In my last post I described how designers create similar colors and style types of clothing (in terms of fabric weight and color palette) for each season year after year.

So, paying attention to your specific coloring and style type(s) becomes very important when your own seasonal color palette and style type is out of synch with the current season’s predominant colors and style.

Now we’re going to talk about how catalogs, websites, and magazines can add to the challenge – and your confusion.

From economic and practical necessity, fashion editors – particularly those who edit catalogs –choose one or two models to show an entire season’s line. For example, they will dress a bold and striking colored brunette in everything from contrasting color block to soft and subtle pastels. So, if you happen to be primarily a bold “winter” color type you have to be discerning and determining which pieces will work for you.

This is also common on the runways during fashion week. Designers will work with a particular color palette whether or not it suits the coloring of all the models.

Also, check out any number of arrivestes attending fashion week and you’ll see some of the most egregious examples of this. Yes, they frequently put together the pieces together rather artistically, but would you actually wear it?

Another visual disconnect involves movie stars and models who are featured in magazines. (There are some magazines that do this better than others, however – and Bazaar comes to mind.) You’ll see a fashion blogger, model, or movie/TV star wearing a creative and hip combination of pieces that have nothing to do with her intrinsic coloring.

This is so much the case that when you see something really pleasing and harmonious it jumps off the page and makes you feel calm in your heart rather than confused and edgy.

So, can you wear one of those edgier, artistic outfits that stand on their own and don’t necessarily complement your own coloring? Of course! Absolutely. But just what are you projecting? What are you communicating? Is that really what you want to say? Are you happy wearing costume art? And does it express the real you?

Always ask yourself those questions before plunking down your credit card. Here’s to the real you!

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