Thursday Miscellany: You Asked, I Answer
Thanks so much for all of your support and encouragement on my Style Reset! Many of you had similar questions about the color and style analysis, so I thought I’d respond in a post.
Above: Nail Color (“Gitane”) | Pearl Bracelet | Leather Bracelet (Similar) |
Shoes (Similar on Sale)
(The gold bracelet with the pearls is from the new French Kande “Collection d’Or.”)
Q & A: Color And Style Analysis
So here are some of your questions, answered to the best of my ability 😉:
Can’t you keep the black and just wear your colors near your face?
I could, I suppose, but pairing my bright warm colors with the black feels harsh, and like one or the other doesn’t belong. For the sake of visual harmony, I’m going to transition my neutrals to navy and browns within my palette. (The good news is that most of my favorite denim, which is what I wear almost daily, can stay.)
Neutral, Not Black
How was your Gamine style type determined?
It involved both tangibles and intangibles, I suppose. Annie took measurements and assessed my shape and proportions. I answered a series of personality profile questions. Then we went through the different Style Personality Profiles (see below), and eliminated what didn’t fit, physically and/or emotionally. Some people may be a blend of different Style Personalities, but I was straight up Gamine. As I mentioned before, it clicked and felt right immediately, as if someone had turned on a light switch.
(Annie also told me that she was pretty sure I’d be a Gamine, because Gamines tend to be the profile that can wear a pixie cut well.)
What are the various Style Personality Profiles?
Here are the Profiles as defined by Red Leopard.
- The Diva/Dramatic: flamboyant, over the top, intense, can be a little bit scary. Think Annie Lennox, Grace Jones, Lady Gaga, Rhianna
- The Classic: Elegant, well-groomed, understated and chic. Think Grace Kelly, Duchess of Cambridge, Kristin Scott Thomas, Cate Blanchett.
- The Huntswoman/Natural Classic: Sporty yet elegant, relaxed yet put-together. Think Meryl Streep, Jennifer Anniston, Princess Diana.
- The Adventurer/Natural: Sporty, outdoorsy, relaxed and wholesome, needs easy, textured styles. Think: Lauren Hutton, Ali McGraw, Julia Roberts.
- The Gamine: neat, cute, fun, funky. Think Audrey Hepburn, Emma Watson, Carey Mulligan, Ellen DeGeneres.
- The Princess: pretty, delicate, feminine, with small-scale, petite features. Think Emma Stone, Natalie Portman, Naomi Watts, Amanda Seyfried.
- The Bohemian/Natural Romantic: Feminine, sexy, glamorous, earthy. Think: Drew Barrymore, Lisa Kudrow, Kate Winslet, Lily Tomlin.
- The Starlet: Pretty, sexy, innocent but provocative. Think Reese Witherspoon, Christina Ricci, Marilyn Monroe, Scarlett Johansson.
- The Romantic: Glamorous, sophisticated, ultra-feminine and usually curvy. Think: Christina Hendricks, Elizabeth Taylor, Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey.
- The Gypsy/Musketeer: Theatrical, flamboyant, exciting and earthy. Think Helena Bonham Carter, Debra Messing, Salma Hayek.
What about your hair color?
The Red Leopard team suggested I warm up my base color a bit, but thought that the light golden highlights I have were good. (Join me Monday on InstaStories for my next hair session…I’ll be sharing the color update and cut.)
A few of you also asked me what will happen to my colors if/when I let my hair go grey. Because the colors are analyzed based on how they interact with skin tone, my hair was covered for the initial part of the session. So it didn’t factor into my Golden Spring determination. According to Red Leopard, going grey doesn’t change your season, but you may find that your “best” colors within the seasonal palette may be different.
And I don’t see myself ditching the hair color anytime soon. I still have plenty of my natural color, which is an ashy dark blonde. (I liken it to the color of wet cardboard.) What grey I do have isn’t a silver grey, but a more yellowish one. I enjoy having a brighter hair color, and for the time being am willing to continue with the investment.
