Gorgeous Me: Finding colours to suit your complexion

Black does not suit everyone.

As a stylist and woman who's a long-time friend and fan of black clothing and accessories, I agree that black is a wardrobe staple.

Except -- black does not suit everyone: some people are far better off wearing navy, brown, dark olive/green or charcoal.

I had a client recently with fair skin, an undertone of freckles and a red tone to her natural hair colouring. Her go-to colour was always black. What a difference it made when we got her in a navy and charcoal top: her face and overall features came to life -- she came to life. She could see for herself what a difference the right colours made.

WARM COLOUR PROFILE

If you have the following colour characteristics, then it's likely you'll suit our Warm Colour Profile.

* Fair skin, perhaps with freckles or dark olive or golden skin

* You have a red tone to your natural hair colour -- strawberry blonde, redhead, brunette, warm brown, mid brown

* Your eyes might be blue, green, hazel or brown

At top right is your colour profile. Black does not feature; the darkest shade at top right is dark brown.

Remember that our colour profile can change between seasons (I suit black in summer when I'm tanned but not in winter), when we change hair colour and also when we age.

STYLING TIP

To enhance your look, wear colours around your face that suit your complexion and features.

If black is not in your colour palette, you're best to reserve it for items of clothing or accessories that are away from your face.

If black is already in your wardrobe, add an accessory like a necklace or scarf in a colour from your palette and watch it work its magic.

BREAK THE RULES

Were you brought up to believe that black and navy or black and brown don't mix, don't go together? Well they do, they're great friends and do look fabulous.

Navy, dark brown, charcoal and dark khaki are fabulous alternatives to black. Plus they're slimming, go with almost everything and are stylish and timeless. Give them a chance, you'll love it when you do.

Lisa Lyford is the founder of Gorgeous Me, free DIY personal styling and makeover advice. www.gorgeousme.co

Send your questions for Lisa to regionalfeatures@nzme.co.nz