When shopping for clothes, do you know that some colors you wear enhance your looks while others wash you out?
Though color analysis was a practice that was very popular in the 1980s, there is a resurgence now that colors feature so prominently in today’s styles.
Color theory suggests that if you want to look your best, choosing shades that complement your natural coloring can create the perfect look.
When paired the right way, the colors of your palette can help you appear polished, vivacious, and even younger.
The Epoch Times interviewed Lora Alexander, expert color analyst, makeup artist, and owner of Pretty Your World, a website that provides color analysis tools and information that helps men and women find the most flattering colors for their natural tones.
Alexander credits her passion and inspiration from the book “Color Me Beautiful” by Carole Jackson. It sparked the color-crazed decade—better known as the ‘80s.
Jackson divided colors into four different palettes: Summer, Winter, Autumn, and Spring.
The 4 Season Theory eventually grew into a 12 Season Theory, which further breaks down the color palettes into more specific categories: Deep, Light, Soft, Clear, Warm, and Cool.
To determine the appropriate palette, color analysts follow your natural skin tones, your eye color, and the various hues and highlights in your hair.
An Interview With Lora Alexander
The Epoch Times: Can you describe your personal style?
Lora Alexander: My style is one that is more classic and natural, I guess you would call it. I am not into the latest fads and styles. I have no idea what’s “in” right now. I like clothing that is classic and won’t go out of style in five minutes.
Epoch Times: How do you personalize your outfit or makeup?
Ms. Alexander: Well, because I know what my best colors are, I simply choose clothing and makeup in those colors. If they are not in style at the time, I wear it anyway.
Epoch Times: What services do you offer as a color stylist and consultant?
Ms. Alexander: Right now, I do everything virtually on my site. I offer color analysis packages where clients from all over the world send me clear photos of themselves, and I analyze their natural coloring and recommend a palette of colors for them to wear.
I also sell swatches that correspond to the “season” I determine them to be that they can take shopping with them. I also sell other image products like a virtual stylist program where they can enter their height and other physical characteristics and get an instant e-portfolio of recommended clothing and accessories for their body types.
In Dec 2008, I self-published a book called “Color Revival,” which talks about the 12-season color system.
Just last September, I launched my own makeup line that corresponds to the 12 seasons. And only a few months ago, I found a fabulous new skin care line to offer my clients.
This year, I plan to open a small shop to do in-person color analysis, makeup applications, and skin care. I’m also a licensed esthetician.
