The 'Closet Rainbow' - Color Strategy for dressing up

The ‘ÇLOSET Rainbow’

 Color Strategy For Dressing Up

“Nature always wears the colors of the spirit!” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Light is made of seven colors, and bending it separates the seven colors – what we know as rainbow with the colors of violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange, red.

I have categorized colors into seven types not on their visual effect but on the basis of the effect caused when you wear them.

Read on to know more about YOUR VERY OWN CLOSET RAINBOW!

1) Warm colours

These are hues from red through yellow including copper and mocha. They have a higher saturation – hence the term ‘warm’. Warm colors are active and advance towards vision, stimulate the viewer.

2) Cool colours  

These are the hues from violet through blue-green, including their pastels. Cool colors tend to recede from vision; they calm and relax the viewer.

Warm and cool colors alike are part of almost every wardrobe.

3) Neutrals – The Wardrobe Minions

Thinking of neutrals, you would say black or white or perhaps grey. I classify neutrals more broadly as: beige, blush, off white, cocoa etc. I call them the ‘wardrobe minions’, because they are usually worn again and again without being remembered, and can be paired with almost anything. They form the basis of your wardrobe, by being backdrops for your best colors.

Dressing head-to-toe in neutrals will give you a sophisticated, elegant look. Break the monotony by using:

·      Contrasts in darker hues

·      Prints or shine/shimmer/glitz.  

4) Understated Colors

Also called the ‘deep neutrals’: dark grey, tan, burgundy, navy, teal, lavender, silver, gold etc. I say, when in doubt about what to wear, always select a color from this category! These colors are attractive enough, but donot stand out like the reds and dramatics!

5) The monochrome colours - Black & White

Black is amongst the favourites of almost every woman! Needless to say, black exudes power and authority, is usually the color associated with formality.

White exudes purity and sophistication; makes you get noticed (regardless of your skin color). It is a wardrobe ‘must-have’ especially if you have glossy black hair.

A word of caution: Overly bright white makes your teeth appear yellowed and the effect will be ‘oh-so-unflattering’! Opt for pearl, cream or softly greyed whites.

6) Red

Anyone can wear red – it enhances sexuality (whether feminine/masculine) and intensifies the reaction of other people towards you.

Caution: Choose the specific shade of red depending on the color of your skin. 

7) Dramatic Colors

Fuschia pink, royal blue, bright yellow etc. - these can be worn as an outfit, or to add a pop of color to neutral outfits. A word of caution: Dramatic outfits draw all eyes towards you, so make sure you are perfectly groomed: See my post on ‘10 steps to a prettier you’.

The best judge of what color brings out the best in you, is YOU! So step out today, and don’t forget to express your ‘COLOR MOOD’! BE ADVENTUROUS!

COMING SOON: KNOW YOUR COLOR – DRESS TO KILL!