What about jewelry?
With my Golden Spring palette, gold and gold-toned jewelry is best. Though I can wear some mixed metals (esp. away from the face), as long as the warmer tones are dominant. As part of my Style assessment, I learned that shorter necklaces are actually better for me. (Top- to just-below-the-collarbone length.) Yes, there’s still a place in my Gamine style for French Kande jewelry, though I’ll be sticking to warmer tones, shorter necklaces (or doubling up longer ones), and more delicate pieces.
Many of you have also asked how and where to find a color and style analysis closer to home. I’m working on some answers and possibilities, stay tuned!
Stay in touch
Sign up to be notified of new posts and updates from une femme d’un certain âge.
So interesting! I love the list of celebs with each category–it becomes much easier to visualize.
It’s interesting that color analysis is happening again. I had my colors done back in the 80’s with Color Me Beautiful and have found myself gravitating to those colors through the years.
Years ago, when it was a “thing”, I had my colors done, and the outcome was the same palette as yours. It was helpful, particularly in choosing the right makeup colors, and I did eliminate several colors from my closet, but not in such a wholesale way. Now, thirty years later, i find that deeper versions of the same color work better for me. But more importantly: what I was later told by another woman who had trained to be a color consultant, was that I did not have to give up any color, but that a color not in my palette could still be worn if it was worn with another color, next to my face, that was one of my colors.. Eventually this led me to a lot of experimentation with color combinations, and was probably the biggest influence on my wardrobe choices. And I still wear black,.
This sounds so amazing but 650 pounds? I can’t fathom that kind of an expense.
Yours is my very favorite blog. First thing I read every morning. But I am as far away from a gamine as you could get! I think I would be hunter or adventurer. Any possibility that you would post other style types?
Your palette transformation has been a joy and inspiration to watch unfold! I was found to be an Autumn, back when Color My World was popular, and that totally fits me, but would love to do what you did to take it further. Lately I’m struggling with a hairstyle; I’ve tried to let my hair grow out, but every stylist begs me to chop it off into a super short pixie again. All I want to do is hide my jowls 🙁 This aging thing is a challenge! Thanks for sharing your journey.
Try a chopped bob with shorter back and crown but angled jaw length front. Side swept bangs. You can tuck the front behind your ears for sleeker look or have it forward
Excellent advice, Diana. That is my hairstyle and at age 65 it does wonders for lifting up my jawline and making me look perky!
Enjoying this colour review. Years ago I was told I am an “autumn” because of my skintone and my hazel green eyes. I have stayed mostly true to it. A year ago I had my colours done again; still Fall colours but told I have blue eyes! I was so surprised! I asked friends what colour my eyes are and I got different responses. Does eye colour change with age? Oh well I still think they are more green than anything. Black is too harsh on me so I keep it in skirts and pants; especially in the years when “autumn” colours are difficult to find in stores. When my colours are available I stock up on Tshirts. Needless to say most of my shopping happens in September/October! BTW, love your new jacket!
Perhaps your eyes are hazel? Hazel eyes seem to “change” when next to different colors. And I believe as we age our eyes can lighten (fade?) a bit.
I, too, am an Autumn with hazel eyes, but find it very difficult to find clothing in my palette colors. A saleswoman told me that green is the least popular clothing color! Any recommendations?
Many thanks!
That is odd; I love green, but it has to be a forest green, not a yellowish or brownish one. Practically a neutral here in summertime. I look splendid in the proper green. I have very dark hair (almost black) gone grey and blue-green eyes. Too harsh a blue kills my eyes and my complexion. Dark denim rinse is fine.
Even my (and especially my daughter’s) blue eyes change color. Some days my eyes are very “teal-y” and other days definitely grey. It depends on the sky/weather and what I’m wearing.
I also have eyes that change color…blue/gray/green. I recently tried one of those saliva DNA tests. Now I know that my true eye color is green.
