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Original poster

Would you recommend getting your colours done?

31 replies

AColdDuncanGoodhew · 27/01/2022 10:07

I'm 35 year old mum of twins and a theatre nurse. At work I wear scrubs so going to and from work I wear the same thing everyday consisting of leggings and a baggy jumper.

Most days at home consist of loungewear type joggies/jumpers/hoodies and if I'm going out with a friend I'll stick on jeans and a jumper.

I have some dresses that I wear in the summer, maxi floating style.

I've never been in to fashion at all, it's not something I've ever really gotten the hang off, I'm much more into skincare and makeup.

I'm starting to feel really frumpy now, I like to be comfortable hence why leggings are my go to. I don't ever wear things that are shaped, always baggy.

I've no idea where to start with clothes, I've thought about finding a personal shopper when COVID restrictions allow us to try on clothes again.

Would you recommend getting colours done? Is it essential?

OP posts:
mvmvmvmv · 27/01/2022 10:09

You can try clothes on again now. Do you have any large department store near you that stock multiple brands and offer a personal shopping service? Eg John Lewis? Could be a good place to start.

Never had colours done so can’t offer an opinion there.

Original poster
AColdDuncanGoodhew · 27/01/2022 10:29

There's no department stores in my town but I'm only 45 minute from Glasgow so could head up there to John Lewis. That's a good idea I'll have a search and see if they're offering it again.

OP posts:
newdocket · 27/01/2022 10:33

Yes, I would really recommend. Not something I probably would have done off my own back, but was given to me. I found it really helpful. Not least because it means I can be much more focused/efficient when shopping; I know which colours suit me and which ones don't.

dreamingofsun · 27/01/2022 11:32

i found it useful. I also found going into a clothes shop i liked at a quiet time and asking one of the nicer looking shop assistants to help. she found several things i wouldnt have thought of and was good and sorting out what looked good/bad

GucciBear · 27/01/2022 12:38

Very much so. I don't head for black all the time now!

IlonaRN · 27/01/2022 12:40

Yes, I highly recommend it!

Having your colours done means that you can be certain to choose colours which suit you. It makes shopping much easier (as only need to look at the things in your colours to see if the shape is good, rather than also consider all colours).

Also, all your clothes will go together well. There won't be anything where you think "I have nothing to wear with that".

And you will know what shades of makeup suit you!

For me at least, it was one of the best things I did.

psuedocream3 · 27/01/2022 13:20

I've never had my colours done, I tend to crop a photo of me to just my head and then place it at the top of the image of the outfit on my computer to see if it'll suit me lol. Black, cream, dark green and navy blue are my colors.

As an aside, John Lewis do online consultations via video call now so you don't need to go to a store. Or if you want to just try new things then Stich Fix or similar do a consultation service and send you items monthly (I think) to try and you just keep what you want or send it back, costs £10 a box, then whatever you buy ontop.

FormerlySpeckledyHen · 27/01/2022 13:20

100% ditto to IlonaRNs post.

Artichokeleaves · 27/01/2022 13:35

Yes, absolutely. I've tried several different ones out of interest, HoC have consistently been great. It's a fun self care experience apart from anything else, but it is nice to know the colours that really work best for you.

riverpebbles · 27/01/2022 15:29

Yes! I loved the House of Colour. Also had my style done by them a little later and it was brilliant. I can now look at other people and appreciate that it looks good on them but wouldn't on me. Makes shopping so much easier.

Original poster
AColdDuncanGoodhew · 27/01/2022 19:00

Apologies all! I didn't get any notifications.

Thanks for your replies, I think I'll do it, black is absolutely my colour of choice. My entire wardrobe is black and grey.

OP posts:
theleafandnotthetree · 27/01/2022 19:07

Definitely do it, I make very few mistakes in terms of purchases since I did and as others have said, it makes the whole shopping experience more efficient. Whole sections of shops, sometimes even whole shops can be discounted. Anything that has beigy or muddy colours, I won't even walk into. More than that, you discover that if something is the right colour on you close to your face, it not only makes you look so much better, it is easier to spend less and still look good. No matter how expensive the top, if it's the wrong colour, you don't feel right or good in it. I think the colours thing is particularly key for those who don't wear makeup (like me) because with no makeup, there's nowhere to hide.

