A Style Reset: First Steps

Susan B of une femme d'un certain age wears round shape glasses from Jimmy Fairly.

After my color and style consultation with Red Leopard in London, I was SO fired up! I couldn’t wait to start incorporating what I’d learned about color and style.

(Above: I’d purchased those glasses from Jimmy Fairly in Paris, before my Red Leopard session. I was going for something fun and different, and my instincts were on point: the color works with a Golden Spring palette, and they’re a good shape for my Gamine style profile!) Lipstick is from Chantecaille, color “Sunrise.”

First Things First: A Closet Clear-Out

Annie at Red Leopard advised me to start my style reset by clearing my closet of any pieces that weren’t in my Spring color palette. Then I could better assess which areas to prioritize for updating.

I’ve often joked that my closet looks like it belongs to a cat burglar (so much black!) so I knew this would be a big project. It took several hours over a couple of days. This time, I remembered to take some Before pictures. 😉

First step of a style reset: getting rid of what no longer works. Before and After a closet clear clear out. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

Tops

I had accumulated quite a few tops over the years. Many were the wrong colors, and/or the wrong style for my Gamine profile. I kept several sleeveless shells in ivory and navy, but may winnow those down further. I quickly identified lightweight tops with sleeves as a shopping priority. (The light aqua tee in the top and After photos is new, available in Misses / Petite / Plus.)

Pants

I had So. Many. Black Pants. (Many were doubled up on those hangers.) And I’d hung onto some jeans that no longer fit me, or styles that felt dated or that I’d rarely worn. There were also a few pairs of trousers that were the wrong colors. I’ve kept the jeans I wear most often. And I did keep a couple pairs of black knit pants, one of which is my “workout” pair. The other I’ll probably replace with navy in due time.

As part of my Style Reset, I decluttered my closet, removing items that aren't in my color palette. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

Sweaters

I had already cleared out a lot of sweaters during my closet declutter earlier this year. This time I let the rest of the black and “wrong color” ones go. The coral sweater in the After photo is the sale sweater I picked up in London while shopping with Greetje and Lisa.

Jackets

I still had quite a few black jackets, most of which were holdovers from my office wardrobe, and that I rarely wear anymore. After this clear-out, I was down to 6 jackets total, including my kimono (which turns out to have colors mostly in my palette!). The coral jacket I purchased on sale in London is at the tailor getting the sleeves shortened.

When it was done, I felt as though a huge weight had been lifted.

Most of the black pieces in my wardrobe are from Eileen Fisher, so I’ll be dropping those off later this week to recycle with their Renew program. There are a few tops and jackets from other brands I might be able to consign. The rest were donated to a local for-charity thrift or given to a friend who has 3 petite-sized young adult daughters still in school and working part-time.

Style Reset Next Step: Rebuilding…

This style reset is going to be a long-term project. As a result of the color and style consultation, I’ve already radically changed how I shop for myself. I’m much more focused and discriminating. First, I scan the racks for “my” colors. Then I look at the cut, fabric, and details to see if they’re a good match for the Gamine style personality (nothing too fussy, floofy, frilly, oversized, or Boho) and my body shape. Only then do I try anything on.

I’m finding the current season pickings are slim, especially with regard to color. Softer, cooler colors seem to be predominant now, and my palette is warm and bright/clear. I’m hoping that Fall collections might provide more options.

I have found one keeper so far from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. To be honest, if it’s the only piece of clothing I find in the sale, I will consider it a roaring success.

Susan B of une femme d'un certain age wears a Lafayette 148 NY leather jacket from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.

I featured this leather jacket (Plus) in my “top sale picks” post last week. The color is in between* two of my “best” colors in the Spring color swatches wallet (Cinnamon and Honey). The glazed lambskin leather is dreamy. I’ll need to get the sleeves shortened, and have tucked the cuffs up inside for this photo. I’m wearing size Small.

Spring seasonal color palette browns. Details at une femme d'un certain age.
The dots indicate my best colors within the Spring palette.

*Red Leopard says, “Do not try to match the colors in your wallet exactly (or you will never buy anything!). Use your wallet as a reference point; you may buy colors that fall in between the swatch colors.”

I’ll be on the lookout for some lightweight tops (prints and solids) in my colors. I’ll continue to share updates as I work through this wardrobe refresh.

Have you gone through a major style reset? Did you do it gradually, or in one big step?