So interesting. I can’t wait to see if you can find some options for us in the US. Your response about pairing black with your palette makes sense. It’s why I have never been wild about the stark combination of some colors with black. That said, I think black pants and a warm brown tone on top would be beautiful for you for Fall. I love navy and used to think I couldn’t wear it but now am replacing black with navy often. I think I am a gamine mix with maybe a natural classic. Thanks for sharing.
I’m finding this all quite fascinating! While a trip to Red Leopard is not in my budget at the moment, I’ve been following your experience with them closely (after reading about them from The Sequinist last year). There are lots of highly-recommended, affordable options for color analysis, but Red Leopard is the only place I’ve seen that does the style analysis, so I really appreciate you sharing all their different style profiles. BTW, it feels like you’ve really stepped up your game with the blog lately, and I’m enjoying it! Keep up the great work;)
For those interested, your best color palette (one of 18 palettes), balance points for necklaces and necklines, body shape, style aesthetic mentioned above can all be found in the 7 Steps for Style program….along with components to style not yet mentioned – one’s optimum color contrast and value contrast, style values, assessing current lifestyle needs, etc. It will be the best $300 you ever spent.
I’m enjoying your journey with the Red Leopard experience. Thank you for sharing. It must have been fun to have someone analyze your palette and style to jump start your new style direction. Who would not love that! I look forward to the day, however, when you will put your own spin on it…perhaps, realize that gamine is getting you only so far, that you miss the lovely feminine elements of your past style that are also very much you.
Thank you! Another interesting post…..how you do make this all so thought provoking!
I’m with you about going “all in” with the colors you were analyzed to wear. Including black just for the sake of already owning black pieces would defeat the purpose of what you are trying to achieve. Personally I wouldn’t pair up black with warm colors since it wouldn’t blend well. With the knowledge you have now, it will be fun and easy for you to create a well curated capsule wardrobe using the warm Spring colors and gamine style.
I’m looking forward to seeing your hair session. I am a winter but have Auburn highlights (which has previously confused color analysts.) Initially I was analyzed as an Autumn by a consultant. But when her supervisor saw me, she redraped me and concluded I was a definite Winter.
After attempting to grow my hair out into a bob, it just wasn’t me. I returned to my short hair and just love it. I am thinking I am a Gamine after reading the descriptions you provided.
Great post and looking forward to future ones!
This was the issue for me years ago too when Color Me Beautiful was all the rage. Dark eyes, dark brows, pale skin, chestnut brown hair, so was told I was a Winter. But I have golden undertones in my skin, and my hair has natural caramel color highlights. I’ve concluded I’m a Deep Autumn – and my “sister palette” is Deep Winter. I look good in deeper, slightly muted bright colors. No jewel colors but I do look good in black. The variations (deep, clear, light, soft) are explained really well on the Headcovers Unlimited website, where they go beyond the four basic “seasons.” I went through their flowchart to determine I’m a Deep Autumn, and sure enough, the colors they recommend are the ones I look best in. I have no clue what my style is – I’m all over the place LOL.
I agree! The flowchart on the Headcovers Unlimited website is very helpful. It helped me discover that my skin tone is neutral which is why I could never determine if I am warm or cool. I am a soft autumn and the colors are perfect for me. I highly recommend that site.
Yes. Me too! Born with very dark brunette hair but auburn! Does that make sense?. I too was assumed Autumn but after draping found to be a Winter. It made a huge difference in my look esp makeup purchases.
I love the names they use for different styles, I’d be happy with anyone of those!
I missed your original post about Red Leopard because I’ve been on holiday with 3 needy kids and a needy Husband lol. Back to normal tomorrow which means I get my life back Will catch up then x
It’s amazing how tweaking colour can change everything, isn’t it? You always look great… but in that tan leather jacket you posted on IG (or FB?) you looked even more fabulous. What a boost to one’s self-esteem to have this done at our age. Makes the sentiment we’re not getting older we’re getting better even more true!
