As the warmer weather approaches the high street is filling up with new collections in bright, summery hues, but some of this season’s more vibrant shades can be tricky to pull off.
From the bright mustard shade that’s everywhere – championed by Amal Clooney at the royal wedding – to pastels that are pretty but can leave some people looking washed out – how do you identify the perfect shade for you?
London-based stylist JP works in partnership with Canary Wharf fashion events, advises major high-street brands and celebrities, styles TV campaigns and is London Live’s fashion guru.
Ahead of Canary Wharf’s Summer Fashion Weekend, JP has shared with Femail the the simple sheet of paper trick you can use to identify the colours that really suit you.
‘Grab a piece of white paper to assess if you’re warm or cool toned,’ he explained. ‘When you hold the paper to your face, does it make you look vibrant or lack lustre?
‘If it’s vibrant then broadly speaking you’re a cool tone – which typically has a blue undertone – and if the opposite is true, you’re a warm tone – typically more of a yellow undertone.
London-based stylist JP has revealed how holding a sheet of white paper to your face can help you identify your skin tone and what colours you should wear (stock image)
‘Another method is the vein test – check your wrists; blue veins, you’re cool, greenish, you’re warm because they’re filtered slightly by the yellow undertone.
‘You should now be able to notice why certain pieces in your wardrobe make you feel more at home when you wear them – warms gravitate towards warm tones and cools to cools.
‘Then throw your hair colour into the mix too and do some basic primary colour wheel matching.
‘Colour suitability is all about the colour of the garment closest to your face, so you don’t need to eliminate your favourite shade just yet, simply choose the most flattering colour for up top and use accessories and layers to do the rest.
‘Traditionally we know what clashes and what complements, so here are some good partners based on the above advice.’
Red heads
Blues should be the staple of every redhead, creating the perfect contrast for all shades.
Throwing green tones into the mix with a turquoise shade, gives you a colour that couldn’t compliment you more.
Brunettes
For light brunettes, red can hugely complement the burgundy tinges that appear during the summer months.
For darker brunettes, red contrasts perfectly, and gives you that head turning ‘pop’ in your outfit.
This pastel Reiss Pleat-Detail Satin Jumpsuit is an ideal outfit for someone with blonde hair. Maje’s Maxi Dress with Flounce Detail is a perfect example of a flattering dress for a brunette or someone with warm toned skin
Raven blacks
Black hair gives you the perfect platform to wear the most outrageous of yellows. Those with other hair colours often find it hard to pair due to the contrasts, but you can shelve your worries and shine bright.
Blonde
Dusty or washed out pink, coupled with blonde tresses, creates a perfect pairing.
Others may fear the pastel, but not you. Warm up your lipstick and accessories choices if you fancy boosting the bold.
This Karen Millen Tailored Pencil Dress is ideal for anyone with raven black hair (left). Whistles’ lana lace pleat dress is a winner that guarantees you won’t go unnoticed if you have red hair (right)
In the spirit of not crushing your creativity, no matter what your skin tone or hair colour, if you feel like trying out the whole rainbow and throwing in a print on top too, then go with your guts.
Make it work for your personality, life’s too short to fade into the background. Now hit the shops and accept the compliments.
JP is presenting Canary Wharf’s Summer Fashion Weekend taking place 1st – 3rd June, showcasing seasonal trends through free fashion shows. Visitors can enjoy three days of discounts of up to 25 per cent across retailers, including Maje, Sandro and Paul Smith, as well as live entertainment and more across Canary Wharf’s 300 shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. For more information visit canarywharf.com.