| Colourways |
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| Written by Jane Garner, 2008 | |
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Page 2 of 4 Message in a colourLiz Prest runs hugely popular courses at the WI's Denman College. After art school, she worked as a window dresser before becoming an image consultant 20 years ago."Your instincts from childhood should take you in the right direction, though some people are prejudiced about green, maroon, grey and navy because of their school uniforms!" says Liz, who understands that some women despair of finding anything to wear. "One big mistake is seeing a colour on someone else and assuming because you are physically the same size or age, it will suit you too. Or women are driven by fashion and will buy a colour regardless. Certain shades will flatter you most, making you look healthier, fitter and younger. "Take a look at your wardrobe and see what you have most of. There are shades that will harmonise with you - and texture comes in, too, softening a colour. Think of gentle colours in suede compared to brighter colours in fabrics that are shinier or sheerer," she says. Liz agrees there are a couple of colours that work for most women, which is why they are often incorporated into uniforms: "A greeny turquoise I call aquamarine and periwinkle blue. They have mid-qualities of depth and colour and work with a lot of complexions and hair colours. In theory, almost everyone can wear black, but look at the texture because shiny or matt will make a difference. Add jewellery like pearls and it changes. Navy is a lot easier." After more than 20 years as an adviser, Liz understands the effect colours have on the women who wear them: "Colours send out many messages and they can have an effect on your behaviour. Red can be bright and light but it's an attention seeker, very positive, suggesting action. If there is anyone wearing red in my audience I gravitate towards them to ask questions." Looking forward to autumn, she adds: "Purple is going to be popular and women should be careful what shade they choose - some purples are very blue, some have a hint of yellow." She agrees there are always dilemmas with virtually any colour, however classic it is: "They wanted to make grey more popular but it has other connotations as well as being sophisticated, grey is not always the best with your colouring. You have to get it spot-on." Liz's advice is 'Don't think colour, think shade'. Liz, who admits to loving red and lime, hasn't always got it right herself. "A long time ago, before I trained, I bought some pale sage green trousers and a matching top. I thought I looked so sophisticated, but I have photographic evidence that I looked terrible!" she laughs. These days she understands the pitfalls of wearing the wrong colours, and appreciates why women can get confused. "It's not just how you see colours, but how you describe them. How would you describe aquamarine, or khaki? Influences can also come from your upbringing, such as not liking the colours of your school uniform. "Some people stick with certain colours because they are comfortable with them. One woman ran a nursing home and wore navy for business and socially, even for her son's wedding. Her instinct was to put navy with white - I suggested adding soft pink or turquoise. Stretch your imagination, don't always put the same colours together. "Choosing colours shouldn't be a chore, it should be fun. Colours match your emotions, affecting our moods and feelings. For example, I ask women how many of them have yellow in their kitchen. It's supposed to make you salivate and think of juicy fruit - but it doesn't work the same with clothes! If you love a colour but you can't wear it, use it in interior design instead. Liz's courses at Denman College are so popular they are booked up well in advance, so anyone wanting to take Dressing With Style or Shopping With Style should book soon for spring 2009 - tel: 01865 391991. Liz Prest's top tips
Dress codeBlack for a funeral? Green is unlucky? Red and green should ne'er be seen...?Dress codes for formal events have relaxed considerably in the past decade or so, so while black is still traditional attire for a funeral, quite often the rule is relaxed and sometimes there is an instruction for 'anything but black'. Green, especially underwear, used to be considered unlucky. But greens happen to be fashionable again this autumn (as is red). Some foibles about colours and combinations are instinctive: for example, black and yellow signify danger. Others are learned responses - purple was once the colour of kings and the wealthy, but only because the dye was expensive. |