I am wondering – do many of the pieces you already have fit into your new style profile? For example, that striped jacket and the “Huîtres” tee you wore underneath. I loved that outfit on you! I’ve always thought that you were pretty dead-on with what you wore, and thus would be surprised if a major overhaul was suggested.
I am pretty much a minimalist and thus not a likely candidate for Red Leopard, but I did love reading about this as it gave me some food for thought. Thank you for sharing your makeover with us!
Debra, I am confused by your comment that you’re a minimalist so not a likely candidate for Red Leopard. I’d think being able to narrow down your wardrobe choices to the perfect colors and style would eliminate a lot of unnecessary items in your wardrobe.
I love watching your transformation, thanks for showing us. I assist a friend who does color draping in our area, it’s exciting to watch the new colors bring life to their faces. I will say they sometimes aren’t ready in two hours to accept the new colors, and still want black clothes, but they do like the results. We suggest in the class, to purchase inexpensive things like tee shirts, scarfs, and accessories, and lipstick, to wear with their older colors, if they can’t purge their closet right away. We have a lot of old ideas about color that makes the process take longer, like, “ the classic little black dress” adage. Looking forward to your posts.
I’ve enjoyed these posts very much! I, too, had my colors done back in the 80s when Color Me Beautiful was at its height — wish I still had that folder of color swatches. I’d love to have another color analysis done, now that I’m in my mid-50s and my hair is graying and my skin seems to be both paler and splotchier. Do you know of any similar companies/programs available here in the U.S.? Thanks for the great blog posts — I’m enjoying them immensely.
In the “Style Analysis” do they advise you on what styles to look for in your clothing? The whole process is fascinating.
Yes, I received a workbook with suggestions for silhouettes, shapes, necklines, fabrics, prints, accessories, and other details based on my measurements/body type as well as my style profile. It was very comprehensive!
So interesting Susan! And I appreciate your honesty in sharing how this will change your choices from now on. Was there anything about necklines? I find that as I age, I am happier with lower necklines, either deep vees or a rounded one, staying away from anything that accentuates the sagging neck!!! But now I wish I had always worn that look, seems more stylish.
Re hair colour: I let mine go from unnatural brunette to natural silver (tone those yellow tints with purple shampoo) a few years ago. I found my colour palette stayed the same for the most part – the only change is that now it’s a little more forgiving. For example, black used to make me look dead; now I can wear it, although not as well as navy.
I have always read your blog because I thought you had a “good handle” on what worked for you. I have always thought your clothing choices were very you! So I was sceptical that you needed a color analysis or that it would make much difference. Imagine my surprise. Even though I have always thought you looked great, it is amazing to me how your new colors bring such light and energy to your face. You actually look younger and brighter. Makes me think twice about having my colors done. Hope you enjoy your “reset”.
Yes, it is very useful even for us minimalists who tend to favour solid colours and neutrals. I could never abandon black as my alternatives such as a deep forest green are so rare. Am I allowed to say that personally, I hate pastel colours? This is just me and not a comment on anyone’s style.
Jane, I also had very dark hair, then the Parisian intellectual reddish-black, before letting it go grey. Much happier with the grey, though it does need cool-coloured rinces
Susan, welcome to the Golden Spring Club. I recommend Jennifer Butler in Los Angeles as a color consultant. She did my colors 10 years ago and it changed my life. So many wonderful colors in my pallet.
Susan I’ve enjoyed your color and style exploration so much. I’ve asked a friend to ‘do my colors’ again. She’s an artist and has her own ‘method’ based on her artistic knowledge of color. The style categories are very interesting too and thanks for that bc I seem to fit into the Gamine style also. However, I’m starting to feel like it’s too overwhelming for me to get rid of all my black. The process of change would have to be slow for me. I wonder if you might do another posting of closet clean out—as in how many chambray shirts does a person need? How many white Tee shirts 😉 ?
