Why I Don't Like Color Analysis or Body Shape Typologies
I don’t like color analysis.
Color analysis was very popular in the eighties with the wild success of Carole Jackson’s book Color Me Beautiful and stated that all people fall into different color categories (based on their eyes, hair, and skin tone) and therefore, prescribed a strict color palette that each should wear. This is super limiting because it doesn’t take into account the colors you like, prefer, and bring you joy. It also gets very micro-detail-oriented and distinguishes between very slightly different shades of a color being better for you. While it is true that some colors are hard to wear, we tend to know this organically and not need strict rules.
I like to make my own rules about color. I had this gorgeous sleeveless silk bow blouse with clocks printed on it (when novelty prints were big) and it was absolutely perfect for my life at the time. It looked cute with torn jeans or work trousers, it was easy to layer, and it had lots of personality. It was also that orange color that’s almost red, which is supposed to be a no-no for me, a cool-toned winter. Well, I didn’t care. I loved that freaking blouse and I looked great in it. And it was great because it worked for my life and made me feel beautiful and confident.
And I’ll help you find those same pieces for you.
What I do instead of use color analysis
I observe which colors my client owns a lot of in their closet, which colors bring them joy, and which colors they don’t like. We then use that to inform their overall closet cleanout and future purchases. When helping clients make purchases, I do tend to stick with a color palette (a small collection of colors that all “go” together visually) so that their wardrobe feels cohesive and it’s much easier for them to know which clothing goes with what. I’ll even help a client shop with a small color story (such as gray and blue tones) if they’re especially nervous about which colors match, eliminating all stress that they’ll be mismatched.
I’m not here to tell you not to wear gold if you like gold. I’m here to help you shine.
I also don’t like body shape categories or use them as a styling tool.
Lots of great articles already written sum up how I feel about Body Shape Categories:
I'm Not a Pear: Why Categorizing Women's Bodies is Dumb by @hellolanemoore on Twitter
Why the Body Shape Trend Needs to Stop by Nicki Kinickie
Why I Don't Believe in Dressing to Body Shapes by allthingsbea.com
What I Do Instead of Use Body Types
I have a grown-up conversation with you about any parts of yourself you like or would prefer to downplay. This can be much more complex than overly-simple body shape types (maybe your inseam is just in between tall and regular - which pants should you buy? I’ve got you! Or maybe you have mobility or disability issues and your ankles swell daily, making your shoe situation challenging. I’ve got you!)
I use the information I have about your unique, special body and help you feel confident in how we choose to dress it together. Everyone has insecurities. My job is to help you feel confident in your style, adapting to this highly customized information about you and how you feel.
I also don’t use body types on purpose because they tend to be highly shaming (no curves? Better fake some! Too many curves? Downplay and wear black! - ALL OF THIS IS TERRIBLE ADVICE because it ROBS you of confidence in your amazing body just how it is). And I never, ever shame my clients for who they are. I’m only here to celebrate you, lift you up, provide you great fashion and style help, and raise your confidence level.
Both of these are allegedly tools to help you pick the right thing and look good. Both actually limit your thinking about how to find happiness in your style. Working with me as your personal stylist gives you a highly personalized approach you can’t replicate with simple systems or traditional rules. That highly personalized approach leads to clients who are thrilled with their results. I’d love to work with you!
Much love,
Allison