In the 80’s, not only did I have fitness gurus but I had a color guru. Having your “colors done” was as popular as getting your make-up done at the Clinique counter at Macy’s. Color analysis was done by several popular franchises and many books were written on the subject. In short, based on your hair, skin and eye color you were told you were a particular season and you would be sent home with 24 color swatches. If you were true to your season, then you would eliminate all clothes from your closet that did not fit your palette as well as stay within your swatches for future purchases. Fortunately, I found a woman who’s approach was much more interesting and I walked away with hundreds of swatches as well as being taught how and when to wear certain colors, fabrics, and designs based not only on my coloring but my individual style as well. I can’t wait to share some of my insights on color and will doing more in future posts. Here is what I learned about wearing yellow:

There is a yellow for everyone. Remember the spectrum goes from the orange side of yellow like school bus yellow, to the green side of yellow as in chartruese and every shade and tint in between. Yellow is a cheerful color and when worn right will uplift the spirit. It has been said to have the same healing qualities associated with the sun. But I also learned not to wear yellow when working around hyperactive children as it would surly be too stimulating for their little nerves.

Be aware that there are soft yellows, gold yellows, deep yellows, lemon yellows, mustards and buttery yellows. No matter what, there is a yellow for you depending on the shade and intensity. In general, those with dark hair and deep or olive skin tones are usually able to wear vivid canary yellow. Dark yellows or mustards are more easily worn by paler skin tones. Blondes with blue eyes tend to wear muted shades of yellow quite well, while the green eyed with golden skin tones are often able to wear golds and bright yellows. Red-heads often look best in yellows with red undertones such as golds and honeys.

To experiment, go to a fabric store and hold different intensities near your face. If you are timid about wearing yellow, start with wearing a print that has some yellow in it and go for yellow accessories. Pairing yellow with black should be done carefully so as not to look like a bumblebee but when done right can be stunning, especially if you have dark hair and eyes. A less stark way of wearing yellow is pairing it with taupe or khaki and creamy colors. Go ahead! You will be sure to brighten someone’s day!