Secret insight into how stylists use colour

4 methods experts use to choose and apply colour when styling.

As my business grows so does my need to constantly improve my knowledge and skills as stylist, its very much like my teaching career, we must continue to develop as professions. With that in mind I have been investing in my own education on both colour and styling which has bought back some fond memories of A Level Art lessons and Mr Boyd!

So many of my clients start their style journey by discovering their perfect colour palette during their colour analysis session, but, after that initial euphoria of realising they should or should not be wearing black, they end up feeling a little lousy when it comes to styling themselves. It hard to hear but there is way more to great styling than just knowing which colours compliment you the most. I think people feel comfortable investing in a one off service and I still value this as some people are really satisfied with their results and feel wonderful with just making simple changes to their outfits. However, as always, we are a varied bunch and people have been asking me for more and more which meant I have been digging deep into colour theory and finding better ways of educating my clients about how to style with colour.

There is so much I have learnt, too much for one blog post but I thought I would offer a small taste of the kind of insight you could learn from working with me on your style by sharing 4 ways we stylists choose and apply colour when we help you to get dressed and learn styling.

1. Monochromatic or one tone styling.

Once you know your perfect colour palette you can really start to play with them and a good way to start is to dress head to toe in shades of the same colour. This is such an easy way to elevate your style as you simply pick one and go all out on it.

How to recreate fabulous monochromatic looks?

Pick your favourite colour to wear and then select items that vary in shades and tint, making sure the underlying colour remains the same. These variations help keep you looking stylish as it stops you from becoming overpowered or washed out by a one colour look. Essentially you trick the eye into thinking you’ve mixed things up way more than you have, maintaining interest and irregularity into your look. 

Another simple technique whilst using monochromatic styling is to vary the textures within a tonal outfit. Good styling draws people in, and they check out every detail of your outfit. Did you know that different textures essentially catch people's eye so they soak in your whole look and perceive you to be someone who is organised and ‘well-put-together’. 

Styling is all about the little details and monochromatic looks work in the brightest and most dramatic colours as well as neutrals.

Just make sure you go all in, even down to your socks, as you will make that lasting impression. Outfits look so fresh when you fully commit to one colour and go really for it, they convey meaning and deeply influence social perception. 

2. Styling complimentary colours

You need to get to know your colour wheel to execute this method seamlessly as it requires you to select colours that are opposite each other.

An easy start point is, blue with orange, yellow with purple and red with green. 

Select the best version of a colour from within your pallet if you have had colour analysis, or pick something you love and have already and start there.

Your dominant colour should be the main

body of

the outfit and the

complimentary colour

should be used as an accent.

This can be done simply through accessories or footwear and allows you to have a bold approach to styling without needing to feel too exposed.  You need to add more than one piece in the complimentary colour to really make this a look.

You can vary this look further by mixing up the shades and tints of your dominant colour, for example matching bright with tones that are weaker in saturation. These looks really show an audience you are not messing around when it comes to style.

3. Analogous styling

Analogous refers to colours that sit next to each other on the colour wheel, for example yellow and green.  This styling method is often saved for those hardcore colour junkies and can be used as an excellent way to brighten up your neutrals. There are two ways to apply this method of 3-colour styling and it all depends on the client, their personality and their wardrobe

The first option is to select two colours that are analogous on the colour wheel and one neutral. 

The second option is to select two colours and then an alternative shade in one of the colours.

Both work equally well and can be a really nice way to make a lasting impression with your style. The trick is with this one, select colours that transgress what you wish to present to society that day. A mixture of orange and yellow with a neutral of brown creates a psychological reaction that you are popular, intelligent and authentic. Each colour represents a part of your personality… we will get into that at a later date. 

4. Split complementary or colour clashing

Again, that colour wheel knowledge is going to be put to the test.

We are look for a complimentary colour combination, for example yellow and purple but instead of using purple in your look we move one space either side and select blue and pink.  It seems a lot I know but this is calculated colour clashing and our brains like it.

The colours we wear really do send messages to the world about ourselves and essentially people infer information about us from our looks. Alex Myles assembled a guide to colours and what they say about us which I religiously refer to and you can too - What do the colours you wear tell the world about you?. 

“Although we often choose to wear coluors simply because we are attracted to a certain shade and it is an instinctive choice, what we may not realise is that the attraction is based on how we are feeling emotionally or mentally at that present time.” Alex Myles, What the Colour of our Clothes Says about our Personality.

I hope as always this was insightful and thought provoking. I want to make colourful styling more than just a one off analysis appointment and so I am working on something that will be available soon. It will educate you on how you can adopt colour into your wardrobe in a realistic and genuine way, not just following trends, but making informed decisions about how you choose to style yourself.

Lots of love

Jess

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