or DEEP WARM look, but never forget that your base always should be warm and muted. The sub-groups are not so much about what you can't do, but more about what you can do; like taking advantage of your "sub-features" to get away with even more colors. MUTED WARM soft, (Lily Cole) looks her best in MUTED WARM colors, but she's not as rich and warm as the rest of the MUTED WARM's. You may have lighter hair and fair skin, and maybe even some cold features such as blue eyes. The MUTED WARM soft is borderline SOFT WARM, so they are best to stick to deeper colors if they wish to color their hair (never lighter), because they are already a little too soft for their own colors. Because they do have some cooler features they can look good in some SOFT WARM colors, such as mulberry and powdery blue, but will look amazing in warm, golden, earthy colors that will turn up the heat on your overall look. The MUTED WARM soft don't have as much intensity as the rest of the MUTED WARM's, so their glow is a little different, and easily confused with the SOFT WARM (so, thats where they should borrow colors from). Bronze will probably be better for you than gold, since it's a little softer, but both gold and silver works too. A MUTED WARM soft is still very much a MUTED WARM, and typically neutral and pure colors wont look as good. On the color-chart, the most muted and golden colors would be the best on this sub-group, so for the best look, stick too rich earthy colors when it comes to hair and makeup, and then you can feel free to borrow some cooler hues from your cusping group, the SOFT WARM. MUTED WARM VARIATIONS
(My sources are "Color me beautiful", thechicfashionista.com, http://visual.ly/, http://www.truth-is-beauty.com/, the 12 seasons system, the 16 season system, and the basic four element system. I have made alterations and created my own system. Photos in this post are random pictures from Tumbler, Pinterest or borrowed from Google. Unknown source.)
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DEEP WARM If you suit gold or bronze best, but silver can work as well. Bright orange-red, ivory, chocolate, golden brown, bright peach, golden yellow and forest green are your best colors. In general, vibrant, pure, deep, warm, bold, golden colors are fantastic on you. Black can look quite good on you, but it's not your best color. Your natural coloring is deep, dark, earthy, golden and warm. The color of your eyes and hair, and at least the undertone of your skin, is rich and warm. Some DEEP WARM can flow into DEEP COOL, and wear some DEEP COOL colors. Dusty, cool tones and soft, cool pastels, does not do you justice. Try to keep your look bold and warm, and remember, a true DEEP WARM is earthy with a high contrast level. A typically good look for a DEEP WARM is the classic, stylish, bold, warm and glowing, 70's glam-look. Kourtney Kardashian, Mindy Kaling, Solange, Queen Latifa, Olivia Munn, Rachel Bilson, Halle Berry, Vanessa Minnillo, Kristin Kreuk, Jessica Alba, Audrina Partridge, and Julia Roberts. IF YOU ARE A DEEP WARM, YOU MAY HAVE Eyes: Dark brown, black-brown, dark hazel, dark green and some instances a very, deep and dark shade of blue Hair: Black-brown, black, dark to deep chestnut, medium brown. Skin: Can be quite pale, very dark, or anywhere in between. Bronze, black, olive, golden, golden beige and ivory. May have freckles. Usually a neutral or warm undertone, and if you have some cool undertones it may indicate that you flow towards Deep Winter. Don't be too concerned with whether or not the people in the photos match your identical color combination, such as tan, hair color and eyes. The most important thing is that you have the right contrast level, and look good in the colors on the chart. If you do feel the need to identify with the DEEP WARM "poster girls", best to google the names above without makeup, natural hair color and in daylight. Makeup, lighting, spray-tans, and photoshop can change the overall appearance a lot. A typical DEEP WARM, are those whose overall coloring is rather dark, deep and warm. All DEEP WARM's are a mix between earthy warm and cold and dark. In other words, a mix between CLEAR COOL and MUTED WARM (in classical terms an autumn with a dash of winter), as they are equally dark an deep. Some of them may have a slight coolness to a few of their features, such as black hair or eyes, blueish hazel eyes, or pale skin, which means they are flowing into DEEP COOL. Being right in the middle between warm and cold (DEEP COOL and DEEP WARM) makes it possible for both of these types to look good in some of the same colors, such as gold, true red, deep green, navy blue and flame orange. The difference is that a DEEP WARM looks better in warm shades and has a warm undertone to their overall look. You can tell by the fact that they look great in ivory, deep and dark forest green, deep and bright warm-reds, golden browns, peachy pink, and warm golden yellow. Gold and bronze are the metallics that compliment a DEEP WARM best, because it has the right glow for their intense warm look. Silver works best on those who flow into DEEP COOL. The difference between the other earthy and warm groups; such as the more delicate, MUTED WARM and SOFT WARM, is that the DEEP WARM is darker, deeper and has a higher level of contrast. A DEEP WARM look, is best flattered by pure, deep colors, or lighter, but still pure hues. Colors that are too dirty and muted are too faded for this group. Ivory is the best shade of white, and you will probably struggle with pure white. Even though black looks good on you, a deep chocolate brown would be better, especially without makeup. Being the deepest and darkest of all the warm groups, DEEP WARM features are brought to life by pure, rich, deep and golden hues, that echo their