Dare to wear Red – This powerful colour will brighten your darkest of days by Faye Hofmann

Festive, bold, energetic – there is no denying the versatility of red to breathe life into your style. Whether for work, celebration or just to pick up your mood, a judicious shot of red could be all you need. It is also famous for bringing a cheery glow to a pale winter complexion.

Red can be your microphone to the world, lending you confidence and getting you noticed when you need it most. Why, then do many shy away from wearing this colour? Red’s dark side is that it can also be an overpowering, intimidating and bossy companion when worn in the wrong shade or amount, leaving many of us avoiding this colour altogether. There is good news, though! Knowing which shades to go for can give you the boldness to embrace this vital colour with all of the benefits and none of the negatives.

Like all things in life, knowing yourself is the key to making the right choices. In this case, you don’t need to navel-gaze for too long, simply take a good look in the mirror. Note the colour of your hair, your eyes, the contrast, the depth and strength. These are the keys to finding your best shades of any hue. You are the measure of whether a colour is good or not – not the other way round! If a colour is not doing anything for you, it is the colour that is wrong, not you! The good news is, that there is a shade for everyone because, just like people, red does not only come in one variety.

To help you find which would be your right red, I have outlined 6 easy to identify types and their corresponding colours. These are not the over-simplified and often misleading tips you usually get in fashion or beauty editorials such as “blondes should wear X and brunettes should wear Y”. Your colouring is so much more complex than that! Read the descriptions below and see which type you identify with. Each is paired with its opposite. Your opposite’s colours will be the ones that you should run a mile from.

Warm vs. Cool

Calling all the Elsa and Anna’s out there! Red is a no brainer for those of you with gorgeous warm colouring and fiery red, chestnut or strawberry locks, but did you know you are best in the orange-toned shades such as coral, paprika and rust? Stay well away from blue-toned reds with a pink or purple appearance such as raspberry, cherry and darker berry shades. They work well for cool types who are noticeable for the absence of warmth in their colouring. You are a cool type if your hair is silver grey or white-blonde. If you have ash-brown to black hair combined with soft blue or grey eyes you are also this type. Warms and cools should stick to their colour families as wearing the other extreme conflicts strongly with your hair.

Deep vs. Light

Those who have dark hair and dark eyes with any skin tone from deepest brown to palest porcelain – you are our deep types. Red is a fabulous colour on you and it is hard for you to go glaringly wrong. Still, you are at your most gorgeous self when you stick to reds with the same strength and depth as your colouring. True red, and darker reds such as burgundy and mahogany will make you glow. The opposite could be said of those on the lightest end of the spectrum, our Light types. These have light blonde hair and often, but not always, light eyes too. If you have a light appearance, stay away from the common mistake of wearing dark reds and brown reds – both in lipsticks and clothing. They will overwhelm and age you- who wants that? Rather opt for light reds that are heading towards pink or peach such as watermelon, rose and strawberry. Blotting your red lipstick or wearing a sheer gloss, can be a good trick to lighten red when it’s too heavy for you.

Muted vs. Bright

If your look is low key, with a low contrast between your eyes, your skin and your hair, you have muted colouring. You might have light brown, or dark blonde hair, think Jennifer Anniston or be a bit darker but with eyes that are soft olive or a blue-green mix like Angelina Jolie. For you, vivid reds can easily overwhelm you and make you look mousy by comparison. It’s important that you remain the star of the show, so opt for the toned down, dusty or earthy reds such as Cinnamon, Persian and Mulled Wine. Pure class! In contrast, this is kryptonite to the lovely bright types with striking appearance, dark hair and bright eyes that you can’t miss. If you wear these understated colours, they just look muddy and underwhelming, robbing you of your superpowers. Stun us in clear, vivid reds such as Fire Engine, Ferrari and Geranium.

Now that you have taken stock of your appearance and know which ones are your best and which to avoid, think about your personality. Are you outgoing? Shy and retiring? This will help you decide how much red you will wear. Bolder types can go for it in a trendy head-to-toe look. If you are not comfortable with the thought of standing out that much, opt for an accent of lipstick, an accessory or jumper. You may also wish to limit the amount of red if you have a ruddy complexion – you are already blessed with enough healthy colour in your face and my end up looking flushed in too much red. Feeling confused? Sometimes we are not the best judge of ourselves. If you are feeling unsure or would like more information about which colours suit you, reach out to a trained expert who offers in-depth colour analysis. I know how it changed my life many years ago as I was liberated from my monochrome black & white wardrobe.

Knowing which colours suit you and which options to choose from can save you a considerable amount of time, money and sanity! Flattering colours will make you the star of the show, instead of your outfit. Embracing your inner superstar will help you to radiate confidence wherever you go.

Now you are ready to paint the town red, you might like to explore another colour that has been trending- pale blue – is it for you? To find out see my article “Love me, love me not pale wash jeans” or visit my website www.fayehofmann.com. for more articles and services that could change your style forever

About the Author

Faye Hofmann is qualified in Fashion Design and Colour Analysis and has worked as a fashion designer, trends consultant and personal stylist. Since she started in the fashion world 20 years ago, she has had much experience translating fashion trends into successful styles for large corporate retailers, boutiques and individuals.
Currently operating out of central Switzerland, one of her greatest joys is using her expertise to help others look and feel their best. To learn more about what colour & style can do for you, visit her site.

 

• fashion
• hair
• lips
• red
• skin