I’ve been turning the house inside out lately looking for something. Has that ever happened to you?
Back in the 1980s, when I had my colours “done”, I received a little packet of fabric swatches in the Spring colours that were deemed to be most flattering for someone with my skin tone and colouring. For several years, I carried it in my purse and used it as a guide when I shopped. In time, however, I started colouring outside the lines, so to speak. I found myself using my swatches less and experimenting more with other colours. Eventually, I put the little packet of fabric pieces away in a drawer in my bedroom, or at least that’s what I thought I did!
In recent months I’ve noticed a resurgence of interest in knowing your colours and dressing accordingly amongst some of the fashion bloggers that I read regularly. That led me to wonder how far I’ve strayed from my own colour palette, so I went to the dresser drawer to retrieve my swatches. The only problem was, they weren’t there! That’s when the search began. I’d estimate that the little packet is about 10 cm x 6 cm x 1.5 cm thick. There are a LOT of places in this house where something that small could be hiding!
Since I haven’t found it yet, perhaps this is a good time for me to think about universal colours. Six weeks ago, I wrote about neutrals, those colours that go well with all the other colours in the closet. Universal colours, however, are the ones that look good on just about everyone. If you don’t know what season you are, what colours look best on you, you really can’t go wrong with universals. They flatter all skin tones.
There are six colours that are most often listed as universals:
Soft white and stone, a medium to light grey, also appear on many lists. I’ve sometimes seen red referred to as a universal colour, but I would disagree because though there is a red for everyone, not every red looks good on every person. Those, like myself, with warm skin tones should choose orange tinted reds, while those with cool skin tones look better wearing blue-based reds. Not sure which one is right for you? Click here.
Universal colours are frequently chosen for staff uniforms because they look good on everyone. If you’re planning a wedding and want to keep a bevy of beautiful bridesmaids happy and looking their best, selecting a universal colour for their dresses is also a sensible choice.
Now, back to searching for that little packet of fabric swatches. Wish me luck!
Following Augustine 
Good luck with your search! My husband and I have downsized, but even in our small space I can lose things! Like you, I had my colors done YEARS ago and like you, I could no longer find my swatches. So I had them redone a couple of years ago as I know my coloring has changed some. And like you, I use it as a guide, not an absolute. Thanks for the reminder though to keep an eye on my swatches. Happy weekend!
The plus side to this is that drawers are getting cleaned out and reorganized!
Happy hunting,Elaine!
Thanks! Two more drawers cleaned out and still no sign of it. 😦
I remember when it was all the rage to have one’s colors done, and I suppose it can be a useful guide. I personally think it was way overdone and far too limiting. It seems to me that one gravitates naturally to colors that look good on them. I have enough trouble finding clothes that fit a mature, petite body to worry about colors too much!
I did find it useful as it encouraged me to try some colours that I hadn’t worn before, but I agree that it was much too restrictive.
I bought the book and the swatches so it is much easier to find. It really has made a difference when buying clothes knowing which colors are better . I can quickly look through clothes in stores, and see “ my colors” or not. And I’ve had so many more compliments wearing the right colors, rather than the ones I wore previously.
I found that eventually I could recognize my colours without using the swatches, but I know that over time I’ve strayed further away from them.
I’ve been looking for mine lately, too, though I cannot remember the last time I saw it….I wonder if, in a moment of Kon Mari frenzy I thanked it for its service and said goodbye :~). It was from Color Me Beautiful, Winter. The swatches were in a purple folder like a checkbook. And I still remember the recommendation to wear Navy mascara, which is increasingly hard to find. Even though I let me hair go naturally silver gray over a decade ago, I think I am still a Winter. Must return to going through my drawers!
Mine was also from Color Me Beautiful and like you, I’m beginning to think that I must have thrown it out!
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