own natural depth and contrast level. This means that you can look great in an all golden brown outfit only matched with gold accessories, or a bright red dress matched with a deep green coat. A look that would would diminish or overwhelm most other types. Instead very pale, dusty and cool colors make you look blend and unbalanced. For the highest contrast DEEP WARM's, it could be smart to use pure, dark or deep colors together with lighter colors to create that contrast and depth, and to balance your own dark features. Dark to medium shades of hair color, is really the only look for a DEEP WARM, ashy shades, and platinum blond are not hair colors for this dark and warm shading. Most DEEP WARM's look faded and fake with completely blond hair, as it drains color from the face. Whilst, black brown, dark brown, red or golden brown hair makes the features appear more defined and fresher. WORST COLORS ARE icy pastels and dusty tones, such as dusty, cool tones and soft, cool pastels. These colors does absolutely nothing for you. Remember that your biggest "no" colors are the ones that will clash with either your eye, skin or hair color, no matter if everything else tells you it should be great. A DEEP WARM needs pure, deep and golden colors, as well as a rich look. Now that you know which "season" you belong to, and what type of colors that suits your warm intensity, you might feel that you sometimes also fit into some colors that aren't that intense or all warm. This might mean you have a "soft" or "neutral" tendency, and that you look better in, or can get away with more colors that are either softer or colder. But never go too soft and muted, or all cold and icy. You can still run the risk of looking faded and dull, because you are above all DEEP, and need pure hues. These colors are based on your natural coloring, and might vary a little from one DEEP WARM to another, but that's what the "add on" is for. For example, you can be a DEEP WARM true, or should I say simply deep and warm (Julia Roberts). This is a classic DEEP WARM, and Julia Roberts is a perfect example of how a DEEP WARM can have a naturally lighter look (with deep eyes), but still look their best in pure, rich and deep colors. If you are a DEEP WARM true, the rules above should apply to you more or less perfectly. DEEP WARM dark, (Solange) has the darkest and deepest overall coloring of all the DEEP WARM's, and (usually) especially dark eyes and hair. Therefore, they need a little more drama to achieve the flattering bold look, and the most vibrant and pure colors would be the best on this sub-group. Because of the tanned or dark look of the skin, the pure colors will give you a freshness equal to the CLEAR WARM look, and you might have thought that CLEAR WARM was your group, but in fact you just make the colors look brighter. The sub-groups are not so much about what you can't do, but more about what you can do; like getting away with bold colors and prints all mixed together. DEEP WARM soft, (Kristin Kreuk) looks her best in DEEP WARM colors, but needs a little splash of grey in them. This sub-group usually has soft hazel eyes, fair skin, and a medium to dark hair color. If they wish to color their hair, they should stick to deeper hair colors, not lighter, because of their already uncharacteristic soft look. They don't have as much intensity as the rest of the DEEP WARM's, so their glow is a little different, and easily confused with the DEEP COOL soft (if they flow into cool, thats where they should borrow colors from). Bronze will probably be better for you than gold, since it's a little deeper, but both gold and silver works to. A DEEP WARM soft is still very much a DEEP, and typically soft and muted colors wont look as good. They just have a slightly softer intensity, and so without makeup and dyed hair, they look their best in DEEP WARM colors that are ever so slightly muted. DEEP WARM neutral, (Olivia Munn) is a classic example of how a DEEP WARM with a tan, can flow into DEEP COOL, and suit the cool colors almost "equally". Even though her skin has a warm undertone, many of the cooler hues can look good too. The only reason she is in fact more warm than cool, is because she looks really great in DEEP WARM colors, the coolest and iciest hues can make her skin look a little red, and is overwhelmed by "goth" makeup. Also, silver and pure white seems harsher on her than gold and ivory, and it is especially obvious with little or no makeup on. A true DEEP COOL can look good in silver, goth and icy colors, as well as pure white, even when pale. However, the neutral does share the dislike for lighter hair. DEEP COOL, also has their version of a neutral, embodied by Kim Kardashian, and both her and Olivia Munn will look good in many of the same colors. The difference is that Olivia Munn has the typical warm feature of being sensitive to pure white, and silver, whereas Kim K looks great in those colors too. If you have difficulty deciding whether you are warm or cold, and lighter hair is not your thing; you're probably a neutral. DEEP WARM VARIATIONS
(My sources are "Color me beautiful", thechicfashionista.com, http://visual.ly/, http://www.truth-is-beauty.com/, the 12 seasons system, the 16 season system, and the basic four element system. I have made alterations and created my own system. Photos in this post are random pictures from Tumbler, Pinterest or borrowed from Google. Unknown source.) BEST DEEP COOL neutral LOOKS These outfits have been put together to create a better understanding of how to mix and match colors, contrasts, and materials to get that right look for your appointed group. (Photos in this post are borrowed from HM.COM, Jollychic.com, and a few are random pictures from Tumbler or Pinterest or borrowed from Google. Unknown source.)
