Shopping and planning outfits isn’t just about finding the right accessories, size or shape. Colour is a key component in making the perfect outfit or party dresses pop. And just like with a woman’s shape, everyone’s colouring is different. Our hair, our eyes, our skin; they complete our look but don’t necessarily compliment the colour we choose for our clothes.
And when you are planning to attend a surprise birthday party, host a bridal shower or attend a wedding that an abundance of photos will be taken at; it’s necessary to find the right dress but also the right colour that compliments you.
First things first, determine your season which can be broken down by the colour of your hair, skin and eyes.
According to exclusivelondon.com:
• Spring tones or light complexions. If you’re one of the rarer strawberry blondes with freckles, pink cheeks and light eyes; spring tones will help illuminate your natural radiance.
• Summer tones or cool complexions. With soft pink skin, these women are usually naturally blonde or light brunettes with light eyes. This is me in a nutshell. I’m a born-blonde with green eyes so summer tones really brighten me up!
• Autumn tones or warm complexions. I’m secretly jealous of these beauties. Plenty of women with red hair, browns and golden skin can wear some of the most gorgeous autumn tones.
• Winter tones or deep complexions. If you’re pale white, olive or dark with darker hair and eyes you probably fit in this category. For example, my mother is Italian with rich, olive skin and dark brown hair. She is the perfect candidate for winter tones.
Once you’ve determined your season’s colours, you can start having a bit of fun! I suggest trying on different shades advised for your colour palette and decide what you love best!
Need some party dress suggestions that go along with your season? Here’s some inspiration…
Winter Tones
Black is chic and flattering, but not on everyone. It has the tendency to be too severe on lighter tones. But if you’re a deep winter (or a warm autumn), a little black party dress could be just what you need to stand out in the crowd. Again, for a deep winter try out pure whites. When you’re darker all over, these simple, classic colours will set off your natural warmth.
Fashion Star Dress, Sleeveless Halter Ruched Bubble Skirt at Macy’s $99.00
Free People Gypsy Dress at Piperlime $128
Autumn Tones
Reminiscent of bronze goddesses because of their golden undertones, autumns can pull off beige, gold, orange and even dark brown. All of these colours bring about their natural glow, like they’ve come from a week-long vacation in St. Barts. Autumn women have the opportunity to wear colours that simply don’t work for others. For example, orange can go wrong quite fast. Don’t forget about black or white though, worn with the right colourful accessories your outfit will still inspire your natural colouring while still wearing those classic shades.
Draped One-Shoulder cocktail dress at Dillards $258.00
Aidan Mattox Sequin Dress at Dillards $290.00
Lauren by Ralph Lauren 3/4-Sleeve Boatneck Dress at Dillards $107.40
Summer Tones
Summer girls, with the beautiful pale complexions and especially rosey cheeks should be embracing pastels. Pale blues, lilacs and maybe a little plum should all be worn by summers. And in my opinion, your cool palette is of the most romantic out of the bunch! No matter if you decide to use solid colours or mix the pastels in with a beautiful print, these lighter shades will work wonders for your creamy skin.
Jessica Simpson One Shoulder Jersey Mini Dress at Nordstrom $98
Adrianna Papell Tiered Chiffon Dress at Nordstrom $138
Haute Hippie Strapless Silk Ruffle Dress at Nordstrom $385
Spring Tones
Are you a peachy girl? All the porcelain dolls out there, like Nicole Kidman, have the ability to wear some of the most feminine colours. Peaches and corals are right where you need to be. Although red might be too harsh for your skin, try out burnt oranges or even a bright green. Don’t make the mistake of going pastel. Those light shades worn around Easter will only wash you out. But a peach, coral or a bright blue will liven up your already light but bright complexion.
Julie Dillon Dress – V Neck Printed Dress at Bloomingdale’s $158.00
Shalom Sunburst Pleated Dress at Bloomingdale’s $328.00
Jessica Simpson One Shoulder Ruffle Dress at Nordstrom $128
By Grace Lynne Fleming
