The Life-Changing Magic of Color |

Last September, I wrote a blog about my friend Lori. I had taken her to Janna’s studio for a color consultation. Six months later, this is how Lori describes her experience: “Color has changed my life. I know it sounds crazy, but it’s true.”

Janna told Lori she was a Light-Bright color type.

Lori sees how some prints work better than others for her color type.

Janna gave Lori a tutorial where Lori learned that she was a Light-Bright color type. She also learned which colors, patterns, and fabrics were most flattering for her, and which of them to steer clear of.

Lori was a quick study. She took all the info Janna presented and began implementing it right away.

Lori immediately went through her closet and got rid of all the clothes that were not on her Light-Bright color chart. She said she never even wore most of them. Now she knew why–because they weren’t her best colors.

Lori has always loved color (as you can see from her drawer), but now she can “see” the difference in shades. Light and bright colors really accentuate her eyes and skin, giving her a fresh, vibrant look.

IMG_3020-1 — “These colors were either too dull or not the correct shade. That’s why I never wore them.” says Lori. “Good riddance.”

She started choosing colors that were clear and bright.

Lori studied her color chart and began wearing colors that naturally complimented her eyes and complexion.

She didn’t throw out all her neutrals, though. Now if she has to wear a less than flattering color, like gray or black, she creates a Color Break (Quintessential Style, page 28) by wearing a flattering scarf or necklace at her face.

FullSizeRender-24 — Turquoise is a great color for light-brights.

She also discovered that pattern-size matters. A lot.

Lori becomes a ‘headless horseman’ wearing this high contrast large print.

A smaller, less contrasting print is better for her color type.

“Even if I find a print in the right colors, if the print is too large, it can just overwhelm me.” Lori says.

Lori uses her color chart at every turn. Whether she’s choosing clothing, makeup, or accessories. She says she even goes to her chart to help pick out colors for her home.

This is Lori’s kitchen–light and bright, and totally HER!

Do you know your best colors? What color type are you?

(Light-Bright, Contrast, Muted, or Gentle?)

Refer to Chapter 3 in Quintessential Style to help you determine your color type. Then, check out the Color Type Information on our website. As Janna says in the book, “Some color types are very clear cut, while others are harder to determine.”

At a recent nail appointment, I decided to use my own color swatches to help choose a good polish color. (I’m a light-bright color type, too.)