BEST DEEP COOL soft LOOKS These outfits have been put together to create a better understanding of how to mix and match colors, contrasts, and materials to get that right look for your appointed group.
(Photos in this post are borrowed from HM.COM, Jollychic.com, and a few are random pictures from Tumbler or Pinterest or borrowed from Google. Unknown source.)
BEST DEEP COOL dark LOOKS These outfits have been put together to create a better understanding of how to mix and match colors, contrasts, and materials to get that right look for your appointed group.
(Photos in this post are borrowed from HM.COM, Jollychic.com, and a few are random pictures from Tumbler or Pinterest or borrowed from Google. Unknown source.)
BEST DEEP COOL true LOOKS These outfits have been put together to create a better understanding of how to mix and match colors, contrasts, and materials to get that right look for your appointed group.
(Photos in this post are borrowed from HM.COM, Jollychic.com, and a few are random pictures from Tumbler or Pinterest or borrowed from Google. Unknown source.)
DEEP COOL If you suit silver best, but gold is fine. Blueish red, pure pink, ink black and pure white, icy colors, jewel tones, deep, and vibrant primary colors are fantastic on you. Your natural coloring is vibrant, deep and distinctive. The overall coloring of your eyes and hair, is dark, rich and intense. Your best colors are high in contrast to your dark hues, and always bold, fully saturated and pure. Some Deep Cool can flow into Deep Warm, and wear some Deep Warm colors. Dusty, warm and muted tones, and wishy washy pastels, such as dirty browns and soft peachy tones, does not do you justice. Try to keep your look rich, and remember, a true DEEP COOL, can wear dark red lipstick, black eyeliner and a dark blue dress without looking goth. Oprah Winfrey, Kelly Rowland, Naomi Campbell, Eva Longoria, Kim Kardashian, America Ferrera, Penelope Cruz, Lucy Liu, Anne Hathaway, Sandra Bullock, Demi Moore, and Ginnifer Goodwin. IF YOU ARE A DEEP COOL, YOU MAY HAVE Eyes: Usually very dark, but can be any color. Normally, black, black-brown, dark hazel, and in some instances medium brown eyes, which is a sign that you're flowing into Deep Autumn. Hair: Usually very dark, and you natural color is most likely deep brown, black, or black-brown. But it also may be medium brown, steel gray, or salt & pepper. Skin: Can be quite pale, very dark, or anywhere in between. Black, black-brown, olive, beige, very pale beige, golden, light skin with a blue or pink undertone, or even fair skin with a yellow undertone. Cool skin tones usually have a blue, red, pure golden or pink undertone, but your skin may also have some warmth which is a sign that you are flowing into DEEP WARM. Don't be too concerned with whether or not the people in the photos match your identical color combination, such as tan, hair color and eyes. The most important thing is that you have the right contrast level, and look good in the colors on the chart. If you do feel the need to identify with the DEEP COOL "poster girls", best to google the names above without makeup, natural hair color and in daylight. Makeup, lighting, spray-tans, and photoshop can change the overall appearance a lot. A typical DEEP COOL, are those whose overall coloring is rather dark, deep, mostly cool, and vivid. Some of them may have a slight warmth to a few or all of their features, such as warm brown, green or hazel eyes, brown hair, or a tan skin. All DEEP COOL's are a mix between earthy warm and cold and dark. In other words, a mix between CLEAR COOL and MUTED WARM (in classical terms a winter with a dash of autumn), as they are equally dark an deep. Being right in the middle between warm and cold (DEEP COOL and DEEP WARM) makes it possible for both of these types to look good in some of the same colors, such as gold, true red, deep blue and flame orange. The difference is that a DEEP COOL looks better in cool shades and has a cool undertone to their overall look. You can tell by the fact that they look great in black (even without makeup), deep and dark blue, deep blue-reds, deep blue-greens, icy colors, and cold greenish yellow. Silver and platinum are the metallics that compliment a DEEP COOL best, because it has the right shine for their intense chilled look. The difference between the other high contrast group; the much brighter, icier CLEAR COOL, is that the DEEP COOL is a little darker, deeper and has a hint of earth tones in the mix. A DEEP COOL's most flattering look is high in contrasts combined with intense colors. Prints without contrast and hues that are dirty or faded, does absolutely nothing for you. If you're pale, black gives you the best contrast, and white won't work as well by it self without another intense color to "help" the look (e.g. black and white patterns). If your skin is very dark, an all black outfit might diminish you. So, also here the trick would be to create contrast, with the help of other light or strong colors. Being the deepest and darkest of all the groups, a DEEP COOL looks best in pure, rich, and dark colors. DEEP COOL features are brought to life by deep and dark colors that echo their own natural depth and contrast level. This means that you can wear dark red lipstick, black eyeliner and a dark blue dress without looking goth. Truly soft and pale colors make you look blend or unbalanced. Lighter shades are best when complimented by darker and deeper colors. In other words, always use dark or deep