QuestionsorComments · 27/01/2022 19:11

I had money done in a moment of madness, people are really shocked to hear I did it, it's not something your think of me at all Grin

I'm notnconviced by all the "makes" your eyes pop stuff but it does help you rule out things that really don't suit you. The best both though is that if you stick to your pallet everything, literally everything, in your wardrobe works together. If you've got, say, a bag in a nice bright colour, it will go with everything you own.

newtb · 27/01/2022 19:18

I went to CMB when I was 30 and found it fascinating. Started out as autumn and 30 years later ambfading to pinks and black from all the spicy colours. As a plus, with really sensitive skin the eye make-up has never once irritated me, unlike some others.

Catch32 · 27/01/2022 19:23

Definitely do it. It's transformative! I spent so many years wearing colours that totally washed me out. You could probably do some research and find out for yourself online anyway, but it's quite a nice fun thing to do if you're willing to pay someone

Shortpoet · 27/01/2022 19:49

Yes money we’ll spent. The person I saw also gave makeup / lipstick recommendations which has been so helpful. The right lipstick makes you look fabulous.

MistySkiesAfterRain · 27/01/2022 19:49

Yes and no! You need to know if you are cool or warm, and if you suit muted or bright. I was fairly sure I was warm but could not tell about muted or bright. It turns out some muted colours are lovely on me but I really zing in the bright ones. Some muted colours just have a 'lets get down to business but in a slightly depressing way' vibe on me. I don't look in focus in muted, I can see that more and more now.

It also tells you which ones are great and which are ok. Its not rocket science once you know your cool or warm, muted or bright, then to be honest if you colouring is light you will look best in the lighter shades, with some medium, and so on. But some darker ones will be stunning. I look best in medium to dark but some light ones are very nice i.e. patterns and small doses. You really need to go through the process to get the full picture.

MistySkiesAfterRain · 27/01/2022 21:48

They do tell you where to start e.g. neutrals and add colours in accessories.

On the other hand it doesn't tell you what styles or cuts suit you. It can be frustrating to pick things up in your colours and find they don't automatically work, but its often things like tucking things in, adding a necklace, the right neckline for your shape, adding other colours to see how they compliment it.

It has been really good for my confidence.

RosesAndHellebores · 28/01/2022 01:15

Every single penny well spent.

ViaRia · 28/01/2022 02:56

What is‘getting your colours done’? Sounds interesting… ?

Rina66 · 28/01/2022 04:18

Definitely do it. Had mine done 30 years ago whilst on a course and to this day if I wear the colours they suggested (I go rogue sometimes!) somebody will always comment.
I was told to wear raspberry lipstick too and can't believe what a difference it makes - although again, I get bored easily so wear lots of colours to compliment what I'm wearing. I really should go again and stick to what they tell me.
I think now they also tell you what styles suit your proportions too.

Rina66 · 28/01/2022 04:20

@ViaRia

www.colourmebeautiful.co.uk/services-for-women

Original poster
AColdDuncanGoodhew · 28/01/2022 08:21

I love the idea of being able to just disregard whole sections of shops or sort online shops based on colours. Sounds like a far easier way of shopping.

I'm definitely going to do it now, will see when I can get an appointment with someone and let you all know how it goes. I'm excited!

OP posts:
RosesAndHellebores · 28/01/2022 12:30

Try the colour quiz for a rough guide on kettlewell colours. I find their tops and scarves (summer colours) invaluable.

I did colour me beautiful before my wedding more than 30 years ago. I was a late summer according to them I think. Best tip was that I couldn't wear cream. Otherwise I'd have gone cream for the wedding dress and probably not tried on any white frocks. Golly the white ones were so much better on.

I was always confused before the because I have brown eyes and never felt good in browns/beige/camel/yellow/khaki etc but it's mostly in the skin tone. Pink lipstick lights up my face, coral/browny tones do not.

Artichokeleaves · 28/01/2022 12:45

@AColdDuncanGoodhew

I love the idea of being able to just disregard whole sections of shops or sort online shops based on colours. Sounds like a far easier way of shopping.

I'm definitely going to do it now, will see when I can get an appointment with someone and let you all know how it goes. I'm excited!

Enjoy! With someone good, it's great fun.

I re did mine a couple of years ago when I was in a very down, fed up and not feeling great about myself patch. House of Colour do refreshers as well as from scratch, and it was a great, practical boost.