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123 Comments

  1. You need to live in that jacket for the rest of your life. Beautiful on you!! Paired with the indigo jeans, wow!
    So excited to see how this all changes!

  2. yes, I agree that color is perfect for you! I once had a color reset, but it’s been ages.
    I do remember that at that time, I tried to eliminate colors out of the “palette,” but I love color in general too much to stick to only a few colors.
    Now, you’ve made me wonder! Thanks for that.

  3. Wow! That jacket is STUNNING and fits you perfectly. New glasses and new lipstick very pretty, too!

    1. You look amazing in the jacket. The new glasses are a wow! I am also a famine style personality. I look forward to your posts everyday.

  4. OMG – that leather jacket looks fabulous on you!! Such a gorgeous color and it really brings your face to life. The session with Red Leopard will end up saving you money in the long run as you will only purchase items that compliment you. Makes me want to plan a trip to London just to have my colors done!

  5. I love that jacket on you! The color is perfect.
    I remember the first post of yours that I read..you were in Paris and wore a golden colored Uniqlo vest over a black turtleneck. Looked fabulous! Made me a follower and believer!!!!
    I’ve never had my colors professionally done, but did follow the “Color Me Beautiful” book for awhile.
    Before you get rid of all your black things, may I suggest something I remember from that book.
    It said that if you have clothes that aren’t your color, wear them away from your face, or add a scarf in your color to a shirt.
    So, maybe keep those Eileen Fisher black pants, just wear your Spring colors on top. Similarly, wear a spring scarf or necklace in your colors with a black top. Just a suggestion.
    Can’t wait for your next post.

    1. I agree on both points. I too was struck by how perfect that vest looked and have remembered it. (I also bought a couple of the vests for travel, so I appreciated the recommendation.) RE colors near your face: I’ve tried wearing appropriatelty colored tops or scarves to compensate for “inappropriate” black pants and jackts, but sometimes feel that it chops me up vertically because the color contrast is too much. What do you think?

      1. I’ve never had to worry about that since I’m tall…5’9”. ☺️
        But, what I have done is to wear black pants and a black top with a statement necklace or scarf around my neck.
        It works well on my post-menopausal/67 year old body.

  6. Oh, my goodness! You look FAB.u.lous in your new jacket! So fit and trim — quite a change (and improvement, if I may say) over the flowy, figure-disguising garments you have seemed to favor.

    I’ll have what she’s having!

  7. You inspire me! I’ve never had my colors done, but I definitely know I feel better in certain colors. I need to do a better job of clearing the “bad” colors out of my closet, but I keep thinking “I’ll wear those around the house.” LOL! I am frustrated by the lack of good-looking summer tops with short sleeves. It seems like all I can find in the stores right now are sleeveless (sometimes not a good look for a 57-year old) or long sleeves (not even a consideration in my hot, humid deep South climate!). But I keep looking! Thanks for the help!

    1. It is important to keep some worn or not-entirely-appropriate garments for housecleaning and gardening. Although you may have domestic help, there are still many tasks on has to do oneself. I do tend to keep to many (keeping in mind that it is frigid here in the winter, and hotter than one might think in the summer). I love black, and it has always flattered me, but now that my hair is salt and pepper, I look for greys as well. Suprising how hard it is to find good ones (not grimy looking, not almost white).

  8. I echo Cheryl, that I thought you could wear other colors away from your face. I can’t see a fashion world in which I wouldn’t have several black pants even though I am an autumn based on color me beautiful from thirty yrs ago . What did your consultants say about that? That jacket is gorgeous on you and esp with your glasses.

    Who does color consulting in the US? It seems color me Beautiful is not around? Your closet reset is inspirational.

    1. You look terrific very much younger. You must see that. Is there a red leopard in the US. I’m in the older age group but would love to have my colors done. Any suggestions where or how. I currently live in the southeast. But love to travel

    2. Look into Dressing Your Truth. Carol Tuttle teaches how to correctly identify your energy type and corresponding clothing style to match your natural movement.

  9. If you’re having trouble finding your colors you may want to take a look at Lands End. They always use a lot of bright clear colors. Just in the tees I saw at least 5 colors that would work for you. A lot of their styles fit the gamine style too.

  10. I love your blog and am so excited to see that you are a Spring, like me. For those people wondering who to go to for color analysis in the US, House of Colour has representatives in almost every state. I went to Linda Davis in Kansas City and thoroughly enjoyed working with her.

