33. Review of the “In Your Wardrobe” Method of Personal Color Analysis

The “in your wardrobe” method of personal color analysis is a commonly used way to determine one’s best colors to wear based on assessing the clothing  you already own:


1.   Before you start you will need to have on hand:

•  The clothes presently in your wardrobe.
•  A good sized mirror.
•  Plenty of natural light.
•  An honest friend who will help you make decisions.

2.  Divide your clothing into stacks by color:  blues together, reds together, etc.  Only include solid colored garments.  Do not consider clothing with a mixture of colors.


3.  Designate areas for the “reject pile,” and for the “accept pile.”


4.  In good lighting, and in front of a mirror, pick up one solid colored garment and drape it under your chin and across your chest and shoulders.  Here’s where the fun begins.  For any single garment, if you can answer any of the following in the affirmative, the item goes to the “reject” pile.

•  Does it create shadows on your face?
•  Has your complexion turned grey, yellow, orange or blue?
•  Does the color exaggerate facial structure and lines?
•  Do circles under your eyes appear to darker?
•  Does it cause your skin tone or hair to look dull?
•  Does it overpower your face and eyes?
•  Does the color cause the white of your teeth and eyes to look yellow, grey or dull?

5.  Now, for the keepers:

•  Does the garment light you up…make your skin, hair and eyes look great?
•  Do your eyes look bright and beautiful.  Do they “sparkle?”
•  Does the color make you look healthy?
•  Does it draw attention to your face?

My assessment of the “in your wardrobe” method of personal color analysis:
The above criteria for accepting or rejecting a color is too subjective for anyone to feel confident in a decision made either way.   Even a color expert would struggle with these questions.   A reasonable person could answer most of  them in both the affirmative and the negative. Consequently, it’s best to continue to look for a better personal color analysis method.