I used to hate shopping. Like really, really hate it. And though I’ve received plenty of compliments on my fashion sense over the years, I rarely felt comfortable in my clothes. Something just felt off. I’d spend weeks or months hunting down that perfect staple piece, and then it took me too long trying to piece an outfit together before I left the house, just to feel relieved that I was somewhat put together. On top of that, I spent hundreds of dollars on makeup, trying to find those perfect blush and eyeshadow colors. When I stumbled upon the growing trend of color analysis, it intrigued me.
At first, I simply wanted color analysis to make my life easier. I wanted shopping to stop being such an unforgiving burden, and that was all I wanted from it. Looking good was just a bonus, and it would be so much easier to narrow down my clothing options and prevent that dreadful overwhelm I felt when I had to dress up. Color analysis did just that, and now getting dressed is easier and more fun than I can ever remember it being before. Gone were the endless options that felt so drab. Here to stay was an easy, throw-together wardrobe that banished crippling indecisiveness. I love how much it has simplified my closet. What I didn’t expect, however, was how empowering such a simple change would be.
Isn’t Color Analysis Trying Too Hard?
But isn’t putting so much thought and effort into your appearance egotistical? You can look at it that way. Or you can look at it this way. We live in a society that loves to tear women down. At every turn, we’re told we aren’t pretty enough, tall enough, short enough, thin enough. If we dress well, we’re show-offs; if we don’t, we’re slobs. We’re too bossy or too meek; too busy or too idle. Who wouldn’t want to cancel out some of that noise and simplify their lives? We can ignore the chaos and give ourselves a gift that enables us to know we look our best. And when we look better, we feel better. Color doesn’t fix our broken society, but it empowers women to feel better about themselves.
Even since color analysis, I often leave the house in leggings. Dealing with chronic illness can do that to a person. But I’ve noticed that I get compliments even in my athleisure, or when I’m wearing a hoodie in one of my colors, versus when I’m wearing something outside my palette. It’s satisfying to know there is something I can do on days when I’m too tired to do makeup or wear real pants.
What Happened After My Analysis?
It took me a while to see the difference my colors made. My husband noticed before I did, and I received a lot of compliments from people, even strangers who had no idea I’d had an analysis. Once I began to see it, I couldn’t unsee it. Now I know enough to know which of my colors aren’t best, and which ones make me glow. And it feels good to know I have the ability to wear something that will make me shine.
I did an experiment recently. I wore an outfit that matched my colors, personality, and style to run a few errands a few weeks ago, and I paid attention to my interactions with people – something I normally shrug off. It’s not that I’m insecure or against wearing leggings and a sweatshirt, I’m all for it. I’m usually on a mission and often with a limited capacity to fulfill it, so I’m just not concerned with anything outside of that, including other people and my experiences with them. But that day, I received multiple compliments, including one from a random passerby. I smiled more, engaged more, and people were all around more friendly in return. I’ve since realized that when I dress like this, even at other times, I’m more likely to feel better about myself, and it shows. I truly believe that what we pour into our cups gets poured back out and into others, and this is no different.
I’m more likely to feel better about myself, and it shows. I truly believe that what we pour into our cups gets poured back out and into others, and this is no different.
Since my color analysis last year, I’ve replaced most of my clothing and my makeup. My colors make sense now – they harmonize with each other, and they reflect who I am. This means that I can walk into my closet, grab something, and get dressed within five minutes. Are there days I deliberate on what to wear? Yes. Do I always feel like I’m wearing exactly what I wanted to wear? No. But I trust I look good. I know my clothes make sense, and I put in half the effort I used to. Neither shopping, nor getting dressed are the burdens they used to be. Those two hours I spent in my stylist’s chair have made getting dressed easier and more rewarding.
Is Color Analysis Right for You?
If you’ve been on the fence about having your colors analyzed, I highly recommend it. If you want to make your life easier and look better doing it, I think you might find a visit to a stylist worth the effort for you. Be careful, though. Once you go, there’s no going back.