  11. I love this new lipstick on you. It complements your complexion beautifully. You’re wearing the lipstick instead of the lipstick wearing you. Also, thumbs up on the new specs. They look great !

  12. Good luck on your color reset. I have found that, when one lives in a small town, just finding clothes that fit a petite, post-menopausal body is a challenge, never mind the colors. Yes, I catalog order (and return) all the time and make an occasional visit to the “big” city (Nashville) but am well aware of the time and expense involved. Most women my age (72) cannot afford even what I do to have a minimalist, well-curated wardrobe. So if I am not always in my “best” colors, so be it. Scarves do help.

  13. Susan….the new colors are great on you! Living in North Carolina, I wonder if there’s anything available here that would be similar to your Red Leopard color and style analysis. If you know of any stores that might do that I would appreciate you passing along the information. I’m sure you will enjoy shopping for all your new clothes!

  14. Yabba dabba do on that jacket! So stylish and confident. Love the lightness of your new palette. That being said, I agree with Cheryl’s comment (above), the crispness and confidence of reliable black slacks cannot be denied. Um….”tabletop dressing”, right?

    I DO admire that you’ve removed so much of the black wardrobe — I have been working on that myself. I know my personal palette and my best style/cuts, tho I am guilty of selecting the darker tones…..oops. BTW, you have inspired me to purchase my first pair of white jeans — narrow ankle style, that’s a big step for me. Thank you!

  15. I agree with others to wear your black pants away from your face, adding the tops or scarves in your colors. I’m a summer season, and lean a little toward a few autumn colors without the golden tones. I am suppose to go navy and not black, but believe me it is difficult not to have black pants. BTW, what is a gamine style? You look lovely.

  16. I like the color a lot but what I like the most is a different shape. Finally not one of those long lab coats that overwhelmed your petite frame! Looking forward to seeing how you continue to evolve your style and hopefully incorporate in it skirts and dresses.

  17. Wow, that jacket. Yes to buying one stunning, high-quality piece rather than a bunch of cheaper items.

    I think living without black pants sounds like an interesting experiment! Go for it!

  18. It is wonderful to do a color analysis and refresh one’s wardrobe on that basis.
    Years ago: in the East Bay (SF Bay Area) Maria-Soledad Nelson did a lovely job for me
    and I still use her “fan” of colors in my shopping! Many compliments on my clothing in the last few years as a result. (I can’t seem to copy and paste her web address for informational purposes)
    Although I too don’t wear black near my face,
    black pants are still a wardrobe staple!
    Thanks again for your blog–so many changes as a result of reading it, especially packing tips.
    (plus all the reader tips!!!)

  19. I always check out the Pantone colors for the season. Think you’ll find some of your new colors in the upcoming Fall/Winter 2019-2020 palette.

      1. The past few years, while you have shown us Pantone’s gorgeous spice tones available in European lines, I have only seen such attention to Pantone’s palate at Target, of all places. What other clothing brands here are keeping current with Pantone’s vision?
        PS: that jacket looks better on you than the model! It’s a definite keeper.

    1. I’d never wear a jacket that colour, and am having qualms about leather other than for shoes, but it suits you perfectly. Not every day because weather exists even in LA, but that will last you the rest of your life, even if you live to be 100 or a bit more. See that that pretty t-shirt exists in a green called nori. I’ll be looking for it here in Montréal (I rarely shop online; I have tiny shoulders and more bust than I’d have chosen).

  20. I agree that jacket is perfect, and so are the glasses.
    I find that white shells have a way of culling themselves, mostly as a result of sunblock discoloration.
    I like the idea of a gamine style, but I would have such a hard time committing. I prefer to be more formal but my life often is very messy and informal. I find I just change clothes! Also, this weekend I tried on one of those enormous summer dresses that have no waist and tiers of gathered fabric. This one was above the knee. I expected to look like a Christo-wrapped tomato, but it looked fantastic. The boutique owner was wearing a similar dress, maxi length. Very boho and also like being naked–perfect for warm summer days. My style is so much more along the lines of a sheath dress, but wow, that boho dress made me think twice.

  21. Isn’t it freeing to have a minimal, well-curated closet in your colors and style? You probably won’t have to add many items at all and just enjoy wearing what you have now.
    I also love your new eyewear and the lipstick color. Both blends so well with your complexion!
    It will be interesting to see what you and your hair stylist decide on hair color. I love your style and color now but wonder if the color needs some golden tones in it? Did Red Leopard suggest anything?
    This article has inspired me to look at my “total look” from clothes, makeup, eyewear, and hair color! Thanks so much!