Love your blog
This is so fun to follow Susan. Color and style analysis can be quite transformational. There’s such energy in knowing what flatters us most. I’ll be watching to see what browns and navy you find. They’re gorgeous bases to build a wardrobe around but harder to find than black. Especially in accessories. Black is just so easy, even if I need to wear more makeup to carry it off 🙂
I had my colours done in the 80’s and I’m also a spring. Over the years I’ve found that I can wear black if it’s a “warm” black and not a “cool” black. I usually wear a scarf or other accessory next to my face that incorporates some of my spring colours. I’d suggest not getting rid of all your black clothes right away but keeping some of your favourites in case you want them later. Somehow black always looks “smart”.
Thank you for taking the plunge at the Red Leopard and posting about your experience. I have devoured every word and I am so excited for you. I am planning a trip next spring for my 60th birthday and London is now at the top spot! I am so hoping that I will be able to go to the Red Leopard. It looks like a wonderful experience and just the right treat as I head into another decade. Wish me luck!
Many years ago I had my colors done. I turned out to be a winter, if I kept those colors in mind when I shopped, the used clothing shops would not have so many of my mistakes. At the time I had dark hair, now my hair is silver, those are the colors I should have stuck too.
Susan – yesterday when I put “gamine” into the google search, it came up with a post of yours from 2014. Too funny! So you’ve known for a while that you’re a gamine, at least on some level. It suits you and you look fabulous.
I’m one of the “rare” summers as RedLeopard said on their instagram. I’ve only worn summer colors – no brown, orange, bright yellow or lime green in 30 years – except I have included black and white as constructing a smart business casual work wardrobe without black has been hard. But based on what you’ve said, I am going to transition to the greys that I love, with some navy or grey/blue mixed in for my neutrals. However, it’s not in my budget to cull all the black now so it will have to be done as things wear out.
I have zero grey hair at 60 but that may change. I’m thinking soft ash blonde highlights to hide the grey…
I dearly love Parisian lead roof grey, but it is hard to find. So chic.
Thank you for this informative post! For the past week or so I have been scouring Pinterest looking for information on style types. Thank you for including it today. I feel I am a Gamine (and occasionally a Huntswoman) I have always loved Audrey Hepburns style but do not have her coloring. Color analysis has fascinated me since the Color Me Beautiful days. Now that there are more palettes to choose from I realize I am most likely a soft autumn. The palette is warm but soft. I could not determine if my skin tone was warm or cool. Turns out I am neutral. I am warm with cool overtones and can wear both gold and silver jewelry. The colors in the soft autumn palette just feel right. I look forward to many more posts on this subject. I appreciate all the information you can give us. And I love that you showed a pic of your hand. Shows the definite warmness of your skin tone.
Personally I don’t think I fit in any of these categories. But I’m having fun watching you transform yourself. But You’ve always looked great to me. I guess that’s else EF. She always seems to use black. I’m kinda sick of black. But I find that with my grey hair white seems to be my colors of choice unless they don’t have white. I guess I’m going to have to dig deeply to figure out what I am.
I have a black cat. Love her more than any humans. No all-white clothing.
Susan, this is all so interesting! I had my colors done several times in the past and was always a Summer because I’m very fair. Somehow it never seemed totally right. Recently I was diagnosed as a Light Bright, and somewhere between a Summer and a Spring. This seems much more accurate. It’s always a challenge because, even with color samples, it’s difficult to find exactly the right colors when shopping.
Please keep up the good work!
Would love to have my color done like you did in London. Do you have recommendations for people who do similar to Red Leopard here in Los Angeles?
Please will you address the topic of just how many clothes we need. I find I have too many tops and I like them all but they do clutter up my closet. What would be a sensible but not austere wardrobe for a retired person who wears jeans most of the time? Thank you.
Hi Jill, that’s a really difficult determination for me to make for anyone else. It really depends on how often you need to and want to do laundry, how much variety you prefer from day-to-day, and your climate. My suggestion would be to start by removing or reducing duplicates (e.g. white tees, denim shirts) and see how well you do with fewer of each type of top.