colors together with lighter colors to create that contrast and depth, and to balance your own dark features. Dark hair is really the only look for a DEEP COOL, and mousy softer shades, light red and all shades of blond are not hair colors for this dark shading. Most DEEP COOL's look "wishy washy" and fake with blond hair, as it drains color from the face. Whilst, dark hair makes the features appear more defined and fresher. Red hair can also run the risk of look unbecoming, especially if it's too warm. WORST COLORS ARE Dusty and muted tones, and wishy washy pastels, such as dirty browns and soft peachy tones. Remember that your biggest "no" colors are the ones that will clash with either your eye, skin or hair color, no matter if everything else tells you it should be great. A Deep Cool needs pure, deep and icy colors, as well as high contrast. So if there is not enough contrast to your natural coloring, it wont compliment you as well. Now that you know which "season" you belong to, and what type of colors that suits your chilled intensity, you might feel that you sometimes also fit into some colors that aren't that pure or only cool. This might mean you have a "soft" or "neutral" tendency, and that you look better in , or can get away with more colors that are either softer or warmer. But never go too soft and muted, or all warm and earthy. You can still run the risk of looking faded and dull, because you are above all DEEP, and need pure hues. These colors are based on your natural coloring, and might vary a little from one DEEP COOL to another, but that's what the "add on" is for. For example, you can be a DEEP COOL true, or should I say simply deep and cool (Sandra Bullock). This is a classic DEEP COOL, and Sandra Bullock is a perfect example of how not all a DEEP COOL's with a tan flow into DEEP WARM). If you are a DEEP COOL true, the rules above should apply to you more or less perfectly. DEEP COOL dark, (Oprah Winfrey) has the darkest and deepest overall coloring of all the DEEP COOL's, and usually especially dark eyes and hair. Therefore, they need a little more drama to achieve the flattering contrast look, and the most vibrant and pure colors would be the best on this sub-group. Because of their (normally) deep skin tone, they usually flow a little into DEEP WARM, but not as much as an neutral. DEEP COOL soft, (Ginnifer Goodwin) looks their best in DEEP COOL colors, but needs a little splash of grey in them. This sub-group is also the only type of DEEP COOL to have a sensitivity regarding pure white. For those who are very pale, white wont give enough contrast together with the (out of character for a DEEP) soft hazel eyes or not so rich hair color. Light grey, a softer/dirty white, or black and white patterns would be better. Also, silver is your best metal, and bronze is better for you than gold, since it's a little softer and deeper. A DEEP COOL soft has a slightly softer intensity, and so they look their best in DEEP COOL colors that are ever so slightly muted. DEEP COOL neutral, (Kim Kardashian) is a classic example of how a DEEP COOL with a tan can flow into DEEP WARM, and suit the warm colors "equally". Her natural skin color is somewhat neutral, and you can tell that the warm and soft hues aren't that great without the tan. The only reason she is in fact more cool than warm, is because she can look fantastic in "goth" makeup, and amazing in pure black as well as all white, without makeup. Plus, she doesn't suit blonder hair. A true DEEP WARM can look good in warm hues, even when pale, and lightened hair (not too blond) could actually be flattering. For a real DEEP WARM, check out her sister Kourtney Kardashian. DEEP WARM, also has their version of a neutral, embodied by Olivia Munn, and both her and Kim K will look good in many of the same colors. The difference is that Olivia Munn has the typical warm feature of being sensitive to pure white and silver, whereas Kim K looks great in those colors too. If you have difficulty deciding whether you are warm or cold, you're probably a neutral. DEEP COOL VARIATIONS
(My sources are "Color me beautiful", thechicfashionista.com, http://visual.ly/, http://www.truth-is-beauty.com/, the 12 seasons system, the 16 season system, and the basic four element system. I have made alterations and created my own system. Photos in this post are random pictures from Tumbler, Pinterest or borrowed from Google. Unknown source.) THE RULES OF WEARING COLORS INTRODUCTION TO THE RULES AND COLOR GROUPS There are many different Color Analysis systems to help you determine which colors best suit your natural palette, but unfortunately, both myself and many of my slightly "mixed" looking friends, don't fit into any of them. And if one fits me, it certainly won't work for some of the others, and so on. I always feel like something is missing, and it seems that the typical color seasons are based on the more typical color combinations. So, in other words, if you have the "wrong" combination or intensity, you will have a hard time finding your group. Take me, as an example. My contrast level is in the middle range, I have golden brown hair (the lighting in the photo makes it look a little red), an olive undertone to my skin, peachy pink areas, and cold green eyes (which means they can appear blue-ish, but if you hold something blue next to them, you can tell that they are green in comparison). My dominant feature is warm (so that would rule out "Winter and Summer"), and I have noticed that I need contrast to