  22. Love this new jacket on you, and the new lipstick too! You look so fresh and happy!
    Looks like you also got rid of your white linen tops – are you supposed to go for cream rather than pure white?
    Also like to hear what they said about black and other dark neutrals…

    1. Hi Diana, yes, my color palette includes cream and warm ivory instead of white. And dark neutrals include navy and warm browns.

  23. You did an excellent move with a colour analysis, and you inspired, I believe, many of us followers to do the same. It’s amazing transformation. Bravo.

  24. The changes look great! Exciting to see what you will be getting. Any recommendations for color advice in Northern California?

  25. Love your new look. Your previous wardrobe always looked to big on you. Congrats on finding your style.

  26. I’ve been following you for many many years now, and I’ll still be following along when your wardrobe changes back to neutrals and black (my personal fav) ! ❤️

  27. This jacket is the perfect fit and color for you! Wow, you look stunning in it. I’m curious to hear if the Red Leopard consultants think that our French Kande jewelry is too much for your body type (long, big) or if they recommend lighter pieces. I love your taste in FK.

  28. Your new colors look SO flattering on you! I had mine done many years ago (I’m a summer), and still have my swatches. You’ve inspired me to work on this again!

  29. You look really beautiful in this color and in this jacket. I think we all have way too much black in our wardrobes—usually because it is so difficult to find other colors in clothes that work for us. I also applaud getting away from the long over lean shapes. You look fabulous in this shorter jacket. I am very excited about watching your wardrobe reset.

  30. Such exciting and encouraging (for me) changes! Looking forward to seeing more selections and info on your choices.

  31. Just wondering— if/when you decide to go grey, how do you think your colors might change? I was an Auburn-haired autumn, but at 74 my light gray hair shudders at rust, gold, taupe etc… I’d love to get my colors done again but a trip to London isn’t in my near future and it doesn’t seem available here anymore.

    1. Noelle, I had my first greys at about 16, It runs in my maternal family. My youngest uncle is in his 80s – snowy white curly hair, but a full head of it! I have that Celtic “silver” though there are also human strains with far more melanin in my family tree. The silver doesn’t pertain to ginger Celts, but to Black Irish and Scots like Gordon Brown.

  32. I think you might find lots of choices for your new wardrobe this Fall. Looking at Vince brand, for example, there are featured pieces in those luscious chocolate tones that work so beautifully on you. Everyone has already said it but I concur that you look radiant in these pictures! Makes me take a second look at my closet…

  33. That jacket looks FABULOUS on you, as does the lipstick! As a fashion blogger, this style reset will be fun to do and fun for us all to watch to see how it’s done. I do have a suggestion about one thing. What about doing a color over dye on some of the clothes you are getting rid of? You are getting rid of them anyway, so if it doesn’t work, no harm done. Just a thought. That style blogger from Australia (can’t remember her name at the moment) has at least one post on the subject and apparently does it all the time. Cheers.

    1. I love doing that. One of my useless degrees is in visual arts and I’ve experimented with that. I had a high-quality denim shirt but the pale blue killed me: I dyed it in a deep forest green. The original colour influences the outcome, but that is fine! Is the blogger the lovely Imogen from Melbourne?

  34. Love the Calypso color and the leather jacket. I’ve been waiting on your change from “office attire/uniform” as I am going through similar changes. Slowly letting go of mostly black as my life style has changed dramatically. Did a “Marie Kondo” recently to my clothes and accessories. I purchased 3 pair of EF and 2 pair of NYDJ jeans in the last five months – I never wore jeans to work! I retired shortly before you and have slowly been making the transition to casual chic and adding color to my wardrobe. It will be fun watching and taking inspiration from you.

  35. So fun! I love closet dumping. However, I do keep a stable of black pants and leggings and concentrate on colors above my waist. For whatever reason, black pants make my head happy although I do have pants of different colors in my pallet.
    You look lovely as ever!
    Jan

  36. I love the transformation in you just by adding the beautiful colors suggested by Red Leopard. Since RL is willing to come to the US for a big enough group, I wonder if your followers would be interested in joining together for an event to bring them here. I would certainly come to such an event. Your lovely area would be a great site for the event.

