Had colour analysis but how do you put the colours together?

[Jemster]

I have had my colours done and have a colour wallet full of swatches but I am really struggling to use it well. I find it hard to find many of the colours in the shops so it actually is making buying clothes harder. My colours are warm, muted, & deep (not sure if that makes me an Autumn?)
How do I put the colours together? Will any two or three from the wallet go together or are certain ones meant to go together? Should I just be looking at plain colours or can I pick patterned things with one of the colours in the pattern? I am not a natural at this and don't really have an eye for style, but now I've paid for the analysis I'd like to try and use it. Can anyone help please?

[FrugalFashionista]

Your colors will be in the shops in Aug/Sept. Lie low for a bit, go through you current wardrobe. Start with simple outfits that combine two of your neutrals or one bright and one neutral. Read blogs/pins/fashion magazines and see how your colors are used there.

[Hopefully]

Can I ask who you had you colours done with? I'm guessing Colour Me Beautiful from the season description. IME not all the colours in their wallets (I was incorrectly diagnosed by them many moons ago) go together, but it's a shame your consultant didn't spend time talking through with you how to use your wallet, shop with it, sort your wardrobe/make up etc. Maybe drop her an email and ask for guidance.

I am an Autumn, fwiw, but diagnosed with HoC and I know there are some differences between the swatch books.

[Jemster]

No it wasn't CMB it was an independent lady. I would say she got the colours right for me as things I have bought in the colours do suit me. I just don't know how to put an outfit together using the colours, eg the clothes, accessories, shoes etc. I still have a tendency for work to wear black trousers and a coloured top which isn't really making the most of my colour analysis.

[FrugalFashionista]

Some ideas here. But browse magazines and Pin, find looks that you like (in your new colors) and copy them? When you are more familiar with your colors and have looked at different outfits for a while combining becomes much easier.

[Hopefully]

I would maybe start by picking a couple of neutrals (you probably have something like dark brown/dark olive/charcoal/petrol navy in your palette?) and using that as your new black. Coloured tops are great, stick with them (or use a pale neutral like cream/apricot/light khaki), and add a scarf, or other splash, in one of your favourite/best colours.

[Jemster]

Ok thank you. I guess with my colours then it rules out a lot of the bright stuff that's in the shops now, bright coloured jeans etc? It's tricky when the fashions are not really in your colours. Are there any particular shops that cater well for Autumns generally?

[FrugalFashionista]

Hobbs NW3 often have autumn-type colors.
Hoss Intropia possibly worth a look too.
Another option is to scan big discounters, Outnet and Yoox online or TK Maxx instore - they all sell clothes from past seasons, have a huge variety of ranges and styles, and if you choose wisely, you may find bargainous things.

[janmoomoo]

I had my colours done a few years ago and am autumn - strong and warm colours are what I need. There just aren't many of those around at this time of year, and it is harder to buy summer clothes. But any strong shade of orange, teal, purple, red, and navy is good. Jeans and white trousers go with any coloured top. Get a few scarfs in your colours to lift existing outfits. I do wear black but with a beige or gold scarf near my face. Also I often just think about the opposite advice ie just to avoid pastels, pales, & washed out colours.

But I wouldnt worry too much as I think it took me about a year to get my wardrobe totally co-ordinated, don't expect it to happen overnight. In about a years time you will get up one morning and suddenly realise you love everything in your wardrobe and it all goes together and you havent had a "clothes crisis" morning for a couple of months!

[Jemster]

Thank you all for your help. In my wallet the colours are in 3 groups muted, deep and warm. It also refers to neutrals, what does that mean?

Janmoomoo I get what you mean about avoiding pales & pastels but some of the muteds are quite dull i.e khaki, grey green, would these not wash me out? Are there certain colours in the range that are best worn away from the face?

I have had a look on pinterest and its very good, gives lots of ideas how to wear the colours. There's a lot of soft autumns on there though which don't look like my colours.

Thanks for all the help - I need it!

[Jemster]

TravelinColour your earlier advice was v helpful. I do have the colours you mentioned so could look for jeans in those and will look in h&m.

I had my colours done about two years ago just before I fell pregnant. I didn't really follow it while pregnant or the year after as was in limited clothes. Now I'd like to buy some new clothes in the right colours so I found my wallet but can't remember how she said to use it. I know if I was to go back and contact her she would charge me for the advice and I can't afford that right now.

I'll have a go next time I'm out shopping and see what I end up with! I look rubbish since having baby so just want to buy a few nice things that suit me and go together.