I have not always worked in the image and style industry with Indianapolis Color Analysis. I worked for nearly 25 years in public relations and later marketing industry. It was a fun job. I worked in an office that basically interfaced with everyone – CEOs, Vice Presidents, hourly workers, and many vendors.
Two-thirds of my career was spent in health care, and I loved it. The other time I worked at a liberal arts university, and that was a fun job. I loved working on the annual photo shoot, of course in the fall when the leaves and scenes made you want to “sign up” immediately.
Did I dress well or even somewhat well? I would say I was average. When I started out I didn’t have a huge clothing budget. So I tended to buy inexpensive suits of polyester in bright colors because I liked those things. Back then, I didn’t know you take the tag “100 Percent Wool” off the sleeve in your winter coat or take out the tacking in the back vent of your blazer.
But I improved some and in my last job, I had more money to invest in my wardrobe. I had always loved suits because they balanced my figure the best. Anyway, I have two examples: I bought a gray tailored peplum jacket and pencil skirt suit, and a beautiful gray linen blazer and pants. They were great quality and fit nicely. But there was one problem: They never flattered me. I thought about this at the time and couldn’t quite figure it out!
What do you think the problem was? It was the color. I cannot wear any shade or gray since I am a true spring and have warm tones in my skin. Now my niece who is very fair with ash blonde hair and blue eyes looks beautiful in gray, especially with a pale pink skirt. But, for me, this color combination does not work.
Fast forward to 2017 when I had my colors redone (I was told I was a summer)with an Indianapolis Color Analysis, and finally the light went on. I knew what colors to buy to flatter me. I still buy blazers and suits especially in mid to light blues, greens camel, brown, reds and corals. The clothes I buy and the clothes in my closet all look good on me.
Over the years, I started cleaning out my closet, and yes I no longer have the gray suits and black coats. Instead, I have a navy coat as well as a camel, blush pink, red print, and leather jackets in navy and red
I do recommend if you spend the money for an Indianapolis Color Analysis to take the time to evaluate your closet and clean out the colors that no longer work. Don’t get into the trap of keeping clothes in the wrong colors and adding something to them to “make them” work. To me, colors are like love. Listen to your inner voice, and if you have to try hard to make a color work, it is not for you.
Keep it sassy, Indy.
Beth Divine, MA, AICI-CIC
Personal Image Consultant & Indianapolis Color Analysis
