Exploring Colour Confidence with Personal Stylist Lou Lawton from Style Galore
I have been lucky enough to know the lovely Lou of Style Galore for a year now and whilst I like to think I know a lot about using colour in interiors I must admit I sometimes get a bit lost when using it in my clothes. So this month we are in for a treat as we explore the world of colour confidence in fashion, grab yourself a cuppa and dive in!
Personal Stylist Lou Lawton
So, Lou, thank you so much for being here can you tell me, what does colour confidence mean to you in the world of personal styling?
To me, colour confidence is a form of self expression, I think it's a brilliant way to reflect mood, or to boost it.
Personally, I instantly feel better when I'm wearing a colour I love because it allows you to present the real you. Conversely there are times when I'm feeling a bit quiet or introspective and so I naturally feel drawn to colours which reflect that. I think there's power in that awareness and knowledge.
I also believe that colour confidence is a part of your personality it's a way of communicating without saying a word, which I love!
Colour psychology plays a part in this too, for instance, having an awareness of the positive and negative traits of various colours.
Can you explain the difference between seasonal colour analysis (e.g. Spring, Autumn) and tonal analysis (e.g. warm, cool)?
Seasonal colour analysis is a method used to determine which colours best complement an individual's natural colouring based on their skin tone, hair colour, and eye colour and allocates you to either a warm season: Spring or Autumn or a cool season: Summer or Winter. Many people do fall into one of the 4 seasons nicely.
However, some people suit colours from a variety of seasons and this is where tonal analysis can be helpful as it opens up the palette to more colours. There are 6 tones - warm, soft (or mute), dark (or deep), cool, bright (or clear) and light. So for example, if someone is a cool Winter they would have colours from the Winter palette as you'd expect but also a selection from the other cool palette which is summer.
Do you think colour can influence mood or mindset? Can it empower us?
Absolutely. There are many studies that show it. One study found waiting staff at restaurants who wore red lipstick were given higher tips than those without. Similarly there have been studies which painted prison cells pink which they found led to a reduction in aggression.
Colour has been shown to affect how people respond to us and therefore this has the effect of empowering us. For instance, women will often turn to black for an office suit as it feels like a way of being taken seriously in the workplace, perhaps a way of being seen as an equal to male counterparts. However, black has some negative traits , such as making people seem aloof or unempathetic. So for example, if a person had an appraisal with a colleague, or a meeting with a colleague following a period of sickness, black might not be the best colour to choose.
What are your go-to tips for mixing colours?
Don’t over think it! If you love a colour clash, own it and your confidence will be reflected from within.
If you're new to mixing colours the colour wheel is a great tool to use. Sir Isaac Newton developed the colour wheel & it shows the relationship of colours with each other. It's used in many industries such as fashion, interior design, graphic design & branding.
Colours that sit next to each other on the colour wheel are said to be analogous and so will work well together (which puts paid to the myth of "blue and green should never be seen).
Colours opposite each other e.g. blue and orange are said to be complementary and so are also pleasing to the eye.
How does our relationship with colour evolve as we move through different life stages?
I think much of this can depend on your style personality. Some people will find their relationship with colour doesn't change that much and they feel content with their taste and style. As long as you feel comfortable and that you are reflecting yourself and your personality, then that is perfect.
When clients stop dying their hair to embrace the natural grey tones they often find that they gravitate more towards the softer end of their palette.
I love Prue Leith who is in her 80s and still completely rocks the bright colours of her palette. That absolutely suits her style personality and persona and so it works. I think it's a very individual choice and so something you have to navigate yourself and find what feels comfortable.
What are the telltale signs that someone is wearing the wrong colours for them?
In essence it is as simple as people looking a bit "off". Their skin tone isn't glowing, they might look a bit flat. Depending on the undertone sometimes people can look a bit unwell or even yellowey. In my case, I've always had pronounced black circles under my eyes and so that's something I notice can be enhanced if I'm wearing the "wrong" colour. Blemishes or lines can also be more visible. The right colours should enhance what is already there and compliment.
Have you always been confident with colour, or did you have to grow into it?
I've always enjoyed colour. I remember as a teenager loving blue but I don't think I truly had given it much thought until I had a wardrobe edit shortly after having my son.
I think once I started to think about my style and how I wanted to dress and enjoy clothes it made me stop and think about colour. I took time to think about what I enjoyed wearing, what made me feel good and how colour could alter my mood. I now appreciate and can tweak colours if an outfit doesn't feel quite right to me before I think I wouldn't have been able to pinpoint that. Carrying my colour wallet wiht me when I go shopping is really helpful as it keeps me on track.
What’s a colour you once avoided that you now love?
I never used to own anything purple but once I understood my palette and saw how well it works on me, I've embraced it and own numerous items which are purple. I love it and find it quite calming.
If you could only wear three colours for the rest of the year, what would they be?
Love this question!! Silver and pink are the easy go to for me here as I love them both. Years ago a friend on holiday said I was like a magpie - I'm just drawn to silver and often have something in an outfit which is silver. The 3rd colour is a bit tricker, but I'd probably go for white. I'm quite pale and for a long time I assumed I couldn't wear white but now I know I can and I love the contrast of it. Worn with pink, I love how it allows that deep colour to shine (my white jeans are a staple favourite).
How can we all be a bit braver with colour this year?
Lipstick on an occasion when you wouldn't normally. Let's normalise wearing lipstick!
What’s one common colour myth you wish people would stop believing?
That black is slimming! This statement holds some true because black absorbs light and so it's less visible.
I think it's far more important to wear an outfit/colour which you feel great in, rather than focussing on anything from a body negative point of view. I know I'm repeating myself but I'm very passionate about people feeling accepting of their bodies and so I'd far rather people wear a colour they feel fab in so they can hold their head high.
If you’d like to connect with Lou on instragram she’d love to have you along @stylegalorewithlou and if you aren’t already please do also give me a follow @beckyharrisondesigns