Women often fall into the trap of matching their clothing and/or makeup colors to their “superficial appearance.” Redheads, for example, “match” their beautiful locks to orange-family garments such as coral, peach and tangerine. Then they continue with corresponding makeup colors in tawny shades of rust, coral or peach. Even red-haired men sport rust-colored sport jackets and coordinated ties. Blondes “complement” their pale looks with pastel pink, orchid and slate blue, and they opt for so-called “natural” makeup that produces invisible lips and facial contours. Dark or olive-skinned brunettes may match their mysterious, dusky good looks with the dusky colors of autumn, like teal or dark army green, and they wear tawny blushers and lipsticks in deep shades of burgundy or purple to “go” with their clothing and hair.

For the casual observer with an untrained eye, this is harmony. However, upon close inspection, it may turn out to be “false harmony.” False harmony is insidious and slips by undetected, mainly because it is so non-threatening. As a result, in this fast-paced, stressful world, false harmony is ever popular. It goes unchallenged in fashion magazines, books about color analysis and in the studios of famous makeup artists. It is safe. It is also uninspiring and downright boring.

Upon close inspection, false harmony produces a tedious monotony of colors that causes the face to blend into the clothing, so that it becomes difficult to keep the eyes focused upon the face, because they wander aimlessly between clothing and face.

Think of yourself as a potential masterpiece. A masterpiece on canvas permits only one focal point. The same rule applies to individuals. Your face must be that lone focal point. Your clothing, makeup and accessories must not be more noticeable than you. It doesn’t take a fashion expert to note that flashy shoes or gaudy clothing and accessories take the attention from the individual. However, even “experts” fail to take note that the opposite extreme can be just as devastating in terms of image. When your face blends into your clothing, you appear passive, unimportant—even invisible.

THE PROBLEM

The problem today is that the world of fashion is suffering from a misguided desire to produce understated looks. No one dares to look like they dressed to stand out and be noticed. As a result, bold colors are scary, even forbidden. However, most people are not aware that most of the popular “understated” colors like beige and camel are not very flattering because they cause you to blend into your clothing and disappear.

THE SOLUTION

You may have some garments in your closet that make you disappear. They could be the very ones that make you feel good when you wear them because they “go” with your coloring. You may even get compliments when you wear them. Don’t we all just love to see redheads in rust and strawberry blondes in coral and salmon pink! Don’t be fooled anymore by false harmony.

To bring yourself back to life and return your face to its place of honor, there are a few things you can do. First, break up the monotony of colors by wearing a scarf in a color that provides contrast with your face. For example, if you are a blonde with a pastel pink dress or suit, try a navy blue or racing green scarf. The scarf could even have a bit of pink to give it a more coordinated look. Or, wear a rather wide necklace close to the neckline that will provide contrast. Lipstick in a shade brighter than you normally wear can help and will assure that your face remains the focal point.

If your problem is one of too many drab colors, try getting some needed contrast with a shirt, blouse or scarf in a clear, bright color. Try a top or scarf in fuchsia, yellow or peacock blue. These colors will make the face appear luminous and radiant.

Start the New Year with YOU being the star—not your garments. Remember, the face is the focal point. Check your mirror and make certain your face doesn’t disappear into your clothing.

To view the original article in Tidewater Women, please visit here

by Sandy Dumont, THE Image Architect © 2008
Originally published in Tidewater Women, January 2008