My personal, selfish concern is that this blog will now focus so thoroughly on your newly-discovered palate that there will be fewer finds for those of us who are elsewhere colorwise. I don’t want to break up … happy for your excitement, though.
While my own wardrobe (and outfit posts) will incorporate more of my new palette, I promise to continue to present a range of styles and options, as well as basics and travel wardrobes. 😉
I guess I’m the lone dissenter – I hate color! I’m 75 and wear only black, grays, nudes, whites and rarely, blackish navies. If I see a woman in a garish color I don’t think it “brightens” her, I think it appears less expensive and aging – a little “Queen Mum.” Also, despite the fact that in my age group one is advised to wear bright lip and cheek colors, I prefer a subtle, bronze/ beach look. Unless one is completely clueless about their appearance I’m for choosing personal preferences over the advice of strangers. Just my opinion and I’m sticking with it!
That’s OK…it would be a very boring world if we all liked the same things! 🙂
Thanks for this very interesting article. I too had my colors done in the 80s and I was told that I am a winter. But as I have aged black, which used to be my colors is really way too harsh for me now.
I thinks that I too am in the gamine category. Would also like to know where one could get a color and styling done in the Phoenix area,
I always enjoy reading your articles and wish you all the best on your new adventure as a gamine.
Hugs,
Betty G.
A few decades ago I had my colors done, here in the San Francisco Bay Area, by Donna Fujii (Color With Style). After reading about your analysis I dug out mine. I had been working off her analysis for years and hadn’t really looked at my swatches for years. I took them into my closet where I have my clothing hanging by color groups. Not a single piece in there was outside my Winter classification. Seems Donna did a great job teaching me and I did a pretty good job learning from her suggestions!
A few decades ago I had my colors done, here in the San Francisco Bay Area, by Donna Fujii (Color With Style). After reading about your color analysis I dug out mine. I had been working off her suggestions without really looked at my swatches for years. I took them into my closet where I have my clothing hanging by color groups. Not a single piece in there was outside my Winter classification. Seems Donna did a great job teaching me and I did a pretty good job learning from her suggestions!
You’re a Spring alright, bright and light. But, those Warm Spring greens are so difficult! If I could choose a season to be, it would be Soft Summer. Those soft, muted colors are a magnet for me. Good luck finding and wearing your new colors! Oh, and maybe keep some black pieces. (Just in case)
David Zyla is a fabulous stylist in the US. He is based in New York but regularly travels to major cities for pre-booked styling sessions. Davidzyla.com is his web address.
A lovely Transformation.
Never ceases to amaze me the difference colour makes. I’ve been a colour analyst since the early 80’s and still love the impact, inspiration and confidence it can bring. Each stylist brings their own knowledge and skill to the experience and they all add up to feeling like a new person, can’t beat that.
I simply refuse to stick to a palette that some “color experts” decide it’s good for me. I’m a golden blond with green eyes, and light skinned. Instinctively, I gravitate toward warm hues, including khaki, my very best color yet. This does not mean that I shy away from other, cooler colors, including black, silver, gray etc..if the item appeals to me. It’s how you wear it that is the key. I wear very little makeup, mostly a neutral lipstick for daytime and some cheek color as needed! I never worried as far as the personality types go, when choosing an item of dressing. If it’s chic, I get it regardless. I may modify it a little to perfectly suit my dimensions but that’s all. Dressing well it’s not a science it’s a style.
My session with ‘wardrobe shrink’ Sarah Whitaker 15 years ago has helped me enormously ever since.
She also does consultations via internet nowadays. You may want to check her out at wardrobeshrink.com.
Good morning. I just made an inquiry to Red Leopard about booking when we head to London next spring. I have just devoured everything you have written about the process and anything else I can find. I can just imagine how fabulous you will look in that gorgeous leather jacket and a pair of luscious brown pants. I hope I get the same results from my consultation. I am going all in for the color and style evaluation. Wish me luck.