      1. I’m interested, too!
        BTW, ditch the black pants, they will provide too much contrast with your new palette. I love the leather jacket/jean/glasses combo so much! It really demonstrates the power of the right colors.

    1. If RL would come, it would be great to schedule East Coast (NYC or Washington), LA, maybe Chicago. I’m willing to commit today!

  37. Are you going to do a post on the other style types in addition to Gamine? Eager to learn the characteristics fit other categories. Your new photos just jump off the screen!

    1. I really only received detailed information about the Gamine style type, as that was my assessment and what I was focused on learning. Thanks!

  38. The jacket has great color, texture and profile. Keeper. I’ve been wondering if your color analysis will in any way affect your relationship to leopard prints. I see that at least one top made the cut . . . .

  39. Longtime reader, first time poster here. That jacket looks absolutely amazing and so perfect on you. Wow! You always look lovely, but I never understood all your long cardigans, and I’m excited to see you removing black from your wardrobe and shifting to a modern gamine style.
    I was also wishing I could go to Red Leopard in London, and I’d be thrilled to go to LA, if there’s a group interested. I did look into David Zyla, mentioned here in an earlier comment last week, and he will be in LA in October and his fee for a 2 hour consult is $850. But after seeing your transformation, I am inspired to find a way to connect with Red Leopard. (Great idea, KathyS!)

  40. Love the jacket!! I am sure it will be a fun and rewarding process to update your look. Why get rid
    of black pants when the color is really around your face? Navy is a nice addition, especially on top but black pants with your colors would be stunning too?? Have fun, it will be interesting to watch your look evolve
    I could do with some more color on top too!

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  41. Susan
    Love that you had colors done and seems to be in the right direction. Although, I always liked your style….colors and all. Long cardigans too. I love the leather jacket but my fear would be spending that much on one piece and then getting tired of the color. I have a pink leather jacket I loved but wore a few times and now it sits in the closet. You cannot really wear it over and over again. in my opinion. Also I live in South Florida where wearing that jacket would be very rare. Looks great on you.

  42. This is all great but honestly I think that most women intrinsically know when garments”work” (color and style) for them. I would hate to be a slave to a small wallet of color swatches when looking at clothing. I remember younger co workers commenting on an older colleague ” Yup she’s had her colors done” when that person wore the same mix of colors on a daily basis. (That was in the ’80’s) Sure I have made some dilly mistakes and have passed them on to others who wore it better. At this point in my life I know what works, what flatters and what fits.I don’t want to be labeled ‘Gamine’ and find myself in a style rut a few years from now. I don’t want to be labeled at all. My own looks goes from sleek modern to BOHO to yes, Gamine. I have bought expensive tops that, according to the experts should have flattered on many levels but I just hated them and felt uncomfortable in. I have also purchased garments WAY outside of my color box and been told how great I looked them. In the end if we love ourselves in a certain ‘look’ or ‘color’ that is what flatters. If we go with the “i’ll have what she’s having” we have the closet full of bombs that we end up re homing.
    A word about black. Living in California one needn’t have a solid black wardrobe but if you live in a large dirty old Northern or European city and travel on public transit or walk in bad weather than black is your friend. New Yorkers wear black, Londoners wear black and God knows Parisians wear it. It’s practical and easy to keep clean.Probably why the Parisians love their foulards! The coat can be black but the scarf can be any color.
    My intention here is not to be mean, I think Susan looks terrific in her new look, but just from reading the comments I can see a wholesale purging of closets that may not be necessary as well as the occasional ‘désaccord domestique’ occurring;)

    1. Ainisavalavie: You have a lot of common sense in your comment. I also had my colors done when I was much younger. I did not follow the palette that they give me. I do know that I do not look good in beige and certain colors I feel great in. Over the years, you just figure it out on your own.

    2. Hi Ainsivalavie, appreciate your perspective. As I mentioned in the first post detailing my Red Leopard experience, not everyone needs or will benefit from having specific color and style parameters to work from. For me, it’s been really, really helpful.

      1. I’m curious if you have always defaulted to neutrals. Ainsivalavie’s comment has me wondering: Were you attracted to your newfound colors before this analysis? You really look fabulous in both that blue shirt and that jacket!

        1. Thanks! I worked in a business-casual-corporate environment for decades, so I think as much as anything, they became a habit. That said, I still believe that it’s a sound wardrobe strategy to build around a capsule of neutrals and add colors as accents. Now my neutrals will be a little different, as will my accent colors.

