We all have our favorite colors that we use to express ourselves in our wardrobe. But did you know that the right use of color can completely change your look? Dressing is dark colors creates the illusion of being a smaller size. For instance, wearing a pair of black pants makes everyone looks slimmer than wearing a pair of red pants. If there is a part of your body that you want to look smaller, clothe it in a dark color. If there is a part of your body that you want to emphasize or stand out, clothe it in a brighter color.

To deemphasize a part of the body, use a contrasting color to pull the viewer's attention away from it. If you feel your shoulders are too broad, wear a more somber colored blouse. If you feel you have a slim waist that you want to play up, wear belts of a contrasting color. Emphasize your long legs by wearing a skirt, hosiery and shoes in the same color family. If you dress all in one shade of color you will look taller. Dressing all in one shade makes the eye tavel up and down, creating the illusion of tallness. You will look more elegant dressed in pieces of the same family of color. Brighter colors make a person look sporty and casual.

If any of you ladies have had your colors "done", you know that the right choice of color can make you stand out and look more vibrant. The book Color Me Beautiful's Looking Your Best : Color, Makeup, and Style by Mary Spillane is an excellent guide for do it yourself color analysis. Blondes, redheads, brunettes and the many combinations of skin tone can be easily analyzed by reading this book and will help you identify the colors that can make you look your best. Utilizing color to your advantage can help you achieve the chic look we all strive for.


by, Anna Marie, Fashion Editor