Through a long career in apparel, House of Colour consultant Jillian Daubenspeck has seen countless women bring fun colors into the dressing room only to settle on “safe” purchases of black or gray. Now she removes all doubt around what you can pull off, helping clients find the best colors to accentuate their natural beauty in her Allentown studio. Here's how.
Through a long career in apparel, House of Colour consultant Jillian Daubenspeck has seen countless women bring fun colors into the dressing room only to settle on “safe” purchases of black or gray. Now she removes all doubt around what you can pull off, helping clients find the best colors to accentuate their natural beauty in her Allentown studio. Here's how.
What Is Color Analysis?
Color analysis was all the rage in the 1980s with the publication of Carole Jackson's Color Me Beautiful, and it's had a resurgence as a way to decode whether the clothes you love are going to love you back.
You don't have to be a clotheshorse or fashion junkie to go for a color analysis. “It's for everyone,” Daubenspeck says. “I'm going to give you a skill set you can use to feel confident in your style.” If you find yourself at the clothes rack wondering if the cute orange dress is going to wash you out, or frustrated that a sweater you loved on the shelf seems to make you look dull, Daubenspeck's service will set you up to dress in the colors that boost your beauty.
“In the right colors,” Daubenspeck says, “people can warm up as if they have a golden tan, or actually look younger.” As she switches between swatches in front of the mirror, clients can see the appearance of their skin go from clearer to blotchy-looking, eyes from brighter to bland. In fact, in the wrong color you might find yourself putting on more makeup to counteract a drawn appearance.
The Four Seasons
The results of a color analysis are based on the familiar four seasons system. If you're an autumn, the collection of colors that look best on you reflects the burnished shades of changing leaves, deep greens and earthy fall. “The colors of spring are clear and bright,” Daubenspeck says. “In summer, I think of the muted, natural colors of the beach, and in winter, bold contrast like snow with a cardinal on the branch.”
Within the seasons, color analysis drills down on the handful of power colors that let your hair, eyes and skin absolutely wow. “Those will be the colors of choice for a first date outfit or job interview,” Daubenspeck says.
The Process
At your two-hour color analysis, Daubenspeck uses precision-dyed drapes in natural lighting to determine your season, and once that's established, she performs the 90-second makeup tutorial. House of Colour has its own makeup line formulated to flatter your season, but Daubenspeck stresses that in the right color clothes, you won't need much.
Clients walk out of their appointment with a color fan they can fit in their purse and pull out to compare with the inventory at their favorite boutique or their closet at home. Daubenspeck also fills out a color book with advice on everything from nail polish colors to eyeglass frames, jewelry to hair dye, to navigate every color and tone in play. You'll learn the best metals for your palette and whether your hair tone should go ashy or gold, darker or natural.
Seasons are Stable
If you're wondering what role a fluctuating tan or winter dye job makes on your season, don't worry. “I'm not assessing overtone,” Daubenspeck says. “I'm assessing undertone. A natural tan will not change that.”
Dyed hair is typically covered with a little root showing to see the natural tone of the hair. “Most people dye their hair,” Daubenspeck says, dismissing this as a barrier to her analysis.
The only true obstacles are artificial and spray tans, which do cover the skin's nuances. “If you have an artificial tan,” she says, “wait until that wears off before your appointment.”
Coming Soon: Style Analysis
In January, Daubenspeck is adding Style Analysis to her services. Based on personality, lifestyle, body symmetry and proportions, style analysis finds the framework for your best fits. “I'm a Natural Classic,” Daubenspeck offers. “Think Jennifer Aniston. Kind of casual but sharp.”
Color and style analysis uncovers the fashion literacy that will make it easy to assemble a great look and a great closet—one that won't be at the whim of passing trends and confused impulse buys. You can be your own personal stylist with the tools to always look put together and radiant. And it's fun to feel beautiful! “What I do is almost like a makeover,” Daubenspeck says. “Everyone leaves so excited and empowered.”
The experience can also be shared, like with a group of friends making a day of it at Daubenspeck's studio on a Saturday, refreshments provided, watching each other glow as they find their power color.
Published as "Ask the Expert" in the December 2022 edition of Lehigh Valley Style magazine.