    3. I agree with you in Montréal with hideous winters, but a European sensibility amongst other Northeastern North American cities. Les foulards sont très importants. Your chosen colour palette might seem out of step with many Northernish (including Paris) colour palettes. Nothing wrong with that, but I like to fit in.

  43. If your blog allowed them, this thread would be filled with “mic drop” gifs for that jacket! Absolutely PERFECT on you and stunning. Love the new glasses too. And I’m SO happy the kimono survived the cull – I was pretty sure the colors would make the cut, but I was worried that “gamine” style would force its elimination. Maybe because it’s so different from your typical outfits (which I really like, BTW) AND the fact that the colors complement your complexion so well, but it’s still one of my favorite looks on you. Thanks for sharing your journey.

    1. I agree! I really loved Sue’s kimono and was happy that she kept it because she looks fantastic in it, much like the brighter version of Sue in her new jacket!

  44. If you know of any companies in the USA that do this kind of color service, PLEASE link us up! Thank you!

  45. I love your new look and will follow along as you add other pieces. Your experience has made me take a look at my own closet. I applaud your curiosity and willingness to take a different direction with your closet. I have two pairs of black pants and a couple of black tops. I do find that black doesn’t work well for me any more so I won’t be buying more of it. A thought – there may be cashmere sweaters in spring/summer colors on sale now so maybe you can find some in your palette – ON SALE 🙂

  46. I am now inspired to have my colors done, after reading your excellent article. I am becoming very conscious of developing what I believe is the best style for me, and in order to look my best I need to know which colors work for me. Thanks for being an inspiration.

  47. That jacket is amazing on you! Not many people could wear that color and look stunning as you do. I had my colors done professionally by Color Me Beautiful a long time ago and it was life changing! I still have the original swatches. I am a red headed, brown eyed, freckled Autumn but had been wearing gray and navy for the winter and pastels in the summer since it was easier. Once I switched to the Autumn pallet of warm browns, golds, rusts, it made such a difference and I received so many compliments. It made shopping and building a capsule wardrobe so much easier! I once left my rust colored blazer behind at a meeting and the someone identified it as mine simply because of the color. At that point, I did worry if I had overdone the commitment to my colors!

    Love your blog!!!

  48. Wouldn’t it be great if fashion designers thought a little more about colour analysis when preparing new seasons collections? Some seasons I totally despair at the offerings and just have to make sure there’s enough in my clothing budget when my season (Winter) is available. Our market in New Zealand is very small and shipping costs can be prohibitive so patience is most definitely required. Looking forward to your future posts with your new look. 😉

  49. I echo the sentiments of the masses. The Jacket: You wear it well. The long-over-lean silhouette visually pulled you down. This new look lifts you up. Bravo!

  50. I’m also a spring so I look forward to learning from your new fashion journey! Eileen Fisher has some classic brownish neutrals called bark, musk and nutmeg. A new musk canvas jacket is in my closet. Can’t wait to see what I can put with it. Midnight is a rich navy that will help ease the demise of black pants and jackets. Have fun discovering your fresh palette!

  51. That jacket color and style looks great on you. You are inspiring me to take a look at my closet and try to figure out what colors look best on me. I think I’m a winter, but some of the colors are too bold and harsh for me. I wish Red Leopard would come to LA. I definitely would go!
    Thanks Susan, I love your blog!

  52. Susan, I’ve been waiting for this post since your London appt. It’s thought provoking. The jacket looks great on you. What is very interesting in this post is the expression on your face. It doesn’t feel posed. I feel like you are thinking “this is me.” The thought of eliminating all the black in my wardrobe is really painful. Am following your posts closely—as are many. Wish I’d spent my recent time in London more productively. Red Leopard is clearly amazing!!!! Color analysis seems to be a skill which is not always taught by courses. Let me just add that the recent heat wave in Europe really messed up my well-planned suitcase! It was an anomaly!

  53. We, your readers, are so excited about your visit to Red Leopard and how you are putting this new venture into your wardrobe. It all seems spot on! I celebrate individuals looking for what flatters them, individually, in color and shape and form of dress. It is an important way to be creative and also to stand up to the relentless pressure to conform in our dress.
    Yes to a wide variety of colors, to all different sorts of shapes and sizes of clothing.
    Your choices so far look divine!
    Maybe Red Leopard (and you) could do a three to six city tour. I bet there are enough of us to back it.
    And thanks for the breath of fresh air.