look my best. Colors of brighter (but not too bright) or equal intensity makes me "pop", and pale hues other than white and grey, does nothing for me. I get compliments in both (some) earthy and golden shades, as well as warm and bright, sunny colors. But olive green, dirty and cool colors wash me out, or make me look grey-ish orange (so that would rule out anything in the typical "Autumn" family). Just from reading up on the subject I would say that I actually look more like a "Soft Autumn" (what my brother is), "Warm Spring", or a "True Spring", but many of those colors are too pale, cool, and/or dirty and "autumn" for me. I am better in green than blue, and my truly best colors are mint, aqua, ivory, sunny golden yellow, bright peachy pink and tomato red. In conclusion, I suit clear and warm enough colors to be a Spring. But, now the problem is that none of the groups that already exist, are quite right (There were several colors in the charts that made me think, "no way" or "not my best"). After that, I discovered an Elements color system that determined that I am a "Fire" (sort of a Spring), but that system neglected some other combinations. Confusing? I know. Which brings me to my next step. To figure this out (with inspiration from the already well researched rules of Color Analysis), I created my own 10 Color Groups system, with a total of 30 varieties. The 10 Groups system is created to identify what type of colors you generally look good in. The 30 Add on's determines your group within the group, ergo, which other types you border to. This will help you specify which hues will be best for your intensity (to give you that right glow), and let you know which other groups you can "borrow" some colors from (without looking bad). Last but not least, which ones to stay away from. Instead of separating everything into a large number of divisions, I wanted to give you an understanding of your colors in such a way that it would be possible to "play" with your hues on a larger scale (or narrow it down). Because we all know we want to wear the colors we like, not only the ones we look good in. The key is to know how to get away with it, so you don't have to end up looking blend in your favorite black dress. DETERMINE YOU COLOR GROUP IN 5 STEPS 1. WARM OR COOL UNDERTONE First determine if you are warm or cold. If you suit gold best, orange-red, ivory, green with yellow in it, and in general warm colors , such as golden browns or other earthy tones, peachy hues, or sunny yellows, you are WARM. If you suit silver best, blueish red, pure or soft white, and in general cold colors, such as jewel tones, icy hues, powdery or bright blue, and berry colors, you are COOL. You also may be NEUTRAL. So if you suit both gold and silver, your next step would be to determine if you look better in warm colors or the cool colors (listed above). A neutral will still have a general preference towards either the warm og cool colors. It just means that you are almost in between groups. 2. CONTRAST LEVEL Now, you are going to decide if your overall coloring is DEEP (very saturated and dark, has a high contrast level, and can handle deep and dark colors well) LIGHT (very delicate, fair, and has a low contrast level. Usually very sensitive to colors, and best in light and delicate tones) CLEAR (very high in contrast or can handle bright colors even if you have a medium contrast level or light hair) PURE (You may have a clear or soft look, but your contrast level is in the middle range, and on top of that you're still a little sensitive to bright, dark or earthy colors) SOFT (neither dark nor light, or all warm nor all cold. Just in the middle to low contrast range. Usually suits soft-muted tones with a little grey or earthiness in them) MUTED (You may have a strong and earthy coloring, but you're contrast level is in the middle range. Also, sensitive to colors that aren't toned down). Kim Kardashian is a DEEP, and has a naturally high level of contrast. Her dark hair, eyes and eyebrows offer that sharp black and white contrast, even with her tan skin. Angelina Jolie is a SOFT, and has a medium level of contrast. Even though she has fair skin and somewhat dark hair, this picture appear to be more grey scale than black and white. January Jones is a LIGHT, and has an overall low contrast level. Her hair, skin and eyes are all similarly light, which makes her look all light grey. (If you have a dark coloring, but have a medium to low contrast level, you probably belong in one of the pure, muted, or soft groups). Your choices are DEEP COOL or DEEP WARM, CLEAR COOL or CLEAR WARM PURE COOL or MUTED WARM LIGHT COOL or LIGHT WARM SOFT COOL or SOFT WARM as in the charts below. This represent your main colors, or season if you may. This are the groups that tell you which colors that are good on you and will get you compliments, what hair color you can or cannot dye your hair, and which colors that are your worst enemies. These combinations are based on contrast level, intensity and undertone of your hair, eyes and skin. Use the charts underneath as a guide for more specific information. It could be helpful to try and think about what element you are. If the colors you look good in remind you of FIRE (warm and clear), ICE (deep, cool and clear), EARTH (warm and muted, deep or soft), or AIR (cool, and light, soft and pure), or maybe you are NEUTRAL (both warm and cold features)? If you are WARM or a mix between WARM and COOL, but look bad in yellow, look at the SOFT groups.
