Trends are always cyclical (that's why we're witnessing the unfortunate return of low-rise jeans), and this year color analysis is back in a big way. Last popular in the 1980s, color analysis helps you find your “season” – that is, what tones look best on your skin. If you're a winter type, cool, saturated jewel tones will look good on you, while if you're a spring type, warmer, brighter tones will look good on you.
Colour analysis has become a thing on TikTok, with hundreds of videos (and parodies) demonstrating the process: stylists judge colour by holding different coloured fabrics in front of your face to show you which fabrics will make you feel cheerful and energised, and which will make you look tired.
Supported by art and science
While the videos may be theatrical, color analysis is grounded in aesthetic principles and psychology. The trend was started by Carol Jackson's book, Color Me Beautiful. Color analysis combines color theory — the longstanding artistic principle of which color combinations work — with color psychology, a field that studies the effects of color on emotions and behavior.
As we learned in grade school art class, some hues on the color wheel are naturally complementary to other hues.
“If done right, that information can be extremely valuable when used well,” says Zaina Rose, image strategist and communications consultant.
Dress effortlessly
The goal of finding colors that suit you is to make shopping and getting dressed easier, because you already know that dark reds and pale blues look best on you. This certainly makes sense: having a catalog of colors that you know look good on you makes it easier to put together an outfit or choose items to put in your online shopping cart.
“Having a detailed understanding of the palette that works best for you will make it easier to make a decision and ensure you're happy with the look,” says Rose.
Another benefit is that the color is determined by your skin tone, so once assessed, it stays that way for life. Unlike skin care products or hairstyles that can change over time, these colors are yours forever.
Don't forget to play
As with all beauty trends, don't take color theory too seriously: It's meant to simplify life, reduce decision fatigue, and give you style confidence. If you feel like it's starting to tighten your wardrobe with an iron grip (you can't buy anything purple), you've gone too far.
“I believe you should wear whatever makes you feel good, whether it's in your ideal shade or not,” says Rose.
There are no hard and fast rules in fashion, so if you see an item you love in a color that's out of season, there's nothing wrong with buying it and wearing it with confidence.