  54. You look amazing in today’s outfit! Not just the color but the shorter jacket is very flattering. I don’t see a professional color analysis in my near future but I have read and studied and believe I know my best palette. If not, at least I’m trying! It’s fun and freeing to shop your palette. Not restricting. I believe only winters have jet black and pure white in their palettes. I am surprised at the comments about black. I do not understand why people are so reluctant to give up black when it is not flattering on the majority of people. Wearing black pants with a colored top in your palette is really not as flattering as your whole outfit being from your palette. Thank you for showing us that other neutrals can be flattering and useful and maybe designers will start giving us other options besides a closet full of black. I look forward to seeing your closet expansion!

  55. Susan , you look fantastic! So worth it. When you had the color and style consultation, did they give you a different palette in your book for each of the four seasons or does the Spring palette represent your best colors all year round?

    1. Thanks! I’m a Spring, which means that the colors that look best on me are all from the Spring palette. Within those colors, some are my “best” (for me, it’s the colors with the most yellow undertones).

  56. I’ll join the chorus of approval for your new leather jacket! A question about the sleeve alteration: Is it covered by Nordstrom’s tailoring program, or are you using your own tailor? I’ve never had a leather garment altered; it seems like it might be tricky.

    1. Thanks! I’m not sure if the alterations I need will be covered. I’ll find out tomorrow and if I’m not comfortable with what they suggest, I’ll take it to my own tailor, who is not cheap, but does quality work, nothing slapdash.

  57. I’m so excited,I too am a Spring/ Gamine and chose very similar glasses a few weeks ago. I can’t wait to see how you rebuild your wardrobe (finding Spring colours is a bit difficult here in Australia.

  58. Absolutely love your new jacket! – both the shorter style and the colour on you. I’m also a shorty and love your blog. I’m definitely a bright winter in color and I’m going to follow your example in culling my wardrobe- so liberating!

  59. Love your new look. Would you share the style name and color of the Jimmy Farley glasses. Could not locate them on their website. Thanks.

  60. Can’t wait to see your evolving wardrobe without black. I don’t wear black, either, and I find it maddening to shop. A nice warm charcoal or indigo pant in tall? Makes me think I should go back to sewing. Even finding soft white tops are a challenge (especially ones with lower necklines). Good luck, and I’ll be watching!

  61. I had my colors done years ago and was/am an autumn. So, as you know, black is out. However, I always believed it was the color around my face that was important, not the color on my legs. I love my black jeans, etc. as they look less casual than blue jeans. I’ll have to look into this entire theory to see if I’ve been doing it wrong all this time. So I will be interested in how your wardrobe changes. But, my very non-expert opinion is that jacket would look great with black pants. Sigh, oh well, I guess it’s time to adjust my wardrobe…

  62. That jacket is certainly flattering on you. I can’t wait to see how you build your wardrobe with your new colors. I have been wanting to get my colors done ever since I let my hair go white, and it is really white, pure white.

  63. Congrats! You are finally going in the right direction! Your SOCAL weather and the Lumiere there invites more color than just black or other neutrals. I’m in NOCAL, wear color judiciously, keep black away from my face for daytime wear or embellish with some punchy scarf. I’m a natural blonde with greenish eyes and my very best color is kacky(spelling?!). Go figure!

    1. khaki. originally, a dust or sand colour worn by troops in hot, dry regions, but now includes khaki green, a dull green related to the above. Indeed, the new palette seems more appropriate to SOCAL, but not to travels in Europe. I’m just saying that because I can get away with black jeans in work and social situations where a lighter wash would not be appropriate. Obviously, do as you please, and this is not unfriendly criticism. You have a wonderful sense of style. I have also had success with dark forest green and dark violet-red jeans.

  64. Susan – I love love love that jacket on you. It fits your style, form and lifestyle. I like the colors on you, though it would be awful on me. No yellows, oranges or browns for me. I’m into blues, pinks, purples, mauve, greys, greens and lavenders. I did recently add back navy as a pant color – I’d not worn navy in reaction to the navy blue starter suit that a lot of us wore in the Ally McBeal suit era.

