Are "Color Seasons" BS or Can They Actually Help You Dress Better?
"I'm a spring!"
![Cheek, Hairstyle, Chin, Forehead, Eyebrow, Style, Jaw, Temple, Neck, Black hair,](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/EB5iftzHA8pKByke8s46hA-415-80.gif)
A long, long time ago (okay, fine, the '80s), you could go to a "color analyst" who would, in exchange for a few hundred bucks, drape fabric swatches on you, apply makeup, and assemble a palette of the shades that most flattered your skin, hair, and eyes. These tones would be organized by season, so when your friend Becky from aerobics inevitably asked, you could be like "I'm a spring!" and she would know that meant pastel pink made you look healthy and complemented your warm undertones.
These days, to anybody who wasn't born yet/old enough to have disposable income when shoulder pads roamed the earth, color seasons are little more than a jokey reference. But like the Myers Briggs Test or the Pottermore Sorting Hat, people just can't get enough of introspection-by-quiz.
A post shared by House of Colour Karen Blanc (@houseofcolour_karenblanc)
A photo posted by on
On the one hand, Personal Color Analysis (PCA) is pretty much the phrenology of fashion in that its teachings are based on the same color wheel that hung in your grade-school art classroom. (It also doesn't help that most of current conversation surrounding PCA occurs on the sort of website that hasn't been updated since, well, having your colors done was a normal activity. And this one epic Reddit chain.) On the other hand, if you're averse to color and don't feel like throwing away your money on fluorescent yellow sweaters, a PCA session—complete with a neutral gray room and robe and full-spectrum lights—could be a good starting point.
A post shared by Rania D'Angelo-Soliman (@lagiulietta_styling)
A photo posted by on
Now for the takeaway, to be read again after you've dug into the required reading below: 1) You can still wear whatever colors you want, even ones your chart says are totally wrong for you. 2) In fact, you are *encouraged* to wear whatever colors you want, because *that* is the best way to figure out what works best with your coloring. And 3) There are exceptions to every rule, so one day, when the sunlight's shining through the clouds just so and your skin's extra clear, fluoro yellow could very well end up being your shade.*
Above all, take the literature's recommendations like Amy Schumer said the Kardashians took their original faces—as a light suggestion. Because, in the end, *you* know yourself better than anyone else.
*This is highly theoretical.
Further reading:
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
12blueprints.com, 12 Blueprints on Pinterest
Invent Your Image on Pinterest
Follow Marie Claire on Instagram for the latest celeb news, pretty pics, funny stuff, and an insider POV.
Chelsea Peng is a writer and editor who was formerly the assistant editor at Marie Claire. She's also worked for The Strategist and Refinery29, and is a graduate of Northwestern University. On her tombstone, she would like a GIF of herself that's better than the one that already exists on the Internet and a free fro-yo machine. Besides frozen dairy products, she's into pirates, carbs, Balzac, and snacking so hard she has to go lie down.
-
Meghan Markle "Fears" Being "Heckled" If She Returns to U.K.
"The last thing she needs is the stress of going back."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Jenny Is Back on the Block—and Carrying a Birkin
The singer returned to New York City with a loud luxury outfit to match.
By India Roby Published
-
Serena Williams's Post-Retirement Style Pivot Is Complete
The tennis star's fashion era is taking a turn.
By Julia Gray Published
-
30 Linen Pieces From Nordstrom’s Sale for a Seamless Summer to Fall Transition
Shop breezy dresses and airy pants for versatile summer and autumn outfits.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
7 Make-My-Life-Easier Items I'm Buying From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
Grab these must-haves before it's too late.
By Nikki Ogunnaike Published
-
The Best Summer Work Shoes Don’t Have To Scream ‘Corporate'
Footwear that means business in the best way possible.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
34 Chic Vacation Essentials Hiding in Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale
Don't board the plane without packing these items first.
By Lauren Tappan Last updated
-
The Boxer Shorts Trend Offers a Realistic Take on Lingerie Dressing
How the borrowed-from-the-boys bottom became a hero summer piece with endless style potential.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Fashion Girls Are Destined to Wear the J.Crew x Maryam Nassir Zadeh Collaboration on Vacation
Beloved indie designer Maryam Nassir Zadeh translated her essentials into the ultimate packing list.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
I'm a Style Editor—50 Last-Minute Prime Day Fashion Deals to Grab Before Tomorrow
Grab these on-sale items before it’s too late.
By Lauren Tappan Last updated
-
Fashion Editors Share the Best Work Dresses From Their Summer Uniform
From classic wrap silhouettes to breezy linens, these are the expert-approved styles we're wearing on repeat.
By Lauren Tappan Published