Colours and Contrast
Hello friends,
Many people have asked me what IMPACT CONTRAST is, its benefits and why it is important to understand it well.
CONTRAST is how to coordinate and combine your best colours, in different shades and intensities to achieve your maximum potential.
This means, if you have dark skin, and you wear a brown/chocolate outfit, it will be very similar to the colour of your skin, hair and eyes. So it will not be as flattering as the depth and value of that colour is similar to your skin tone.
The same happens when the light skin colour and the dress are almost the same.
That’s why understanding which level of contrast suits you best will help you to create versatile outfits by combining garments (mix & match) with different shades and intensities, achieving a better visual harmony.
LOW IMPACT CONTRAST
When colours of the same depth or very similar are placed together.
Although they are colours of your range, being so similar to your skin type, there will be no or low VISUAL IMPACT, like in the examples above A and B.
Another example is when you dress with layers, or prints, and colours are very similar to each other. Although the value and depth of the colours are different, it will depend on your colour direction to see if it favours you or not.
LOW IMPACT CONTRAST can be effective when you want to go unnoticed.
MEDIUM IMPACT CONTRAST
This level of contrast is created when there is a difference in value/depth between two colours.
These colours make you look younger and with brighter skin.
This contrast, which makes you much more approachable & noticeable, is ideal for people who work in corporations.
HIGH IMPACT CONTRAST
But what about people who have light white skin and very dark hair and eyes?
Then they too can dress with a medium-high, high contrast when choosing their outfit.
This combination is very different in brightness and makes you have a WOW effect.
Generally they are used when you want to make a statement and you want to be noticed. But I don’t suggest to wear it, even if it suits you,
It can be intimidating and keep people away from you. However, it depends which activity you are in.
CONTRAST COMBINATIONS WITH ACCESSORIES
For years I purchased oversized accessories, and almost never wore them, until I realised that I had too many prints and patterns in my wardrobe. So I decided to start buying solid coloured clothes. This way, I could combine more freely.
Because it is clear that you cannot wear big and flashy accessories with striking clothes.
I invite you to visit my Instagram feed where I put several contrast examples and tips that might help you.
And don’t forget:
With the new normal, virtual/remote way of working, please consider as part of your visual image the environment you are displaying. Depending on the topic and type of work you do, chose a fitting background.
YOU have to be the centre of attention. This way you gain authority, credibility, security and confidence when making a presentation from home.
Understanding YOUR contrast is something that is definitely important.
Want to know more? Send me a message, I am happy to help you!
A hug,
Marcela