3. INDIVIDUAL NTENSITY The next step is to determine whether you are a "true" (of whatever group you belong to), or if you need an "add on" to your existing group, such as if you are softer, brighter, deeper than the typical look, and so on. If you intensity is slightly cusping towards another group, it would widen your palette, which means that you can borrow some colors from "name-friend" groups, as long as they fit your "profile" (NB! These are not considered makeup free colors though, and is best to use when you look fresh (as if in, not when you need a vacation and haven't seen the sun in more than 6 months). This also means that you can figure out exactly which colors that are the most incredible on you, within your own group. I have discovered 30 variations, but not all groups mix. For example you can be a DEEP COOL dark (dark skin, hair and eyes), DEEP cool true (true, means that you are simply just deep and cool), DEEP COOL soft (your hair or eyes are slightly softer than the typical DEEP COOL) and DEEP COOL neutral (For those who are a both warm and cold, and cusping on the neighboring season). Now, how can you be both soft and deep, you say? Take Ginnifer Goodwin for an example. She looks best in DEEP COOL colors, but she has hazel eyes (slightly softer than brown and black), and her natural hair color is slightly lighter than dark brown. It also appear to be a little ashy. So, combined it makes her overall, a bit softer. These days, she colors her hair darker, which makes her look even deeper, and that makes her more true to her color group. (This doesn't mean that you must color your hair. Being a little off is very interesting and beautiful in a less stereotypical way). Or, maybe you have found your group, but you still feel that you can wear more or less colors than your group offers. A MUTED WARM such as Rachel Weisz, can still be cute in some clear colors, which makes her a MUTED WARM clear, and a CLEAR WARM such Lauren Conrad is often pegged as a SOFT WARM, but looks her best in clear colors. Which makes her a CLEAR WARM soft. People usually fit in two categories. 1. You can handle warmer colors better when you get tan in the summer, and cooler color when you are pale in the winter (Typical for the more neutral DEEP and SOFT), or the other way around. 2. You can only handle other colors outside of your own group when you are tan, wearing makeup, and look fresh (Typical CLEAR, MUTED, PURE and LIGHT). For example, DEEP COOL's such as Kim Kardashian, that are flowing into DEEP WARM, can use DEEP WARM colors when they have a tan (She usually spray tan these days), but naturally, she has a cooler and lighter skin tone, which makes her a DEEP COOL neutral). THE ADD ON'S As we have established before, your dominant or secondary feature can be either WARM, COOL, LIGHT, SOFT, CLEAR, PURE, MUTED or DEEP. The add on is just that extra word that helps you understand you coloring and intensity, to a point. neutral, means that you are so close to another group, cusping right on the edge, so much that you are both groups. (Such as Kim Kardashian in DEEP COOL, Olivia Munn in DEEP WARM, Naomi Watts in LIGHT COOL, Heather Graham in LIGHT WARM). true, means that you are the poster girl for your group. All the rules flatter you perfectly. A real, pure and true..... (Such as Sandra Bullock in DEEP COOL, Julia Roberts in DEEP WARM, Zooey Deschanel in CLEAR COOL, Julianne Moore in MUTED WARM, Maggie Gyllenhaal in PURE COOL, Cameron Diaz in CLEAR WARM, and Busy Philipps in LIGHT WARM). soft, means that you have a softer than usual (for your group), intensity (or contrast level) to your (natural) eyes, skin or hair. You need a little dash of grey to the brightest of your colors to look perfect. It can also mean that you are flowing into one another similar but less intense group. Basically you are slightly warmer and more muted then the rest of your group. (Such as, Ginnifer Goodwin in DEEP COOL, Kristin Kreuk in DEEP WARM, Jamie Lee Curtis in CLEAR COOL, Lily Cole in MUTED WARM, Elisabeth Hurley in PURE COOL, Leslie Mann in CLEAR WARM, Michelle Pfeiffer in LIGHT COOL, Amy Adams in LIGHT WARM). bright, means that you have a high tolerance and need for contrast, such as features that can compete with bright colors and stark contrasts. Can sometimes flow over in a warmer or cooler neighboring group. (Such as, Megan Fox in CLEAR COOL, and Beyonce in CLEAR WARM) clear, means that you can handle some clearer colors, such as some of the CLEAR COOL or CLEAR WARM colors, because you have features that can compete with some more intense hues. But you will always stay on your side of warm and cool. (Such as Eva Marcille in MUTED WARM, and Jennifer Garner in LIGHT COOL). deep, means that you have either deeper and darker eyes, skin or hair, than what is normal for your group (Such as Nicole Richie and Angelina Jolie in SOFT WARM, and Rashida Jones and Leona Lewis in SOFT COOL) dark, means that your overall coring is so "dark", that it seems lower in contrast (but it's not). Even pure colors will be very dramatic on you (and give you a fresh look), in comparison to you dark and sharp coloring. It's a little bit of an optical illusion. (Such as Oprah Winfrey