Colour analyst Terri Cooper and Irish Independent Fashion Editor Bairbre Power joined Claire Byrne on RTÉ Radio 1 to discuss the power of colour. Listen back above.
The concept of personal colour theory has been around for decades but, thanks to TikTok and YouTube, a whole new generation is wondering if they are a 'summer' or 'winter' when it comes to their wardrobes.
TikTokers can use filters with a range of seasonal colours to frame their face so as to figure out which shades suit their complexion best, however, professional colour analyst Terri Cooper points out that it can be "very difficult" to be objective when analysing your own face.
"It would take one and a half hours to do a full, thorough analysis," she explains, detailing her services. "I'm coming up with a palette of colours to find out if a person falls into spring, summer, winter or autumn. Spring and autumn palettes are warm palettes and summer and winter are cool palettes."
"Colour is a powerful tool in your wardrobe," adds Bairbre, noting that many people are gravitating towards brighter shades following the pandemic.
"By adding a simple scarf or kimono you can go back and revisit pieces in your wardrobe," she explains.
Having decided to stop "painting" her hair, Power says that she has enjoyed playing with her colour palette since waving goodbye to her blonde locks and embracing her silver strands.
While her favourite cream coats no longer suit her complexion, she says she has found a love for bright pinks and lime greens.
"I don't own any brown or green, never wore wine because it was my school uniform, but I'm wearing more and more colour and I know it definitely improves my mood," she says.
Cooper notes that Power's new wardrobe sounds like a spring palette, which she says would best suit someone with peach, golden or bronze undertones in their skin.
"When we think of spring colours, they're warm, clear and bright colours. We're thinking of tulips and daffodils in the springtime; they're very bright colours."
When it comes to our work wardrobes, many of us will keep things simple by choosing a black or navy suit - and for good reason. According to Cooper, politicians will often choose a dark navy suit as she says the colour "inspires confidence" and communicates trust.
However, Powers note that bright colours can also be used to denote power and be used as a way to stand out from the crowd.
Whether you decide to go for a serious black dress or a bold red power suit, though, the most important thing is to make sure the colour doesn't drain you.
"If you hold the colour up to your face, that's a good indication as to whether the colour is lighting up your face, making you look younger, or if it's casting shadows and making you look older," says Cooper.
To listen back to the full interview, listen back to Today with Claire Byrne on RTÉ Radio 1 above.
