What to Do After Your Colour Analysis- A Practical Guide to Using Your Palette
And why it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed.
You’ve had your colour analysis. You leave feeling inspired, excited, and full of ideas. You finally know the colours that bring your face to life- the ones that lift, energise and complement you. But then… reality hits. You look at your wardrobe and question whether any of it still “works.” You try shopping and find yourself waving a swatch wallet in front of every rail, only to realise that none of the colours in store match. Instead of clarity, you start to feel more confused.
If this sounds familiar, please know: you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common experiences I hear from clients after their session. You’re not doing anything wrong. In fact, you’re doing something very right- you’re noticing. You’re tuning in. You’re starting to pay attention to what feels good and what doesn’t. That’s a powerful shift.
“I can’t find my colours in store!”
One of the first hurdles people often hit is the lack of colour availability on the high street. You’ve just learned that soft lilac or deep teal is one of your wow colours- and then you’re faced with rails of beige and rust. The fashion industry doesn’t cater to every palette all year round, and sometimes your best colours just won’t be on the shop floor. That’s okay. It doesn’t mean your colours are wrong. It simply means we need to be flexible, patient, and sometimes creative. Look for tones that sit comfortably within your palette family, even if they’re not an exact swatch match. The right colour often reveals itself not in isolation, but in how it works with everything else you wear.
“Do I need to match the swatches exactly?”
This brings me to one of the most common misconceptions after colour analysis- the idea that you have to match every colour exactly to your swatch wallet. It’s a handy tool, yes, but it’s not meant to be a strict test. I always remind clients: your palette is a guide, not a rulebook. It gives you a clear direction, but there’s plenty of room to play and interpret. That’s why I create digital swatches for my clients- they’re more flexible, more practical, and easier to reference when you’re browsing online or building outfits at home.
“Nothing in my wardrobe fits now…”
After a session, it’s also very normal to look at your wardrobe and feel like it no longer reflects you. It can feel disheartening. But in almost every wardrobe I’ve worked with, there are always pieces that already sit within someone’s colour family- even if it’s just a navy jumper, a pink scarf, or a lipstick shade. You don’t need to throw everything out or start again. Instead, bring those items to the front, build on them, and work gradually. Often, all it takes is a few new layering pieces or accessories to start feeling a shift.
“I found something perfect… but it’s in the wrong hardware/trim!”
And then there’s the issue of real life. As a cool myself, I naturally lean towards silver jewellery and hardware. I like things to feel coordinated, and silver sits better with the tones I wear. But there are times when the most comfortable boots- the ones that feel good and fit properly- only come with a gold buckle. I wear them anyway. Because practicality, comfort, and joy matter too. Style should be lived in, not rigid. It’s not about following colour theory to the letter- it’s about making it work for you.
Still unsure where to start?
The truth is, colour analysis is just the beginning. It’s a tool- a brilliant one- but it’s only one part of your personal style. Fit, proportion, lifestyle, personality… they all matter too. If you’re finding it tricky to know what to do with your colours now you have them, or how to bring them into your everyday wardrobe, that’s where a little guidance can go a long way. Whether it’s a simple check-in, a wardrobe review, or a style session to plan your next few outfits, sometimes a fresh pair of eyes makes all the difference.
Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
You don’t need to get it perfect. You don’t need to do everything at once. You don’t even need to love every colour in your palette. But you do deserve to feel like yourself in your clothes- and to have your wardrobe reflect who you are now.
So take your time. Let the colours settle. Wear one new shade. Try something unfamiliar. Notice what feels right- and let go of the rest. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s confidence, ease, and that quiet, grounded feeling of yes- this feels like me.
And if you’d like a hand figuring it all out, I’m always here when you’re ready. My Style Support Sessions are designed to give you a friendly, no-pressure space to review your wardrobe, chat through your colours, and get personalised tips to help your style evolve with confidence. Whenever you feel ready, just reach out- I’d love to support you on your style journey.