and Eva Longoria, in DEEP COOL, or Solange and Mindy Kaling, in DEEP WARM). E.g. If you are a SOFT WARM deep, CLEAR WARM bright or MUTED WARM clear, you have a higher intensity than what is common for your group, and can pull of darker and brighter colors as well. If you end up being CLEAR COOL true, then you can only use colors that are in fact, clear and cool. And so on... 5. AD IT UP First, think about which colors suit you best. Looks can be deceiving, and only a guideline to help you recognize your group. Your main group, is your "solid", and tells you what colors are the absolute best for you. The add on's are just hints in other directions. Such as if you need a little more of this or that... So, now we know wether you are a DEEP COOL or DEEP WARM, with the slight angle towards being neutral, soft or dark. CLEAR COOL or CLEAR WARM, with the slight angle towards soft or bright. PURE COOL or MUTED WARM, with the slight angle towards soft or clear. LIGHT COOL or LIGHT WARM with the slight angle toward being neutral or soft. SOFT COOL or SOFT WARM, with the slight angle towards deep or light. RESULT Ok! So, this might seem a little confusing at this point. But basically, it is like this. I am a CLEAR WARM soft (without makeup on). My olive skin color goes from a deep tan to light a tan, maybe even grey-green if I am particularly un-fresh. So, since I always have a tan, light eyes and a medium dark hair color, my overall contrast level is medium. Being a softer CLEAR WARM also means that my "makeup free look" should be, CLEAR WARM colors that are slightly muted (has a touch of grey in it), and that you can have a little earthiness to you and therefore suit some earthy and golden shades as well (but never too dirty, dusty or muted). But being a CLEAR WARM and needing contrast, I can look great in really bright colors as well, when wearing makeup to match. The best color for a CLEAR WARM will mirror your eye color, which in my case is, cold green. Also, the soft intensity means that the softer colors, will mirror my clear-soft eyes the best. Conclusion: My best color is a clear but slightly soft, aqua or mint green (blue and a green with a lot of lightness, brightness and yellow in them, so they appear to be both clear, warm and soft). If you like Beyonce is a CLEAR WARM with brown eyes, and a bright intensity, go for the shade of aqua-blue or turquoise that best suits the rest (hair and skin). Blue will bring out the brown in your eyes. If in doubt, yellow and ivory is always great on a CLEAR WARM. They are both clear and warm, and lighter than your skin color, which will give you a ("tan") fresh glow. (These four are my go to makeup free colors. They always save the day) Remember that your biggest no colors are the ones that will clash with either your eye, skin or hair color, no matter if everything else tells you it should be great (e.g. Blue looks great with my skin and hair, but not my eyes)
Keep in mind, that the people that have been used for these charts, all have makeup on, and possibly colored hair, so they may (cheat a little) look a as if they are a different type than they really are. Katy Perry is an excellent example of that, if you have ever seen her without makeup and black hair (it's a little washed out, and her features disappear). Here in the picture above, she has a little bit of makeup on (skin, eyebrows, mascara at least). With little to no makeup, the black hair is a bit too harsh for her, but with full makeup she looks sharp and clear. Also, it is very difficult to make one chart that includes every variation of the color combinations there is, so use the guide, because nothing can replace a good old fashion color analysis. Without it you cannot be absolutely certain of what group you belong to. Find a good size mirror, some color samples (clothes, accessories, fabric samples in colors representing all the groups (pure colors, dark colors, golden colors, muted colors, bright colors, light colors, soft colors, warm colors, cold colors and so on). Make sure you have on no (or very little) makeup, good lighting (day light. Indoor lighting can be yellow and change the appearance of colors), and also best to have a friend with you to get an objective opinion. Good luck :) If my system doesn't find you, then I would recommend the basic four elements (FIRE, EARTH, ICE and AIR). No fuzz and a wide range of colors (The only group I could identify with before, was "FIRE"). For more options and many details, you should try the 16 seasons color analysis system. They even have a Soft Spring (which is new), but the problem with that one was that the soft spring colors didn't suit me. Needless to say, I felt the need to create my own system...version, or what to call it. Stay tuned for the 10 following, detailed COLOR GROUP posts. Photography of me is by www.camillastorvollen.no (My sources are "Color me beautiful", thechicfashionista.com, http://visual.ly/, http://www.truth-is-beauty.com/, the 12 seasons system, the 16 season system, and the basic four element system. I have made alterations and created my own system. Photos in this post are random pictures from Tumbler, Pinterest or borrowed from Google. Unknown source.)
