Pastels might be battling it out with clashing prints for dominance of the fashion world at the moment, and British Vintage might be trouncing last summers Grecian Glamour looks, but what does that mean to those that can’t be dealing with spending more of a dwindling student loan and just want to get the most of whatever they have in the cupboard?
Whatever the season’s ‘must-haves’, if you know what suits you, you won’t go wrong. So always emphasise your natural beauty (sorry for the cliché). Katy Perry might be gorgeous, but with freckles, blue eyes and curly blonde hair I could never hope to follow her looks and carry it off. If getting inspiration from others, try to find those that have similar features to you.
Women
Everyone has a slightly different colour combination so it is impossible to be specific but if you are still stuck after stalking your new fashion idol here are a few guidelines. Remember, colours that suit do not change whether they are for your clothes or your make-up and whatever look you go for the two should complement each other.
If you are dark skinned and or with dark features experiment with colour and go as bold as you like with patterns and clashes. You can carry off bright eye colours and bold lips so make the most of it.
If your skin has more yellow and golden tints in it, go for more girly colours. Using pink blush you’ll be the girl-next-door everyone wants, and some blue on your eyes can transform into an ethereal beauty.
If your skin (like me) has more pink in it stay away from the more girly colours especially when applying makeup. As I discovered from an early-teens obsession with blue eye shadow, it just results in looking like a confused bruise (as everyone who knew me at the time delights in reminding me). Stick to more earthy colours, beige and browns during the day, and experiment with metallics in the evening and use more golden than pink blushers.
When it comes to hair colour (I know I said be natural… but hair doesn’t count…) don’t forget that this completely changes your overall colouring. If you bleach your hair, then be careful with the fake tan unless Malibu Barbie is the look you are going for. If you suit pastels then add this to lighter hair, pale pinks and blues will look perfect. If you start with very dark hair and dark features then extend the bold colours and clashes to your hair, dark blues and reds look incredible
Cheat: Whenever you are buying make-up, look out for makeup tailored for specific colourings, I do this especially with eye shadow, instead of collecting loads of different eye shadows, just get palettes. My favourite is L’Oréal’s, L’Oréal Paris Color Appeal Star Secret Trio Eyeshadows (£8.19) and The Quad Appeal (£7.99) (three colours and a highlighter as opposed to two and a highlighter in the trio, for when you are making a bit more of an effort) are small palettes with different colour combinations and tones depending on what colour eyes you have. And you don’t even have to worry about where to blend which bit as there are guidelines on the back
Men
Whilst real men might wear pink, if your shirt is as pink as your cheeks it’s not going to be such a good look. Daniel Radcliffe knows this and sticks to crisp whites, blacks and blues. However whilst pale blue might bring out bright blue eyes, if your eyes are dark brown or green avoid looking like you’ve rolled in the mud. Instead embrace your darker features because you won’t get washed out by bold patterns and colours. I’m not going as far as the Hawaiian shirt I would like to make clear now; noone since Elvis, despite Vince Vaughn’s attempts, has managed to carry that one off.
If you’re stuck, think about who the model is that they have paid to make the clothes you are about to buy look good… Tyson Beckford wouldn’t be told no by anyone, male or female, when he’s wearing a red v-neck, and yet if you’re more of a Proudlock trying to get away with that, the responses would be a little more awkward. In this case you should keep to more dusky hues for an air of sophisticated style that would even make the Middleton sisters take a second look.
General overview for the boys:
Dark skin and eyes – Maroons and reds with bold patterns and clashes will make you stand out.
Dark features with pale skin – Block colours, clash bolder colours in patterns, but stay away from smaller patterns if it is a more washed out colour. Earthy colours or pastels look good on you blocked, but if you go patterned make it either larger patterns or contrasted colours.
Blonde, blue eyes and more apricot skin – Blues and pinks will complement your fair features but if you want to go for a bolder look, embrace metallics.
Red hair, pale skin – Go for natural, earthy colours, blues, greens and (if you’re brave) browns and beiges. If you are going for a colour clash with your hair make it obvious, red or orange in a patterned shirt, or a deep red statement blazer or pair of trousers.
Everyone should wear whatever they want.