    I haven’t done a color or style reset voluntarily. I just lost 30 pounds in six months due to an unexpected cancer diagnosis so I’m having to reset my whole closet and I’m not happy about it. So much of my wardrobe was purchased on sale or carefully matched to my smart business casual wardrobe and replacing it is a pain. I’m 5’2″ so I have to have petite sizes and don’t have much luck in regular sizes.

    I look forward to seeing your wardrobe revision as it unfolds.

    1. I’m so sorry to hear about your cancer diagnosis. I hope your treatment goes well and you are soon cancer-free. Being 5’1″ myself, I hear you about petite vs. regular styles. It can be limiting. Lately I’ve been all about the alterations.

    2. Laura, I recently discovered a website that was the first I felt really did a good job of finding the nuances of color for those who don’t clearly fit one group or another, and they actually specialize in products for people with hair loss through either chemotherapy or alopecia, etc. You might find it of interest. Go to http://www.headcovers.com and scroll down the left to the section, Cancer Resources & Tutorials, and then Beauty, Brows & Lashes, to Finding Your Color Season. Wishing you a speedy recovery!

  65. Well done! Applause. I can imagine you feel light after such a clear-cut. Gosh I should do this too. Only I have been shopping my colours and style for a long long time now, so there are less discriminating factors. Only the Marie one: do I feel great in this?
    Your jacket is indeed a dream. So much better than a black leather jacket. The style is just right as well.
    Now, about clearing your pants (as you call them). I have found that if your good colours are near your face, it doesn’t really matter what colour is on the bottom. I would only select on style if I were you.
    Greetje

  66. Susan, you look so happy in your new color palette! The jacket is sublime. It is a beautiful color on you. I am looking forward to seeing more of your transformation. Such FUN!

  67. My style has evolved by observing those women who make an ‘impression’ on me sartorially.
    I have always preferred the same color all the way….top to bottom, except maybe changing up the shoe color if it suits the time/event. Feels elegant and long and lean.
    One color on top and another on the bottom and another for shoes is too much to wrap my head around.
    What to look at first? I want me to enter the room, not my clothing before me.
    Mixing colors also adds to a foreshortened appearance and I like a long line instead.
    Just a style thing and I’m comfortable with who I am and how I present myself. I have found my style.
    Have fun and best wishes on your journey to find yours.

  68. Love your new look Did Red Leopard advise you on makeup color foundation and blush colors eyes etc If so maybe you could do a blog on it or let me know what they suggested

    1. Yes, they did. It turns out that most of my current makeup colors are good for my palette, though I did ditch some more blue-based “rosy” pink lipsticks I’d been hanging onto for a while and never wore.

  69. So excited for you. I’m in my 60’s and have long believed that black drained my skin. Navy, however, looks dynamite on me. I am so glad you have had a color awakening and I look forward to seeing the new you!

  70. I had my colors “done” back in the 90’s, and I still have my color swatches! Thanks for the reminder to look for my very best colors, and not just for what fits. Thank goodness that as a “soft summer” one of my very best colors is sweatshirt gray! I love it and it loves me. AND it seems to be available in every season. I always joke that it is my “pop of color”

  71. Oh my gosh, that fabulous Lafayette jacket! Looks like it was designed just for you. I’ve got it in my cart, just can’t yet pull the trigger. Now you’ve set the bar so high, if it doesn’t look that beautiful on me, I can always send it back!

  72. I did my closet reset in one go but I put all the rejects in a spare room closet just in case I couldn’t find suitable replacements in time. But the funny thing is that once I started wearing my Seasonal Colors & Style I just couldn’t go back. I’d think I’d wear something “one last time” but as soon as I put it on it didn’t feel right. I did take some of my newer designer purchases to a consignment store where I traded them in for colors/styles that suited me better. I remember feeling such a twinge about giving some items away but once they were gone, I never thought of them again. Clients often express concern that they won’t have fun shopping anymore but without fail they all express that shopping is so much more enjoyable now that they know what to look for — no more wasting time in stores that don’t carry their colors/styles, no more dithering over whether a color or style suits them or not. And no more buyers remorse when they get their purchases home. It’s very freeing.

  73. Susan, are the clothes in the closet the only clothes you own? If so, I envy your ability to winnow! There is not much there. It might be climate dependent. I have a lot of sweaters for winter. I am trying to purge every day and stop shopping.

  74. I live in Australia but have been buying clothes from Kettlewell.uk, as they have colours for all seasons, advice on colour n great customer service. Worth a look! Highly recommended