5 Ways To Use Color To Enhance Your Look

Thanks again to everyone who wrote in response to last week's issue, "Change Your Clothes, Change Your Life," at:

It seems that a lot of readers are ready to make this year different from years past, and Linda's story of her 30th birthday makeover gave them some inspiration. Glad I could help!

But remember: to make some changes in your life, you have to make some changes in your life. Talk is cheap. Action speaks volumes. So go out and put some "wheels into motion" by taking stock of your life, your wardrobe, and your goals. If you don't have the clothes to get you to your destination, now's the time to start locating them.

Today's article offers some insight in how to do this with a quick look at how color can impact your image.

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5 Ways To Use Color To Enhance Your Look

Passion red. Sunshine yellow. Icy blue. Somber black.

We all know color can trigger emotions and that there are even rules regarding what colors should be worn when. So can we use color as a tool in our clothing arsenal, to help us achieve certain looks or feelings?

Absolutely!

In fact, color is one of the easiest ways to set moods or create illusions. With a well-chosen color palette and an eye for harmony and balance, you can use color to, among other things:

1. Look Taller

Dress head-to-toe in one color or shades of one color, and you'll instantly look taller. Monochromatic dressing draws the eye up and down, visually elongating the body. It's a popular choice for a lot of women, particularly petites.

2. Look Slimmer

Light and shiny colors emphasize; dark and dull colors minimize. If you have a part of your body that you want to look smaller, clothe it in a dark color. This trick is one of the many reasons the "little black dress" endures.

Look slimmer

3. Divert Attention

Want to pull attention away from a particular body part? Then use a contrasting color somewhere else to divert attention away from the trouble spot. Hate your hips? Put color around your face so people will look there instead. Have great legs? Make them the focal point of your ensemble with colored hosiery or fabulous shoes. It's a quick and easy trick.

Divert attention

4. Garner Attention

Have eyes the color of cornflower blue? Make 'em "pop" by wearing a shirt the same color. Have a waist that inspires envy? Wear clothes in one color and a belt in another. Draw attention to the where you want people to look.

5. Create Drama

Want to become "known" for your style? Don't spend a fortune chasing the latest trends - use color to do the job instead. Start with a great selection of neutrals, and use eye-popping color or prints as accents to your basic palette. People will think you spend a fortune on your clothes when you're really just using color effectively.

Create drama

All clothing shown here from Chadwicks.com

These are just some of the many ways you can harness the power of color and use it to your advantage. So don't be afraid to experiment with different shades. While black and neutrals are great wardrobe staples, don't fall into the trap of thinking you always have to play it "safe." Instead, strive to incorporate other colors that flatter your skin tone and enhance your beauty to create illusions, divert attention, and play up your assets.

For once you start discovering the many ways you can use color to your advantage, you'll want to have a whole arsenal of well-chosen pieces at your fingertips.

Want some more ideas on how to use color in your wardrobe? Download a copy of WARDROBE MAGIC,

http://www.wardrobemagic.com

To see how easy dressing well can be.