November can feel like a tricky month. The clocks have gone back, the days are shorter, and the sparkle of December hasn’t yet arrived. It’s the time of year when many of us reach for head-to-toe dark colors, but what we wear can have a real impact on how we feel.
That’s where color psychology and the tonal system come in. Each of us has colors that naturally harmonise with our skin tone, eye and hair color. Wearing them doesn’t just make us look healthier and more vibrant, it can also boost our mood, particularly in the darker days of late autumn.
Lights to Bring Freshness
For Lights, soft pastels can feel springlike, but they’re just as powerful in November. A light aqua, mint or pastel pink top worn under a neutral coat can bring a fresh, calm brightness to your day – like a breath of cool morning air.
Deeps for Grounded Confidence
November suits the Deep palette beautifully. Rich burgundy, scarlet and forest green not only flatter your natural depth, but also bring a sense of strength and stability. These shades feel cosy and cocooning – perfect for wrapping yourself against the November chill.
Warms for Cosy Glow
November is your season, Warms. Amber, bronze, and grey-green echo the last of autumn’s leaves and bring an instant sense of comfort and cheer. These colors wrap you in cosiness, even when the skies are dull.
Cools for Elegant Calm
For Cools, November is the time to embrace berry shades such as cassis, as well as icy blue, and purple. These elegant tones feel refined yet soothing, like a crisp winter morning. Perfect for feeling serene and polished.
Clears for Sparkle
If you’re a Clear, your bright contrasting palette is like a tonic in November. Black and white paired with emerald green, ruby or royal blue can feel crisp and energising. These combinations cut through the gloom and make you feel sharp and ready for anything.
Softs for Gentle Warmth
For the Softs, subtlety is strength. Cocoa, charcoal blue, and sage can feel like a gentle hug on a grey day. These colors have a calming, balancing effect – just right for those moments when November feels overwhelming.
Leg Lines!
We can all be our own worst critics when it comes to our bodies. My aim during a style consultation is always to build confidence – helping clients see what works for them rather than focusing on what they don’t like. By learning how to dress to enhance, not hide, you can celebrate your shape and feel fabulous every day.
Take legs, for example. Everyone’s are different, and the right styling can make all the difference:
Short legs: Wear skirts and trousers with minimal volume. Open-fronted shoes will add length to the leg, as will toning hosiery. Avoid details and pattern on the lower half of your body.
Long legs: Wear skirts and trousers with volume and detail (eg. wide leg). Patterns and layers are also good for you.
Skinny legs: Add volume with textured tights and fabrics. Avoid anything too clingy.
Wide legs: Wear the same color from waist to toes. Avoid anything too clingy or heavily textured. Loose and fluid fits work well.