THE LESSON ABOUT WEARING COLORS It takes some time to find yourself, and decide what your "look" is going to be like. First you have to determine what signals you want to send the world, and match that with what you feel comfortable in. We've probably all had our wardrobe issues and beauty bleepers, leading up to that unavoidable; "what was I thinking" moment. Sometimes it's a "slave to the trends" kind of problem, or maybe you just don't want to draw too much attention to your self, and last but not least, there is the classic "rebellious phase". The common denominator of these styles is that they all represent a way of hiding yourself, and aren't really a projection of who you are. Only when you are comfortable in your own skin, can you truly use clothing to express your true self, and feel free to actually not give a s**t. Ultimately, figuring yourself out, is a challenge that will leave you with a lot of hilarious and embarrassing "old" photos (probably reminding you, for evermore on facebook). Personally, my biggest beauty bleeper (besides from bangs), was a poor choice or hair color. At first stroke of rebellion, I decided to color my hair mahogany red (which was kind of fab on me, actually). But, soon I got too comfortable with dying my hair, and that combined with a bad case the classic, and always dangerous, "idol-fever", it ended with pitch black hair, closely followed by about six years of period appropriate, "Christina Aguilera, circa 2003", moments. This particular case of "idol-fever" was caused by my older sister. Naturally, I thought she was really pretty, so growing up I wanted to look like her. I wanted black hair, brown eyes and snow white skin. Myself being the exact opposite, having golden brown hair, blue-green eyes and a naturally tan skin, I ended up looking orange with black hair (Or so I felt, and don't get me started on when I experimented with pale foundation, or the annoying obsession with dying my roots). In theory, I'm a big fan of bringing out what's unique about an individual, and personally I love an exotic look (I mean, the black hair really brought out my eyes. Just, not the rest of me). But in reality I looked like the love child of Snooki and Wednesday Addams, and some people thought I was the kind of person that would pick a fight. (Which brings me to....Why do people always tell you this stuff afterwards? That info would have come in handy at an earlier stage, but then again, maybe I wasn't ready to listen.) Many years later, after a friend finally talked me into growing my real color back. Not only do I feel more comfortable knowing the only "fake part" left is my makeup, but I've been told that I look more inviting, pleasant and wholesome with my natural hair color. And although I still like that edgy and spicy meets Bollywood look, it's so much easier achieving my goals, when people aren't afraid of me (Especially, since I've mostly been nice). I think we all have do's and dont's, beauty wise. We just can't follow the same rules. I look better with dark hair than blond, but my intensity dictates that I should draw the line at dark brown. The lesson is, just because you like the look, doesn't mean the look likes you. It's hard to figure out what will work for you, or what kind of colors that will compliment you best (Beautiful people look good in everything right?). What looks good on us, is defined by a series of small variations and combinations of depth, brightness, softness, warmth, coolness, and so on. And in contrary to popular beliefs, just being dark doesn't make you a winter, a redhead an autumn, or ashy blonds a typical summer. The good news is that many of the colors we like, is our subconscious picking up on what flatter us, but the rest is more a matter of taste. These days, I just wear black clothes (instead), even though it's not my best color. But when you really love something, some rules are made to be broken. The same way you can break a rule hear and there concerning your body type, the most important thing is the overall look, and there are some tricks that can help you get away with fashion obstacles. For example, when wearing black; I always wear eye liner, blush, something fresh on the lips, and make my eyebrows a little darker. That way I can handle the high contrast of the pitch black. It doesn't really give me a glow, but I certainly feel classy-cool, and thats the look I'm going for. If I want to be makeup free and fresh, there is only three choices; Ivory, mint green or lemon yellow. But that sunny colored and sweet look, is just not my kind of everyday look. (That said, I am working on finding the mythical creature called cool clothes in fresh colors. Just haven't been very successful yet). The first thing you need to know, is what does and doesn't suit you, so that you are in control of what you are doing. The best way to start is by getting a Color Analysis. Just as Body Typing helps you decide what shapes to wear, Color typing is that first step towards accepting your naturally born gifts, and get rid of unflattering fashion items (Better to give that stuff to someone who will use it for something other that closet decoration, right?). There are many different color analysis systems to help you determine which colors best suit your natural palette, but unfortunately, both myself and many of my slightly "mixed" looking friends, don't fit into any of them. And if one fits me, it certainly won't work for my sister, and so on. I always feel like something is missing, and it seems that the typical color seasons are based on the more typical color combinations. So, in other words, if you have the "wrong" combination or intensity, you will have a hard time finding your group. I have determined what colors work for me, but I still try to pin point my exact season (ever since I discovered my mothers, "Color me beautiful" book). Also, I'm sort of in love with organizing, so I need a system. Finally, I just decided to do something about it. Colors have always been one of my better skills, so I thought, "Why not?". I have pondered on this subject for a whole year, and eventually come up with my own Color Typing System, one that is both bigger and smaller than the regular ones. The already existing ones are great, but they didn't fit my type of logic, and apparently my looks didn't quite fit the logic of those systems either. I started on this project a year ago, and it has taken me a really long time, a lot of obsessive thinking, cross checking, trying it out and reorganizing. It basically took over my life for some periods. But now, finally (as all creative people, my gut is telling me that ), I'm finished. Everything adds up (the way I see it), and if it doesn't; there's a system in place for that. It might need some tweaks here and there, but a test drive is imperative before you know if it works smoothly. And, the rules of wearing colors, is exactly what my next series of post's are about. So stay tuned, if you too want to figure out what Color Group you belong to. Photography by: www.camillastorvollen.no
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ETHICAL AND PERSONALIZED STYLE, FOR A "GOOD FOR YOU" WARDROBE.Idealist style is a website and "slow blog" dedicated to ethical fashion and personalized style, including tips on how to find your very own "slow fashion" style by using color analysis, the body types system, and other slow fashion tips.» Archives
January 2020
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